Tuesday, October 15, 2024
AZLE — One of nature’s slower animals had Azleites rushing to the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. Azle Memorial Library children’s librarian Ava Bryant partnered with the center Thursday morning, Oct.3, to host an unforgettable story time experience. The activities, held in and just outside the Hardwicke Interpretive Visitor Center, located at the nature center, included songs, dances, crafts and a showcase from a genuine live Texas tortoise.
“I definitely wanted to bring the story time to the nature center, because there is an opportunity for them to learn about the animals that they have and this opportunity for them to be in nature,” Bryant said. “That's very important for kids. I wanted to incorporate that within a story time and then the theme is turtles … It helps them with their sensory learning and playing is very important for kids, and so incorporating that, and especially just getting the new experiences, is important. So, I definitely think that's very beneficial.”
Nearly 100 visitors, most from Azle and elsewhere in Parker County, visited the center for the free event. Natural resource technician Taylor Phillips introduced the star of the show, an unnamed Texas tortoise, an ambassador of the center. Phillips explained that the center does not usually name its animals in order to stress that they are not pets, but instead working animals.
The Texas tortoise is the smallest species of tortoise in North America. Though considered an animal of low concern by the International Union for Conservation of Nature Red List, the Texas tortoise is listed as a threatened species in the state of Texas, and thus protected by state law. It is illegal to collect or possess them. You won’t see this animal wandering about North Texas, as their native range is largely the southern and western portions of the state.
The sole tortoise that lives at the FWNC was once an illegal pet himself until he was recovered by Texas Parks and Wildlife and put in the center’s care just over one year ago. Phillips explained that this unique resident to the FWNC is likely around 20 to 30 years old and is expected to live at least another 30 to 40 years.
The FWNC is also home to native red eared sliders, box turtles, snapping turtles and mud turtles. Phillips explained that while all tortoises are turtles, not all turtles are tortoises.
Natural scientist supervisor Michael Perez spoke with the Tri-County Reporter about the important role ambassador animals play for the center.
“We can talk to the public about the importance of protecting wildlife because if we don't, then they're going to become endangered, eventually threatened,” Perez said. “Then they play an important role as far as predator prey relationships, they’re food for other animals. They also help maintain habitats and give us an indicator of how healthy the habitat is.”
Perez said the FWNC works with local libraries and other organizations to promote literacy and outdoor education. Attendees of the event were allowed to visit and walk the rest of the nature center grounds for the rest of the day at no cost. Perez said events like these are a great way to introduce people to the center and its facilities. On most days, entry to the center costs $6 for those between the ages of 13 and 64 with lower rates for children and seniors.
The center is home to many other unique and interesting animals, like its herd of 16 bison. FWNC will celebrate these animals on National Buffalo Day Nov. 2. On Oct. 26, the FWNC will celebrate the spooky and mysterious with its Lake Worth Monster Bash where cryptozoologists are slated to speak about the alleged Goat Man of Lake Worth. The center is located just outside Azle at 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth and is open seven days per week from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
To celebrate Halloween, AML will be hosting a Monster Mash Storytime 6 p.m. Oct. 22. It will be held in the library’s community room where Bryant and attendees will read, sing, snack and craft. the library will also be judging a pumpkin decorating contest Oct. 14 – Oct. 24. Find more details in their monthly newsletter or online.
