BRIT eying possible partnership with Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

BRIT eying possible partnership with Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge

Published on October 08, 2024

At the City of Fort Worth Council work session on Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Botanical Institute of Texas Inc., (BRIT) provided an update on management, operation and development of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG). BRIT officially took over responsibilities for the 109-acre Fort Worth Botanic Garden under an agreement with the City in October 2020.

The FY2023 annual report addressed attendance, access, educational programs and reinvestment initiatives currently underway at the Garden. In addition, the report outlined a planned review and assessment process of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge to determine the partnership potential for the 3,700-acre nature preserve.

Why it matters: In 2023, there were over 418,000 guests, an increase from 2020 when there were only 132,000 guests at the FWBG. Data also showed an increase in their education program, with the majority of participants elementary school-aged kids

The City of Fort Worth supports the FWBG on an annual basis by providing management fee funding. In addition, BRIT retains all revenues earned at the Garden including from:

• Gift shop
• Rentals
• Admission fees
• Sponsorships
• Donations
• Memberships

As part of a Capital Improvement Program funded through the City, BRIT has been able to make renovations at the Garden, with additional renovations to be completed in the next few years.

Go deeper: In addition to these projects, BRIT is partnering with the City to explore the potential for a similar management arrangement for the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.

What they're saying: "As we have looked at the last three years in our partnership with the City, it has been a tremendous partnership. It's been incredible, and that makes us look to the Nature Center. They're doing amazing things and we want to be able to be a part of it," said Patrick Newsman, BRIT president and CEO.

"The biodiversity crisis is a major initiative for us, and we could partner with the Nature Center and what they are doing. The biodiversity crisis is affecting plants that are our food and possible cures for diseases. As we try to identify these plants, we want to link arms with the Nature Center and continue their great work as we move towards and create this possible partnership. We're anxious to start those conversations and we feel strongly that there are opportunities to work together."

The City and BRIT are currently determining the benefits and feasibility of a public-private nonprofit management of the Nature Center, while considering:

• Sustainability of the Nature Center
• Economic benefits for the City and BRIT
• Inclusivity of Friends of the Fort Worth Nature Center and legacy supporters

The goals of attaining the Nature Center include increasing attendance and use of the center, membership, educational programs, and private support for research, conservation and investment.

What's next: Through the end of the year, the City and BRIT will finalize the initial review of the program that began in July of 2024. The next steps also include a communication of findings and obtaining input from stakeholders, finalize report and establish recommendations and a schedule for next steps in 2025.

Photo:BRIT has been able to make renovations at the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, with additional renovations to be completed in the coming years.

Get articles like this in your inbox.Subscribe to City News.

Tagged as:

• Project Update