Nature Programs

Community Hikes

Come hike with us! Community Hikes are led by Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve (BJNCP) staff. Hikes are designed to teach participants about local wildlife and BJNCP trails. Community Hikes are suitable for guests of all ages and hiking experience. Please note, we will be walking on uneven terrain and hikes will range from 1-2 miles. Registration is required for all hikers. All minors must be accompanied by an adult. Make sure to wear closed-toe shoes, bring a water bottle, and wear clothes you are willing to get dirty.

Night Hike

August 13th | 8:00pm - 9:30pm
On this hike, we will be in search of the nocturnal critters who roam the Preserve at night! This hike is just shy of 1 mile. Make sure to bring a flashlight!
Register here.

Youth Nature Programs

Summer Cross Timbers Nature Camp

Cross Timbers Nature Camp is perfect for young naturalists and explorers. Each week we will practice outdoor skills, hike, create arts and crafts, conduct experiments, and learn about our local ecosystem and how we can help!

Ages: 5-11. Age is calculated as of September 1, 2021. Participants must have completed Kindergarten in a public or private school equivalent. Parents will receive a parent packet the Thursday before camp begins to answer any questions about Cross Timbers Nature Camp.

Structured activities take place between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. Pickup begins at 4 p.m. Before and after care is provided free of charge from 7:30 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 4 p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Refund request forms must be received at the Community Services office seven (7) business days prior to the start of camp. No refunds will be issued after the request deadline has passed. There is a $35 administration fee per refund request. Refund and transfer requests delivered at the camp location will not be honored.

Week 1 Up Close with Nature | June 6-June 10
Week 2 Aquatic Adventures | June 13-June 17
Week 3 BJNCP After Dark | June 20-24
Week 4 Our Flying Friends | June 27-July 1
Week 5 It’s a Small World | July 5-8
Week 6 The Green Team | July 11-15
Week 7 Christmas in July | July 18-22
Week 8 Flower Power | July 25-29
Week 9 Animal Superheroes | August 1-5

Register here

Cross Timbers Nature Camp Parent Packet

Sick Participant Plan

Required forms

Cross Timbers Forest Preschool

Click here to visit the forest preschool page.

Adult Outdoor Education

Insect Walk

7/9/22 8am-9:30am

Join Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Biologist, Sam Kieschnick, for a morning hike of the Preserve trails! Sam will focus on insects who can be found throughout the BJNCP trails (and probably around your yard), how to identify them, and their role in our ecosystem. Please bring a water bottle, come dressed for the weather, and wear shoes that are suitable for uneven terrain (that can get muddy). This class is best suited for ages 13 and up.

Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve

Bob Jones Nature Center and Preserve (BJNCP) is proud to offer programs for participants of all ages! All BJNCP programs are intended to connect participants to the local ecosystem through hands-on, interactive experiences.

The Nature Center building is open during scheduled public program hours. Trails are open every day from 7:00am - 8:00pm and 7:00am - 5:00pm (winter hours). When visiting please pack water and wear appropriate clothing and shoes for the weather. We proudly practice Leave No Trace Principals and ask that all guests are respectful to the plants and animals who call BJNCP home. Happy hiking!

If you have any questions about upcoming BJNCP programs, please give us a call at (817) 748-8658 or Sign-up to receive the latest information.