At the City of Fort Worth Council work session on Tuesday, Oct. 8, the Botanical Research Institute of Texas Inc. (BRIT) provided an update on the management, operation, and development of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden (FWBG). BRIT officially assumed responsibilities for the 109-acre garden under an agreement with the City in October 2020.
The FY2023 annual report highlighted significant developments, including attendance, access, educational programs, and ongoing reinvestment initiatives at the Garden. It also outlined a planned review and assessment process for the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge to evaluate the potential for partnership concerning the 3,700-acre nature preserve.
In 2023, the FWBG welcomed over 418,000 guests, a notable increase from just 132,000 in 2020. The report indicated a growth in educational programs, primarily benefiting elementary school-aged children.
The City of Fort Worth supports the FWBG annually by providing management fee funding, while BRIT retains all revenue generated from the Garden, including:
- Gift shop sales
- Rentals
- Admission fees
- Sponsorships
- Donations
- Memberships
As part of a Capital Improvement Program funded by the City, BRIT has initiated renovations at the Garden, with further updates planned over the next few years.
Additionally, BRIT is collaborating with the City to explore a similar management arrangement for the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.
Patrick Newsman, BRIT president and CEO, stated, “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.”
Newsman emphasized the importance of addressing the biodiversity crisis, stating, “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.”
Currently, the City and BRIT are assessing the feasibility of a public-private nonprofit management structure for 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 for the Nature Center include increasing attendance, enhancing membership, expanding educational programs, and securing private support for research, conservation, and investment.
Looking ahead, the City and BRIT plan to finalize an initial review of the program, which began in July 2024, by the end of the year. Next steps will involve communicating findings, gathering stakeholder input, and establishing a report with recommendations and a schedule for 2025.
