Founded in 1967 in McKinney, Texas, the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary combines indoor exhibits with a protected natural area that has grown from 207.4 acres to 289 acres, including trails, wetlands, and a native plant garden. It grew from Bessie Heard’s lifelong study of the natural world and her wish to preserve a place where future generations could experience nature directly. The site protects rare remnants of Texas blackland prairie and other North Texas habitats, while serving education and conservation through exhibits, programs, and research. It is also an important wildlife refuge and birding area in an increasingly urbanized region.