The FWNC&R is one of the largest urban wilderness areas in the United States, providing a protected open space for conservation, education, and outdoor recreation. Initially acquired by the City of Fort Worth in 1914 to safeguard the water quality of Lake Worth, the land's designation as a wildlife sanctuary and nature preserve was secured in 1964 through the efforts of local conservation advocates, including the Fort Worth Audubon Society. Today, FWNC&R encompasses 3,700 acres of forests, prairies, and wetlands, along with over 21 miles of hiking trails, making it a premier location for both residents and visitors to experience the region’s historical landscapes. In 1980, the U.S. Department of the Interior designated FWNC&R as a National Natural Landmark, underscoring its significance as a national asset for conservation and recreation. The refuge is home to more than 3,000 species of plants and animals, including bison, prairie dogs, otters, alligators, eagles and more, and showcases some of the most impressive examples of Civilian Conservation Corps infrastructure in Texas, and is the excavation site of thousands of historic and prehistoric archeological artifacts, making it an essential educational, cultural, and ecological resource for all of Texas.