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Biodiversity-Education-Center

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Contact: Tiffany Anderson
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​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​367 Freeport Pkwy.​​
Coppell, TX 75019
972-304-3​581

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The Biodiversity Education Center works collectively with partner organizations such as Friends of the Coppell Nature Park, City of Coppell, Keep Coppell Beautiful, Coppell ISD, and Northlake College to offer exceptional environmental education programs to the community.​


coppell nature park

Coppell Nature Park is 66 acres of natural space that features three types of habitat for local wildlife: Cross Timbers forest, Blackland prairie, and Cottonwood Creek. Always think SAFETY FIRST while exploring nature. Stay on the trails, wear weather-appropriate attire and have plenty of water. Be respectful of the environment and do not litter. Enjoy observing, but avoid disturbing, destroying, or removing what you find. Unlike domestic pets, wild animals generally avoid interaction with humans and will flee if given the opportunity. If you encounter a wild animal, remain calm and quiet and do not provoke it. Stay up to date with the Friends of the Coppell Nature Park via their website or Facebook.  Check out their lecture series or sign up to help maintain the trails each third Saturday of the month. 


​​Classes & Programs

The Biodiversity Education Center creates an approachable bridge to the outdoors through natural space and hands-on environmental education programs. Participants of education programs develop a deeper connection to their environment as they learn about local flora, fauna, natural processes and sustainability issues. A wide variety of community programs are offered for all ages including annual festivals, environmental education and gardening classes, school field trips, nature walks and community improvement days. The Biodiversity Education Center is open t​o the public during visitor hours on Tuesday, Thursday & Saturday from 9:00am-12:00pm and during scheduled programs. 

Click on an image below to view class offerings
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junior master naturalist
Inspired by one of our own volunteers, the Biodiversity Education Center, now offers the Junior Master Naturalist program to 4th through 6th graders. This program is modeled after curriculum from the Perot Museum. The experience combines hands-on explorations and outdoor adventures to help young people develop a deeper appreciation and understanding of Texas ecosystems. 

Click on the logo below to see the full calendar and register. Students meet two times each month throughout the school year. Registration is open July - September.  


​​education program request​

The Biodiversity Education Center helps students connect with nature by offering facilitated programs to Coppell ISD and other educational groups free of charge.*

Facilitated Education Programs
The BEC offers a variety of group learning activities that help students connect with nature. These include themed lessons, hikes and games. You may find descriptions of each activity in the activity lists below. Most activities are about 30 minutes in duration and accommodate a group of about 20 students. They can be used individually or in combination to accommodate a larger group or longer program. Activities are facilitated by BEC staff or trained volunteers, and a minimum number of adult chaperones from the visiting group is required. If your group would like to request a facilitated program, please submit a completed BEC education​​​ program request form​ to bec@coppelltx.gov at least 30 days prior to the requested program date. BEC staff will email a confirmation and further instructions when the request is received. Program times and activities may be limited by staff/trained volunteer availability. 

*Facilitated programs and building use are available to educational institutions outside CISD and Coppell city limits on a case-by-case basis and will depend on available resources.

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Did you know? The BEC offers joint field trips with Life Safety Park. For more information, visit the LSP website: www.lifesafetypark.org


BUILDING RESERVATIONS

The Biodiversity Education Center building is available to rent as a meeting space for Coppell Non-profit 501(c) 3 Organizations. Youth organizations such as Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, 4H and American Heritage Girls are asked to submit requests using the non-profit form. 

To view building availability and upcoming events, click the link below:

​​BEC Calendar


GREEN BUILDING DESIGN  

The Biodiversity Education Center was designed with "green" construction features. The building receives power from 96 solar panels and includes a cistern that captures 9,400 gallons of rainwater. Landscaping around the Center features Texas native and adaptive plants, reducing water consumption and providing a habitat for wildlife such as butterflies, hummingbirds​, birds and bees. ​


VOLUNTEER WITH US!

 The quality programming offered through the Biodiversity Education Center is made possible by a strong community of volunteers. There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for teens and adults. You may view some of these opportunities by clicking the links below to the online volunteer portal. Please contact any staff member for further assistance. 

If you are interested in volunteering with the Biodiversity Education Center, we invite you to attend volunteer orientation. Orientation is offered two times a year in the Fall and Spring. During orientation, you will learn about Coppell Nature Park, the Biodiversity Education Center, the programs offered to the community through this facility, and the impact volunteers have on the community. We hope this will help you decide which volunteer opportunities best fit your schedule, interests, and skills. You will also learn how to utilize the online volunteer system to create a profile, register for activities, and log hours.

Docents are a committed group of adult volunteers who receive training to take a leadership role with activities such as field trips, guided hikes, and group service activities.  Docent training is offered two times each year in the Fall and Spring.​



To see other eco-friendly initiatives sponsored by the City of Coppell, visit coppelltx.gov/sustainability.
eco coppell wcoc.jpg



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