| 367 Freeport Pkwy. Coppell, TX 75019 972-304-3581 |
The Biodiversity Education Center is offering limited programming at this time. All rentals and education program requests are suspended at this time. Coppell Nature Park remains open, including the trails. We urge you to continue to practice social distancing measures when in the park on the trails. Staff is still available to answer questions via email (bec@coppelltx.gov) or phone (972-304-3581). Please leave a detailed message including your name and phone number. Many calls to the City of Coppell are forwarded to offsite phones. As a result, staff may be unable to return calls if you do not leave contact information.
Click here for the latest information about closures and community impacts.
Click here for the Coppell Parks & Recreation Re-Opening Plan.
Visitor Hours*
Classes & Programs
The Biodiversity Education Center creates an approachable bridge to the outdoors through natural space, the Nature Explore Area, 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. Most classes and programs are brought to you for free by the BEC with a suggested donation of $5 per family. Whether you enjoy the serenity of our nature trails, the dynamic programs we offer adults and children or the broad range of the educational benefits we provide school children and families, we are so grateful that you value the BEC. Your support and generous donations make it possible for the BEC to provide free prograsm to the public throughout the year. Register for upcoming classes and hikes at www.coppellactivities.com. If you would like to receive our weekly emails, please let us know by emailing us at bec@coppelltx.gov.Click on an image below to view class offerings
Citizen Science
What is it?
Citizen science is a collaboration between professional scientists and any member of the general public who is interested in protecting our environment. Acting as citizen scientists, people of all ages, experience levels, and interests work to help gather different kinds of data about nature. This data is used to advance research, advise land managers, and inform policy makers. Whether it's catching butterflies, photographing landscapes, surveying birds in your backyard or any of our other engaging opportunities, citizen scientists help us to understand our climate, the health of our natural resources, and the quality of our wildlife habitats.
Who can participate?
Short answer: anyone and everyone! Citizen science is not defined by age, gender, racial identity, citizenship status, education, or physical ability. Citizen scientists are people like you, your neighbors and fellow community members, your children and your friends.
How do I get involved?
In today's technologically advanced society you can help researchers across the globe collect valuable scientific data with your phone! The following links describe different citizen science projects that you can participate in with the swipe of your finger.
iNaturalist, Project Noah, Seek or Map of Life - Help researchers document biological diversity by photographing what you see in nature:
eBird - Document birds you observe in real-time and contribute to avian research, education and conservation:
Project BudBurst - Help researchers gather data on plants throughout the seasons to increase appreciation of plants and the natural world and inspire conservation action
Journey North - Help researchers study seasonal migration by documenting your Monarch butterfly sightings as well as other migratory species
City Nature Challenge - This is an annual, global event where cities around the world compete to involve the most participants to make the most observations of the local wildlife species
Ask a naturalist
Did you find a mystery plant or animal in Coppel Nature Park, or did you have some other experience in nature that you would like to learn more about? The staff at the BEC are North Texas Master Naturalists who love to share their knowledge and learn more about nature. Submit a completed form to ask us a question and we will respond as soon as we are able.facilitated education programs
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. 
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. UPDATE: Effective January 2020, all groups must supply a building reservation fee: $25 per 2 hours. Submit completed request forms to bec@coppelltx.gov at least 72 hours prior to requested reservation time. Building availability is subject to BEC educational program schedule.
BEC Reservation Form
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.
Adult Volunteers (Ages 18 and older)
Youth Volunteers (Ages 13 - 17 years old)
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.  | The Biodiversity Education Center is a Texas Aquatic Science certified field site. Visit texasaquaticscience.org to learn more!  |