367 Freeport Pkwy. Coppell, TX 75019 972-304-3581 | | Visitor Hours*: Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday: 9am - 12pm Wednesday: 3 - 6pm *Also open during scheduled programs |
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.
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. Register for upcoming 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.
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. Help track the biodiversity you find in Coppell Nature Park by joining the project Biodiversity@CoppellNaturePark using iNaturalist.
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 Coppell 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.
Rentals and reservations
Due to current recommendations limiting gathering sizes, rental applications will not be accepted until further notice. 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 at the BEC are forwarded to offsite phones. As a result, staff may be unable to return calls if you do not leave contact information.
AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES (ADA) TITLE III NOTICE:
As a government entity, the City of Coppell strives to make available facilities open for public use in a manner consistent with Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) of 1990. We hope that as you utilize our facilities, you will find them accessible and efficient for your needs.
In compliance with the non-discrimination requirements of Title III of the ADA, a community group, non-profit entity, or private business must facilitate, at its sole expense, any disability-related request for reasonable accommodation, effective communication, or program modification that does not impose undue burden (significant difficulty or expense).
A government entity has no obligation to facilitate requests for reasonable accommodations connected to an event or activity sponsored or managed by a community group, non-profit entity, or private business that is making use of government-owned facilities.
If you have any questions or concerns in regard to the accessibility of any City facilities being utilized by a community group, non-profit entity, or private business, please notify the manager of that particular facility or Kori Allen, ADA & Capital Programs Coordinator, at 972-462-5148.
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.
Receive service hours with us!
Volunteers ages 13-17 may sign up to volunteer with us. We currently have virtual volunteer opportunities that include litter cleanups, citizen science and more! These volunteer opportunities keep in mind social distancing guidelines and many can be done from your neighborhood or home!
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!  |