Causes: Arts & Culture, Biological & Life Sciences, Botanical Gardens & Arboreta, Environment, Natural History & Natural Science Museums
Mission: The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) is to promote public awareness, appreciation, and concern for nature generally and the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region specifically, through education, the visitor experience and through the support of research. The CDRI is an independent nonprofit organization established in December 1973 by professors from Sul Ross State University. CDRI headquarters are located on 507 acres of desert grassland and igneous rock outcrops south of Fort Davis. The property is open to the public daily and features an extensive botanical garden, cacti and succulent greenhouse, over 5 miles of self-guided hiking trails, the mining heritage exhibit, bird blind, the visitor center and gift shop.
Target demographics: Educate
Direct beneficiaries per year: 2,000 students and 14,000 visitors
Geographic areas served: the grassland of the Davis Moutains
Programs: Nature center/gardens/public outreach program: CDRI operates from a 507 acre site named the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. The Nature Center contains a wide range of features including: i) a 20 acre botanical and pollinator garden, ii) a cactus house, iii) over 5 miles of trails including a canyon trail with a year-round spring and pools, and an overlook trail featuring one of three geologic exhibits at the nature center, iv) a mining exhibit, v) a bird blind, and vi) a visitor center with a well merchandised gift shop. CDRI offers annual memberships of varying levels and benefits to nearly 500 members and hosts over 14,000 visitors annually to its site. CDRI employs 2 full time and 3 part time employees. CDRI offers guided hikes, tours, presentations, in addition to 7 grade-specific programs for TEA Region 18 school children (2,000+ students) within a 100-mile radius, and adult programs throughout the year, including a fall and spring Conant Distinguished Guest Lecturer Program, and various workshops. CDRI hosts 2 fundraisers each year: 1) the Annual Cactus and Succulent Sale in March; 2) the Chuck Wagon Cookout and Auction in August. Education program: CDRI’s educational focus centers on programs for school-aged children, in a served market of schools within an approximate distance of 100 from the nature center, with these programs offered for free. There are 6 programs designed to comply with Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) curriculum outline prescribed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
Mission: The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) is to promote public awareness, appreciation, and concern for nature generally and the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region specifically, through education, the visitor experience and through the support of research. The CDRI is an independent nonprofit organization established in December 1973 by professors from Sul Ross State University. CDRI headquarters are located on 507 acres of desert grassland and igneous rock outcrops south of Fort Davis. The property is open to the public daily and features an extensive botanical garden, cacti and succulent greenhouse, over 5 miles of self-guided hiking trails, the mining heritage exhibit, bird blind, the visitor center and gift shop.
Target demographics: Educate
Direct beneficiaries per year: 2,000 students and 14,000 visitors
Geographic areas served: the grassland of the Davis Moutains
Programs: Nature center/gardens/public outreach program: CDRI operates from a 507 acre site named the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center. The Nature Center contains a wide range of features including: i) a 20 acre botanical and pollinator garden, ii) a cactus house, iii) over 5 miles of trails including a canyon trail with a year-round spring and pools, and an overlook trail featuring one of three geologic exhibits at the nature center, iv) a mining exhibit, v) a bird blind, and vi) a visitor center with a well merchandised gift shop. CDRI offers annual memberships of varying levels and benefits to nearly 500 members and hosts over 14,000 visitors annually to its site. CDRI employs 2 full time and 3 part time employees. CDRI offers guided hikes, tours, presentations, in addition to 7 grade-specific programs for TEA Region 18 school children (2,000+ students) within a 100-mile radius, and adult programs throughout the year, including a fall and spring Conant Distinguished Guest Lecturer Program, and various workshops. CDRI hosts 2 fundraisers each year: 1) the Annual Cactus and Succulent Sale in March; 2) the Chuck Wagon Cookout and Auction in August. Education program: CDRI’s educational focus centers on programs for school-aged children, in a served market of schools within an approximate distance of 100 from the nature center, with these programs offered for free. There are 6 programs designed to comply with Texas Essential Knowledge & Skills (TEKS) curriculum outline prescribed by the Texas Education Agency (TEA).
43869 State Highway 118 P.O. Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734
432-364-2499
Arts & Culture
Fort Davis
