Riverside Nature Center, Kerrville, Texas

Susan Sander of Kerrville, Texas enjoyed viewing the field of bluebonnet flowers on a 9 acre tract of land. The land is located downtown, and it was slated for development. However, Susan wanted to save the fields and so she tried to purchase the land in 1987 to make it a public wildflower garden. This garden was not to be. Originally the land was part of the Captain Scott Whitefield Homestead. The land is on Water Street just a block from where Kerrville was founded. The land was covered with 95 percent of native Texan plants.

In 1989 the Riverside Nature Center association was formed, and it presently has 276 members. The association provides education to those who want to learn about plants and gardens. Susan had to wait until 1992 to find land for her Riverside Nature Center, though. Finally in this year she was able to buy a tract of land where the Town Creek and Guadalupe River meet. Clearing of some trees and plants had to be accomplished before replanting could enhance the area. The area was restored to show the native plants and wildlife of the area.

To further enhance the center, HEB donated the Lawson Store, which is a 1900's one room grocery store. The building was moved to the site and $22,000 was used to restore it. The Texas Forest Service helped by providing funding to gain more plants. Volunteers helped restore the land and add a rainwater collection system for watering the plants.

What used to be a small farm is now a very large center for education purposes. There are 140 species of trees, cacti, wildflowers, shrubs, grasses, birds, insects, animals, and much more. The design of the garden has allowed for walking paths throughout the garden and by the river. The gardens and trails are open daily from about 9am to 4pm, or dawn to dusk. Some of the trails are wheelchair accessible and the entry fee is about $2 for groups. Any group needs to give a week's notice.

The visitor center provides a gift shop and information about the center to the public. There are nature displays inside the visitor center that change every three months. The displays can be art, plants, or even live critters. The store allows collectors, naturalists and children to take home souvenirs. There is a library and meeting rooms to help educate those who attend. The rooms are for meetings, classes, and even weddings.

Weddings are often held in the gardens or by the buildings due to the picturesque landscape that has been created. There are a few spots along the red earth paths that make for a great spot to be wed. There is also a Braille garden or sensory garden that has signs telling the visually impaired about the plants of the area. The Butterfly plant garden attracts many species of butterfly for visitors to see and learn about. Tours are offered to groups, and other visitors are able to just walk about the land.