The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens, home of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, is located 4 miles south of Fort Davis, TX, on HWY 118. Open Mon–Sat, 9–5. The CDRI is a non-profit organization.

 

The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is to promote public awareness, appreciation, and concern for the natural diversity of the Chihuahuan Desert region through research and education. To achieve this mission, the Institute provides environmental education to the community, encourages biodiversity conservation, and promotes and demonstrates sustainable development in the desert. 

 

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Index to Pages

	What's the Buzz? (NEW)
	Butterfly Watch (NEW)
	The Chihuahuan Desert Region
	North American Deserts
	About CDRI
	Facilities & Grounds
	Education
	Chihuahuan Desert Mining Heritage Exhibit (Soon)
	Interpretive Geology Exhibit (Soon)
	Membership
	Events and Programs
	Tierra Grande Chapter, Texas Master Naturalist Program (Soon)
	Davis Mountains Hummingbird & Nature Festival
	CDRI Magazine
	Board of Scientists
	5th Symposium Abstracts
	Resource Links
	Chihuahuan Desert Foundation, Inc.

Admissions 

Admission Fees

Admission to the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center & Botanical Gardens is:

 

  * adults:  $5.00

  * seniors, 65+:  $4.00

  * members & children, 12-:  free

Come hike the Canyon! 

Financial Information

Complete financial information is available on request as required by the Internal Revenue Service. All requests must be in writing and mailed to: 

 

    CDRI

    PO Box 905

    Fort  Davis, TX  79734 

 

NFG details 

Do you know someone that suffers from nature deficit syndrome? We can help.

Special News

Limited Edition Print: 

Fallugia paradoxa (Apache Plume) 

 

 

Beginning April 25th, this limited edition giclée print by Alpine artist Ellen C. Ruggia will be available for purchase at the Nature Center. Call 432-364-2499 or email mbrady@cdri.org for details.

 

*  Signed and numbered prints: $125 ea.

*  Dimensions: 22 in. X 13 5/8 in.

*  Edition limited to 100, produced with

    archival Epson Ultra-Chrome K3 inks

    on acid-free Moab Entrada Rag  

    Natural paper.

*  Original: acrylic ink, gesso, and 

    colored pencil on paper.

*  Certificate included.

 

Nature Notes 

 

Are you interested in nature? Tune in to Marfa Public Radio, KRTS 93.5 FM, Thursdays at 9:30 AM for interesting notes on the northern Chihuahuan Desert region. These short programs feature a different nature topic each week about the natural resources in our corner of the world. Topics include plants, animals, rainwater harvesting, native gardening, and wildlife habitat. 

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CDRI Field School

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Life-long Learning Programs and Events 

May Events 

*  Lichens of the Davis Mountains, Lecture & Walk

*  Birding 101

*  International Migratory Bird Count

*  Nature Journaling

*  Big Horn Sheep, Lecture & Field Trip

June Events 

*  Nocturnal Blooms & Nighttime Pollinators

*  Critter Club

*  Teachers' Workshop: Introduction to Earth Science Systems

*  Hummingbird Banding

July Events 

*  Fort Davis Summer Butterfly Count

*  Desert Rat Club

*  Pollinator Garden Grand Opening

August Events 

*  Extended Evening Hours

*  Desert After Dark Guided Walks

*  Hummingbird Banding

*  Reptilian World of the Nature Center

 

Details for all 2008 are available at

Special Events.  

 

A printable 2008 calendar of events and programs is available in a PDF.  

6th Symposium on the Natural Resources of the Chihuahuan Desert

Held October 15–16, 2004

A volume of the proceedings of the 6th Symposium is currently under way as we compile reviewers' comments and edited papers. Our thanks to everyone who has returned papers in a timely fashion. Upon completion the publication will be available for sale through the CDRI.

 

Click here for 2004's Symposium details.

Chihuahuan Desert Mining Heritage Exhibit Update

Dinamito, a replica of a Sicilian burro, now stands near the head frame, working hard to power the burro whim hoist. Dinamito’s namesake was born in a mine shaft, at the 600-foot level. He led an exemplary life for a mining burro, prospecting for gold and silver in the Chihuahuan Desert region.

 

Other highlights of the exhibit include a collection of historic mining equipment, ores mined in the Chihuahuan Desert, a battery-powered locomotive with an ore car, and a pavilion with interpretive displays and historic photographs.

 

Cash donations for the finishing touches, including permanent signage, can be designated for this project and sent to:  CDRI, P.O. Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734. For additional information, call 432-364-2499. 

 

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