Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute

CDRI is such a great place to visit! it has lovely botanical gardens with well placed signs about desert flora. The cactus greenhouse has the most cacti I have seen in one place. The bird blind is a great place to relax and take photos of birds. The mining and geology exhibits are great fun for kids.

We are so lucky to have CDRI in our community. It is both an incredible educational resource and a place where locals and tourists can enjoy the outdoors.

Under Lisa Gordon’s leadership, CDRI has an extensive program of youth- and adult-oriented education programs. I, for example, lead interpretive hikes for visiting school and college groups, pointing out indicator species of the Chihuahuan desert, discussing the geological history of the region, and describing the way plants and animals have adapted to life in the desert. CDRI also has a high-profile lecture series, bringing in noted experts to discuss the latest research related to the natural history of the region. They have recently established a native grasses exhibit in their botanical garden. And they have adopted a two-mile stretch of the adjacent highway, regularly organizing clean up efforts.

As a resident of the region, I also regularly visit CDRI to just enjoy the great outdoors. My wife and I hike its trails, looking for the resident Aoudad herd. And as an avid wildlife photographer, I can often be found with my long lens set up in the bird blind or near the hummingbird feeders. Visiting birders often see “lifers” there.

I strongly encourage you to visit CDRI if you are in the area. I know Lisa and her whole team will go out of their way to make you feel welcome.

I have volunteered at CDRI for over 10 years, nine of those as a board member. Lots to do at CDRI. The cactus garden is world renowned. The hiking trails are the best in the area. The pollinator garden and newly opened native grass exhibit are great places to learn about nature and the Chihuahuan desert in general. Plan your visit now!

CDRI is a gem hidden in plain sight just outside Fort Davis, Texas. My family loves the hikes that can be short or longer depending on the route you choose. From Clayton's overlook offering 360 degree views of the Davis Mountains with excellent geological interpretive displays, through Modesta Canyon's exclusive climate zones, and across the expanses of the trails, CDRI offers something to casual and experienced hikers looking for adventure. Its annual plant sale is an event unto itself where once again - casual or experienced - gardeners can enjoy the laid back beauty of succulent plants. The fees are cheap, the gift store is excellent, the staff is engaging and knowledgable, and the memories are timeless. Add CDRI to your adventure itinerary.

The CDRI is one of the best, most useful and most unusual botanic gardens I’ve ever seen. It is an extremely valuable resource. The Chihuahuan Desert has a staggering number of plants that thrive in its seemingly hostile environment and here they are presented in an extremely naturalistic way, while still sited and labeled so that they are highlighted as you walk along the many trails throughout. It is especially important to educating the public about native plants, urgently needed to halt and reverse pollinator decline and ecosystem degradation. The educational value is immense. It leads to a deeper and richer understanding of this large, beautiful, vulnerable desert ecosystem that extends through the Southwest US and Mexico.

Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (CDRI) is one of my favorite places to take visitors. The staff is great and the volunteers are friendly and helpful. Besides great hiking trails, there is a wonderful native plant botanical garden with helpful signage and written materials to guide visitors along. The visitor center is lovely place to relax, shop and watch birds and butterflies. They have lots of events for children and adults.
Their educational programming is very significant in our area of far west Texas and beyond. I highly recommend a visit whenever you are in the area.

It is a privilege to work with an organization that provides an invaluable educational resource to all of West Texas and to visitors from around the world. The focus on all native plants of the Chihuahuan Desert makes these botanical gardens unique from almost all botanical gardens in the world. The focused displays and organization of the gardens by diverse regions of the Chihuahuan Desert provides the visitor with an easy way to learn and understand the diversity of this area. This focus on the importance of understanding and learning about the plants and geology of where we live provides knowledge we all need to restore, sustain, and protect this complex and beautiful desert.

The staff and volunteers are so dedicated to their mission. And it is pleasure to be part of the large group of volunteers who give so much time to promoting and maintaining this organization.

CDRI in Fort Davis, Texas is a hiking area with a strong learning element. They have a large garden area with the trees and cacti of the area labeled. I have gone there many times to brush up on my plant identifications. They also have a pollinator garden and a cactus greenhouse. A great place to learn about the plants of the desert. I love it.

I've been a member, staff, volunteer and board member for over 13 years and have found CDRI to be committed to delivering a welcoming, memorable visitor experience. The organization is very well managed and is an excellent example of stewardship and fiscal responsibility.

CDRI is a wonderfully well run destination to see, smell, experience far West Texas and the beautiful Davis Mountains.
In addition it dedicates a lot of its resources to educating a wide area of youth about outdoor natural West Texas to many schools whose students visit. These are experienced on its 500 acres of natural terrain, its cactus garden collection and its mining history exhibit. Almost all of West Texas land is privately owned- so to have this gem available e to the public is a benefit to all.

This nature center is wonderful place to hike and enjoy the outdoors. It has beautiful botanical gardens and interesting geological exhibits.

CDRI continues to be our go-to place for hikes and peace and quiet. Always a new experience. The amazing Staff takes constant steps to improve visitors’ appreciation and knowledge of the Chihuahuan Desert. With the unmatched beauty and tranquility of the Chihuahuan Desert comes the various events put on by the CDRI staff. The annual cactus sale and, my favorite, the BBQ/Auction fund raiser each year. A great time and place to spend a memorable afternoon/evening. CDRI has been and will continue to be my favorite get-away spot. And I have to be dragged screaming an kicking out of the gift/book shop every time I'm there.

A true destination while in West Texas. Beautiful & educational. Wonderful knowledge staff. Many different events to get involved in too!

Great charity great executive as well! Beautiful grounds and great surroundings

I am the third generation of my family to love this place. It has something for everyone when you need to get outside and be in nature. The staff are wonderful too. It is consistently our favorite place to visit when we are in the Davis Mountains and Big Bend region. I love it so much I now volunteer even though I live several hundred miles away in Austin. The bird blind attracts many of the areas specialties. The trails are wonderful and lead visitors through geological and botanical wonders you would never expect out here in the high desert. The botanical garden always has new things to offer. The cactus museum is astonishing and the mining exhibit reminds us just how hard life could be in times past. Luckily it is right next to the visitor's center where you can relax in one of many rocking chairs on the porch while watching hummingbirds and other avifauna from the shade after your chosen expeditions. I just can't get enough.

We love volunteering for the CDRI Bug Day, Earth Day, and other programs for area school children.

My wife and I have been members with the CDRI for many years. We try to visit Fort Davis at least twice a year and visit the CDRI at least once, and often twice, each visit. It is always one of the high points of our trips.

Lisa and her staff always treat us like "family" and make us feel like long lost friends. The peaceful tranquility and unmatched grandeur quickly erase the mundane pettiness of our everyday routines.

The cactus greenhouse, beautifully landscaped gardens, and majestic views of the Chihuahuan Dessert and Davis Mountains never fail to reset our inner selves to a better place. I still walk and read the entire geologic timeline around the Visitors Center to begin every visit. We also love the strong emphasis the CDRI places on educational programs, especially for younger people.

The CDRI should be considered a "must stop" visit for anyone in the area.

My wife and I have supported the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute (the "CDRI") for many years. Last year, we relocated from Houston to Fort Davis, and I became one of many regular volunteers at the CDRI in January of this year.
The acreage is an excellent microcosm of a Chihuahuan Desert "sky island" with a spring-fed canyon (with native Madrone trees), representative grasslands and trees, and excellent views of the surrounding mountains and alluvial flatlands. CDRI interpretive exhibits are carefully prepared, visually interesting, easy to understand, and of substantial educational value. CDRI personnel and volunteers put in a tremendous amount of skilled effort to maintain and improve the Botanical Gardens and Cactus Greenhouse, which nurture and/or house plants that are native to the Chihuahuan Desert. As one would expect, the extensive network of hiking trails are also well-maintained.
The permanent staff are well-led, knowledgeable, hard-working, and dedicated to the CDRI's charitable mission. Consequently, we volunteers are proud to be associated with the CDRI and are well-motivated to contribute to its continued success.

I loved the recent pictures posted of the spider webs on a Fall morning at CDRI. I can't wait to get back out there and see what the season has brought.

Cdri goes the extra mile in providing children's programs of all types for free to the student. Also, there are renown local specialist on plants and animals that do presentations. The gardens are exceptional with a very large number of native species. The bird blind draws a very large number of birds. Something for everyone!

I've been a supporter of CDRI for many years, and as a resident of the area now, am also a regular volunteer and hiker. The Botanical Garden and cactus greenhouse are treasures that are enjoyed by people of all ages and from all parts of the world. Brilliant blue skies and moderate temperatures, high desert plant life and geology, and the varied birds and their beautiful songs, make a visit to CDRI a Zen experience! You get lost in the rhythm of Nature; join us!

Our plein air painting group spent a Saturday afternoon in the botanical gardens. There were so many things to paint -- plants, flowers, rocks, trees, and views -- it was hard to decide where to set up our easels! This area is nice and flat, but another time some of the hardier members of the group might hike the trails for other painting options.
The only fly in the ointment was the closure of the restroom facilities due to the covid panic.

I tell everyone about Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute. People may know about the fantastic botanical garden or the abundant hiking trails but they may not expect all the varieties of plants that are located only in the Chihuahuan Desert. Many are kept in our large green house because the majority are located deep into Mexico where the largest section of the Chihuanhuan Desert is found. These plants are kept at a temperature where they normally grow. The geology of the area is so unique that most people are unfamiliar with all the different types of rock and minerals of our location. The bird blind is a special area where local birds are fed and watered. Educational pictures and birds that are identified in the area are listed. A mining exhibit educates visitors about the local mines of the area. I especially love to sit on the visitor's center porch in our rocking chairs and take in all the animal roaming around and the peacefulness of nature. Come and see for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Having grown up in West Texas- even though I have lived decades in Los Angeles- I love visiting at least a few times a year. As kids my immediate family spent most Easter/ Spring breaks on the Rio Grande, either in the Big Bend National Park on in Black Gap- camping and fishing for catfish, exploring etc. And we visited and had picnics many times in the Davis Mountains.

The CDRI is a nearby 500 acre gem between Ft. Davis and Alpine- that contains the best of West Texas and the Davis Mountains. A few years ago I was asked to join its Board of Directors-- another very positive experience. Its management runs it like any well run, fiscally responsible business- one also with a caring staff with wonderful attitudes.

Its visitors get to both experience and to learn about the area, mountains, open skies, plants and animals, as well as the West Texas relatively small scale mining industry of old. There is a fascinating mining exhibit with actual equipment previously used in mining, as well as a number of the rocks, gems, etc extracted .

CDRI closed because of COVID19, as did so many places. As it has done in the past, CDRI responded to the situation and made some changes (like moving to on line ticket sales) so as to permit successfully and safely reopening with proper social distancing, etc. During the time it was closed to the public, its small staff and volunteers spent their time organizing, painting, planting and other activities that have improved the already beautiful place to visit.
There is a reason that TripAdvisor lists it as No2 after the McDonald Observatory

My husband and I spent Feb/Mar 2019 as host campers at CDRI. He loves everything related to the Big Bend area of Texas. After those 2 months, I have a whole new love for and appreciation of the Chihuahuan Desert and surrounding area. I loved the amazing Cactus Greenhouse. I’ve not seen a comparable collection of cactus anywhere else! The Botanical Garden is so beautifully arranged. Be sure to give yourself time to s t r o l l through and enjoy it!
A favorite of being a volunteer was getting to greet visitors from so many places, and to witness their excitement and enjoyment of their visit. The entire staff shared their vast knowledge and caused us to feel at home in the desert.

As a host camper, I witnessed firsthand the impact of CDRI. In the two months we volunteered, we welcomed visitors from all over the world who came to gain insight into a slice of life in the Chihuahuan Desert. Many marveled at the variety of plant life represented in the botanical garden and cactus greenhouse. Hikers returned amazed that springs run throughout the desert providing water for plants and wildlife. Others expressed fascination at the geological features found on the property. The real gem of CDRI is the dedicated staff and corps of volunteers who gladly give their time and energy to educational opportunities for students across the region.

I volunteer at CDRI as often as I can. Why? The staff is committed to what they are doing, which is educating people (and area wide students) about the Trans-Pecos Region, the wildlife, and the fauna. The staff never seem to grow tired of their responsibilities. They are always enthusiastic, friendly, and educational. The entire site is awe-inspiring and spirit-uplifting! What better place to volunteer?!?

CDRI is not only physically exquisite with gardens and a trail system -- but in a time of change and challenge provides both a sanctuary as well as a vital connection to the original biodiversity of the great Chihuahuan Desert. It is our Far West Texas version of the NY Botanical Garden providing tools for understanding the region's ecological and geological history.

My wife and I were Volunteers for three months. We had never volunteered at a nonprofit, only private and State Parks.
The first thing you realize is how committed the staff is to conservation, the environment and teaching visitors about the Nature Center. There are always tour groups of all ages coming in and most are guided by volunteers.
The Botanical garden and Cactus greenhouse are amazing. The hiking trails are well maintained and take you to beautiful views. The Gift shop has just about anything you might need including a wonderful selection of books.
If all this isn’t enough, there is a mining exhibit that is well worth spending some time at.
We really enjoyed our time at the Nature Center and plan to return as soon as we can and recommend it to anyone who enjoys nature.

As volunteers who have only just discovered the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, we were blown away by the depth of devotion the staff has for the environment in general, and this desert gem in particular. CDRI oversees the care and conservation of this high desert habitat of the Trans-Pecos region. The beautiful Botanical Garden is evidence of such care, and the trails highlight the rugged beauty. The Mine and Geology Exhibits go into great detail about the geological and historical significance of the area.

The programs they offer are tailored to reach students and adults alike. Various events and study groups that regularly occur such as The Mindful Morning Walk, The Herp Day and Earth Rocks programs allow participants a unique and some times close-up view into the life of the desert. The staff are informative and helpful. If they can't answer a question, they know where to look.

The Gift Shop offers a variety of mementos of your visit such as note cards, Prickly Pear Jelly, Mesquite Honey, and colorful tote bags. The extensive book selection covers everything from recent history to geology to indigenous peoples to gardening to plant and animal identification. If you're looking for something specific, the staff can direct you or offer suggestions.

During our stay there, CDRI installed and brought online a second solar power system to augment the demands of the greenhouse. This and the rainwater collection system further demonstrate CDRI's commitment to the environment and being as Green as possible.

This is a wonderful facility staffed with wonderful, knowledgeable, caring people. We will be volunteering again.

I have volunteered at the CDRI nature center for six months as a weekend front desk clerk. Visitors can tour the extensive botanical garden, hike rugged trails, learn about local mining history in the mining exhibit, peruse the gift shop, or just take in the beautiful views on the four-sided porch. I also appreciate the educational programs and field trip opportunities offered here. In Far West Texas, public spaces that offer such access and a wealth of information are rare. This place is a local gem, deeply appreciated by residents of the tri-county area and beyond.

CDRI is a wonderful nonprofit that allows the public to experience the beauty and magic of the Chihuahuan Desert in meaningful and memorable ways. In addition to the modern visitor center and wonderfully curated gift shop within, there are miles of well-marked trails, a lovely botanical garden with a huge cactus greenhouse, a bird blind, a mining heritage exhibit and so much more!

The Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is the quintessential nature center. It has all the vital parts, with its arboretum, greenhouse, education facilities, gardens, trails, and 507 acres of grasslands and rock outcroppings that are a living illustration of the northern part of the great Chihuahuan Desert of Mexico. The CDRI has many fun and informative programs for kids, and for adults it is a naturalist’s dream. You are bound to add a bird or two to your life list, and the many pollinators include some great butterflies like the Two-tailed Swallowtail and the Sleepy Orange as well as several type of hummingbirds this area is known for. Have you ever seen Egg Yolk Lichen, or a Red-Spotted Toad? Did I mention an impressive canyon where the descent rewards you at the end with a natural spring complete with Maidenhair Ferns? And beware the great gift shop and book store which is bound to part you from your cash for the most varied and artistic souvenirs in far west Texas as well as books on flora and fauna that you need in your nature library. So, come on down, and have a great day outdoors!

I became aware of CDRI two years ago and I made a decesion to plan a trip to Fort Davis Texas and visit CDRi. I love geology, birding and the unique area of the Davis Mountains. The CDRI
Center is located about 4 miles from Fort Davis. I traveled 1500 miles from Northern California to visit and explore the CDRI Center. I was so taken back by the natural beauty of the center and the surrounding area of the Davis Mountains. There are many activities available for people of all ages to participate in and explore their botanical gardens and the walking trails. I had been told by friends of CDRI of their experience there and this convinced me to make the journey. I had a very enriched nourishing experience at CDRI. The staff was well informed, supportive and professional. I stayed in Fort Davis for 3 weeks and attended lectures sponsored by CDRI. I had several enriched experiences at CDRI and I plan to return in the spring. Jim

My wife and I participated as host volunteers during the spring for two years and loved it. The staff are very knowledgeable in their fields and are excited to share it. The long hard hours they put in over the years is from their enthusiasm. They believe in their role as educators for the public and school children, making them aware of this gorgeous and fragile ecosystem and hopefully to care for it.

I have been involved in the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, since shortly after its inception in 1974. Over the years , CDRI has grown from a small organization, housed in an old school house in Alpine to a thriving Institute operating from a beautiful Visitor Center on 507 acres of grassland and volcanic rock outcrops 4 miles south of Ft. Davis, Texas. There are miles of hiking trails, a beautifully manicured Arboretum featuring over 200 species of woody plants native to the Chihuahuan Desert as well as outdoor exhibits such as the mining heritage exhibit. The staff and volunteers provide education programs for thousands of school age students each year. I'm proud to have been involved in the non-profit organization for so many years.

We live in nearby Fort Davis and love visiting here!! We always learn something new about our area when we go! And it’s always the local school kids favorite field trip!

I try to visit the institute whenever I make the 6 1/2 hour trek to ft davis. It's peaceful and lovely, and the staff is excellent and welcoming. I enjoy the botanical garden and the quiet lovely hiking trails.

The Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center provides an interactive introduction to the far west Texas desert. You can hike the Modesta trail, wander through the botanical gardens, take in the mining exhibit, find treasures in the onsite shop, as well as many other activities. What a gem this organization is for the region and all visitors making their way through the high desert! I highly recommend a first visit and many return visits. Become a member for access to ongoing benefits.

During 2010, we not only provided access to the preserve, but also provided staff, facilities, and vehicles for transport for the CDRI's: teacher workshop; "Top-of-Texas" series; and birding festival. The first two events included guided hikes up Mt. Livermore with interpretation. The birding festival included a hummingbird banding demonstration and a guided birding hike. In all of these instances, the events were organized and hosted by the CDRI, and we were very proud to be associated with them. The CDRI does a great job of providing opportunities for individuals to gain an appreciation for nature, especially that associated with the Chihuahuan Desert, and to be educated about same. Such is certainly consistent with the mission of The Nature Conservancy.

I have been a member of CDRI since my college days in the early 1970's. Over the years I have seen many changes and a lot of growth of both the Institute and the land site. My husband and I have both been employees at CDRI....it is truly the most inspiring work environment either of us has ever had. We now both volunteer throughout the year and only wish we had more time to offer. Being a CDRI volunteer is very rewarding, and we feel that we are in some small way helping to preserve the desert environment we so love.

My wife and I collect and study desert plants as a hobby. We have been visiting CDRI for a number of years. Each visit we find new additions to the exhibits as well as the plant collection. We have joined several field trips put on by CDRI. One of the most unusual was a night hike down the canyon where we saw desert fauna that you normally don't see during the day. Mark "the gardener" and the other staff have wealth on knowledge about about desert plants which we really like.

A few months after my husband passed away I was looking for something to do. My background had been with the National Audubon Society where I was Director of two of their Audubon Centers. CDRI was a great fit for my previous work and my natural history interests. When I approached the Executive Director about possibly volunteering she was enthusiastic. Since that time I have spent time greeting visitors, editing newsletters, working in the gift shop, leading field trips, mopping floors, cleaning restrooms, weeding in the Botanical Garden. Whatever needs to be done. I am now privileged to be on the CDRI Board.

I first came to CDRI as a frequent visitor, to hike, attend functions, and to learn more about the wonderful flora, fauna and geology of the Chihuahuan Desert. I later joined the board of directors and have watched with pride as the quality and number of CDRI's exhibits, seminars, and educational programs for school children, teachers and general public have improved and increased in scope and numbers served, with new an innovative programs that really teach good science and grab the interest. Our gardens and trails continue to improve and are great draws for hikers, general visitors and all who are interested learning about the area's diverse plants, wildlife and geology. The organization has developed ties with the scientific community in Mexico, to the benefit of both countries, and has worked with The National Park Service, Texas Parks and Wildlife, and other state and national conservation and scientific not for profit organizations on a wide range of science projects through the years. The organization expands and continues to improve annually, thanks in great part to a really good Director and staff and dedicated volunteers. CDRI has become an important part of the local community AND remains engaged in the greater scientific community, and we have great plans for the future.

I am the President of Central Texas Trail Tamers (CTTT), a central Texas based volunteer organization that builds and maintains trails. I am also a docent and volunteer at the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center and a member of the Capital Area Master Naturalist. I am organizing a CTTT work trip to CDRI (11-22 thru 11-26), to work with CDRI and other area volunteers, building a trail from the canyon trailhead to the top of the overlook area. Although this is the first actual work I will have performed at CDRI, I have been a member of and visitor to CDRI for the last couple of years. Based on my other volunteer activities over the last 10 - 15 years, I have been very impressed with not only the displays and gardens filled with area native plants, but also the knowledge and cooperative attitude of the staff at CDRI. In conclusion, I have been fortunate enough to visit several native plant and botanical gardens in the U.S. and U.K., including the Kew Gardens. Although I still consider myself a novice, in my opinion, CDRI ranks highly in must places to visit, right up there with the "big boys".

Having Kelly Bryan give a hummingbird banding demonstration is one of many activities I admire about CDRI. They are mindful of ALL age groups and have plenty of programs to participate in. CDRI organizes excellent lectures at Sul Ross for older people in the community and little camps and hikes for the younger people. CDRI isn't just a place for interests in plants and animals but is a place for historians and geologists as well! We are quite lucky to have this place in our area!

We have visited CDRI many times; it is special to us because we have two sons who worked there while attending SRU. We've watched it grow since the 80's and especially enjoy the Cactus Greenhouse and the peace and beauty of the Pollinator Garden. Our grandkids enjoyed their week at day camp for the first time this year; they learned so much about the things that live and grow in the desert - plants and animals. Being "city kids", this was a really good experience for them and they are already talking about attending next year.

I take students to the annual Earth Rocks festival which is a fun, educational experience for our elementary students in the area. The activities all focus on Earth Science which is typically a tough concept for students to grasp without these hands-on activities provided free of charge by the CDRI.

Although we live in Ann Arbor, Michigan, we love the Texas southwest, and particularly the Big Bend region, which we have visited about 20 times during the past 30 years. More recently, we've found it convenient to stay at the "White House" in Alpine, and during those stays we have visited and explored the CDRI. In between visits, we have greatly enjoyed the CDRI newsletters, which illustrate the enormous diversity of its scientific and nature programs, including the trapping of feral hogs, the banding of hummingbirds, and the well illustrated nature trails. The programs seem to be most suitable for families and people of all ages. We have enjoyed chatting with other visitors, who seem just as enthusiastic as we are about the work of the CDRI.

CDRI is a tremendous resource to the Big Bend Country. The annual native plant sale attracts folks from all over the state, as does the annual auction and BBQ. Day hikes, field trips as well as Chihuahuan wildlife and flora education programs are offered to members at nominal fees.

CDRI is an invaluable asset to the communities of West Texas. Their workshops and lectures are always entertaining, enlightening and engaging. Their trails, gardens and exhibits have something to offer people of all ages and abilities. That's why, whenever I have out-of-town visitors, I take them to the nature center to learn about the Chihuahuan Desert and see the landscape. Even with the number of state and federal parks in this part of Texas, the nature center is probably the most easily accessible and educational place to hike and get to know the biodiversity of our region. They also do a great job of educating kids from local schools about the natural environment around them. My 9-year-old cousin, who visited from Dallas and had never experienced the Chihuahuan Desert before visiting CDRI, probably said it best: "This is adventure land!" He can't wait to come back.

CDRI is one of the most amazing places in the area with so much to do and see. They have so many fascinating educational programs on such a wide variety of desert plants, animals and geology for people of every age. The beautiful and diverse natural botanical gardens and cacti greenhouse are always a pleasure to explore and they explain so much about the native plants in the area. The guided hikes and lectures are a delight, always so interesting and full of great information. As a member, it is a wonderful place to take a desert hike on the trails around the nature center and into the canyon on a weekend morning or summer evening. The staff and volunteers are very personable and an absolute wealth of information. They can always answer your questions. The new Geology exhibit is a must see and their cactus festival and native plant sale are two events out of the entire area that I look forward to all year. I also just love that they have recently added a cactus rescue program. CDRI is nothing short of an all around invaluable asset to our area.

I enjoy the field trips and the nature center.The botanical gardens and exihibts are always worth a trip to the center.The CDRI is a great place to learn about the chihuahuan desert.

CDRI is the best-kept secret in Texas---it's time for more people to realize what a tremendous asset it is. CDRI is very well managed by a team of dedicated, highly educated, and knowledgeable individuals. As a National Park Service ranger at nearby Fort Davis National Historic Site, I turn to CDRI for answers to questions on area flora & fauna and geology. I also attend CDRI's excellent educational outreach programs.

CDRI is hard to summarize because its mission ranges from teaching to interpretation to formal research to conservation to . . . A few observation from my limited perspective: Even before the time visitors and tourists first arrive in the area, they have heard about CDRI's unique nature center, bookstore, interpretive programs and nature walks. Children of all ages who visit CDRI are able to expand their appreciation and understanding of the Chihuahuan Desert through a thoughtful, carefully planned range of hikes, fieldtrips, workshops, nature camps, etc., etc. CDRI's award-winning program, "Nature Notes" can be heard throughout the tri-county area on KRTS, and members are treated to CDRI's equally informative and imaginative newsletter, "Chihuahuan Desert Discovery". Both program and newsletter are produced and edited by CDRI's staff with assistance from experts from the area and throughout the country. Less visible to the general public, but at least as fundamental to CDRI's mission is its commitment to research and scholarship. CDRI supports graduate and other student research projects, research, institutions of higher learning with Field School opportunities and every 5 years hosts the widely attended "Symposium on the Natural Resources of the Chihuahuan Desert Region which draws speakers and attendees including researchers, educators, conservation experts, and the general public from throughout North America to exchange and discuss ideas. And thats' just a few of the high points!

Wonerful facility. Competent personnel. magnificent gardens. Lots of hiking trails that are varied. Educational exhibits. Better than a bargain on Ebay.