Q - How has Wildcat Bluff changed over the last year?
Wildcat Bluff Nature Center went through an exciting restructuring in 2010. After taking a scrutinizing look at our existing structures and offerings, we realized that a change was in order. After a winter “hibernation,” we have emerged as a research and educational facility. We have recently partnered with West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College to provide student and faculty research facilities, Project Learning opportunities, lab space, and a reporting system that provides all research documentation in plain language for the general public to view, engage in, and enjoy. Moving forward, we will be working to align further partnerships to engage students and teachers from preschool up through high school and preparatory academies. Wildcat Bluff is now on course to be a regional attraction for students, scientists and “citizen scientists” alike. We are excited about this development and hope you will stay in contact to watch the vision continue to unfold.
Q - Do you have live animal exhibits?
As the Nature Center moves to a more research and education based philosophy, our live animal exhibits were all moved to a facility in Abilene that specializes in those kinds of displays.
Q - Do you offer field trips for school classes?
We certainly do. Many schools and school groups bring students to the Nature Center for outings, experiential education and for artistic studies. Please contact our office for scheduling. We do not provide paid educational staff and guides. However with advanced notice, we can often coordinated a well-trained volunteer to help your students. Though our live animal exhibits have moved, our nature trails, geology wall and archeology dig pit are still available. In addition, we have recently partnered with West Texas A&M University and Amarillo College to bring university and college student research and learning projects to the nature center. As time goes on, your students will get to see more and more research projects in motion and learn about what scientists in our area are studying.
Q - Is the Gilven building available for rental? I want to have a birthday party.
The Gilven center is no longer being used for birthday parties, as we do not provide staff to facilitate the parties. However, the center is available for general rental.(see below) Please contact us for scheduling and details. In the future, we plan to open a new experiential center, dedicated to our young nature lovers. Please watch for updates on our website, Facebook, and Twitter.
Q - What are the rules for hiking the trails?
The most important rules are:
- Never smoke, start any fire, or expose any kind of flame. Fire danger is extremely high at Wildcat Bluff.
- Take all your trash out with you. Do not leave water bottles, toilet paper, or any trash behind.
- Do not disturb animals and habitat. Look with your eyes not with your hands, please.
- Do not disturb marked research sites. Disturbing a research site can ruin months or years of hard work.
- Hike safely. We are not responsible if you injure yourself.
- Have fun and enjoy nature.
Q - Can I ride a bike at Wildcat Bluff?
Not directly. One of Wildcat Bluff's goals is to manage our land as a living museum and outdoor classroom through the use of ecologically appropriate land management practices. Bicycles cut into and wear down the trails, causing erosion and damage. Just to the south of Wildcat Bluff, however, is a long stretch of the old Soncy Road. Many bicycling enthusiasts ride this strip daily.
Q - Can I bring my dog on the trails?
No, we do not allow pets on the trails. Though we love dogs, they have continuously been proved harmful to our preservation of native plants and animals.
Q - Are the trails open after business hours?
Yes. The trails are open during all daylight hours. Guests donate $3 - for adults, $2 per child, under 3 free. Use our metal tree sculpture drop box near the bulletin board when walking the trails. This helps us maintain the trails for your education and enjoyment. Nighttime hiking is not allowed. However, we routinely schedule guided night hikes. Please watch for scheduling of these hikes or call us for information.
Q - Are there snakes and predators on your trails?
There are snakes and natural predators at Wildcat Bluff, though they rarely show themselves to humans. If you do encounter a snake, the smartest thing to do is leave it alone. Most bites from snakes occur when someone tries to move, handle, hurt or kill the snake. Move calmly away from snakes and give them room to get away. They don’t want to be around you any more than you want to be around them. If you do encounter a problematic snake, please contact our office at (806) 352-6007 or animal control at (806) 378-3092.
Q - Is the Nature Center stroller and handicap accessible?
Yes, both of our buildings and our Libb's Trail area are handicap and stroller accessible. The nature trail system, however, is not.
Q - Where can I bring things to recycle?
Plastics (#1 & #2), paper, aluminum cans: most Uniteds and Walmarts have bins outside; the boy scouts also take aluminum cans
Batteries (rechargeable and non-rechargeable): Batteries Plus
For more things to recycle in Amarillo, check out: recycle.amarillo.gov
Q - Is there GeoCaching on your site?
Yes. There is one registered GeoCaching cache on the land, visit Wildcat Bluff http://coord.info/GCH1RZ.
Q - I am a Scout and need to work on a couple of merit badges. Can you help me with my projects?
Many of our structures and attractions have been created by Scouts. Please contact us for information on submitting your plans to the board for approval.
Q - My group is looking for a new place to hold our meetings. How much do you charge for renting the Gilven Building for regular meetings?
Our daily rate is $60. 1/2 day is $40. Hourly meetings are $25. Please call our office well in advance of your meeting to inquire about scheduling.
Q - Do you adopt injured or found animals?
No we do not. Injured animals need to be taken to a rehabilitation center. For wild animals, please call the South Plains Wildlife Rehabilitation Center in Lubbock at 806-799-2142. For generally domesticated animals, please call Amarillo animal control at (806) 378-3092.
Q - What should I do if I find a misplaced bird, rabbit or other animal?
As difficult as it may be, oftentimes the best thing you can do is leave an animal alone. Even a baby bird or rabbit may seem helpless and vulnerable, but many do survive even in the most urban of locations. While it may feel safer, removing these animals from the wild, it actually usually reduces their chances for survival.
Q - I found a baby bird that fell from its nest. What can I do?
It is not unusual to find an egg or a baby bird that appears to have fallen from the nest. The majority of the time, this is not the case. Parent birds build their nest for protection, for themselves, their eggs and their young. It is unlikely for a hatchling to fall from its nest. It is more likely, however, for a hatchling to be pushed from the nest either by stronger siblings or by the parent birds. It is not uncommon in nature for a parent or sibling to sacrifice a small, weak family member to ensure all the babies are strong and healthy. Baby birds are also pushed from the nest if they are ill or diseased. The best thing you can do, although it is very hard to do, is leave the hatchling where it lies.
