For the last 20 years, I have been visiting the Village Creek Drying Beds (VCDB) and nearly every day during the past six years due to the pandemic. To me and countless others, VCDB is a sanctuary, rich with nature's magic, where I have shared unforgettable moments with both people and birds from not only Fort Worth, Texas, but from all over the globe.

Unfortunately, access to this vibrant natural haven has recently been revoked by the City of Fort Worth, citing safety concerns after an off-site oil spill and subsequent sludge dumping. The city has erected fences and installed surveillance, claiming vandalism and safety issues as reasons for this abrupt closure.

However, in my innumerable visits, I have never witnessed any acts of vandalism. The fences and pump houses have been in disrepair long before this closure, yet we still managed to enjoy this treasured spot responsibly and peacefully. For avid birders, naturalists, and citizens who cherish VCDB, this closure feels both sudden and unwarranted.

The Village Creek Drying Beds isn't just another location!

• Ranked as the #1 birding spot in Tarrant County and #35 in Texas with 323 bird species. It is crucial for capturing migratory data through eBird records, which are now at risk of being lost. Closing access jeopardizes not only our local community's engagement with nature but also the valuable contributions that VCDB brings to avian research and enthusiast networks.
• We have had access for 48 years! Yes, 48 years!
• Over 12,000 ebird checklists and 1,500 visitors!

The City of Fort Worth should restore public access to Village Creek Drying Beds. We urge city officials to work collaboratively with the community to find a balanced solution that addresses safety concerns without compromising public access.

Please join me in signing this petition to request that the City of Fort Worth reinstates access to this important piece of our community. Together, we can advocate for balanced environmental stewardship and maintain the legacy of this cherished local gem for future generations to enjoy.

https://www.aba.org/beloved-fort-worth-birding-hotspot-closed-indefinitely/