Sibley Nature Center

Celebrating Nature and History

Mission Statement:

The Sibley Nature Center celebrates the nature and history of our region through a broad range of educational programs and personal experience. Through programs given at its site of 49 acres in Hogan Park in Midland, Texas, and at schools, meeting rooms, ranches, and private gatherings throughout the region, the Sibley Nature Center seeks to encourage community members to be knowledgeable about the flora, fauna, and history of the region.

A persistent drought plagues the Llano Estacado. Just after midday I set out for the open plains. I’m eager to assess the state of ranching and agriculture on the tablelands Northwest of our town. Disheartening images of an immense, tinder-dry cattle range set the tone for my excursion.Read More

Llano Estacado Horizons

A persistent drought plagues the Llano Estacado. Just after midday I set out for the open plains. I’m eager to assess the state of ranching and agriculture on the tablelands Northwest of our town. Disheartening images of an immense, tinder-dry cattle range set the tone for my excursion.

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History:

The Sibley Environmental Learning Center Foundation, Inc., a 501(c) 3, dba Sibley Nature Center, grew out of a concern of two Midland teachers that children were not being adequately exposed to the area's environment and its unique flora, fauna, and history. The City of Midland contracted a local naturalist, to build a trail at the current Center site. In the early 1980s, the Potts-Sibley Foundation of Ft. Stockton, Texas, provided a $50,000 challenge grant which was eventually matched by the Midland Soil and Water Conservation District officers who were, at that time, the governing board of the Center. In 2005, the Sibley Nature Center became an independent entity, receiving a 501(c)(3) designation under the legal name the Sibley Environmental Learning Center Foundation, Inc., though it retained its more familiar Sibley Nature Center business name. Since 2005, the Center has continued to develop by celebrating the nature and history of our region through a broad range of educational programs and personal experience. Over 10,000 people visit the center annually and untold numbers enjoy the Center's Nature Trail, which requires no admission fee or registration. Each year, topical experts of varying degrees deliver talks and workshops on the regional environment and history. Sibley houses informational exhibits, an extensive research library, and rotating displays and "learning modules" for students and the general public to enjoy. The Center is also home to the Sibley Camera Club, which meets monthly to exchange tips and information on producing professional and inspiring images. It is an opportunity for nature photographers to engage with others of all skill levels - from beginner to professional.

What Sibley Has to Offer:

  • Nature Trails
  • Interpretive Programming
  • Classroom Outreach
  • Field Trips and Field Days
  • Spring and Fall Nature Festivals
  • Brown Bag Lunch Lecture Series
  • Theater Thursdays
  • Hike with a Homeless Pet
  • Non-lending Research Library
  • Wildlife Viewing Garden
  • Education Garden

Partner Organizations:

Community Events:

2022:

Spring Nature Festival

Deep in the Heart Film Festival

2021:

Sibley After Dark Fall Festival

2019:

Spring Nature Festival

Sibley After Dark Fall Festival

2018:

Spring Nature Festival

Dragonfly Celebration

Distinguished Lecture Series

Halloween at Sibley

Thank you to our past and present Sponsors and Funders!

Sibley Nature Center is responsible for maintaining a public trail system for the education and enjoyment of our visitors and community members. Through the support of the Potts and Sibley Foundation, we utilize people counters to collect data about trail use. This data helps us to better understand our community needs and to manage our trails. As a 501(c)3 nonprofit, we can also use this data when applying for grants and other funding. To learn more about the trail counters we use click here.