Wings Over the Wetland: Bourbon, Boots & Birds

Saturday, November 7, 2026 | 4:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.

Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the landscapes, wildlife, and water resources that make North Texas extraordinary.

Every child who experiences a wetland for the first time. Every family who discovers the beauty of a soaring bald eagle. Every educator who inspires curiosity about science and conservation. Every birder who gets a lifer out on the boardwalk. Every community member who learns why clean water and healthy ecosystems matter.

It all starts here.

When you attend Wings Over the Wetland, become a sponsor, or make a gift, you're investing in environmental education, wildlife conservation, and stewardship that will benefit North Texas for generations to come.

Why Your Support Matters

The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center sits within the largest man-made wetland in the United States; it's a remarkable place where innovative water management, wildlife conservation, and environmental education come together.

While the nearly 2,000-acre wetland naturally helps polish up to 90 million gallons of water each day, the Wetland Center connects people to the science behind it all. Through immersive experiences, hands-on learning, and meaningful encounters with nature, thousands of students, educators, families, and community members discover how wetlands protect wildlife, improve water quality, and sustain healthy communities.

As North Texas continues to grow, helping people understand the critical role of water, wetlands, and wildlife has never been more important. At the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center, our mission is to educate the public and provide research opportunities that advance water quality, water reuse, wetland systems, and wildlife conservation. Through education, we inspire informed stewardship and empower future generations to protect the natural resources on which our communities depend. Every dollar helps us achieve our mission!

Meet Our Honorary Chair!

Dr. Diana Elrod is an educator, evaluator, strategist, grant writer, and higher education leader with nearly three decades of experience in higher education. At Texas Woman's University, she serves as Head of the Office of STEM Collaborations and Initiatives, Director of the Center for Student Research, and Head of the newly established Division of Environmental Science. Her work focuses on building collaborative partnerships, expanding opportunities in STEM and student research, and developing innovative strategies that strengthen student and institutional success. A strong advocate for collective impact, Dr. Elrod brings together universities, schools, community organizations, industry, and other partners to address shared challenges and create sustainable opportunities for students and communities.

Because of You

Your generosity helps the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center:

Inspire thousands of K–12 students through hands-on environmental education each year.
Connect families and community members with wetlands, wildlife, and water conservation through immersive public programming.
Provide engaging educational experiences led by passionate educators and dedicated volunteer stewards.
Protect and interpret one of North Texas' premier locations for observing nesting American Bald Eagles, nearly 300 species of birds and countless native wildlife.
Foster the next generation of scientists, conservationists, educators, outdoor enthusiasts, and environmental leaders.

Every gift, regardless of size, creates opportunities for people to connect with nature and become lifelong stewards of our environment.

Join Us for an Evening with Purpose

This year's Wings Over the Wetland theme is Bourbon, Boots & Birds, and it's more than a celebration—it's an investment in the future of North Texas.

Enjoy an unforgettable evening featuring:

Signature cocktails
Dinner and live entertainment
Wildlife encounters
Silent auction and fundraising experiences
Stunning views of one of North Texas' most unique landscapes

Together we'll celebrate the conservation successes of today while investing in the education and stewardship that will shape tomorrow.

Schedule of the evening: Coming Soon!

Be Part of the Story

Whether you purchase a ticket, become a sponsor, or make a donation, your participation creates lasting impact far beyond a single evening.

Your support helps children discover science through nature, empowers educators with meaningful learning experiences, protects wildlife habitat, and inspires thousands of visitors to become better stewards of our shared natural resources.

Together, we can ensure that clean water, thriving wildlife, and environmental education remain part of North Texas for generations to come.

Reserve your seats, become a sponsor, or make your gift today.

Complimentary Shuttle Service

To make your evening even more enjoyable, complimentary charter bus transportation will be available between Dallas and the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center.

Simply indicate your interest during registration by selecting the complimentary shuttle option when purchasing your tickets or sponsorship.

Departure

Rosewood Court

2101 Cedar Springs Road

Dallas, TX 75201

Please arrive by 3:00 p.m.

Bus departs promptly at 3:15 p.m.

Return

Buses will depart the Wetland Center at approximately 9:00 p.m. following the conclusion of the event. A second bus/departure time will be added depending upon numbers requesting this service.

Download the Sponsorship Form Here.

Wings Over the Wetland (2026)

We love a wild classroom.