"River Bend Nature Center sits just next to Lucy Park, but the moment you turn in, it feels like you've stepped out of the city and into something quieter and wilder"

Written by Heather Preston

     Coffee in hand, I was doing my usual morning scroll through Facebook when the weekly event carousel from Discover Wichita Falls, Texas popped up. It’s one of my favorite ways to see what’s going on around town. The page, managed by the Wichita Falls Convention and Visitors Bureau, highlights upcoming events and links to the full calendar. That week, one listing immediately stood out—an evening event called Fungus Among Us at River Bend Nature Center, part of their ongoing Sips N’ Science series.

     The description hooked me right away. It explained how, after the asteroid that wiped out the dinosaurs, cooler global temperatures allowed fungi to thrive. Warm-blooded mammals may have had a survival advantage because their body heat protected them from deadly fungal infections. Now, as global temperatures rise, fungi are slowly adapting. That raises questions about what this could mean for us in the future. My husband and I have been watching season two of The Last of Us, like so many others, and the idea of a fungal pandemic suddenly felt a little too real. We were immediately curious.

     River Bend Nature Center sits just next to Lucy Park, but the moment you turn in, it feels like you’ve stepped out of the city and into something quieter and wilder. Towering trees, winding paths, and the sounds of birds and rustling leaves create a sense of calm that feels miles away from the rhythm of daily life. Lucy Park itself offers wide open green space, a disc golf course, and access to the Wichita River trail, while River Bend builds on that natural beauty with a mission to connect people to the environment of North Texas through education and exploration.

     River Bend hosts events and programs year-round for all ages. From summer camps and school field trips to guided nature walks and live animal encounters, the center offers hands-on opportunities to learn about the plants, animals, and ecosystems that make this region unique. Their calendar is full of creative ways to connect with nature. Sips N’ Science is just one example of how they blend education with a memorable experience.

     The event was held inside River Bend’s classroom, surrounded by enclosures of reptiles, amphibians, and insects. As we stood near the refreshment table, I glanced over at what I thought was an empty tank. Without warning, a massive turtle emerged from a rocky hide, gliding forward and stretching his long neck to the surface for a slow, deliberate breath. The movement was so sudden and primal it stopped me in my tracks. It was the perfect prelude to an evening centered on survival, science, and the unexpected.

     When it was our turn, the refreshment table did not disappoint. A generous spread included Greek salad, crackers and chips, vegetables with ranch, smoked pimento cheese dip, and a thoughtful nod to the evening’s theme in the form of stuffed mushrooms.

Wine, beer, hard seltzers, and water were available for guests to enjoy throughout the night. It felt more like a relaxed gathering of curious minds than a formal lecture, and that balance made the experience feel both inviting and memorable.

Once everyone had settled in with a drink and a plate, Executive Director Jennica Lambert welcomed the group and introduced our speaker for the evening, Dr. James Masuoka. A professor in the Biology Department at Midwestern State University, Dr. Masuoka brought both humor and clarity to a subject most of us hadn’t given much thought to before. He guided us through stories and research with the ease of someone who clearly loves what he teaches. It was informative without ever feeling heavy, and by the end, everyone in the room was leaning in a little closer.

After a lively question and answer segment, Dr. Masuoka received a warm round of applause. Guests lingered for a while, refilling their drinks, chatting with the presenter, and swapping thoughts on everything from zombie ants to backyard fungi. As we stepped back outside into the warm evening, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the kind of night that sneaks up on you—one that starts with a Facebook post and ends with a head full of questions, a good glass of wine, and a reminder that unexpected adventures can be found right here in Wichita Falls.