One Million Strong: The Arlington Chamber of Commerce Celebrates with River Legacy Foundation

In a recent Member Spotlight video by the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, the River Legacy Foundation proudly celebrated a monumental milestone: connecting one million learners to nature.

Director of Development Becky Gerro sat down with Bryan Weatherford to reflect on the growth of this beloved North Texas nonprofit, the deep roots it has cultivated in the Arlington community, and the exciting future that lies ahead for this environmental education powerhouse.

Watch full video here:

A Legacy Rooted in Conservation and Education

Founded in 1988 with a mission to protect the land along the Trinity River and its tributaries, the River Legacy Foundation began with a vision—a gift of 376 acres from the Rose-Brown family, a shared commitment by Sylvia and Mayor Richard Greene, and a group of passionate citizens determined to preserve and educate.

Today, that vision has grown into a 1,300-acre urban oasis, providing environmental education, recreation, and conservation to hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. River Legacy Nature Center serves as a “gateway to get outside,” where visitors of all ages are invited to explore pristine natural spaces, learn about the region’s ecosystems, and experience the peace and awe that nature brings.

One Million Learners—and Counting

“We’ve connected one million learners to nature,” Becky proudly shared. That number is more than a statistic—it represents lives touched, curiosity sparked, and a growing movement to value, protect, and steward the environment.

Whether it’s a preschooler attending Nature School, a family exploring trails for the first time, or a fifth grader on a field trip discovering aquatic invertebrates, each of these experiences shapes future environmental stewards.

But the impact goes even further. “Think about the ripples that have occurred,” Becky said. “People come from all over North Texas, the U.S., and even the world. They carry that experience home with them.”

A Partnership Built to Last

A key to River Legacy’s continued success is its strong partnership with the City of Arlington. While the land and Nature Center are city-owned, the River Legacy Foundation has raised millions to build and operate its educational programming. From the original $2 million building campaign to today’s extensive offerings, the foundation continues to expand its reach thanks to generous donors, community supporters, and city collaboration.

“The best partnerships benefit both sides,” Bryan noted during the interview. “You provide something that enhances the beauty and educational opportunities of the city.”

Funding the Mission—Together

As a nonprofit, River Legacy Foundation relies on community support to keep programs thriving. Signature fundraising events like the Sporting Fun Clay Shoot in May, Fall Festival in October, and A Night with Nature in November provide critical funding and bring the community together for memorable experiences.

And there are more ways to give than just financially. Volunteers are the heartbeat of the foundation, playing a vital role in maintaining pollinator gardens, removing invasive species, supporting festivals, and assisting with programs.

Innovation Meets Nature

The River Legacy Nature Center is not only a hub for environmental education—it’s also a place of innovation. Becky highlighted the 30-foot interactive screens that brings visitors through four distinct seasons and three diverse habitats, offering an immersive learning experience unlike any other in Texas.

Programs span all ages, from toddlers to seniors. Offerings include:

Nature School and Homeschool Classes
Summer Camps
Field Investigations for school groups
Enrichment classes for families
And the seasonal “Get Creative with What’s Native” art contest, encouraging kids to explore nature through creativity.

Becky emphasized that no matter how someone chooses to engage, “You’ll find that one thing that you fall in love with—and you’ll never change from that.”

The Power of Connection through the Chamber

As a proud member of the Greater Arlington Chamber of Commerce, River Legacy Foundation continues to thrive through valuable connections, support, and visibility.

“The Chamber is full of people who want us to succeed,” Becky shared. “It allows us to connect with businesses and individuals who truly want the best for our community. And if they can’t help directly, they connect us with someone who can.”

Bryan wrapped the conversation with a great reminder: “As we like to say, there are two types of people—chamber members and future chamber members.”

What’s Next for River Legacy Foundation?

With a million learners already reached, River Legacy Foundation is setting its sights on the next million—and beyond. As new families move to Arlington and the region grows, the foundation remains focused on connecting more people to nature, preserving green spaces, and equipping future generations with a love for the environment.

Whether through a walk on the trails, a classroom discovery, or a moment of stillness by the river, River Legacy reminds us that transformation begins with connection.