Nature & Museum

The Heard Natural Science Museum Is a 289-Acre Wildlife Sanctuary in McKinney

Bessie Heard founded the Heard Natural Science Museum and Wildlife Sanctuary south of McKinney. It covers 289 acres with trails and nature exhibits.

Collin County The Great Outdoors

Bessie Heard set up a charitable foundation in 1964. She bought land south of McKinney and opened the museum to the public in 1967. The sanctuary grew over time to 289 acres. It has nature trails and a man-made wetland area. The museum building has exhibits on natural history and live native animals.

The sanctuary is inside the city limits of McKinney. It is part of the Lake Lavon Loop wildlife trail, which the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department recognizes. Visit heardmuseum.org for hours, admission prices, and program information.

Source to confirm: Handbook of Texas – Bessie Heard

More Collin County notes

Property Tax Relief

How the Homestead Exemption Lowers Your Property Tax Bill

If you own and live in your home in Collin County, you can apply for a homestead exemption that removes part of your home's value from the tax calculation.

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Property Tax Basics

Two Offices Handle Property Taxes in Collin County

Two separate offices deal with your property taxes. One sets your home's value. The other sends your bill and collects payment.

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Agricultural Appraisal

Land Used for Farming Can Be Taxed at a Much Lower Rate

Texas law lets land used for farming be taxed on its farming value, not its full market value. This can sharply lower the tax bill.

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Special Districts

Many New Subdivisions Have an Extra Tax Line for a MUD or PID

Many new neighborhoods in Collin County have an extra charge on top of regular property taxes. It pays for water lines, roads, and parks built by the developer.

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