Biodiversity Education Center

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The Biodiversity Education Center (BEC) works collectively to offer exceptional environmental education programs to the community with partner organizations such as: 

  • Coppell ISD
  • Keep Coppell Beautiful
  • Northlake College 
  • Friends of the Coppell Nature Park

Register for Classes!

Stay active with Coppell Community Experiences classes and other programs! From sports and fitness, to environmental education and creative arts, we offer fun for all ages and interests. Take a look at our Summer 2023 activity guide and register for a class.

Hand Drawn map of the Coppell Nature Park trails and BEC buildingDirections to the BEC 

Located on the west side of Coppell within Wagon Wheel Park, Coppell Nature Park (CNP) and the BEC may be accessed through the main entrance of Wagon Wheel at Freeport Parkway. Follow the drive all the way down and to the right where you will see parking spots near our park kiosk and a lone batting cage next to the baseball fields. Once parked, it is a short walk following the middle concrete path down to the BEC building. Reference the CNP park map below for more details. If you need additional directions, please call 972-304-3581.

Ask a Naturalist

Did you find a mystery plant or animal in Coppell Nature Park, or did you have some other experience in nature that you would like to learn more about? The staff at the BEC are North Texas Master Naturalists who love to share their knowledge and learn more about nature. Submit a completed form to ask us a question and we will respond as soon as we are able.

Volunteer with Us

There are a variety of volunteer opportunities available for teens and adults at the Biodiversity Education Center. Many of the programs the BEC offers to the community would not be possible or as enriching without volunteer service!

Adult Volunteers

If you are over the age of 18 and are interested in volunteering with the Biodiversity Education Center, we invite you to attend volunteer orientation. Adult orientation is offered two times a year in the Fall and Spring. During orientation, you will learn about Coppell Nature Park, the Biodiversity Education Center, the programs offered to the community through this facility, and the impact volunteers have on the community. Docents are a committed group of adult volunteers who receive training to take a leadership role with activities such as field trips, guided hikes, and group service activities.  Docent training is offered two times each year in the Fall and Spring. Check the seasonal program listing or BEC Facebook event page for upcoming orientation and docent training dates. Register online as a volunteer! Staff is available to answer questions via email or by phone at 972-304-3581.

Receive Service Hours with Us

Volunteers ages 13 to 17 may sign up to volunteer with us. We currently have virtual volunteer opportunities that include litter cleanups, citizen science and more! These volunteer opportunities keep in mind social distancing guidelines and many can be done from your neighborhood or home!

Green Building Design

The Biodiversity Education Center was designed with "green" construction features. The building receives power from 96 solar panels and includes a cistern that captures 9,400 gallons of rainwater. Landscaping around the Center features Texas native and adaptive plants, reducing water consumption and providing a habitat for wildlife such as butterflies, hummingbirds, birds, and bees.

View the kWh generated with the solar panels at the Biodiversity Education Center.

Icon with text overlay: Texas Aquatic Science Certified Field SiteThe Biodiversity Education Center is a Texas Aquatic Science (TAS) certified field site. Learn more about TAS curriculum.