Collections

The term conservation is often extended to resources other than land and wildlife, and through the years the Foundation has been entrusted to preserve and protect a number of other very special items including 

• A Natural History Collection of more than 20,000 specimens of mammals, birds, bird eggs, reptiles, amphibians, insects, and plants. 
• A magnificent collection of 405 taxidermic birds donated to us by Donald E. Bowman who is considered one of the world’s premier bird taxidermists.
• Unique wildlife paintings by famed wildlife artist Francis Lee Jaques that include several three-dimensional panoramas which depict the wildlife and habitats of the Welder Wildlife Refuge.
• A library of wildlife and natural resource books, journals, and publications. Many of these resources are rare and not available to the public today.

Unlike many museums, most of our natural history collections are available for use and study by biologists and wildlife professionals. Professionals and the public are also welcomed to use our library by appointment; however, books and publications cannot be checked out from the library. 

The public can also view our art and extensive natural history collections during special tours offered by the Foundation. Special tours, led by Foundation staff, allow visitors to view these collections. If you are interested in using our collections, please contact  Angie Arredondo, program coordinator and museum curator, to schedule an appointment to use the collections.