Hart-Morris Conservation Center
TFFC has flexible rental space available to the public.
The Hart-Morris Conservation Center houses approximately 5,000 square feet of meeting space that can be used as one large room or divided in half. Both sides have complete state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment, and a catering kitchen adjoins the meeting space. The conference center may be rented by the public during TFFC business hours. After-hours, it is only available to mission-related organizations.
Rental Inquiries
For information on seating capacity, rates and reservations, call (903) 676-2277 or complete and submit the Rental Inquiry Form.
Directions
5601 CR 4812
The Hart-Morris Conservation Center has an entrance that is separate from the TFFC main entrance.
From Loop 7 outside Athens, take F.M. 2495 east about 3 miles. After crossing Lake Athens, take the second right (Peninsula Drive, CR 4812). Drive 0.2 mile along the chain-link fence on your left and turn left through Gate E. Drive straight ahead to the parking lot; the Conservation Center is the first building on the left.
About the Center
The Richard M. Hart and Johnny Morris Conservation Center delivers educational programming and hosts community events and conferences. The $2 million, 14,000-sq.ft. facility was built entirely with donated funds. The center houses offices, classroom space, a conference center and a game warden museum. It is equipped with full audio-visual equipment and a catering kitchen. The facility is dedicated to conservation and hunting and fishing education. It may also be rented for public and private events.
Conservation Center Beginnings
The idea of a building with classroom, meeting and office space was first proposed in 2002. In partnership with Bass Pro Shops and Schooling for Bass, a unit of the Friends of TFFC, banquets and auctions were held in 2003, 2004 and 2005 to raise private funds to build the center without the use of state money. Johnny Morris, founder of Bass Pro Shops, gave a $650,000 challenge grant in 2004 "in memory of Ethel". Construction was completed in 2007.
Richard M. Hart of Dallas founded Schooling for Bass and led the fundraising effort for the building.
Other organizations and individuals contributing to the building fund were Kathie and Ed Cox, Jr., Eric Kincaid, ExxonMobil Foundation, Cain Foundation, Ginger Murchison Foundation, Hillcrest Foundation, Sheila and Walter Umphrey, Friona Industries, Hoblitzelle Foundation, Cathey and Don Humphreys, Texas Game Warden Association and J.B. Katz Foundation.
