North Texas Master NaturalistJIM’S THIS & THAT
January 2018: Happy New Year!
Take a look inside for…
1. Links to community calendars
… and including …
2. News You Can Use: articles, activities, and resources
3. Area organizations & locations for eco-recreation & education
***
And suddenly you know: It’s time to start something new and trust the magic of beginnings.
Meister Eckhart
***
Jim’s This & That is a personal communication, begun by avid naturalist Jim Varnum, which strives to fulfill Jim’s vision of connecting individuals interested in the natural world — primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area — with each other and with resources to increase an appreciation of nature. If you have comments and questions about its content, or wish to receive – or not receive – Jim’s This & That e-mails, please contact nature_links@yahoo.com
- Links to Community Calendars:
http://public.ntmn.org/calendar
(A calendar of events across the Metroplex, compiled by the North Texas Master Naturalists)
https://www.greensourcedfw.org/calendar
(The GreenSource DFW Environmental News & Community Resource)
- News You Can Use:
***
The best $60 you’ll spend this year. LLELA (Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area) is offering $60 season passes, and with all the activities at this fine site – day and night, youth and adult, recreation and education – you’ll want to visit often. More at https://www.llela.org/about-llela/site-specific-pages/season-passes
***
A great grass, at home or in the field. Check out this blog about the value of our great native switchgrass… https://friendsofhagermannwr.blogspot.com/2017/12/a-truly-amazing-plant-switchgrass.html
***
1 plant = loads of pollinating visitors. Last summer, after noticing an unusual abundance of insect life attracted to just one kind of plant in his local school garden, retired entomologist David Cappaert decided to spend 12 hours of a day photographing all the fun. The result is a 12-minute video showing 52 different insect and spider species attracted to the mountain mint, Pycnanthemum sp., in a Connecticut schoolyard. Thanks to the great “Insects in the City” blog for sharing this story. https://vimeo.com/241105593
***
Ain’t prairie dogs cute? This, courtesy of “Texas Prairie Blaze” (the e-newsletter of the Native Prairies Association of Texas) – a great article about prairie dog communities and the threats they face: https://www.texascooppower.com/texas-stories/nature-outdoors/high-plains-sentinel
***
That’s a lot of birds! Earlier this year, more than 60,000 Red Knots gathered to feed on marine life and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s Gerrit Vyn was there to capture it all on film. http://dl.allaboutbirds.org/2017-ye?utm_campaign=2017%20Year-End%20Campaign&utm_source=hs_email&utm_medium=email&utm_content=59650819&_hsenc=p2ANqtz-_Gw0dE2RLDgvHwXkOpUYTbN_R1Q90nFtV7gRRU_Iqdyw6Sxfu00k_vqZZMctiKYc3WSqueAaeGmrG2Va8fORVRl-qgDg&_hsmi=59650819
***
And more bird news…check out this roundup of e-Bird news from 2017, with lots of links and resources… http://ebird.org/content/ebird/news/ebird-2017-in-review/?utm_source=Cornell+Lab+eNews&utm_campaign=6836291cec-EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_2017_12_15&utm_medium=email&utm_term=0_47588b5758-6836291cec-306620913
***
Hogs be gone. A recent newsletter from the Texas Society for Ecological Restoration contained an article and link for the Final Environmental Assessment: Field Evaluation of HOGGONE® Sodium Nitrite Toxicant Bait for Feral Swine. More at https://www.regulations.gov/docketBrowser?rpp=25&so=DESC&sb=postedDate&po=0&D=APHIS-2017-0067
For an overview of the severity of the feral hog problem (“…According to a Texas A&M feral hog population report, feral swine have been discovered in all of the 254 counties in the state, and nearly 80 percent of all land area in Texas is considered suitable habitat for the animals”), check out http://www.southwestfarmpress.com/crops/no-end-sight-texas-war-against-feral-swine
***
Mathews Prairie has been saved! The Native Prairies Association of Texas raised $60,000 this fall to purchase and maintain the 100-acre Mathews Prairie outside of Greenville. More, courtesy of Amy Martin and GreenSource DFW… https://www.greensourcedfw.org/articles/north-texas-wild-mathews-prairie-saved-hunt-county
***
Glyphosphate draft assessment released. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is releasing for public comment the draft human health and ecological risk assessments for glyphosate, one of the most widely used agricultural pesticides in the United States. Read the draft assessment: https://ipmsouth.com/2017/12/18/epa-releases-draft-risk-assessments-for-glyphosate/
This story came courtesy of the iWire e-newsletter from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center’s “Invaders of Texas” program. Sign up for this fact-filled newsletter at https://texasinvasives.org/pages/iwire.php
***
An interesting weather resource. The Natural Resources Conservation Service produces a weekly report using data and products from the National Water and Climate Center and other agencies. The report focuses on seasonal snowpack, precipitation, temperature, and drought conditions in the U.S. Check out a sample – this one for Dec. 21, 2017 – at https://www.wcc.nrcs.usda.gov/ftpref/support/drought/dmrpt-20171221.pdf
***
Two activities for Ft. Worth Audubon:
* Monthly Meeting-Thur., January 11, 2018:The Land of the Maya-Birds, Archaeology, and Culture by Brock Huffman. Start the new year with the FWAS and join us for a presentation by Brock Huffman, owner and founder of Chiapas Birding Adventures, LLC, on the abundant birdlife, archaeological sites, and the distinct culture in Chiapas, Mexico. Brock has co-authored 2 field guides for the Chiapas region and has implemented programs to train local birdwatching guides with the goal of preserving the Chiapas forests for our migrating birdlife; as well as contributing to an improved quality of life and social equality in Mexico by creating a financial incentive for local communities to preserve the forests. The FWAS meetings start at 7.30pm in Room 100 on the lower level of Research and Education Building, UNT Health Science Center, 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. (at Montgomery St.) Please come early for a mini-bird ID class that begins at 6.50pm. For additional information and directions log on the to the FWAS website at www.fwas.org
* Tarrant County Upcoming Guided Bird Count: Sunday, January 21, 2018 from 8:00 – 10:00 a.m. Meeting Place: Meet between 7:30 – 8:00 a.m. for coffee at the Starbucks at Trinity Commons (3000 S. Hulen St., #143, Fort Worth, TX 76109). We will park on Bellaire Dr. near the bridge crossing the river and walk along the paved trail (Fort Worth Trinity Trails) along the river to just under the Chisholm Trail Parkway bridge. Team Leader: RSVP to Tom Haase at 817-229-4987 (call/text) or e-mail tom.haase@sbcglobal.net to let him know whether you will meet him at Starbucks or on the trail.
- AREA ORGANIZATIONS AND LOCATIONS FOR
ECO-RECREATION & EDUCATION:
| Name | Mission | Regularly scheduled meetings & activities |
| Arlington Conservation Council | Arlington Conservation Council is an environmental non-profit organization involved with conservation efforts in Arlington, TX, and the surrounding Dallas-Fort Worth area. Our mission: ACC works to protect Arlington’s natural environment through education, community service, and advocacy for a sustainable future. | Monthly meetings the 1st Wednesday at 7-8pm in Fielder House, 1616 W. Abram (Abram & Fielder), Arlington, TX unless noted.
|
| Audubon Dallas http://www.audubondallas.org |
Audubon Dallas supports the conservation of birds and other wildlife, the protection of habitat and biodiversity, and the provision of education and opportunities for our entire community to observe and appreciate birds and nature. We teach about our local flora and fauna including the importance of the preservation of local ecosystems through conservation. We post regularly on our Facebook Page and keep records of the birds of Dallas County. | Monthly meeting the 3rd Thursday. |
| Blackland Prairie Chapter (Collin Co.) – Texas Master Naturalists
http://bptmn.org |
The Blackland Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists is one of 44 chapters statewide operating under the sponsorships of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and AgriLife Extension Service. Our members, primarily from Collin and far southeast Denton County, are trained and certified volunteers committed to providing education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and areas within our communities. Our intent is to raise our volunteers’ level of understanding of the natural world so that they will become stewards and promote stewardship in others. | 2nd Tuesday, 7p.m., The Heard Museum (McKinney)
|
| Blackland Prairie Raptor Center http://www.bpraptorcenter.org |
Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is dedicated to environmental preservation through public education and the conservation of birds of prey and wildlife in their natural habitat. Named after the tallgrass prairie that once covered more than 23,500 square miles of Texas from the Red River to San Antonio, Blackland Prairie Raptor Center is a rehabilitation and conservation education organization, specializing in fostering better public understanding of the relationship between birds of prey and healthy ecosystems. | 1st Saturday public activity (slight entrance fee applies) |
| Botanical Research Institute of Texas brit.org |
BRIT’s mission is to conserve our natural heritage by deepening our knowledge of the plant world and achieving public understanding of the value plants bring to life. Founded in 1987 and based in Fort Worth, BRIT documents the diversity of plant life and conducts extensive research around the world. In the last 10 years, BRIT scientists have located and described scores of species previously unknown to science. We are driven to find new plant species and research plant life for agricultural, economic, environmental, medical, and social uses and to share that knowledge in the classroom and the research laboratory. | * First Saturday program, 8:00am-12:00pm. Feb. – November. Exhibits, plant ID, Bella’s Storytime, free public tours of our LEED Platinum building. * Free public tours Thursdays 1:30p.m. |
| Cedar Ridge Preserve 7171 Mountain Creek Parkway, Dallas, TX 75249 http://www.audubondallas.org/cedar-ridge-preserve/ |
At an elevation of 633 feet, Cedar Ridge Preserve (formerly the Dallas Nature Center) is a slice of the hill country just 20 minutes from downtown Dallas. Cedar Ridge Preserve is a natural habitat of 600 acres featuring about 9 miles of trails, native trees, grasses and wildflowers, butterfly gardens, limited picnic areas and wild mammals, birds, insects and reptiles. CRP has been managed by Audubon Dallas since April 2003 by charter from the Dallas County Park & Open Space Program and the City of Dallas. | Conservation in Action Workdays – Third Saturdays, September through May, 9-Noon; June through August, 8-11 a.m. |
| City of Plano https://parks.planotx.org/econnect/Activities/ActivitiesAdvSearch.asp (search under “outdoor adventures”) |
The nationally accredited Plano Parks & Recreation Department is a key contributor of Plano’s reputation as a city of excellence. Parks and Recreation enhances the lives of residents and visitors by offering outstanding parks, trails and facilities, a variety of enriching programs, special events and activities that contribute to the health, well-being and quality of life in Plano. | |
| Collin Co. Chapter – Native Plant Society of Texas https://npsot.org/wp/collincounty |
The purpose of the Native Plant Society of Texas is to promote the conservation, research and utilization of the native plants and plant habitats of Texas, through education, outreach, and example. To this end, the Collin County Chapter holds monthly meetings January through October featuring speakers on topics related to native plants and habitats, sponsors donations for native plant demonstration gardens, plans field trips, and hosts native plant information tables at local outdoor events. | Monthly meetings the first Tuesday of each month at 7:00 p.m. (unless otherwise noted) in Laughlin Hall at the Heard Museum in McKinney. |
| Connemara Nature Meadow Preserve Parking lot at Main Entrance – at Alma, South of Bethany Drive in Allen. Public access is also available to the Connemara Nature Preserve via a trail on the eastern edge of the Suncreek Park in Allen. http://connemaraconservancy.org/wordpress/ |
Open to the public daily from dawn until dusk, the Meadow represents 72 acres of natural habitat, rich in floral diversity that is reminiscent of the tall grass Blackland Prairie that once existed here.
It is owned and perpetually maintained by the Connemara Conservancy Foundation. The Meadow is made available to the public as a place to revive the spirit while teaching the importance of nature and biodiversity in the world where we live.
|
Astronomy, habitat, bird, and “open house” meadow walks for the public; check for dates at http://connemaraconservancy.org/wordpress/meadow-walks/ |
| Coppell Biodiversity Education Center 367 Freeport Pkwy.Coppell, TX 75019 http://www.coppelltx.gov/BEC |
Nestled on 66 acres of nature preserve in Wagon Wheel Park, the Biodiversity Education Center at Coppell Nature Park promotes and provides hands-on environmental education. Participants of the education programs, for both school and the community, observe and learn about local flora, fauna, and environmental sustainability issues, as well as develop a deeper connection to their environment through nature. | Public programming and guided hikes; see http://www.coppelltx.gov/BEC for dates, times, and topics. |
| Cross Timbers Chapter (Ft. Worth) Texas Master Naturalists http://www.ctmn.org/meetings.php |
Our action-oriented chapter was formed in 1999 and currently consists of many active members. We service Fort Worth and the surrounding areas, and are very fortunate to have prairies, forests and wetlands, all in or near our highly-populated urban setting. Our members really make a difference – we work hard to repair and maintain the fragile beauty around us, and we introduce countless children and adults to the importance of natural resource conservation. | Meetings are held at the Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd., normally on the third Monday of the month at 7:00pm. |
| Dallas County Lepidopterist Society http://www.dallasbutterflies.com
|
The Dallas County Lepidopterists’ Society was established in 1995. Its purpose is to provide a forum where people may gather to share an interest in butterflies and moths, whether that interest takes the form of collecting, gardening, photography, study or casual observation. | Usual monthly meetings are the2nd Sat. 10am-12pm; location changes and may include field trips
|
| Dallas Paleontological Society www.dallaspaleo.org |
The Dallas Paleontological Society was founded in 1984 for the purpose of promoting interest in and knowledge of the science of paleontology. It was intended by the founding members that the Society would be a network for the exchange of data between professionals and serious amateurs in this field. | Meetings at 7:30 PM on the 2nd Wednesday of each month, at the Brookhaven College Geotechnology Institute, Building H (Ellison Miles Building), at Brookhaven College. Meetings are free and open to the public, and include an educational lecture. Meeting details and more information at https://www.dallaspaleo.org/
|
| Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center http://tx.audubon.org/chapters-centers/dogwood-canyon-audubon-center |
Located 20 minutes from downtown Dallas and Fort Worth in Cedar Hill, Dogwood Canyon is part of the White Rock Escarpment. Nowhere in North Texas can one find a greater variety of rare species than in Dogwood Canyon. Plants and animals from east, west and central Texas converge here, making the Canyon the only place in the world where one can find the Black-chinned Hummingbird of west Texas nesting in the flowering dogwood tree of east Texas. | Generally, a 4th Saturday conservation workday. |
| Elm Fork Chapter (Denton) – Texas Master Naturalists http://txmn.org/elmfork |
In our community, Elm Fork Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program will be recognized as a primary source of information, education and service to support natural resources and natural areas today and in the future. | 3rd Thursday of each month, program at 10:30. |
| For the Love of the Lake http://www.whiterocklake.org |
We are a non-profit organization whose volunteers support programs to preserve and enhance White Rock Lake Park. We organize regular clean-up activities, tree planting events, and raise money needed to fund improvements to White Rock Lake Park. | 2nd Saturday Shoreline Clean-up 8am-12pm. Supplies for cleanup available every Sat. from 8am-12pm at FTLOTL offices:
1152 N Buckner Blvd Suite #123, Dallas, TX 75218 |
| Fort Worth Audubon Society www.fwas.org
|
Our mission: to promote awareness, appreciation, and understanding of birds and other wildlife while preserving and protecting their natural habitats. | * Second Thursday monthly meetings from September thru May. A birding ID session begins at 6:50 p.m., with the general meeting commencing at 7:30. We meet in Room 100 of the Research and Education (RES) Building at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, on 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd. (at Montgomery St.). Use Parking Lot 6 on Clifton St. Follow link for more detailed directions http://www.fwas.org/showthread.php?4-Monthly-Meetings * Birding in the Park” – Bird walk the 2nd Saturday of every month at Foster Park with Jean Ferguson. June -Sept. hours are 7:00am – 9:00am. Oct.-May hours 8:30am -10:30am. Meet at Foster Park, Trail Lake Drive & South Drive; one mile north of I-20. Great field trip for beginning birders. Jean will have extra binoculars for beginners. * “Birding at Beds” – Bird walk the 2nd Wednesday of every month at birding “hotspot” Village Creek Drying Beds with Jim Sipiora. June -Sept. hours are 6:30am – 9:00am- Meet at Dunlop Sports Center -cross street and bird Village Creek exclusively. Oct.-May hours 7:15am to 8:30 bird Dunlop Sports Park-then 8:30am to 11:00am bird Village Creek. Meet in the parking lot of the Dunlop Sports Center on the south side of Green Oaks Blvd. between Davis Dr. and Fielder Rd. in Arlington, across from the entrance to Village Creek Drying Beds. Bring water, insect repellent, and sunscreen. ** Make sure all valuables in your vehicle are placed out of sight PRIOR to arriving at the parking lot
|
| Ft. Worth Nature Center http://www.fwnaturecenter.org |
Our mission is to enhance the quality of life by enrolling and educating our community in the preservation and protection of natural areas while standing as an example of these same principles and values in North Central Texas. | Regular weekend nature walks and talks; check website for times and topics. A small admission fee applies, and there may be a fee for some classes. |
| Greater Dallas Organic Garden Club http://www.gdogc.org |
For 24 years the GDOGC has been a leader in promoting organic gardening methods. Come be a part of a growing club that is passionate about gardening organically. | Monthly meeting the 4th Sunday of every month, 2:30-3:30pm (except November and December) at North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas, TX 75230. |
| Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge http://www.friendsofhagerman.com |
On National Wildlife Refuges, wildlife comes first! The main goals of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge are to provide and manage habitat for migratory birds, wildlife, and plants native to this area. | Second Saturday Adult Nature Programs (monthly);
Refuge Rocks Youth Nature Programs (3rd Sat. monthly); Guided Bird Walks (regular), Butterfly Garden Tours (Apr.– Oct.); Nature Photography Club (bi-monthly); Featherless Flyer Newsletter (monthly) and weekly Blog; Numerous Volunteer opportunities |
| The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary 1 Nature PlaceMcKinney, TX 75069 972.562.5566 |
The Heard’s purpose is threefold: education, conservation, and preservation. The Heard Natural Science Museum & Wildlife Sanctuary emphasizes an appreciation of nature and its conservation through education. The emphasis of the Heard’s education programs is children; however, the Heard also offers programs that will interest visitors of any age. | 2nd Sat. bird walks (Sept.-June)
3rd Sat. nature talks www.heardmuseum.org/events |
| Indian Trails Chapter (Ellis Co.) – Texas Master Naturalists http://txmn.org/indiantrail |
4th Monday chapter meetings; seasonal wildflower walks. | |
| John Bunker Sands Wetland Center wetlandcenter.com |
Located in the middle of the 2000 acre East Fork Wetland Project, the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center provides education and research opportunities pertaining to water conservation, wetland systems and wildlife management. The Center serves as the hub of environmental and social interest of man-made wetland habitats on the Rosewood Seagoville Ranch property. This includes the North Texas Municipal Water District’s 2,000 acre East Fork Wetland Project, and an additional 1,200 acres of bottomland hardwood forest restoration as part of the Bunker Sands Mitigation Bank. | 1st Saturdays: beginner & advanced birding 3rd Saturdays: Bunker’s Pond guided trail walk |
| Lake Lewisville Environmental Learning Area LLELA.org |
Our vision is to heal the land and restore the bond between people and nature, ensuring the preservation of our natural heritage for the future. Our Mission is to preserve and restore native Texas ecosystems and biodiversity while providing opportunities for environmental education, research, and recreation. | Regular weekend hikes, paddling, and bird walks; topics and times vary. Check http://www.llela.org/activites-programs for a current calendar. |
| Native Plant Society of Texas Dallas http://npsot.org/wp/dallas/ |
The purpose of the Native Plant Society of Texas is to promote the conservation, research and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example. | 3rd Monday, 7PM at Midway Hills Christian Church in their Fellowship Hall, 11001 Midway Road, Dallas, TX 75229. |
| Native Plant Society of Texas Denton -Trinity Forks Chapter https://npsot.org/TrinityForks/ |
The purpose of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) is to promote the conservation, research, and utilization of the native plants and plant habitats of Texas, through education, outreach, and example. | The fourth Thursday of: January — June, and August — October. 7p.m., TWU
https://npsot.org/TrinityForks/TrinityForksWeb/meetings.html |
| Native Prairies Association – Blackland Chapter (Dallas) https://blacklandnpat.wordpress.com |
The Blackland chapter formed in July 2014. Many of its members were galvanized by the discovery of original blackland prairie parcels at White Rock Lake in Dallas. The chapter has since been a leading voice to identify, preserve, and promote prairies in Dallas County and beyond. The Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit membership and land trust organization dedicated to the conservation, restoration, and appreciation of native prairies, savannas, and other grasslands in Texas. NPAT conserves and protects 2,780.87 acres of native Texas prairie. | 2nd Tues. |
| Native Prairies Association – Ft. Worth Chapter https://fortworthnpat.wordpress.com/calendar/ |
the Fort Worth chapter is weaving together local prairie professionals, educators, conservationists, landowners, students and members of the public in an effort to conserve, restore, protect and educate our community about the importance of the historic prairies of North Central Texas. | 2nd Monday |
| North Central (Ft. Worth) chapter – Native Plant Society of Texas http://www.txnativeplants.org/ |
The mission of the Native Plant Society of Texas is to promote research, conservation and utilization of native plants and plant habitats of Texas through education, outreach and example. We want all Texans to value native plants, native habitats and healthy ecosystems as essential to the well-being of living things and to our quality of life. Our vision is a future where native habitats are managed as critically beneficial natural assets, and where residential and commercial developments employ sustainable designs that preserve and promote native habitats. | 1st Thursday, 6:30, Botanic Gardens |
| North Texas Chapter – Texas Master Naturalists www.ntmn.org |
Our mission: “To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities.” | Monthly meetings the first Wednesday; check website for location (which varies), and topics. |
| North Texas Water Garden Society http://ntwgs.org/ |
The North Texas Water Garden Society is a nonprofit organization with the following objectives:
To encourage a greater appreciation and interest in water gardens. To disseminate information of interest and help to the members. To stimulate the study and culture of aquatic plants, fish and ponds. |
Second Tuesday monthly meetings, 7:30p.m., Community Room of Half Price books, 5803 E. Northwest Hwy., Dallas. |
| Prairies & Timbers Audubon Society (Collin County) prairieandtimbers.org |
PTAS is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization and chapter of the National Audubon Society. Organized in 1980, Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society serves Collin County and surrounding counties. We invite you and your family to join our all-volunteer range of nature-oriented activities. Monthly meetings are scheduled the 4th Tuesday, 6:30pm, September through November and January through May. They are free and open to the public. Programs are related to wildlife, ecology, conservation and of course, BIRDS! | 4th Tues., 7:15pm, Sept. – May; meets at The Heard Museum
2nd Sat birding at Heard, 7:30-8ish a.m. (no meeting June, July, Aug.) http://prairieandtimbers.org/Heard_Sat.htm |
| Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest (Garland, TX) https://springcreekforest.wordpress.com/ |
The Society’s goals are simple:
• To promote the preservation and protection of Spring Creek Forest as a cultural and natural resource treasure. • To facilitate scientific and educational pursuits by the public. The Society’s responsibilities are: • To maintain nature trails, an interpretive center, and parking lot. • To plan activities, such as school ecology classes, ecological and plant research, and nature interpretation. • To provide guided tours. • To guard against vandalism in the forest. |
1st Tues. meetings at the North Garland Branch Library, 3845 N Garland Ave, Garland, TX (Sept. – May); 1st Saturday after the 1st Tues. workdays – check website for workday locations |
| Southwest Nature Preserve 5201 S. Bowman Springs Rd., Arlington, Texas 76017 http://www.swnp.org/ |
The Friends of Southwest Nature Preserve supports the Arlington Park and Recreation Department in its work at SWNP and shares the City of Arlington’s commitment to protect this unique site’s natural resources. Our current projects include invasive exotic plant management, trail maintenance, aquatic habitat restoration and more. We also wish to enhance the public’s understanding of these natural resources through wildlife and plant surveys as well as providing public education opportunities. Southwest Nature Preserve was dedicated in October 2013, providing this area with new opportunities for outdoor recreation, nature appreciation and more. As a preserve, it’s a great example of eastern Cross Timbers ecosystem, characterized by woodlands and savanna grasslands, and enhanced by 4 ponds….providing a wide variety of habitats for diverse groups of wildlife. | Programs are held on the 3rd Tuesday of the month, at 7pm, at the West Arlington Police Station. For program topics and current schedule, please check the website, and on Facebook as Friends of Southwest Nature Preserve. |
| Texas Discovery Gardens at Fair Park 3601 Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd. Dallas, Texas 75210(214) 428-7476 x 341 http://texasdiscoverygardens.org/
|
Located in Dallas’ historic Fair Park, Texas Discovery Gardens is a year-round organically maintained urban oasis filled with natural wonders. Family festivals, free admission days, and our extensive (and growing) EarthKeepers® student education program introduce children and adults to natural outdoor learning experiences. We are the first public garden in the state of Texas to be certified 100% organic by the Texas Organic Research Center. The gardens are maintained using sustainable methods that conserve water and help to protect the environment. At family events offered throughout the year, children and parents can share the experience of being amazed and inspired by nature’s intricate web of life. Gardening workshops and guided tours provide expert advice on using native and adapted plants to create backyard habitats for butterflies, birds and other native wildlife. | Workdays 3rd Thurs. and 3rd Saturday, 9-11:30; meet at the greenhouse.
* Daily butterfly releases, 12p.m. * Garden Explorers Walk, second Saturdays from March — September at 11 am (Admission fee required for most events) |
| Trinity River Audubon Center http://trinityriver.audubon.org/ |
From its inception in 2008, as one of the National Audubon Society’s flagship environmental education center in the Central Flyway, Trinity River Audubon Center has been welcoming visitors to its sanctuaries and inviting them to participate in nature education programs. This innovative approach—preserving open space not just to protect wildlife and native habitat from people, but to actively engage people in its conservation through learning and exploration—served as a model for Audubon and other nature education centers nationwide and influenced the development of place-based experiential learning as a highly effective pedagogical practice. | 2nd Sat. cleanup 9am-12pm |
| Trinity Valley Beekeepers http://www.tvbees.org |
Trinity Valley Beekeepers Association is a non-profit club bringing together old, new, and aspiring beekeepers in the Dallas area. We are a group of people who share a passion for beekeeping. Our members range from professional beekeepers with many hives to hobbyists with a few (or even zero) hives. Our mission is to provide a forum for members and guests to meet and exchange ideas, to serve as a resource on beekeeping to our community, and to foster increased awareness of the importance of the honeybee and the beekeeping profession. | 2nd Tuesday, 7p.m., The Point at C. C. Young, 4847 W. Lawther Dr., Dallas. |
