Jim’s This & That, July 2017

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JIM’S THIS & THAT, July 2017
Take a look inside for…
1. News You Can Use including (indoors!) workshops and seminars,
TPWD and JBSWC hiring, 2 great “critter” web resources – and more.
2. Links to community calendars
3. Area organizations & locations for eco-recreation & education
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It may be that when we no longer know what to do
we have come to our real work,
and that when we no longer know which way to go
we have come to our real journey.
The mind that is not baffled is not employed.
The impeded stream is the one that sings.
       (Wendell Berry, b. 1934)
***
I. NEWS YOU CAN USE:
The orchiding continues. Stephanie Varnum reports that the Hexalectris orchid season has gotten off to a great start at Cedar Ridge Preserve. It’s not too late to join the final days of counting: Thurs., July 6 (meet at the Cedar Brake Trail access on Straus Rd.) and Fri., July 7 (meet at the education building near the parking lot). Final census day, led by Dr. Marcie Brown-Marsden, is Fri., July 21; all counts 8a.m. -11a.m.ish. Bring water and wear sturdy shoes, bug spray, and long pants. For more information, contact Stephanie Varnum at sasvarnum@gmail.com or 214.543.0748.
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News from NPSOT…the Native Plant Society of Texas will host a photo contest in conjunction with their fall annual meeting (Nov. 3-4 in Huntsville); NPSOT members and/or event participants are invited to enter; winning photos will be displayed on the excellent NSPOT website and in the newsletter. Details at http://npsot.org/wp/story/2017/10000/
And read this fascinating article, about male queen butterflies using compounds in Gregg’s blue mist flower to create pheromones to attract females…compounds which will also make the female’s egg unpalatable to predators. http://npsot.org/wp/story/2017/9972/
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It’s all about bats. TPWD has a terrific new website devoted to places in Texas for bat watching, alson with some great links for bat-related education. Check it out: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/species/bats/bat-watching-sites/
And for all things bugs, the website developed by Mike Quinn (http://texasento.net/) is a great resource. Mike recently updated the guide to stink bugs – who knew there were so many? Check it out at http://texasento.net/TX_Pentatomidae.html
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This news from the AgriLife Extension Service in Dallas: Applications are now being accepted for the 2017 Master Volunteer Entomology Specialist class to be held at the Texas A&M AgriLife Center at Dallas from September 18-21. The purpose of the Entomology Specialist program is to provide advanced insect-related training.   The goal of the Entomology Specialist program is not so much to produce entomology “experts”, but to identify Master Volunteers who have received special training and are willing to support specific entomology-related programs or projects of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. More at http://agrilife.org/insectspecialist/
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Mark your calendars now for the Statewide Quail Symposium, August 16-18 in Abilene. More at http://statewidequailsymposium.com/
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Cornell’s Bird Sleuth K-12 program has free educational resources for birds and kids. Check out their downloadable activity guides, keyed to books used in storytimes… http://www.birdsleuth.org/books/   and teacher-tested tips for working with kids outdoors… http://www.birdsleuth.org/leading-groups-outdoors-tips/

And from Audubon Texas…Texas Junior Audubon News is a FREE monthly publication for kids of all ages. Each month features a bird spotlight plus games and activities for young Audubon friends to print and share. More at http://tx.audubon.org/news/texas-junior-audubon-news
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2 minutes of natural beauty… Take a micro-break by watching this video of a heron/egret/roseate spoonbill rookeries, courtesy of TPWD… https://www.youtube.com/watch?utm_campaign=govdelivery-email-OWT-june2017&utm_medium=email&utm_source=govdelivery&v=6livhbmsPRo
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Stay cool and keep learning – here are some July education activities…

1. History of Texas Botany. Barney Lipscomb, the Leonhardt Chair of Texas Botany of the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) will give an enlightening lecture to the Southwestern Fern Society on the history of Texas botany and the men who made great contributions in this field. The lecture is free and open to the public. North Haven Gardens, 7700 Northaven Road, Dallas, 75230. Sun, July 9, 2017, 2:30 PM – 4:30 PM.

2. Plant propagation. In this two-hour hands-on workshop, Roseann Ferguson (Texas Discovery Gardens) will demonstrate how to propagate your own plants from cuttings, leaves, seeds, and other plant parts. You will take home four new plants that you start from cuttings – and the confidence to make your own new plants. $25; registration at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/plant-propagation-workshop-tickets-34861740404   North Haven Gardens, 700 North Haven Road, Dallas, 75230.
Sat, July 15, 2017, 9:30 AM – 11:30 AM
3. Botany from the Ground Up. Are you confused by all the green out there…overwhelmed by how to get started understanding and identifying the many plants that surround us? You’re right to feel this way: there’s only one species of humans – Homo sapiens – but about 250,000 “flowering” plant species. In this hands-on workshop, we’ll start with a big-picture look at the plant kingdom, then focus in on plant structures and functions, organization and classification of plants, and techniques to help with plant identification. Dallas County Government Center, 10056 Marsh Lane (at Walnut Hill, the AgriLife Extension office in the basement). Free, but space is limited and RSVPs are required to danawilson59@yahoo.com. Monday, July 17, 10am-12pm.
4. Summer has arrived and so has the heat – come inside where it’s cool and hear about amazing trees in Texas!  Please join us for our next meeting of the Texas Historic Tree Coalition, which will cover the subject of Comanche Marker Trees, with presenter Steve Houser,  co-author of Comanche Marker Trees of Texas, which was recently released by Texas A&M University Press.  Wednesday, July 19, 7pm, Meadows Conference Center, 2900 Live Oak Street, Dallas. Please email mary.graves@TXHTC.org to reserve seats.
5. Discovering and Preserving Texas’ Botanical Heritage.  Texas is fortunate to have a wealth of information about its plant life, vegetation, and natural history due to many collectors and collections over the last 197 years, since the first scientific collecting began in Texas in 1820. The 19th Century ushered into Texas a wave of zealous naturalists who labored tirelessly in the great age of discovery. These early sojourners gave science a wealth of herbarium specimens which represent an important source of knowledge about Texas’ biodiversity. A current decline of plant collecting continues into the 21st century but at what price? Herbarium specimens are a gold mine of information; deciphering the information is good for science and good for conservation in the 21st century. Our Program will examine herbarium collections to 1) map under-collected areas in Texas, 2) look at the rate of plant collecting in the 21st century, and 3) identify areas of Texas in need of further exploration and collecting. Sponsored by the Indian Trails Master Naturalists. Monday, July 24, 7p.m., 2017, First United Methodist Church, 505 W. Marvin Ave., Waxahachie, TX (Family Life Center – Gathering Room).
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A Beautiful Planet is a breathtaking portrait of Earth from space, providing a unique perspective and increased understanding of our planet and galaxy as never seen before. Made in cooperation with the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA), the film features stunning footage of our magnificent blue planet — and the effects humanity has had on it over time — captured by the astronauts aboard the International Space Station (ISS). Narrated by Jennifer Lawrence and from IMAX Entertainment and Toni Myers — the acclaimed filmmaker behind celebrated IMAX® documentaries Blue Planet, Hubble 3D and Space Station 3D — A Beautiful Planet presents an awe-inspiring glimpse of Earth and a hopeful look into the future of humanity. http://www.fwmsh.org/a-beautiful-planet

And for great viewing closer to home, “RARE”, a mini-series on PBS featuring Joel Sartore, will premiere July 18, 8 pm on PBS/KERA channel 13. RARE continues on consecutive Tuesdays, July 25 and August 1. RARE: CREATURES OF THE PHOTO ARK travels with renowned photographer Joel Sartore as he photographs at-risk and rare species in the wild, in zoos, in nature preserves and explores his Photo Ark initiative. This captivating and visually stunning PBS special reveals why ensuring species’ future matters to us all. More at http://www.pbs.org/show/rare/
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3. John Bunker Wetland Center is growing!  We are hiring 2 new permanent, part-time positions at the Center for the new school year.  If you know of anyone that may be interested in the position, please pass this along to them.  We are looking forward to a fantastic year! Contact, and general information, at 972.474.9100; contact@wetlandcenter.com; www.wetlandcenter.com
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Indian Trails Master Naturalists Announce 2017 Annual Training Class: The Indian Trail Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists, will hold their Annual Training Classes on Thursday evenings, 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. from August 24 to November 16, 2017 at First United Methodist Church Family Life Center, 505 West Marvin Avenue, Waxahachie. The Texas Master Naturalist Program is co-sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Applications are due by July 17, 2017. For more information and to receive an Application, please e-mail training@itmnc.com or contact the AgriLife Extension Office by phone: 972-825-5175.
 
II. LINKS TO COMMUNITY CALENDARS
1.    https://public.ntmn.org/calendar (A calendar of events across the Metroplex, compiled by the
North Texas Master Naturalists)
2.    www. greensourcedfw.org (The GreenSource DFW Environmental News & Community Resource)
 
III. 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 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.
Blackand Prairie Chapter (Collin Co.) – Texas Master Naturalists
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
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[l1]
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.​​
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 com​munity, 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.
2nd Wednesday, Brookhaven Community College
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.
Monthly meetings the second Thursday of each month from September thru May. A birding ID session begins at 6:50 p.m., with the general meeting commencing at 7:30. Research and Education Building at the University of North Texas Health Science Center, on 3500 Camp Bowie Blvd., Ft. Worth.
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 Place
McKinney, TX 75069
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
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
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.
* Butterfly House Discovery Tour, first Saturdays at 11 am
* 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.

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