Bird & Nature Walks

Visitors to Oliver Nature Park are often focused on the plants and animals that live there. But what lies beneath our feet when we visit? Join a naturalist for a geology‐related lesson and a walk to explore the inorganic side of nature. Pre‐registration required. 

Paleontology (8‐13Y) ‐ Thursday, June 8th, 12:30 – 2 pm 

How are fossils formed, and what can they tell us about the history of the Earth? Rocks and 

Minerals (8‐13Y) ‐ Thursday, August 3rd, 9 – 10:30am How are rocks formed, and how do they change over millions of years? 

Join us for a photo‐filled morning and learn about becoming a citizen scientist. This program is geared towards students 13‐16 years old who want to learn more about iNaturalist and build their knowledge of nature. Students need to download the iNaturalist app to their smartphones prior to camp. Pre‐registration required. $20/$25 per child. Register online.

Info: olivernaturepark@mansfieldtexas.gov.

Nine fabulous days in nature for 6-9 year old children. 

Did you wait until summer to plan the summer (like we did)? Then this is for you! 

Here is a low commitment way for your child to experience our program and get out of the house once a week this summer. We will explore summertime themes and observe the warm weather changes in our nature center. 

We will meet for 5 Fridays in June and 4 Fridays in July 

from 9:30 AM to 2:30 PM at Twelve Hills Nature Center 

Space is limited and we start next week – so sign up now!

Gain confidence and build your resume as a volunteer outdoor educator! Assist Texas State Parks with overnight camping workshops with the Texas Outdoor Family Program.

We’ll have nature artifacts for kids of all ages, a bug booth and special critter visitors from Wildlife on the Move. Take a self-guided nature walk and stick around for special recognition for Rosemont Nature Leaders scheduled for 11:30. Paletas and other tasty goodies will be available for refreshments.

Are you one of those people who has wanted to help out Tandy Hills in a direct way? Here's your chance. A small crew of volunteers is needed to clear the trails and other areas on a monthly basis, every third Saturday. Our new designation as a Lone Star Legacy Park and part of the Great Texas Wildlife Trail system, makes this work even more important. Sign up here: info@tandyhills.org. Thanks a mil!

We will begin the evening with a walk "Secret Features of SWNP" led by Jim Frisinger. Next up is time for exploring, visiting and enjoying light refreshments (furnished by Friends of SWNP). We will end the evening with a "Night Hike and Owl Prowl," led by inveterate invertebrate, amphibian and reptile experts – Michael Smith. The hike will start just before dusk.

Info: Annabelle Corboy apcorboy@sbcglobal.net or (817) 683-1739

CHECK WEBSITE OR WITH CONTACT IN CASE OF RAINOUT.

Join LLELA’s director, Dr. Ken Steigman, or restoration manager, Richard Freiheit, on a guided wildflower walk through LLELA’s restored prairie areas. Perfect weather is making for an excellent wildflower show this year. Imagine what it was like to be an early settler who came upon the vast prairie when it was covered with spring blooms. This hike is on a non-public portion of LLELA and is a chance to get a glimpse of efforts to preserve this highly endangered ecosystem. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by 11 a.m. Friday, May 19, at bit.ly/CoLRegistration, activity code 810008. $5.

Join LLELA’s director, Dr. Ken Steigman, or restoration manager, Richard Freiheit, on a guided wildflower walk through LLELA’s restored prairie areas. Perfect weather is making for an excellent wildflower show this year. Imagine what it was like to be an early settler who came upon the vast prairie when it was covered with spring blooms. This hike is on a non-public portion of LLELA and is a chance to get a glimpse of efforts to preserve this highly endangered ecosystem. PRE-REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED by 11 a.m. Friday, May 12, at bit.ly/CoLRegistration, activity code 810008. $5.

Pull up a camp chair and listen as Master Naturalist Scott Kiester tells us about one of our native insect controls – bats! Then watch the sun set and the stars appear as you enjoy traditional campfire fun: stories, songs, and of course, s'mores! $10. Call 972-219-3550 to ask about special pricing for families of four or more. Registration is required by 5 p.m., Thursday, May 11 at bit.ly/CoLRegistration; search for activity code 800006.