Bird & Nature Walks

Join Plano Parks and Recreation on to trip to Dino World Park in Glen Rose. You will take a trek on the dinosaur walking trail where you will be able to spot over 100 life-size dinosaurs. You can also tour the museum where you can see everything from dinosaur eggs to raptor claws. You will need to bring a sack lunch. Staff will provide drinks. Ages 5 and up. If your child is 7 years old or younger, you MUST provide a child safety seat as required by state law. Everyone 17 years old or younger MUST be accompanied by a registered adult.

Fees:
- Plano Resident $29.00
- Non-Resident $33.00
- FAP $14.50
- Senior Resident $26.10
- Senior Non-Resident $29.70

From the scutes of a saltwater crocodile to the feathers of a flamingo, guests are inspired by the beauty and diversity of the animals. The ZOOm Lens Photo Contest is an opportunity for professional and novice shutterbugs alike to celebrate these beautiful images captured on camera at the Zoo. Submit your photos today – the contest runs July 25 through September 16, 2011.

YR0141 – 6 km 10 km & 16km  - Dallas Co. Rated 1

START: Doctors Hospital, 9330 Poppy Drive, Dallas, TX.

DIRECTIONS: From I-30 Exit 53A (N Buckner Blvd/TX Loop 12 N), go north on Buckner Blvd. Turn left on Poppy. From I-635 Exit 14 (Plano Rd), go south on Plano Rd, which turns into Lake Highlands Dr. Turn left onto N Buckner Blvd/TX Loop 12 S. Turn right on Poppy. Take the second turn-in for the hospital. Note: The hospital is on the left, and offices with attached garage are on the right. Park in Lot A or the free garage. Enter the automatic door below the “Hospital Entrance” sign; go to the Communication Office on the left, Room 112, across from the women’s restroom. Ask the hospital operator for the walk box, register in the lobby, and then return the box to the operator.

GROUP WALK: E-mail point of contact about Sunday morning group walks.

Volunteers remove non-native plants, restore trails, and work in the butterfly garden. Repairing trails reduces erosion trouble spots and removing non-native plants clears crowded trail edges. We'll provide snacks, water, pruning shears, shovels, and work gloves. All you need to bring is sun screen and bug repellent. Rain or shine.

Dallas County Lepidopterist' co-founder Dale Clark brings the third installment in a series on butterflies through the seasons. While Fall typically signifies the winding down of the year, it is actually one of the most active and exciting times to observe butterflies in Dallas. From rare and unusual strays that wander up from the south, to the regular emigrant species that show up every year, and of course, the annual migration south of the Monarch butterfly. The cast of players is large and varied filled with stories of success ... and failures. $15, $10 for TDG Members.

Go on a guided tour of the Butterfly House and get a behind the scenes look at these winged wonders. Included with admission ($8/adults, $6/seniors 60+, and $4/children 3-11). Pay at door.

Explore native butterflies and their habitat and learn what they eat as caterpillars and as adults. Appropriate for ages 3+. Included with admission ($8/adults, $6/seniors 60+, and $4/children 3-11). Pay at door.

Every day in August, enjoy admission to the garden for just $1 per person for adults and children. Parking not included.

3rd ANNUAL Octoberfest 10K DAYHIKE Hike 10K (6 miles) on the Lake Ray Roberts Greenbelt Corridor. This is an easy trail running along side the Elm Fork of the Trinity River. No reservations required, just show up. Well behaved pets on a leash are allowed. Bring water and snacks. Meet at 9:00 AM at the Highway 380 Trailhead Park. Admission to the park is $5.00 per person or free with a Texas State Parks Pass. There will be an optional lunch afterwards. The Park is on US Hwy 380 2.1 miles west of Hwy 377 or 2.8 miles east of Loop 288 in Denton. Highway 380 can be reached from Central Expwy,Preston Rd., or the Tollway. Bring extra shoes in case the trail is muddy. Leader: Mark Adams 972-658-1281

Come join us as we day hike 7 miles on the northern reaches of White Rock Creek. This is a very urban, paved trail but it is actually very nice as it follows the creek under all the main thoroughfares of north Dallas. No pets, please. Bring water and a snack as we will be walking all morning. We will leave the trail head promptly at 9 AM. To reach the trailhead from the intersection of I-635 and Hillcrest Rd., go north on Hillcrest a short distance turn right on Valley View and turn right into the second parking lot. Remember, the second parking lot on the right. I will be near the restrooms and playground. Optional lunch afterwards. Leader: Mark Adams 972-658-1281