Bird and nature walks, tree and plant identification, and more
Led by Ben Sandifer, Master Birder, we will see lots of birds and more: a Great Blue Heron Rookery, raptors, beaver lodges and a wide variety of other sights and sounds. Expect a mile or two of walking on paved and uneven natural surfaces.
Bring binoculars and a camera for birds and wildflowers, water and insect repellent; wear long pants and sturdy shoes.
Check out Ben's blog for local hikes, history and wildlife!
Animal tracks, deer trails, trees with personality, singing birds – we never know what we’ll find on our nature walk! The walk will last about 2 hours. All ages are welcome. Wear closed-toe shoes; bring a water bottle. Meet at the Cicada Pavilion; Gatehouse staff can direct you.
Free with gate admission ($5 per car, cash or check only). Registration not required.
Info: 972-219-3550 M-F or 972-219-7980 on weekends.
Join Gailon Brehm and Rodney Thomas, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society, on this monthly bird walk. Bring binoculars and field guides if you have them. Learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls. Expect about 30-plus species.
All ages are welcome. Long pants, closed-toe shoes sunscreen and insect repellent recommended. Meet at the Meadow Preserve Parking Lot Public Gate at Alma and Tatum Road.
View the sights of tall trees, scaling vines and evergreen plants. The forest is a place in which wildlife seeks shelter and wintering birds are heard. Come and explore the forest wilderness as we meander along the Riverbottom Trail and observe the seasonal changes along the way.
Pre-registration recommended.
$5 with paid admission.
Join the Farmers Branch Historical Park for an all-age free Bird Walk. The Bird Walk will be especially great for younger bird enthusiasts and kids of all ages. Guests are invited to bring binoculars, but are discouraged from bringing pets. Walk begins in the Historical Park parking lot. After the Bird Walk, Home Depot will host a hands-on nature workshop.
Space is limited and pre-registration is required.
Start the new year right with a one-mile hike with a park ranger. This guided hike is welcome to all ages. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Meet at Duck Pond Trailhead.
Regular park admission fees apply. No additional charge for activity participation.
Join a Park Ranger for a guided hike to learn about the history of St. Nick and the value of prairie land.This guided hike is welcome to all ages. Please wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a bottle of water.
Meet at Duck Pond Trailhead.
Regular park admission fees apply. No additional charge for activity participation.
HIKE: Noon to 3:30 pm
Weather permitting, we will explore NPAT’s latest acquisition, Paul Mathews Prairie near Greenville, with prairie experts. Wear long pants, sturdy hiking shoes, bug repellent, and sunscreen. Because of the deep gilgais, a walking stick is recommended. There are bathroom facilities to change clothes at The Landmark on Lee Street.
To reserve your spot on the field trip, contact Kirsti Harms at info@texasprairie.org or 512-392-2288.
CELEBRATION: 5 p.m. to 9 p.m.
Winter is quickly approaching and many animals are well into their routine. Join a naturalist for a leisurely walk looking for animals and insects preparing for hibernation, dormancy or just gearing up for the cold months ahead. Pre-registration recommended. $5 (with paid admission).
Guided hike at Spring Creek Forest Preserve with Master Birder Reba Collins. We will look for our late fall residents. Dress for the weather. Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring binoculars. If it has been raining, mud boots are appropriate.