Bird and nature walks, tree and plant identification, and more
Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert to explore birding locations at LLELA. Ages 10 and up. There is no additional fee for this hike, just LLELA’s regular gate fee ($5/vehicle, cash or check only). Info: 972-219-3550.
The nation’s largest ongoing citizen science project is held annually between Dec.14 to Jan. 5. Participants follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. Results are compiled by the National Audubon Society to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.
Below are a few Christmas Bird Counts on Dec. 17 in North Texas. Or check with your local Audubon or Texas Master Naturalist chapter. You can also organize your own!
North Dallas
The nation’s largest ongoing citizen science project, held annually between December 14 to January 5. Participants follow specified routes through a designated 15-mile diameter circle, counting every bird they see or hear all day. Results are compiled by the National Audubon Society to study the long-term health and status of bird populations across North America.
Step away from holiday shopping and step Into nature
Arrive at 5:30 p.m. and get immersed in nature on a hike at dusk. Pack an indoor picnic dinner and munch away while we watch a holiday movie together.
RSVP by calling 817-491-6333 or emailing admin@bjnc.org. $5/family.
Come seed bomb the Great Trinity Forest during this free community hike supporting RETREET's Rowlett ride for tornado victims. Join River Activation for the Trinity (RAFT) and Great Seed Bomb in exploring the Great Trinity Forest's AT&T Trail.
Begun in 1935, this holiday event draws area children into the Garden to share a little holiday gift-giving with our feathered friends. Children bring homemade, biodegradable bird feeders to hang in the trees of the Botanic Garden’s “Grove.” (Children need to BRING these treats to the Garden rather than make them on site.) Recipes for feeders are available at the Garden Center’s information desk and on the Garden’s website. Santa and Mrs.
Please bring your favorite work gloves, shovel, litter picker upper, or gardening tools. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for working in a natural area (long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, hat). Water and snacks will be available. O.S. Gray Natural Area has no restroom facilities, but Kroger is nearby.
Info: friendsofosgray@gmail.com
Enjoy an old-fashioned hayride to the bison range where you will get to see the bison up close as you assist staff in feeding them range cubes. We will visit the hay barn where you can learn about our bison management practices. During the entire hayride, we will discuss the habitats represented at the Nature Center. Meet at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center. Pre-registration required.
$15. 3 years and older (with paid admission). Under 3 years old free but child must sit on adult’s lap.
10am-11:30am and 1-2:30pm Nov. 22-23.
Pre-registration is not required, early morning birders will meet in at the main entrance to the center and gather in the lobby. Hike leaves promptly at 7:15 AM. Coffee will be available at no additional charge.
Info: TRAC@audubon.org or 214-309-5801.
Join us to tour the reclaimed site that is now a closed, i.e., not active, landfill that has been transformed into 365 acres of certified wildlife habitat. Located at Waste Management's former Westside facility, 13 miles west of downtown Fort Worth, just north of Interstate 30.