Bird & Nature Walks

Michael Smith of Crosstimbers Connection presents "Herps of the Crosstimbers"

Activities include guided night hikes, crafts, shopping, education and fun. Guided hikes require a reservation and depart at 6:30pm, 7pm and 7:30pm. We strongly suggest families with young children participate in earlier hikes. $3. Not hiking? No ticket needed!

Info and reservations: dcac@audubon.org.

This four-session introductory photography series guides students to progress beyond taking snapshots to creating photographs by focusing on composition, perspective and camera operation. We begin by exploring your camera’s capabilities and learn how to manually adjust for shutter speed, aperture and ISO. Students need to bring a camera and the camera manual. A digital SLR or compact camera with manual controls is essential for this class.

$140.

There are many species of plants across the Nature Center. In this program, you will be become a detective and learn the keys to identification. We will teach you how to use a dichotomous key, provide hand lenses and lead you on your way to becoming a plant detective. Free (with paid admission).

A staff artist will demonstrate watercolor techniques and simple sketching. These skills can help with nature journaling. If you have these, please bring: a sketchbook or paper for wet media, pencil, eraser, school grade watercolor paint and a small container for water. A pointed #10 paintbrush makes it easy to apply color. Paper, a few brushes, paint and other supplies will be available for use. Art experience helpful but is not necessary. This activity is geared for ages 14 +. Free (with paid admission).

Interested in nature and would like to share it with others? Please attend this informative meeting to learn more about becoming a docent (nature teacher) at the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge. The orientation and information will be given between 10 a.m. - Noon. For those still interested with the training, it will begin shortly after orientation with an introduction ending at 2 p.m. For more information or to register, call Laura Veloz at 817-392-7413. Spring docent trainings will consist of several consecutive Saturday classes that will be take place from 9:30 a.m.

Come and explore nature before nightfall on one of the Nature Center’s trails. Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center their home. Bring water and wear weather-appropriate clothing. Pre-registration required. Meet at Front Gate. $10 (with paid admission).

Join FWNC&R Director/plant ecologist Suzanne Tuttle for a 2.5 mile trail hike around the Refuge. Learn to identify deciduous trees and shrubs in winter by their growth habits, bark, twigs, buds and leaf scars. Bring water and dress for the weather. Class size limited to 20. Pre-registration required. Free (with paid admission).

The Nature Center uses photos for many publications such as our Phenology and Bluestem News. We also post pictures to our Facebook page, website and are often asked to contribute photos to local media outlets. We rely on volunteers and staff to provide such photos. Join us on this hike to capture photos of winter. We will compile these photos and use them for future postings with your approval. Free (with paid admission).

Backpack four full days and camp three nights in Bend Bend National Park, the quintessential destination for Texas hikers and backpackers. The Dallas Sierra Club has chartered a sleeper bus with professional drivers to take us there and back minimizing vacation time lost in transit. Sleep on a bunk on the bus for the outbound and inbound trips. It’s fun! Choose from three backpacking itineraries (Chisos Mountains, Outer Mountain Loop, Mesa d’Anguilla) or base camp at Chisos Basin Campground and make longer hikes into the mountains, carrying only a day pack.