Bird & Nature Walks

This month we’ll be cutting back privet which is crowding our trails, grooming our Butterfly Garden, Thunder Turf, wildflower bed and picking up litter.

Please bring your favorite gardening tools, work gloves, or litter picker upper.

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 provided. O.S. Gray Natural Area has no restroom facilities, but Kroger is nearby.

Info: FriendsOfosgray@gmail.com

The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, contributing invaluable data to scientists studying bird population trends. Our kids’ version of the count gives children just a taste of the real deal. Ages 5 years and up. $5 per person, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/vehicle, cash or check only). Registration is required: go to bit.ly/COLsplash to register. Plan ahead, as registration will close at 12 pm on Dec. 23. For help with registration, contact the Frederick P. Herring Recreation Center at 972-219-3560.

Enjoy a tour of the historic Minor-Porter Log House, make a corn husk doll or an ornament to take home to your own Christmas tree, create a hand-dipped candle, enjoy music and snacks, and more. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the structures. Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and join in at their own pace. There is no additional fee for this activity beyond regular admission to LLELA ($5/vehicle, cash or check only).

Visit the LLELA Nature Preserve’s prairie restoration area to explore the wonders of the night sky. For ages 5 and up. $10. Registration required: bit.ly/COLsplash. 

Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join an expert birder to explore birding locations at LLELA Nature Preserve. For ages 10 and up. There is no additional fee for this hike beyond the regular gate fee.

 Learn about trip planning, essential items, safety precautions and local resources and places to go. Free.

Join trail guides as they lead a moonlit stroll through the woods and across the prairie. Howling coyotes, hooting owls, armadillos and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience. $10. Registration is required at bit.ly/COLsplash. 

Enjoy the peace of nature instead of crowds of shoppers on the LLELA Nature Preserve trails, as guides will read a story and share the wonders of winter and fall in the forest. Bring family and friends for a two-hour hike through forests and prairies. $5 program fee plus regular gate fee ($5/vehicle, cash or check only). All ages are welcome. Registration is required at bit.ly/COLsplash. Registration will close at noon on Nov. 25. For help with registration, contact the Frederick P. Herring Recreation Center at 972-219-3560. 

Since the recent rains have softened up the ground, we’ll be pulling pesky privet stumps, grooming our butterfly garden, Thunder Turf, wildflower bed and picking up litter.

Please bring your favorite gardening tools, work gloves or litter picker upper.

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 provided.

O.S. Gray Natural Area has no restroom facilities, but Kroger is nearby.

Enjoy the sounds, smells and magic of nature along with classic camping activities like a night hike, a campfire, s’mores, breakfast and more for the whole family. $25/per person; $5/4-person tent; $10/6-person tent.

Deadline to sign up is Saturday, Nov. 7. RSVP: 469-526-1980 or dcac@audubon.org.