Bird and nature walks, tree and plant identification, and more
Enjoy a two-mile hike along the Riverbottom Trail by the West Fork of the Trinity River. Capture the sights of giant cottonwoods and willow trees. Explore the area that is home to beavers, herons and armadillos. Free (with paid admission).
Derek Broman, a biologist from Texas Parks and Wildlife, will offer a primer on the iNaturalist website and how to record wildlife observations to provide a living record of wildlife and nature in North Texas.
Learn about two closely related eastern Cross Timbers sites, their similarities and differences. Jeff Quayle will lead these hikes with Native Prairies Association of Texas-Fort Worth Chapter.
Hike 1
9-11:30am at Southwest Nature Preserve
5201 S. Bowman Springs Rd, Arlington, 76017
Hike 2
11:45am - 1:30pm at Thora Hart Park
3510 W. Green Oaks Blvd, Arlington, 76016
(~1 mile N of I-20 on W side of Green Oaks Blvd)
Both sites are home to a number of unusual to rare plants. Join the group for both or either.
Highlighting Maze Madness in the Meadow will be the official opening of two mazes that have been created in the Meadow, one for young children and another for older children and adults. In addition to the mazes, the family-friendly event will feature face painting, a Springfree Trampoline, slack lines, nature hikes and other games and activities for kids of all ages.
Families are also encouraged to bring picnics and enjoy the unspoiled beauty of the Meadow Nature Preserve, which is located on the border of Allen and Plano, near the intersection of Alma and Bethany Drives.
Meet at the main trailhead and we will walk down to the Outdoor Classroom #2 to make some drawings/sketches/paintings. This is a casual hangout with other art-interested folks.
We would like to gauge the interest in making this a regular event, and what that event would look like (sketch-crawl/hike?; a class?) Let us know what you think.
Catching bugs, watching birds, netting fish and frogs, taking pictures of wildflowers... Do you like these things? If so, please come to the Fall BioBlitz at Oliver Nature Park! We're going to document EVERY living organism at the park and add this to our ongoing list of species of the park. For this activity, please bring a camera (if you have one) and your sense of exploration! Snacks and water provided.
Info: Sam Kieschnick, 817-804-5789 or sam.kieschnick@mansfieldtexas.gov
Sam Kieschnick, nature education specialist for Mansfield Parks and Recreation, will give an introduction to the citizen scientist website iNaturalist.
Explore different areas of LLELA Nature Preserve and learn from fellow outdoor photography enthusiasts. Free with general entry. For ages 10 and up. erin.taylor@unt.edu.
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 required: 972-21-3930 or erin.taylor@unt.edu.
This month we will be repairing our mulch trails, staining park benches and grooming our Butterfly Garden. 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 available.
O.S. Gray Natural Area has no restroom facilities, but Kroger is nearby.