Bird and nature walks, tree and plant identification, and more
Bring binoculars and field guides if have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. Can expect about 30+ species. All ages welcome.
The city named Bluebird Capital of Texas celebrates the iconic bird with arts and crafts, pageant, carnival and bluebird tours in Van Zandt county, east of Dallas.
During the month of April, the bluebonnets are on display in Ennis and the city provides a map, showcasing the best viewing spots along 40 miles of driving trails.
In addition, the city puts on a weekend festival with arts and crafts, children’s activities, entertainment and bluebonnet souvenirs.
The popular Arlington nature center presents nature walks, camping classes, story times and crafts at the River Legacy Living Science Center.
The festival has a new location at the Dayspring Nature Preserve, 622 Rainforest Lane, and will feature exhibits, an eco-lab trail, kite flying and a wildflower seeded Easter egg hunt.
Fundraiser benefiting Twelve Hills Nature Center, featuring variety of wines, hor d'oeuvres, silent auction, live music and live owl.
$40/advance, $45/at door.
Participate in restoration and management activities at this rare blackland prairie remnant. We’ll multi-task with a boundary walk, litter pickup and watching for spring wildflowers. Photo and birding opportunities too.
What & why a boundary walk? Since we have battled with invasive trees and shrubs on the west side of the preserve for over 10 years, but the east, more impacted side of the site has remained mostly untouched. As a major step in managing the entire site for restoration, a mowed perimeter has been suggested to allow better access for walking and equipment (if needed) and easier management of wind-dispersed invasive plants. As part of our March Stewardship Day, we’ll walk the preserve’s boundaries and assess what’s needed to establish a perimeter.
Please wear sturdy shoes or boots and long pants. Weather forecast includes precipitation, so an RSVP is appreciated in case of cancellation due to weather, etc.
Information, directions, to RSVP: info@theprairie.org.
Native Prairies Association of Texas director Pat Merkord will be giving workshop on “Native Prairie Indicator Species: Signs Prairie Hunters Seek.”
Find out what the top 10 indicator grass and wildflower species for Dallas area blackland prairies are and have hands on opportunities to identify selected grasses and forbs.
This workshop will help those interested in looking for prairies or those who want to learn more on how to identify prairie indicator species an opportunity to expand their prairie knowledge.
Schedule:
10-10:30 – Set up
10:30 to 11:30 – Introduction to top 10 Prairie Indicator Species for Blackland Prairies
(Includes tips on ID with actual specimens)
11:30 to 12:00 – Lunch – Please bring your own brown bag lunch on site
12:00 to 1:00 – More in-depth view of Prairie Indicator Species using nearby prairie site walk and field specimens
1:00 to 1:30 – Presentation Wrap-up on some North Texas Prairies
Tim Dalbey (& possibly Jim Flood) has graciously offered to take us on another field trip. This time to view the blooming Buckeyes along the Texas Buckeye Trail. They've offered to guide us Sunday, March 22 at 10am, weather permitting.
"The Texas Buckeye Trail is a natural surface nature trail that meanders into the Trinity River's hardwood bottomland forest. Trail destinations include the River Overlook and the Buckeye Grove. Both paths will lead you to the river's edge deep into the forest surrounded by mature Bur Oak, Cedar Elm and Pecan trees. This trail provides the hiker a true wild outdoor experience less than four miles from downtown Dallas!"
The hike will last 2-3 hours. Trails range from flat and easy to hilly and moderately difficult. Bring a picnic lunch for later.
Wear hiking boots or sturdy walking shoes and a hat. Bring a small daypack with at least 32 oz of water and a trail snack or GORP (good ole raisins and peanuts).
All proceeds benefit Green Source DFW, Cedar Ridge Preserve and Explorers Academy, a nonprofit entity founded to assist adverturers of all ages and economic backgrounds enjoy the outdoors. $20.
RSVP: Wendel Withrow, wendel@withrowlaw.com, 214-287-1046.