Bird & Nature Walks

If you have never done a Count before, the best description is an all-day census of birds within a predefined 15-mile diameter circle. The Dallas Count Circle is centered near the intersection of Inwood Road and Cedar Springs. We have divided the larger circle into 12 smaller zones for easier canvassing by teams of birders. Think of it as a fun day outdoors, watching and counting our wintering birds in Dallas. Parties of observers under the leadership of zone leaders go out to count and to identify every observed bird within the circle. You do not have to be an experienced birder to help. 

A "countdown dinner" at the end of the day is a CBC tradition. All participants are invited to attend our countdown dinner at 5:30 pm to compile the bird species numbers for the day at Luby's Cafeteria, 6221 East Mockingbird Lane, about 2 blocks west of the Abrams/Mockingbird intersection

Info: Reba Collins at rcollins20@verizon.net or call her at 972-530-2412.  

This film 'Pelican Dreams' is made by the woman who made another excellent documentary about birds, 'The Wild Parrots of Telegraph Hill.' Showing at the Dallas Angelika this week.

Join the Sierra Club for Ken Burns' Yosemite: A Gathering of Spirit, a documentary film produced to honor the 150th anniversary of the landmark federal act signed by Abraham Lincoln that preserved Yosemite Valley and the Mariposa Grove of giant sequoias. This act, the first time a government set aside land for public use and enjoyment, gave birth to the national park idea. This inspirational film brings to life an amazing time in America's conservation history. All welcome. Free. Info: Kirk Miller, 972-699-1687 or  KirkMiller@DallasSierraClub.org.

Visit our closest national wildlife refuge, Hagerman Wildlife Refuge, which is only 1.5 hours from Fort Worth and offers wildlife viewing and hiking trails in a unique setting. It was set aside in 1946 primarily as a resting place for geese and ducks, and includes nearly 13,000 acres of habitat adjacent to Lake Texoma. This trip gives us a chance to explore how federal lands are leased for various purposes, as you will note after seeing oil wells on this property. The refuge is located about 65 miles northeast of Fort Worth near Gainesville TX. 

In the morning we will explore the park on foot on the park’s hiking trails. Bring a sack lunch for a group picnic after the hike. After lunch we will take a guided tour of the refuge via tram with a refuge bird expert for approximately 1 – 1.5 hrs, and view a Powerpoint presentation about the refuge. Optional stop on the way home at the famous Clark’s Outpost BBQ in Tioga, TX.  

The 115th annual Christmas Bird Count is scheduled for Dec. 14, 2014 to Jan. 5, 2015. Organized by the National Audubon Society, this all-volunteer effort takes a snapshot of bird populations to monitor their status and distribution across the Western Hemisphere. The results are compiled into a database that is shared with federal, state and private authorities.

Counts are open to birders of all skill levels. Novices are placed in groups with more experienced birders. New to CBCs? Join us in the fun! 

The Fort Worth CBC will be held on Saturday, Dec, 20. If you would like to join a particular area please reach out to the leader of that area. Info: Mary Lee Johnson at birder76051@yahoo.com to be placed on a team.

Take a leisurely walk and learn about the plants and animals at Cedar Hill State Park. Discover how living things depend on each other to survive and thrive in the habitat here at the park. The trail is approximately one mile and is a great hike for families with walking children; the trail is not stroller accessible.

Please note: we close our trails when wet. If trail conditions do not allow this walk, we will discuss the same topics in the trailhead parking lot.

Location: Duck Pond trailhead

Cost: Regular park admission fees apply, no additional charge for activity participation.

Info: Lauren Pyeatt at Lauren.Pyeatt@tpwd.texas.gov or 972-291-3900, x232

First Day Hikes started as a great way to tie into the tradition of starting a ‘New Years Resolution’ to be a healthier, more active individual. In honor of that, Cedar Hill State Park will be hosting a ‘Day One Trail Run’, a competitive 5K or 20K race through the park.  Preregistration is encouraged, though not required. Please check back on this webpage for the link to the registration website, coming soon!

Cost: $35 for 5K, $50 for 20K. Participant fees include entry into Cedar Hill State Park, a finisher’s award and refreshments during and after the race. Participants who register before Dec. 10 will receive an event shirt. Regular park admission fees apply for spectators who wish to cheer on their friends and family.

Awards: Awards will be given to the top finishers in multiple categories. Please check back for details.    

Time: Official start time for the 20K is 10 am.  Packet pickup will begin at 8 am. The 5K will begin 15 minutes after the 20K begins. 

Learn what life on the farm was like for this family as they farmed and raised livestock for over a century. The tour will wrap up with a Christmas carol sing-a-long around the campfire while enjoying hot chocolate, hot apple cider, cookies and other holiday treats.

Meet at the Penn Farm parking lot at 6:30 PM. Location is stroller and wheelchair accessible. Wear warm clothes and bring your lantern or flashlight.

Regular park admission fess apply; no additional charge for activity participation. 

Info: Lauren Pyeatt at Lauren.Pyeatt@tpwd.texas.gov or 972-291-3900, x232

Take a leisurely walk and learn about the plants and animals at Cedar Hill State Park. Discover how living things depend on each other to survive and thrive in the habitat here at the park. The trail is approximately two miles and is a great hike for families with walking children; the trail is not stroller accessible.

Please note: we close our trails when wet. If trail conditions do not allow this walk, we will discuss the same topics in the trailhead parking lot.

Location: Talala trailhead

What to bring: Water, sturdy walking shoes, and weather appropriate clothing.

Cost: Regular park admission fees apply, no additional charge for activity participation.

Info: Lauren Pyeatt at Lauren.Pyeatt@tpwd.texas.gov or 972-291-3900, x232

The 3-mile loop on the D.O.R.B.A. trail offers shoreline views of Joe Pool Lake and travels through both prairies and woodlands. This moderate hike showcases the diverse ecosystems of Cedar Hill State Park. We estimate this hike will take between 1.5 and 2 hours, and we will walk at the pace of the group.

What to bring: Water, sturdy walking shoes, and weather appropriate clothing.

Meet at the D.O.R.B.A trailhead at 10 AM.

There are no restrooms available along this trail, however there is a facility near the trailhead.

Cost: Regular park admission fees apply, no additional charge for activity participation.

Please note: we close our trails when wet. In the case of poor weather or muddy trails, we will relocate this hike to the Penn Farm and would begin at the farm parking lot. 

Info: Lauren Pyeatt at Lauren.Pyeatt@tpwd.texas.gov or 972-291-3900, x232