Conservation

Presenter: Bob Mione of Connemara Conservancy

Bob’s presentaion will deal with the detailed history of restoration attempts at the 72 acre nature preserve. Removal of invasives, both chemically and via solarization, the use of a “no till drill,” using a greenhouse to start seedlings, irrigation techniques, seed choices, mowing techniques and other aspects of native grass and wild flower restoration are discussed. Recent focus on restoring habitat for monarch butterflies and bees is highlighted.

We’ll be meeting in the front courtyard at the George W. Bush Library to tour the Native Texas Park, a 15-acre urban park, with a one-mile network of trails take you through native Texas environments, such as Blackland Prairie, Post Oak Savannah and Cross Timbers Forest. Parking at the library is about $7. You are welcome to park there or carpool with others. See website for details. Info: NPSOT.Dallas@gmail.com

The plenary speaker for Botany 2017 Conference is Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer, a professor of environmental and forest biology at SUNY-ESF. She is the author of numerous scientific articles and the books Gathering Moss:  A Natural and Cultural History of Mosses (2003) and Braiding Sweetgrass:  Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teachings of Plants (2013).

Call your U.S. Congressional Representatives in conjunction with Citizens' Climate Lobby's trip to D.C. lobbying for a carbon tax. Our local CCL Chapters will be representing DFW in D.C.

Monthly meeting of this bipartisan lobby group aimed at creating the political will for a sustainable world. Info: Andrea Garcia, garcia.andrea125@gmail.com.

Alligators, bobcats, coyotes and feral hogs are some of the more exotic examples of the wide range of urban wildlife living in our community. For years, large numbers of wild animals have been trapped, euthanized,or relocated by animal shelters all over the United States. Despite years of these practices, human interactions with urban wildlife still take place today. Ray Rentschler, Field Operations Administrator at Animal Services, is tasked with helping us co-exist with Arlington’s wildlife.

Zach Gomez is the gardener of the Tinsley/Rock Springs Garden renovation at the FWBG. Rock Springs is located on one of the oldest city park lands and is designed as a North Central Texas Native Plant Garden using primarily plants native to the Western Cross Timbers.  Zach has 20 years of experience working in virtually all aspects of landscape horticulture, from retail nursery, golf course operations, organic vegetable production, and landscape design and installation. Zach has been instrumental in the final design, installation, and maintenance of Rock Springs since June 2015.

Dotty Woodson from Agrilife Extension will be teaching us all about harvesting rainwater and why it’s important. Then our Water Utilities Division will teach us how to construct the rain barrels. Each registered participant will receive one 55-gallon rain barrel to make and take home. All supplies provided. This class is geared towards adults and older children. Each registered adult may bring up to 2 family members to the class to learn and help create the barrel. (Only one person per family needs to register.) Pre‐registration required. $45/$50 per barrel. Register online.

Get your hands dirty with TLC by helping clean up our preserve and maintain the trails. This 120-acre preserve is in the heart of the Oak Cliff neighborhood and well-loved by the people of Dallas, especially the mountain biking community. 

Please arrive by 8:45am to get registered and bring closed-toed shoes and a water bottle. Snacks provided by KIND Bars. If you have a favorite pair of work gloves or pruning tools (loppers or handsaws), please bring those as well. Children over 12 are welcome, if accompanied by an adult.

Managing Public Land for its Natural Value presented by Rob Denkhaus, manager of the Fort Worth Nature Center & Refuge.