Conservation

National Geographic photographer and Photo Ark founder, Joel Sartore presents his beautiful photographs, hilarious stories and heart-warming tales focused on the most extraordinary and imperiled species and their struggle to survive. It’s a power-packed presentation you will never forget.

VIP tickets are $65 for the presentation, which includes a 6 p.m. cocktail reception with Joel Sartore before the event. General admission tickets are $30. Lecture at 7 p.m. Book signing at 8:30 p.m. 

The 77 Ranch has grown over the past 37 years as it acquired neighboring lands. Restoring native grasses has been central to the ranch's conservation efforts; it currently hosts over 200 species of forbs and grasses in its pastures. In addition to the reintroduction of native species, Ranch 77 recently began a system of rotational grazing to prevent over-exploitation of the grasses. Heavy equipment and herbicides are used sparingly to ensure sustainable and healthy forage.

Come out Saturday, Sunday or both days

- We need to complete 8 plant transect surveys required for maintenance planning.

- Training will be provided!  

- This plant survey technique is the same one used for NPAT's Prairie Mapping.

- Help us count and ID species - plants, bees, butterflies and all forms of  rairie life

- Of course, our usual volunteer prairie maintenance will be underway, if you prefer to help with that!

This month we will be removing woody plants from Rosser's Meadow, working on our butterfly and wildflower beds, and our host plant bed.

Please bring your pruning or 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 near by.

Tour the city of Grand Prairie's landfill. Lunch following at Glory House Bistro, 109 S Main St, Downtown Irving. 

FOTHNA has signed up to participate in the upcoming, Pollinator Blitz, a state-wide event put on by Ladybird Wildflower Center in association with TPWD. All invited to participate.

Butterfly releases will be at noon, 2 p.m. and 4 p.m. There will also be a Kid Zone with arts and crafts, games, climbing wall and bounce houses as well as a costume contest, business expo and music by the four time Grammy nominated Trout Fishing in America. Free.

READ THE GREENSOURCE DFW ARTICLE

Urban biologist Brett Johnson, city of Dallas Parks and Recreation. Join us in a conversation about his recent prairie findings about White Rock Lake. We will learn how we can work better and more efficiently with Parks and Rec.

Info: Leigh Ann Ellis, 214-321-7159

Earth Day Texas Expeditions is the latest initiative from the event masterminds at Earth Day Texas. Designed to help North Texans discover natural wonders close to home, EDTx EXP consists of half and full day trips to the most beautiful and important outdoor destinations in the region. Trips will be led by experts who will teach about the wildlife, history and environmental significance of each place. Groups will be kept small to guarantee an immersive educational and outdoor experience. 

The major topic of discussion will be the threat of the proposed entry fee for the Botanic Gardens. This is not our only concern, but it is an imminent threat to access to the gardens. 

Info: toddsliger13@gmail.com