Environment

The class will consist of wild plant identification walks through the natural habitats of the area. Emphasis will be placed on physical plant characteristics, edible plant parts, proper plant preparation and available season of harvest. Some poisonous wild plants will also be covered since these often grow right with the edible ones. Come join us as we explore the world of edible wild plants and expand your diet to include these nutritious wild resources.

Participants need to bring their own drinking water, folding chair, pen/notebook for taking notes. Cost is $50. Registration information on website.

The day will be filled with hands-on activities to better equip you for living in the woods, whether for short or long term. Skills covered will include basic shelter construction (debris hut, wickiup and lean-to), locating and purifying water, lighting a campfire with one match, fire by friction (bow and hand drill methods, making proper fire structures, hunting and trapping methods, edible and medicinal wild plants, and rope making.

Participants need to bring a knife and folding chair. Class is for ages 18 and up.

Cost is $50. Registration information on website.

This free event offers lots of animals provided by the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center, Westland Ranch Petting Zoo and Matt Morris’ turtles. You can explore the beautiful Nature Center & Preserve through docent-led and self-guided hikes highlighting trail activities such as the Corn Fling, Pumpkin Ring Toss, and Build-a-Bug - just to name a few. Other activities include games and music by Radio Disney, storytelling, outdoor demonstrations, the Southlake Fire Department and the first annual Coyote Howling Contest. Free caramel apples, popcorn and cider will be available while supplies last. Additional food and drinks will be available for purchase. Free parking with shuttle service or walking paths will be available from the Equestrian Center at Bob Jones Park. Handicap Parking is available on a first-come basis at the Bob Jones Nature Center & Preserve.

BRIT partners with Texas AgriLife to discover the world of herbs. Learn the rich history of herbs along with their medicinal uses, how to grow/cultivate and how to personalize favorites for daily use. During the hands-on portion of the class, participants will create their own customized infused oil blends and decant into a decorative amphora bottle to take home. Cost: $50.00 per person; $45.00 per member (refreshments included). Pre-registration required.

A look at some of the botanical illustrations from the BRIT library collection. The presentation will examine the history of printing, the development of botanical illustration and how they combined to produce the works of art that we have available to enjoy. Program will be presented by librarian Gary Jennings.

A look at the history and evolution of art and botanical science from the first century AD through the life of Pierre-Joseph Redouté (1759–1840), one of the greatest botanical illustrators and flower painters of all time. Filled with incredible visuals and delivered in an exciting lecture style format, this program will be of interest to history, art and science lovers. Free.

This event is hosted by the city of Plano. Make a difference by cleaning the litter out of Plano’s creeks.
Kick off the morning with coffee, pastries and an inspirational talk bolstering your passion for fighting litter’s effects in our community.

Learn to tag monarch butterflies, which are traveling through North Texas this time of year on their way to Mexico.

For ages 4 and 5 with adult partner. Tuesday Trekkers is designed to encourage adult-child interaction, outdoor experiences and pre-school readiness. Register: http://activenet11.active.com/southlake/

For ages 3 to 5 - The curriculum will be the same each week.
The Young Explorers program is designed to help children discover the wonders of nature through hands-on activities, science experiments, nature lessons, stories, crafts and hikes. Register: http://activenet11.active.com/southlake/ Also held from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.