Environment

Turtle Watch: Learn to identify different species of turtles found at the Nature Center and in your area. This training is for citizens to help monitor our turtle populations. You will learn how to document turtle sightings in your area and report your findings to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.

Part of your time will be indoors learning about turtles and their habitats and the other portion is in the field putting your skills to the test.

Maximum of 30 participants.

Pre-registration required. FREE (with paid admission)/MEMBERS & NC Volunteers FREE.

For more information or to register by phone, call 817-392-7410.

Canoe Fest: Enjoy a bit of canoeing/kayaking on your own on the quiet waters around Greer Island. Canoes/kayaks, paddles and lifejackets provided. Children in canoes must be 5 years or older and accompanied by a parent or guardian. Kayakers must be at least 14 years old and accompanied by their guardian, otherwise at least 18 years old. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children.

No registration needed. First come-first served.

Greer Island gate will open at 11:30 a.m. Meet at Greer Island. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS $3.

Birding from the Blind: One of the best ways to get close to birds is utilizing a bird blind. Just off the Riverbottom Trail, we have a blind that will help you enjoy birding without disturbing the wildlife. Join a naturalist at the blind to help you identify birds along the river.

This is a come and go event. Meet at the bird blind.

FREE (with paid admission).

Grasshopper, Friend of the Prairie: Join a naturalist for a leisurely hike on the trails of the FWNC&R and explore the grasshoppers currently in residence. You will be surprised at all the different species we have. A short presentation will precede our hike.

Bring water and dress for the weather. Insect repellent highly recommended.

$5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.

Canoe Tour: Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River to view ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Sunscreen, water and weather appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet) are recommended. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended.

Registration ends preceding Thursday or when filled. Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at Big River Parking Lot.

Pre-registration required. $20 (includes admission fee)/MEMBERS $15.

For more information or to register by phone, call 817-392-7410.

Dip-Netting theTrinity: Beneath the waters of the West Fork of the Trinity River lie many critters that we may think insignificant.

However, they are important to the aquatic ecosystem and can tell us a lot about the health of our water. Come and join us as we dip into the water for aquatic invertebrates.

This is a come and go event. FREE (with paid admission).

Shop the Old-Fashioned Way at our Local Farmers Market!

Winter Markets are the third Saturday of each month at Chestnut Square

Weekly Markets start on April 7, 2012

Local  and organic meat, dairy and produce vendors offer their wares

from 8:00 a.m. until noon every Saturday at Chestnut Square

and from 3:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. every Thursday at Adriatica in West McKinney.

 Market vendors also offer sauces, pasta, baked goods, wine and flowers! 

Dixie’s Store at Chestnut Square will be open with Dublin Dr. Pepper, Cokes, old fashioned candy, ice cream,

craft items and old fashioned toys for sale.