Family Friendly

This year we will kick off our 3rd annual photo contest on June 15. We are anxious to get started and to see all of the contestant's beautiful adventures within the Trinity River Corridor.

The contest will begin at 8:00 a.m. on June 15 and will end on October 15 at midnight. Judging will take place shortly after the contest ends. There will be a presentation of the winners during a Dallas City Council Meeting after the judging is complete.

It’s time again for the Audubon Magazine Photography Awards. This year's contest has our biggest and best prizes yet, among them: a top-tier nature cruise to the Galápagos; a deluxe trip to Peru, including the Amazon and Machu Picchu; five nights at a first-class ecolodge in Honduras; six nights in Belize; and more. What do they have in common? Any one of them would be the experience of a lifetime—and all offer world-class birding. There are more prizes, too, from camera gear to cash to an iPad and iPods loaded with Audubon Guides apps.

We’ve given you new ways to win this year by having, in each division (Professional, Amateur, and Youth), two categories: “Birds” and “Birds in Their Habitat.” (Our judges will place the entries in their appropriate category, but to give you an idea of what we're looking for, we’ve included an example of each below.) You can submit up to 10 photos, so you have 10 chances to win. The winning shots will appear in the January-February 2012 issue of Audubon and in Nature’s Best Photography magazine.

Deadline: September 5, 2011

In honor of the construction of our Perot Museum of Nature & Science Expansion Project, the Museum of Nature & Science is celebrating with a weekend all about building! Test your construction skills with the American Society of Civil Engineers, learn about the latest green building technologies and visit our expansion gallery to see what we’ve been working on.  You’ll even get the chance to meet some of nature’s best builders!  So grab your hardhat for your chance to see what it takes to build the world we live in!

Activities

Build a Gumdrop Dome

Domes have been around for almost 2,000 years, but there are still new ways to build them. How strong can you make your dome? Presented by American Society of Civil Engineers.

Amazing Arches

The arch is an incredible architectural discovery, dating back to ancient times but still in wide use today. Learn all about arches and build your own at this interactive station.

2-part class - Oct 12-13, 6:30-8:45pm both nights

Learn the fundamentals of finding your way in the wilderness in this two evening class. Among the subjects covered are: purchasing maps, how to read maps, how not to get lost, what to do if you do get lost, GPS, different kinds of compasses, and how to use your compass. If you have a compass, bring it to the class. If you don't have one, we will show you what to look for when you purchase one. The class will be held at REI (second floor program room). REI is at 4515 LBJ Freeway, north side, between Midway and Welch. This two-night class (second night October 13) will start promptly at 6:30 PM and will finish at about 8:45 PM. The fee for the class is $15 for Sierra Club members and $20 for non-members (cash or check). No reservations are necessary; just show up. Contact: Bill Greer 972-964-1781(h)

Join the Sierra Club of Dallas for an afternoon of fun and food and fellowship at our annual picnic and party celebration. Its at Churchill Park in Dallas on a Saturday in September, the 24th to be exact. From 2 to 6 PM to be even exacter. Its a casual event to welcome new members, and appreciate volunteers and the whole group. There will be something for everyone. Invite your friends and family, and dogs and kids are welcome. The park is at 7025 Churchill Way, Dallas TX 75230. More details to follow. Save the date!

Fun, safe day camp program for children ages 5-15 to spend their summer exploring and learning in a beautiful, safe environment. Before and aftercare available.

Summer's Almost Over Special at the Heard – Aug 16-19. Special promotion where kids ages 3-12 receive one free admission with one paid adult admission. $9/adults.

15K & 5K with awards and refreshments afterward.