Family Friendly

You may already know that iNaturalist.org is a great way for naturalists and scientists  to share nature observations across the world. You may already know it’s used by Texas Parks and Wildlife, National Geographic, multiple universities, wildlife areas, Master Naturalists, and more. 

But do you and your fellow naturalists know how to use iNaturalist to its full benefit? Learn how to:

    •    upload your own observations 

    •    learn from others’ observations

You may already know that iNaturalist.org is a great way for naturalists and scientists  to share nature observations across the world. You may already know it’s used by Texas Parks and Wildlife, National Geographic, multiple universities, wildlife areas, Master Naturalists, and more. 

But do you and your fellow naturalists know how to use iNaturalist to its full benefit? Learn how to:

    •    upload your own observations 

    •    learn from others’ observations

Explore different areas of LLELA Nature Preserve and learn from fellow outdoor photography enthusiasts. Free with general entry. For ages 10 and up.  erin.taylor@unt.edu. 

Join trail guides as they lead a moonlit stroll through the woods and across the prairie. Howling coyotes, hooting owls, armadillos and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience. $10. Registration required: 972-21-3930 or erin.taylor@unt.edu. 

Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area (LLELA) will hold Home School Natural Science Classes on four days this fall. Students will participate in hands-on outdoor activities related to the day’s theme. Each day will have separate sessions for K-2nd, 3rd-5th and 6th-8th graders. 

Classes include:

Swamper’s World

K-2nd grade, four classes, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. each session

• Sept. 24: The Web of Life

• Oct. 15: Habitats and Hazards

• Oct. 29: Swamper’s Feathered Neighbors

• Nov. 19: Life Cycles in the Swamp 

Animal Classification

3rd-8th grade, four classes, 10 a.m.-1 p.m. each session

Fitness and Wellness Fair ( 10am to 1pm: free health screenings and information, fitness demos)

• Ikebana demonstrations from the Sogetsu Ikebana Society
• Cultural displays
• Naturalization ceremony
• Parade of flags
• Multicultural music and dance performances
• Children’s educational activities
• International fashion show
• Ethnic food trucks
• Reading Around the World - And much more! 

Free admission. 

This is a zero-waste event.

Please join Twelve Hills Nature Center for a fall nature walk with Master Naturalist and enthusiastic amateur botanist Jim Varnum.

In the fall, yellow flowers predominate the landscape: sunflowers, broomweed, goldenrod and others. But there will be white asters, purple ironweed and other surprises, too!

Jim's presentation will be informal and family friendly. 

 This is a nature area. Please consider wearing long pants, closed-toe shoes and bringing insect repellent.

RSVP appreciated at twelvehillsnaturecenter@gmail.com

At 8:30a.m., volunteers will be assigned to clean up a certain area, park or trail around the town. Volunteers will receive giveaways and lunch provided by FM Summit Club. The fair will begin at 11:00 am and end at 1:00 pm. The fair will have a variety of booths promoting safe and fun environmental practices. There will be plenty of children's activities including a rock wall and bounce obstacle course. A special event at this year's fair is the First Responders Face off an obstacle course between FM Police and Fire Departments.

Also provided at the fair:

Document shredding for all FM residents, provided by Shred-It.

Blood Drive- Carter Blood Care

CCA- will be collecting gently used clothing, housewares and small appliances. 

Best buy will be collecting small to medium sized electronics for recycle.

Join in a nationwide celebration and movement toward more healthy, affordable, sustainable food.  

Kid-oriented activities include Cathy’s Critters’ petting zoo, a food scavenger hunt, free children’s recipe books, temporary tattoos and other give-aways just for the young ones.

 Gather your friends, family, scout troop, and neighbors and do the “buffalo stomp” with the herd of seeders!  Enhance the beauty of the trail system by participating in the annual seeding. This is a short event, so please arrive on time to share in the experience. Free.