Lifestyle

Cost: $30 advance registration; $40 same-day registration

The Dallas Zoo introduces a new opportunity for you to photograph the animals during the magic hours right before sunset! Take advantage of the evening light and get memorable shots of some of the Zoo’s most photogenic animals in ZooNorth. You will receive a special map indicating where these animals are located. Pre-registration is encouraged but on-site registration is available beginning at 5 p.m. Call 469.554.7423 for more information or to make reservations.

Cost: $30 advance registration; $40 same-day registration

Blue Moon Paddle 7:30 - 10 p.m

Blue Moon Paddle: Join us by celebrating our August Blue Moon with a different type of Canoe Tour in the evening hours. This program will present new opportunities, like hearing beavers slap the water with their tails and seeing deer and raccoons. 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 Tuesday or when filled. Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at Back Gate. Pre-registration required. $20 (includes admission fee)/MEMBERS $15.

Program registration may be accomplished via mail, telephone, or in person. Registrations for fee programs will not be considered confirmed until payment is received. Program fees are non-refundable and non-transferable except in the following circumstances:
 Program is cancelled by the Nature Center.
 Nature Center receives notice of cancellation 72 hours prior to scheduled program.
For more information or to register by phone, call 817-392-7410.

One of the pioneers of today’s natural handmade soap-making community, Ann Bramson, in her book “Soap,” says, “Where the hard pastel-colored bars sold at the drugstore are anonymous and indifferent, homemade soap has character. It charms...it smells good...feels good...is comforting in ways which manufactured soap can never be.” She is so right! If you’ve never tried a bar of natural handmade soap, you’re in for a real treat. If you have tried one, and know just how wonderful it is, you’ll be surprised that making your own fantastic soaps is not as difficult as you think.

*Part of Irving’s Urban Farming Lecture Series

Saturday, Aug. 25
9 to 11:30 a.m.
Senter East Building
228 Chamberlain St.

To register online click here.

For more information, call the Office of Environmental Stewardship at (972) 742-2296.

According to Farm Aid, every week 330 farmers leave their land. As a result, there are now nearly five million fewer farms in the U.S. than there were in the 1930s. This class is designed to provide attendees the opportunity to meet local farmers and discuss how the local food economy is important to the community. Attendees also will learn more about local farmer's markets, community supported agriculture (CSA), and local food co-ops.

*Part of Irving’s Urban Farming Lecture Series

Thursday, Aug. 16
5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
West Irving Library
4444 W. Rochelle Road

Speakers:

To register online click here.

For more information, call the Office of Environmental Stewardship at (972) 742-2296.

Grand Prairie Farmers Market will feature a "Make it and Take it Rain Barrel Class" on Saturday, Sept. 1, in addition to its weekly supply of fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, coffee, tea, tamales, jellies and relishes, grass-fed meats, homemade soaps, candles and more.

The Rain Barrel Class, 9 a.m.-10:30 a.m., costs $35 for Grand Prairie residents and $50 for non-residents, and pre-registration is required. Send a check or money order payable to the city of Grand Prairie to: Selena Jackson, P.O. Box 534045, Grand Prairie, TX 75053. For more information about the class, call 972-237-8377 or email sjackson@gptx.org. 

The Grand Prairie Farmers Market is open March 31, 2012 through December on Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Market Square, 120 W. Main St., in downtown Grand Prairie. Check out the 2012 Farmers Market Calendar on our website for a listing of special events including cooking demonstrations and festivals.

Check out Grand Prairie Farmers Market's hot salsa on Saturday, Aug. 25, in addition to its usual fresh fruits and vegetables, baked goods, coffee, tea, tamales, jellies and relishes, grass-fed meats, homemade soaps, candles and more.

The Grand Prairie Farmers Market is open March 31, 2012 through December on Saturdays 8 a.m.-1 p.m. at Market Square, 120 W. Main St., in downtown Grand Prairie. Check out the 2012 Farmers Market Calendar on our website for a listing of special events including cooking demonstrations and festivals.

More Farmers Market info: www.gptx.org/farmersmarket or call 972-237-4599.