Lifestyle

The Grapevine Garden Club meets on the fourth Tuesday of each month.

Social time begins at 9:30 a.m. and the program begins at 10:00. Our meetings are open to anyone interested in learning and meeting other gardeners.

Fall 2011 – Spring 2012 General Meeting Programs

Nov. 22 — Pat Abramson: Using herbs and spices to help with arthritis, cholesterol, high blood pressure, etc.

Dec. 6 — Christmas luncheon featuring the Grapevine Jazz Choir

Jan. 24 — Bonnie Bradshaw: Managing the wildlife in our gardens

Feb. 28 — Tim Doogs: Landscape lighting

March 27 — Charles Russ: Planting and growing irresistible irises

April 24 — Jeff Hall: Ten Myths of tree care and common tree problems

May Luncheon — date TBD

If you are interested in joining the Grapevine Garden Club or would like more information, please contact membership@grapevinegardenclub.com

The Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT) has announced that CNN founder, entrepreneur, and environmentalist Ted Turner is the recipient of its 2012 International Award of Excellence in Conservation for his accomplishments in grassland restoration and in biodiversity conservation.  The award dinner will be held on April 5, 2012, at The Worthington Renaissance Fort Worth Hotel in Fort Worth, Texas.

“In considering our award’s nominees, every year BRIT looks for that special individual whose commitment to conservation has produced extraordinary results,” says Dr. S.H. Sohmer, BRIT's president and director.  “This year, Ted Turner is that person.  His passion for nature and dedication to biodiversity and ecological sustainability stand out as sterling examples of what an individual can do.  I wholeheartedly congratulate Ted on his amazing efforts.”

Guided Trinity River Expedition via canoe. In addition to seeing the beauty (and sometimes the lack of same) of the river, veteran canoe guide Charles Allen will point out American Indian sites and other historical artifacts as you paddle. From 8:30 am until mid-afternoon. $45 payable when reservation made. Trips are rain or shine. Other details by calling 214-941-1757. 

Interested in bees?  In beekeeping?  Come on over to the December 13 meeting of the Blackland Prairie chapter of Texas Master Naturalist.  BPTMN offers a program will feature experienced beekeepers from the Collin County Hobby Beekeepers Association, one of the most active beekeeping groups in the nation.  Kaylynn Mansker, recent Texas Honey Queen, will talk about the family approach to backyard beekeeping.  A.P. Warne, a past President of the Beekeeping Association and a small-scale honey producer, will describe the challenges that bees and beekeepers face today.  And Becky Bender will highlight planting and conserving native habitat for honeybees.  Local honey will be on hand for tasting and purchase.

General Meeting of the Ft Worth Audubon Society - 

TRAC - 2nd Saturday habitat-type volunteering (VH)

Habitat management, often in butterfly garden.

Every 2nd Saturday of the month in 2011:  11/12, 12/10.

Contact - Dana Wilson dwilson@audubon.org 
Location - Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 S. Loop 12, Dallas 75217
Web site - http://www.trinityriveraudubon.org 

Third Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

For the Love of the Lake (FTLOTL) - Second Saturday Shoreline Spruce-Up (VH)

Second Saturdays, 8:30am - 10:30am (register between 8:00 and 8:30)

Tasks of the day:  Clean the shores of White Rock Lake by picking up trash.

Registration Location:  1152 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218.  NE Corner of Garland Rd. & Buckner Blvd. in Casa Linda Plaza (Facing Buckner & Doctors Hospital).

Indian Trail Chapter of the TX Master Naturalists Meeting

Presentation  Invasive plants may spread from yard and garden into the neighborhood and further.  An area may look lovely, covered with flowers or blooming in our front yards; but, many imported plants have a dark, aggressive side, escaping from the garden to run amuck in parks and native areas.  With no controls or adversaries to halt them, they may take over the forest or prairie, completely dominating the native plants.  Rio Brazos Master Naturalist Marilyn Sallee will focus her presentation on invasives in the Dallas-Fort Worth area.

Chapter web site - http://txmn.org/indiantrail