Lifestyle

The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is home to several historic structures, most notably the Minor-Porter Log House, which dates to about 1869. Completely restored and furnished with all the trappings of everyday frontier life, the log house gives LLELA visitors a window on early Denton County history. Knowledgeable volunteers will be on hand to guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Visitors are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. There is no additional fee for this activity beyond regular admission to LLELA ($5/person; children age 5 years and under free). Summer Hours (March 2 - October 31): Friday, Saturday, and Sunday – 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.

Join a bilingual naturalist on a hike on the Refuge trails in search of interesting flora and fauna that adapt well to the Texas summer heat. Whether Spanish is your first or second language, this hike provides a great opportunity to learn or practice the Spanish language. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE.

Current Admission fees:

$5 Adults (13-64)
$2 Children (3-12;under 3 FREE)
$3 Seniors (65+)
$1 Discount per person (with Military ID)

Come and enjoy an evening stroll on the Nature Center’s trails as we explore nature before nightfall. Evening provides a unique opportunity to view animals that make the Nature Center home. Bring water and wear appropriate clothing. Pre-registration required. $10 (includes admission fee)/MEMBERS $5.

Discover local paddling locations while experiencing flatwater canoeing. Learn water safety and paddling skills while taking an exciting water adventure with seasoned canoe instructors. Designed to provide a wide range of opportunities for the novice to confident canoeist.

Ages 10 and up, $20/paddler. Ages 5-9, $5 per rider. 1 rider per canoe. For more information, contact hrc@garlandtx.gov.

Making dark, rich, crumbly compost doesn't take much time, work or space. Learn the essentials including the composting process, hands on demonstration of how to build an active compost pile, and how worms can recycle food scraps into rich organic compost. Improve your soil, and your flowers and vegetables will thank you. Ages 16 and up. $20.

Adelaide Levens will speak on the Fort Worth organization 'Streams and Valleys' who work to protect our local Trinity River and hiking trails. The third Wednesday of each month we share conservation news, outings info and enjoy a presentation by a guest speaker. Speaker will be followed by refreshments, club business and announcements. Location: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Moncrief Garden Center, Azalea Room; 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. at University Drive, north of I-30, Fort Worth. (817)871-7686.

Kids ages 10-12 learn to “Leave No Trace” and explore with a map and compass, keep a nature journal, discover geocaching, use microscopes to identify aquatic critters, and play eco-games. $210/members; $235/nonmembers.

Dotty Woodson of Texas Agrilife and former Tarrant County Extension horticulturalist will explain how to conserve water in your home landscape and urban water conservation issues. The third Wednesday of each month we share conservation news, outings info and enjoy a presentation by a guest speaker. Speaker will be followed by refreshments, club business and announcements. Location: Fort Worth Botanic Gardens, Moncrief Garden Center, Azalea Room; 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd. at University Drive, north of I-30, Fort Worth. (817)871-7686.

Rolling hill course which averages around 35 feet per mile of climbing. Country roads with little traffic. Rest stops every 8-9 miles. Approved bike helmets required. Rain or shine. $30.

Explore the habits and characteristics of the reptiles and amphibians that call North Texas home. Discussion and animal display presented by the DFW Herpetological Society