Wildlife management, issues, support, and rehabilitation
Sam Kieschnick, urban biologist for the Texas Parks and Wildlife, will speak on “iNaturalist and Texas Parks and Wildlife in the Urban Setting.” iNaturalist is an app for android or iPhones, which allows an observer to record observations by taking a photo with a smart phone, share it with other naturalists and discuss findings.
Dr. Michael Slattery, TCU Professor and Director of the TCU Institute for Environmental Studies, will discuss his conservation work with rhinos in South Africa who face possible extinction due to ivory poaching. His project known as the TCU Rhino Initiative is a collaborative effort with Dr. Will Fowlds, a South African wildlife vet and one of the world's leading rhino conservationists. In 2015/16, TCU students assisted in this conservation work in South Africa.
Presenter: Barbara Willy, director of Monarch Gateway & President of NPAT (Native Prairies Association of Texas)
Barbara will discuss her method of propagation she uses in her Monarch Host Cities Project where cities partner with Monarch Gateway to improve and add more native milkweed habitat to aid in Monarch Conservation. Barbara will have doorprizes of milkweed to share as well as her expertise.
Presenters Judy Megher and Elane Ackley
Join us on a walking bird tour and learn about the birds that live at the Wetland. In this beginner to intermediate class, you will learn how to use binoculars and field guides, how to keep a life list and what to look for when identifying birds. Free with $5 admission. Binoculars and field guides are available for use.
The Christmas Bird Count is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, contributing invaluable data to scientists studying bird population trends. Our kids' version of the count gives children ages 5 years and up a taste of the real deal.
Registration is required by noon on Dec. 29. Register online at bit.ly/CoLRegistration. Search for Activity Code 800015. The cost is $5 per person, plus a $5 per vehicle entry fee payable at the gate by cash or check only.
Info: 972-219-3550 Monday through Friday or 972-219-7980 on weekends.
Monarch and many other pollinator populations have plummeted in the past 20 years. There are numerous actions residents can take in their own homes and apartments to help, such as planting milkweeds and other native plants, and eliminating the use of pesticides. This class will provide a greater understanding about monarchs and other pollinators, what are the easiest plants to grow in this area, and how residents can build their own certified habitat gardens to attract birds and butterflies. Free.
Individual and families enjoy free admission to the Trinity River Audubon Center on the third Thursday of every month, during regular operating hours. Free admission does not apply to special events. Third Thursdays falling on major holidays the center will be closed.
Zone leaders will have specific instructions on where and when to meet on the day of the count. Countdown dinner for participants will be held at Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center. Contact Sheryll Barker (bebd@yahoo.com) to participate.
Birders leave from Trinity River Audubon Center and birding takes place from sunrise to sunset. Birders interested in participating please contact Ann Huey at ahuey@Audubon.org.