Wildlife

Residents are invited to attend the City of Arlington’s Urban Drilling Educational Forum.

In an effort to increase transparency, the Urban Drilling Educational Forum will provide attendees with information on the roles and responsibilities of the local and state regulating authorities in urban drilling.

Those in attendance will have the opportunity to listen to panelists, view presentations and ask questions about the regulation of urban drilling.

Representatives from the Texas Railroad Commission (RRC), the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) and the City of Arlington (COA) are scheduled to participate.

Class geared to those who are new to Texas or are new to camping. The class will cover the basics: Texas essentials, gear and equipment, local activities, great regional resources and areas to camp. Free.

This month we will be repairing our mulch trails, weeding our wildflower bed and grooming our Butterfly Garden. 

We’re also kicking off our annual Ranger Suite Fundraiser Raffle. Tickets can be had for a $10 donation, a ticket enters you into our raffle for a chance to win a night at the Ranger game in a suite, right behind home plate, with up to 13 of your best friends.  We’ll have tickets at the Community Day or you can contact us by email, friendsofosgray@gmail.com

Come for all or part of the morning. 

Please bring your favorite gardening tools, work gloves, or litter picker upper. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for working in a natural area (long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, hat). Water and snacks will be available. O.S. Gray Natural Area has no restroom facilities, but Kroger is nearby.

Info: friendsofosgray@gmail.com

Xerces Pollinator Conservation Specialist Anne Stine is excited to be working with the local naturalist community and the Fort Worth Nature Center to coordinate this year's summer butterfly count! Annual butterfly counts were initiated by the Xerces Society in 1974. Now maintained by NABA, these counts are intended to track changes in the butterfly community over time. 2015 is the 24th consecutive year that this count has been conducted in Tarrant County.

Advanced amateur lepidopterists will be on hand to guide 'apprentices' in the count methodology and identification. NABA's censuses take place over the course of one day within a 15-mi diameter. The count will start at the Nature Center and see how much ground it can cover. A minimum of 4 volunteers and 6 observation hours are needed to meet NABA guidelines. Volunteers do not need to commit 6 hours individually.

Volunteers should wear comfortable shoes and bring water, a sun hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, and paper + writing utensil(s) for their tally. Guide books and binoculars are also recommended.

Rain date: July 12th.

Enjoy a morning hike at the Greenbelt Corridor of Lake Ray Roberts. We will meet at 9 a.m. at the entrance off of U.S. Hwy. 380, weather permitting and if the park is open and not flooded. If the hike cannot occur due to imminent weather or flooding issues, we plan to resume the hike at 9 a.m. on Sat., July 25. For more information and to see a map of where to meet, please visit http://www.nhnct.org/nature/ntexas_greenbelt.html . 

Info: Co-chairpersons Brandon Morton at brandonmorton@gmail.com or Harrison Wicks at harrisonwicks@gmail.com, or the Communications and Membership Coordinator Brandi Price at brandireneeprice@gmail.com. 

A conference that includes experts from across the state and nation who will discuss ways to successfully manage wildlife issues. Topics include coyotes, bobcats, birds, bats, small mammals, snakes and diseases associated with wildlife. This promises to be a fact-filled day.

The conference is geared to anyone working with or interested in managing wildlife populations.

Lunch is included when you register before July 23.

Attendees certified with the Texas Animal Control Association (TACA) will receive CEU credit for attending the conference. CEU credits will also be available for technicians and certified applicator’s licensed with the Texas Department of Agriculture and Structural Pest Control Service

$30. Seating is limited so pre-register by July 23, 2015. 

Info: janet.hurley@agnet.tamu.edu

Learn how to become a better wild bird landlord. Many birds have specific tastes when it comes to food, shelter and water. We will examine the bird feeding area at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center, discuss different feeding options for different seasons and discover creative ways to attract lesser known birds. Free (with paid admission).

Class at 1:30 pm & 3:30pm.

Native and Adaptive plants are not only beautiful water efficient additions to your landscape, but they can be useful tools to attract beneficial wildlife as well. Learn ways to attract and provide urban habitat for butterflies, song birds, hummingbirds, bees, and other animals that bring your landscape to life with activity. If you like to keep your landscape well manicured, take a more naturalistic approach, or even have an interest in native perennials, wildflower gardens, and/or rain gardens come on out. Plant list provided. Free.

Stop in at the Texas Discovery Gardens during this park-wide July 4th celebration. Special low-price admission, with crafts and activities all day. Open until 7 pm. $2.

The four-acre native prairie is near the Frankford Church and Frankford Cemetery.

Master naturalist Rich Jaynes will lead the tour, identifying the summative plants in bloom. This is a wonderful opportunity to learn more about the rare four-acre remnant of the Blackland Prairie.

Please click on the link below to reserve your spot.
http://www.signupgenius.com/go/10c0b45a8ab2da1fa7-summer