Wildlife

Robert Kent is the North Texas Area Director for the Trust for Public Land (TPL), a national nonprofit that creates parks and protects land for people, ensuring healthy, livable communities for generations to come. In November 2014, TPL opened its North Texas Area Office with Kent at the helm. He will present on the Lake Worth Greenprint, a recent TPL study of the Lake Worth watershed, as well as other TPL projects happening in the North Texas area.

The speaker is followed by refreshments and announcements. All are welcome!

Botswana has been called Africa's "Living Eden," and the Sierra Club International Outing that Carol Roark and Lon Burnam, both Fort Worth Sierra Club members, took there certainly confirmed the wonders that can be seen there. From the majesty of a herd of elephants walking through the brush, to a cheetah hunting, to the vibrant turquoise, purple and black of a lilac breasted roller, the photos and stories about this incredible land should not be missed.

The speaker is followed by refreshments and announcements. All are welcome!

Please join Jim Sipiora as he leads his first monthly guided bird walk back of 2015 at Village Creek Drying Beds (VCDB) in Arlington.

Where: Meet in the parking lot of the Dunlop Sports Center on the south side of Green Oaks Blvd. between Davis Dr. and Fielder Rd. in Arlington, across from the entrance to Village Creek Drying Beds.

Leader: Jim Sipiora

Description: After meeting in the Dunlop Sports Center parking lot,** we will walk across the street to the drying beds. This field trip will be great for beginning birders to observe and document what birds are visiting the beds during each season. Birding will be done by foot, but it will be easy walking. Please be prepared for the current weather conditions. Potential hazards include mud, fallen trees, mosquitoes, and poison ivy. Water is always good to have with you, and possibly insect repellant and sunscreen depending on conditions.

** Make sure all valuables in your vehicle are placed out of sight PRIOR to arriving at the parking lot.

Learn why Texas is vital to wintering birds. Study bird watching basics with a certified North Texas Master BIrder. Hike the trails and meet Dogwood Canyon's winter resident birds. $25. Free/DCAC members.

Info & RSVP: 469-526-1980 or DCAC@Audubon.org

8 am - Meet at Kennedale City Hall Conference Room, 405 Municipal Dr.

8:30 am - Birdwatching at Southwest Nature Preserve

The workshop will cover bird anatomy as it pertains to field ID, birds common to this region during the fall and basic ecology, habitat associations and behaviors to assist in ID.

RSVP for the workshop is required due to limited seating: contact Rachel Roberts at 817-985-2135 or RRoberts@CityOfKennedale.com

Or join us at 8:30 am for the birdwatching practice session at Southwest Nature Preserve, 5201 Bowman Springs Rd, Arlington.

Please come eat, socialize, honor the winners of the Focus Photography Contest and celebrate ACC at our annual meeting.

Bring a dish for the potluck if you desire.

This newly formed chapter is a branch of the Native Prairies Association of Texas and will represent 13 Blackland counties: Collin, Ellis, Fannin, Grayson, Henderson, Hunt, Kaufman, Lamar, Navarro, Rains, Rockwall and Van Zandt.

The purpose of the meeting is to discuss ideas, plans, and goals for 2015.

Info: Leigh Ann Ellis, laellis55@aol.com or 214-321-7159

John Tandy, a decendant of the Tandy family, will present on restoration efforts at Tandy Hills park. The Tandy family secured the property in the 1800s by way of a Texas Land Grant. This land later became Tandy Hills Park. John Tandy actively contributes to effoRts to return the prairie to a resemblance of how it appeared at the time his family settled in Fort Worth.

Info: Jo Ann Collins, joacollins@gmail.com or 817-689-0098.

Let’s explore the Riverbottom Trail and look for those birds who use their beak for more than just singing - the woodpecker! They chisel, drum and peck away at trees to declare territory and search for their next meal. We will take a leisurely hike and seek out this colorful and unique feathered friend. Bring binoculars if you have them. (Binoculars are also available for rent at the Hardwicke Interpretive Center). Free (with paid admission).

Investigate these remarkable raptors from their feathery heads to their sharp talons. Discover where they live and what they prefer to eat. Explore one of their most amazing adaptations, the ability to cast out leftovers. We will look at some owl pellets and examine what they consumed at their last meal. Come-And-Go program. Free (with paid admission).