Wildlife

Join Jessie Crowley, lead naturalist educator for the Perot Museum of Nature and Science and frog lover, for a few tips and tricks to ID local frogs and toads by sight and sound. We will end this presentation with a night hike to listen for frogs in the area. There will also be a few live frog species on display to view before the presentation.

As always all of our meetings are free and open to the public.

Schedule:

6:30 Meet and eat

7:00 Introduction and Announcements

7:20 Featured Presentation

8:45 Adjournment

Come early to select from more than 120 species of organically grown native plants, including ground covers, perennials, shrubs, vines and trees – most below nursery prices. Many hard-to-find species. More info on website link.

Info: Vicki Gleason, VGwriter@gmail.com or 432-770-4694

Enjoy the evening beauty of Fossil Rim. We’ll start with an interactive learning experience where you can discover nocturnal animal adaptations and how animals utilize the night sky. Then, using spotlights, we’ll go on a guided after-dark adventure that will feature both the exotic and native nocturnal wildlife at Fossil Rim and allow you to sit back, relax and enjoy the night.

This tour meets at the EcoCenter. This tour is recommended for ages five to adult. Reservations are required, and it is recommended that they be made at least three days in advance. Space is limited. 

Presentation by Ann Hoover.

Even Darwin called them “disgusting” but vultures are more vital than vile. As nature’s clean-up crew they scavenge carrion and help prevent the spread of disease and promote a healthy ecosystem.  With vulture numbers plummeting, we’re learning how important their conservation is. 

Info: Scott Hollinger, Scotthf4law@gmail.com

A BioBlitz is an event that focuses on finding and identifying as many species of living things as possible in a given area, over just a few days. The LLELA event will include presentations and guided hikes led by experts on all sorts of topics: butterflies, reptiles and amphibians, wildflowers, birds, dragonflies, and more. Details TBA.

Explore nature at night! Activities will include games, crafts, owl pellet dissection and making s'mores by the campfire. Encounter live animals and glow-in-the-dark geology. $14. Registration required.

Info: olivernaturepark@mansfieldtexas.gov.

Why do butterflies prefer certain plants over others? What plants best attract pollinators? And what is a butterfly puddler? For answers to these questions and others, join the Denton County Master Gardeners in a walk through the pollinator and native plant gardens at Doubletree Ranch Park in Highland Village. 

After the walk, learn how to make a butterfly puddler that to take home. 

Free.

Rain date: Aug. 16, 9 a.m.

The Photo Tour lets the photographer catch the dusk light, which is the best light possible for afternoon photos. The tours will go through Fossil Rim’s 1,800 acres of pastures. There are 50-plus species of animals at Fossil Rim.

Some of the animals that may be photographed include white rhinos, blackbuck, European red deer, gemsbok, zebras, addax, waterbuck, giraffes, sable, axis deer and dama gazelle, just to name a few. Reservations required: 254-897-2960. Camera Club members can receive a 10-percent discount.

Native and adapted 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 hab­itat for butterflies, song birds, hummingbirds, bees and other animals that bring your landscape to life with activity. If you’d like to keep your landscape well-manicured, or if you take a more naturalistic approach, we have tips to meet your needs, suit your taste and capture your imagination. Free.

Joe Copeland of the North Texas Water Garden Society will discuss all the details of pond construction from planning a pond to adding fish and plants.

Topics such as liners, pumps, location, filters and fish will be discussed so you can make an informed choice and avoid costly mistakes.

Social and snacks @ 2:30 pm, educational lecture @ 3 pm.