Environmental Events
What’s happening in and around Dallas / Fort Worth? If it’s green or it involves the outdoors, it’s listed here!
If your nonprofit group or organization would like to list your events in GreenSourceDFW, please submit it via email to events@greensourcedfw.org. Events will be screened.
Thu, 01/05/2012 - 11:00am - Sun, 02/26/2012 - 2:00pm
2012 Friendship Tea – January 5 through February 26
Presented by Gil’s Elegant Catering in Restaurant DeGolyer
Daily 11 am and 2 pm seatings. Reservations required by calling 214.766.5433 or email Debbie Parker at dparker@dallasarboretum.org. A 72-hour cancellation policy applies. The enclosed dining tent on the DeGolyer Loggia adjoins the DeGolyer home where lunch is available every day. Also, the outdoor patio with heaters next to the Visitors Pavilion has food selections available from 11 am – 3 pm. The 2012 Friendship Tea menu can be viewed here.
Wed, 02/01/2012 - 5:30pm - 7:30pm
Wednesday, February 1, 2012, 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
(Eat & Greet at 6:30pm and announcements & speaker at 7:00pm)
Speaker: John Slaughter, Orkin Pest Control
Topic: Texas Tarantulas
John raises about 2300 tarantulas as a hobby, along with the crickets and cockroaches needed to feed them. John plans to bring a variety of specimens to show us.
Meetings are open to the public.
Texas AgriLife Extension Service-Dallas County (dallas-tx.tamu.edu/ )
10056 Marsh Lane (Map)
Suite B-101 (downstairs)
(This is located at the NE corner of Marsh Lane & Walnut Hill, next to Wendy's)
Thu, 02/02/2012 - 6:00pm - 7:00pm
Learn how a small, sunny space helps put fresh, organic food on your plate!
No Registration Required!
Thu, 02/02/2012 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Hold On to Your Hats Eco Amigos....
The year is going to start off with a bang.....including a new environmental hazard which is imminently threatening our backyard (you have to come to find out about it).
Catch the scoop of what it is and how fast it is coming by joining me at Picasso's off Forest and Inwood (across from Jesuit's soccer fields) in Dallas this Thursday night at 6:30.
Smitty and I will be hot off an DMNews ed board meeting to expose this new threat to DFW's water and air quality....and we need your help.
When you get there, we'll also let you know what is going on with the Keystone Pipeline (it's still not over despite the President's decision), gas drilling, the Exide plant, and more.
Thanks and PLEASE forward to friends/places that can announce this meeting.
Rita Beving, Public Citizen organizer & Sierra Club member
Thu, 02/02/2012 - 8:30pm - 9:30pm
One of the most effective techniques for raising awareness about the health and ethical benefits of a plant-based diet is distributing literature in public places with heavy foot-traffic. At the right time and place, just one person can hand out hundreds of brochures in an hour, and inspire countless folks to begin exploring a vegan diet, thus sparing thousands of animals from suffering over the course of their lifetimes.
The times listed are approximate for when the show will let out. We will have a more accurate time the day before the event.
For more information, please email Nora Kramer, Texas Campaign Coordinator at norak@mercyforanimals.org or call 415-710-7351. An RSVP is not required, but it will help us determine the correct number of leaflets to bring. We will also notify you of the exact time or if we have to cancel the event due to bad weather.
Where: 3524 Greenville Ave, Dallas, TX
When: Thursday, February 2, 2012 at 9:30 - 10:30 pm
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 10:00am
Join us for a family friendly guided tour of the butterfly house and get a behind the scenes look. Included with admission.
Fri, 02/03/2012 - 4:30pm - 7:00pm
Come and join us for a different type of Canoe Tour in the evening hours. This program will present new
opportunities like hearing beavers slap the water with their tails and seeing other wildlife, like deer and raccoons. Canoes, paddles and lifejackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended. Registration ends Tuesday preceding or when filled. Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at Back Gate. Preregistration required. $20 (includes admission fee)/MEMBERS $15.
Sat, 02/04/2012 - 8:00am - 11:00am
1st Saturday of every month:
First United Methodist Church
3160 East spring Creek Parkway
Plano, TX 75074
9:00am-12:00pm
Come visit us this Saturday! Drop off your electronic items, household, office, or personal. We recycle it all!
There is a $.15 per pound convenience fee for all recycled electronics & a disposal fee of $5.00 per CRT monitor and $10.00 per glass TV.
These fees are pre-arranged and agreed to by the City Of Plano.
Feel free to call us if you have any questions 972-487-6800, or go to www.erecycler.net for a list of all accepted items.
Sat, 02/04/2012 - 8:30am - 10:00am
Where: Foster Park on Trail Lake Drive 1 mile north of I-20 in Fort Worth
When: The first Saturday of every month (September - April) 8:30 AM - 10:00 AM
Leader: Jean Ferguson
Description: This is a great field trip for beginner birders. Binoculars will be available if needed. Easy walking. Please come prepared for current weather conditions.
Sat, 02/04/2012 - 10:00am - 2:00pm
Sat, 02/04/2012 - 10:30am - 11:30am
Bella's Story Time for Preschool Children
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Join Bella for reading and exploratory activities in the Burk Children's Library and the Tree House at BRIT! “Bella” is the host of BRIT’s family story times. Much more than a hand-puppet, Bella represents a begonia collected by field research botanists in Peru and sent to BRIT as a specimen. Beginning in February of 2012, Bella's Story Time will take place on the first Tuesday and first Saturday mornings of each month. These hour-long programs are designed for preschool-development levels and their adult partners. Parents, grandparents or guardians enjoy an interactive read aloud side-by-side, and explore hands-on nature activities inspired by the story. February 4 (Saturday) Time: 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. Pre-registration not necessary; however, due to limited space, preschools and day care centers will need to schedule at least two weeks in advance. Families may attend at no cost thanks to the generous support of the Fash Fo 817.332.4441 1700 University Drive |
Sat, 02/04/2012 - 12:00pm - 3:00pm
Experience the amazing diversity in wetland vegetation and wildlife while learning about the history and basics of wetland ecology. After a safety and canoeing introduction, spend about 40 minutes on a guided trail around the Heard wetlands, followed by some free paddle time to explore on your own.
Minimum Age: 7 years*
$32 members | $42 non-members
For more information and updates, email:
Schelly Corry
Education Coordinator and Paddle Program Director
http://www.heardmuseum.org/attractions/eco-adventures.asp#canoetrail
Sat, 02/04/2012 - 1:00pm
Discover the habits and adaptations of one of our native animals during a live animal observation with a River Legacy Naturalist at River Legacy Living Science Center.
Free, donations accepted
RSVP to 817.860.6752.
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 7:00am - 10:00am
Bring your binoculars and field guides if you have them, and learn what to watch for in habits, characteristics and calls from Gailon and Rodney, both with Prairie and Timbers Audubon Society. You can expect about 30+ species. The walk is planned to take about three hours. All ages are welcome. We recommend wearing long pants, closed-toed shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent..
This event occurs on the first Satuday or Sunday of the month (alternating so that people with conflicts on Saturday or Sunday can participate at least every other month). It generally starts at 8am but may be changed to 9am. For exact time and details please see the Connemara Event Calendar.
For registration to this event please click here.
For directions to the Connemara Meadow Preserve click here.
Sun, 02/05/2012 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Learn what makes fish, mammals, reptiles and other aquatic creatures uniquely suited for their life at sea.
https://emuseum.natureandscience.org/generaladmission.aspx
http://dallasmuseumnatureandscience.org/
Tue, 02/07/2012 - 2:00pm - 4:00pm
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Tue, 02/07/2012 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Dr. Dotty Woodson, Extension Program Specialist - Water Resources will be teaching this class and will provide participants the opportunity to construct a 55 gallon rain barrel as well as discuss installing an efficient irrigation system. The rain barrel* is yours to take home!
Cost: $50.00 each barrel (covers cost of rain barrel and materials)
*Rain barrels measure 24 inches in diameter and 36 inches tall. Please bring a vehicle large enough to haul your rain barrel(s) home.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
Texas AgriLife Research and Extension Center
Whitehurst Atrium
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
Please complete the form below to RSVP for the Making a Rain Barrel class.
Please send a check to:
Texas AgriLife Research
attn: Tamaron Hunt
17360 Coit Road
Dallas, Texas 75252
Make check payable to Texas AgriLife Research
Please note that refunds will not be given once registration fees have been paid, unless the class is cancelled.
Wed, 02/08/2012 - 8:30am - Fri, 02/10/2012 - 4:30pm
The Association of Energy Engineers Certified Carbon & GHG Reduction Manager (CRM™) program is designed to provide recognition for professionals who have distinguished themselves as leaders in the growing field of carbon reduction. The designation CRM identifies individuals who have demonstrated high levels of technical expertise in energy management and environmental practices. This course has been approved by AIA for continuing education credits through AEE and qualifies for GBCI's (CMP) for LEED ® professionals. For prerequisites or to register visitwww.uta.edu/ded/ced/crm
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Meets: |
W, Th & F: 8:30 AM-4:30 PM, 3 Sessions |
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Hours: |
21.00 |
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CEUS: |
2.10 |
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Location: |
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Instructor: |
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Fee: |
$1895.00 |
Thu, 02/09/2012 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Fri, 02/10/2012 - 6:00pm
Event: "No Impact Man " Documentary Film Screening
Date: Friday, February 10, 2012
Time: 7:00 PM
Location: Westside Unitarian Universalist Church, 901 Page Avenue, Fort Worth, TX
Contact: tkb2101@columbia.edu or
http://www.westsideuu.org/misc/calendar.html
About the film:
"A guilty New York liberal decides to practice what he preaches for one year. He turns off the electricity, stops making garbage, gives up TV, taxis and take-out, and becomes a walking, bicycling, composting, tree hugging, polar bear saving, local food-eating citizen, all while taking his baby daughter and caffeine-obsessed, television-addicted wife along with him."
For the trailer, see http://www.noimpactdoc.com
For educators, see http://noimpactproject.org
This event is free and open to the public. Please invite your friends, neighbors and colleagues. Suitable for children ages 9-10+.
FREE
Popcorn will be served.
Sat, 02/11/2012 (Ongoing) - Sun, 02/12/2012 (Ongoing)
The USE workshops are designed for beginning and advanced gardeners and/or eco-friendly homeowners who seek solutions to move their homestead to the next level of sustainability.
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USE Workshop – Day One Classes: (beginners to advanced)
- Plan Your Urban Sustainable Ecosystem - John Krause: host of DFW’s #1 Organic Radio Program, Instructor
- Soil Ecosystem and Composting - Randy Johnson: Horticulture Director of Texas Discovery Gardens and Owner of Randy Johnson Organic Consulting, Instructor
- Raised Bed Gardening - Heather Rinaldi: Owner of Texas Worm Ranch and Professional Organic Vegetable Garden Installer, Instructor
- Preserve Your Harvest - Trish Percy: Executive Director of Feed Texas First, Instructor
- Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Gardens, Water Conservation, Grey Water - Carrie Dubberly of Dubberly Landscapes and Don Dubberly of Catch the Rain
Hours for Day One Workshop will be from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., lunch will be served.
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USE Workshop – Day Two Classes: (advanced – don’t be scared all you beginners!)
- Vermicomposting - Heather Rinaldi, Instructor: Owner of Texas Worm Ranch and Professional Organic Vegetable Garden Installer
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae Composting - Robert Olivier, Owner of Compost Mania and inventor of the “bio-pod”
- Integrated Pest Management - Randy Johnson: Horticulture Director of Texas Discovery Gardens and Owner of Randy Johnson Organic Consulting, Instructor
- Aquaponics - Dave Pennington: Owner of Synergyfish, expert on symbiotic relationships between fish and plant production
- Creating a Pollinator Habitat - Brandon and Susan Pollard: Owner of Texas Honeybee Guild and Zipcode Honey.
- Backyard Poultry - Bob Ritchie: Owner of Custom Coop and longtime urban poultry farmer
Hours for Day Two of USE Workshops will be from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration is required and fees and times are as follows:
Saturday workshop (9am – 5pm) is $75.00 and includes a healthy lunch.
Sunday workshop (Noon – 5pm) is $50.00. Lunch will not be served on Sunday.
You can register for both days for a total of $100.00
More Information and Registration
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:15am
Walk and talk while helping to pick up trash and recyclables at the Sierra Club's adopted section of White Rock Lake Park. Meet at 8:15 AM at the Love of the Lake office on the Northeast corner of Garland Rd. and Buckner Blvd. Look for a crowd of people drinking free juice and coffee. Gloves, trash bags, etc. provided. Our area includes one of the wonderful prairie restoration areas, so there are always birds and wildflowers to enjoy. The lake and your karma will thank you. Brunch afterwards. Trip rated: Easy. Leader: Carol Nash 214-824-0244
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 7:30am - 11:00am
Tour a stretch of the West Fork of the Trinity River to view ducks, herons, beaver and other critters. Water and weather appropriate clothing (including shoes that can get wet ) are recommended. Canoes, paddles, and life-jackets are provided. Children must be 5 years or older. Parents must sign a liability waiver for minor children. Some previous experience recommended. Registration ends Thursday preceding or when filled.
Maximum - 12 participants. Meet at Big River Parking Lot. Pre-registration required. $20 (includes admission fee)/MEMBERS $15. 8:30 a.m. - Noon.
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 8:00am - 10:00am
Come visit us this Saturday! Drop off your electronic items, household, office, or personal. We recycle it all!
There is a $.15 per pound convenience fee for all recycled electronics & a disposal fee of $5.00 per CRT monitor and $10.00 per glass TV.
These fees are pre-arranged and agreed to by the City Of Plano.
Feel free to call us if you have any questions 972-487-6800, or go to www.erecycler.net for a list of all accepted items.
2nd Saturday of every month:
St. Andrew Methodist Church
5801 West Plano Parkway
Plano, TX 75093
9:00am-11:00am
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 9:00am - 2:00pm
This is a family-based, self-paced event that will take our participants through the process of training to be an environmental crime scene investigator. They will use their new skills to assess a simulated environmental crime scene and solve the mystery of who done it.
Cost: $8 per child ($1 discount with donation of canned food item). Up to 2 adults free with each child, ages 2 and under free. (No pre-registration)
All applicable activities, snack, and Sky Theater show included.
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 9:00am - Sat, 02/18/2012 - 9:00am
2 full days of FREE Permaculture DVDs with Geoff Lawton--a total of five Lawton screenings with short discussions in between and potluck lunch.
It starts each Saturday (Feb 11sand Feb 18) at 10 am at Community Seeds (the old high school), 602 College St, Lone Oak 75453. Feel free to come for one or both Saturdays.
Please bring a potluck dish to share or your own lunch. Community Seeds has a great place for a potluck--the old home economics classroom.
There is no cost to this event but we do need an RSVP. Among other planning, we need to print your copy of the handouts.
http://www.meetup.com/DallasSustainability/events/50586392/
Schedule
Sat, Feb 11, starting 10 am
Introduction to Permaculture
Harvesting Water
Permaculture Soils
Sat, Feb 18, starting 10 am
Urban Permaculture
Food Forests
We should finish around 4 pm each day.
Community Seeds will be a great non-profit garden for volunteering, too. Direction & descriptions of Permaculture DVDs here: http://fedfw.com/......
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Far away from us are many planets that exist in our solar system. In this walk, we are going to put in perspective how far these planets are from the Sun. Join us as we learn about our solar system and enjoy a nice hike around the Nature Center. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE. 1 - 3 p.m.
Sat, 02/11/2012 - 1:00pm
Explore the nature trails surrounding the Science Center on a family-friendly Naturalist-led Nature Walk.
RSVP to 817.860.6752.
Free, donations accepted
Do you like the feeling of Dallas Sustainable Living Meetup? Do you love sharing meals, talking, growing food together, just plain spending time with other people?
Then you might be interested in living in intentional community,with like-minded people. An intentional community could be urban or rural, condos, townhomes, or individual houses.
For those new to the concept of intentional communities, we'll briefly introduce the concept.
Then we'll discuss communities currently forming in the DFW area, both urban and rural, including Dallas Cohousing and White Rock Crossing.
Please come if you are:
- curious about intentional communities
- would like to know your neighbors
- want to live in an intentional community; and/or
- are forming your own community and are seeking new members
RSVP - http://www.meetup.com/DallasSustainability/events/48557252/
Sun, 02/12/2012 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
All across the Refuge during summer, there are many species of insects. In the winter, many seem to vanish. Join us as we search for some insects that are still hanging around and learn where they vanish for the winter. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE. 1 - 3 p.m.
http://fwnaturecenter.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=frontpage&Itemid=1
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
Join us for wine, chocolate covered insects and cheese and a stimulating Valentine's Day talk on insect behavior and reproduction with John Watts,Entomologist. $25 ea. or $40 per couple. $20 TDG Member or $30 per Member Couple. Register in advance.
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 5:30pm
Everyone is welcome. You don't have to be a Sierra Club member!
The meeting starts at 7:00 PM. From 6:30 to 7:00 PM, you can enjoy snacks and refreshments as you wander among various issue booths to pick up information and talk with Sierra Club members and leaders. Contact our program chair if you have questions or suggestions regarding our programs.
For the Love of Nature
Our Valentine's Day program will feature a number of mini presentations that highlight contributions of our Club for the Love of Nature. Presentations will cover service outings, bus trips, conservation efforts, Inner City Outings and passing on love of nature to future generations, etc. And there will be an "open mic" period for people to express their love of nature. So join us for an entertaining evening and eat some special refreshments for the occasion.
Tue, 02/14/2012 - 6:30pm - 8:30pm
Dallas, TX 75214
Times Ten Cellars
6324 Prospect, Dallas, TX (map)
We will be meeting in the private building behind the main building. Times Ten II
Selected By: Clayton Bailey
Price: $1.00/per person
“DFW Greenweavers is a power group of local, sustainable businesses that have been operating in the Metroplex as experts in their given Green fields.”
We will be following our synergizing format. When people arrive you will be broken into three groups:
1) Home and Buildings
2) Food and Gardening
3) Health and Lifestyle
The first part of the meeting will be spent socializing with the people in your industry. There has been a great response from people spending time with others that are in their given fields.
After that you will draw a business card from the hat. You will then have a 5 minute 1-1 with that person and you will be giving their 30 second commercial! This was a HUGE success last time. Lots of FUN!
Thu, 02/16/2012 - 8:00am - 8:00pm
February 16th FREE Third Thursday Whooping Crane Train!
We're open 9AM - 9PM and FREE all day.
6:30-8:30 PM Audubon Dallas Chapter Social and Meeting
7PM Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist Lee Ann Linam will share her Whooping Crane experience.
Lee Ann’s presentation, entitled “An Adventure in Survival—A History of Conservation Efforts for the Whooping Crane” will chronicle the history of the conservation efforts that brought the species from a low of 16 in Texas in the 1940s to approximately 300 cranes in the Aransas flock today, along with notes on the efforts to restore the whooping crane to other parts of North America
6-8PM Locavore food & wine tastings, live music and kids crafts. Campfire and S'mores.
8PM Owl Prowl with Ben Jones, Director of Education
Phone: (214) 309-5891
Thu, 02/16/2012 - 10:30am
This growing group is looking to be a resource not only to green businesses, but also to our friends, neighbors and communities through education, outreach and service..
Join us each month as we bring in new speakers who will share with us interesting and edifying points from all aspects of the sustainable and green community!
We are looking forward to meeting you and helping you find new markets, or customers and expanding your knowledge (and being expanded by you as well!).
http://www.meetup.com/DFW-Tarrant-County-Greenweavers/events/45307252/
Thu, 02/16/2012 - 11:30am
Monthly meeting of the DFW Tarrant County Greenweavers
This new group is actively looking for members and has room to grow.
Join us each month as we bring in new speakers who will share with us interesting and edifying points from all aspects of the sustainable and green community!
We are looking forward to meeting you and helping you find new markets, or customers and expanding your knowledge (and being expanded by you as well!).
$1/person
Thu, 02/16/2012 - 4:00pm - 6:00pm
BRIT is staying open two extra hours to offer members and the public one of the last chances to view the Native to this Place exhibition (click on "more details" below to access this link - http://www.brit.org/visit/exhibits - to the exhibition). Mingle with the botanists and educators who put together the exhibition. Light refreshments will be served.
Thu, 02/16/2012 - 5:30pm
About the Plan
The Walk! Fort Worth Pedestrian Transportation Plan aims to make walking around the city safer and more convenient.
By replacing the short vehicle trips with pedestrian trips, Cowtown air will be measurably cleaner and the population healthier thanks to increased physical activity. If that isn't important enough, it also helps reduce congestion on our streets.
Public Meetings
Public meetings will be held at 6:30 pm
Thu, 02/16/2012 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Discover the fun of geocaching! Learn strategies for finding a cache as well as how to hide one yourself. This is a great activity for families.
FREE
Register by clicking here http://www.rei.com/stores/45
Fri, 02/17/2012 (Ongoing) - Sun, 02/19/2012 (Ongoing)
If you want to learn how to stake your own path, literally, sign up for a trail building workshop. The Lone Star Trail Building School will be held Feb 17-19 at the Sid Richardson Scout Ranch at Lake Bridgeport.
The North Texas Mountain Bike Patrol, a volunteer group that provides medical assistance on local bike trails, has partnered with Groundwork Dallas to host the annual program.
Rick Buckley, director of the North Texas Mountain Bike Patrol, said the course is designed for city parks department staff, state park rangers, scouting organizations as well as volunteers who maintain trails.
This is fourth year, NTMBP has offered the training.
This year, three levels are being taught. On Friday, an overview class will be held geared to land managers who are responsible for development and upkeep of trails. On Saturday and Sunday, beginning and advanced classes will provide participants with hands-on experience in trail building. Students will learn to map, flag and create dirt trails through natural areas that can be used by hikers, joggers, birdwatchers and bike riders.
Peter Payton, director of Groundwork Dallas, said his group has about a dozen volunteers attending the event to prepare for trail building projects in Dallas. The nonprofit organization is part of a national organization called Groundwork USA, created by the Environmental Protection Agency and the National Parks Service, that enlists community volunteers to develop neglected green spaces in urban environments.
In the coming year, Groundwork Dallas plans to enlist high school students, college students and adult volunteers to build and maintain multi-use trails in the 7,000-acre Great Trinity Forest in southeast Dallas, the largest urban hardwood forest in North America.
Payton who has attended the Lone Star Trail Building School in previous years, highly recommends the course to anyone interested in trail building or maintenance.
“I love it,” said Payton. “The information is put forth in a way that’s easy to understand.”
Payton is working with the North Texas Mountain Bike Patrol to set up additional courses so that his volunteers will be trained and ready for projects throughout the coming year.
Cost is $40 for the land managers course. Cost is $55 for the trail building courses. Fees include lodging, meals, reference material, instruction and building materials. Attendees need to bring eye protection, gloves, closed toe shoes/boots and camelback or other water source.
Class size is limited so register early. For more information, see ntmbp.org and groundworkdallas.org.
Become a Sponsor! - Get noticed while supporting local producers!
Fri, 02/17/2012 - 7:00am - 3:00pm
An affordable workshop for tree care professionals.
DOWNLOAD: brochure
REGISTER: online (see below)
mail - CTUFC, P.O. Box 69, Granbury, Texas 76048
QUESTIONS: 817.926.8203, cblevins@tfs.tamu.edu or 972.952.9242, mpace@tfs.tamu.edu
ITINERARY (see downloadable pdf brochure for details)
Kevin St. Jacques: Complete Streets
Dr. Michael Merchant: Key Tree Pests During Drought
Peter MacDonagh: Structural Soils
Dr. David Appel: The Consequences of Drought on Tree Health
David Marks: Environmental Design's 911 Tree Project
Melanie Migura: Ft. Worth Street Tree Inventory Project
Craig Fox: Ft. Worth Street Tree Inventory Project
ONLINE REGISTRATION
Fri, 02/17/2012 - 11:00am - Sun, 02/19/2012 - 11:00am
Once again farmers, ranchers, gardeners, even some consumers will gather for another educational and networking opportunity!
http://www.tofga.org/ for information.
http://www.tofga.org/TOFGA_events?eventId=356325&EventViewMode=EventDetails
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 8:00am - 10:00am
3rd Saturday of every month:
Christ United Methodist Church
3101 Coit Rd
Plano, TX 75093
9:00am-11:00am
Come visit us this Saturday! Drop off your electronic items, household, office, or personal. We recycle it all!
There is a $.15 per pound convenience fee for all recycled electronics & a disposal fee of $5.00 per CRT monitor and $10.00 per glass TV.
These fees are pre-arranged and agreed to by the City Of Plano.
Feel free to call us if you have any questions 972-487-6800, or go to www.erecycler.net for a list of all accepted items.
The Friends of OS Gray Natural Area will host a Great Backyard Bird Count at O.S. Gray Natural Area, Saturday, February 18th from 9 am to 11 am. Avid birder Julia Burgen will help with bird identification and counting. If you wish to participtate bring your binoculars and your bird identification book (if you have one). We recommend dressing for the weather and for walking the trails in a natural area.
The Great Backyard Bird Count is an annual event that engages bird watchers of all ages in counting birds to create a real-time snapshot of where the birds are across the continent. Anyone can participate, from beginning bird watchers to experts. It takes as little as 15 minutes on one day, or you can count for as long as you like each day of the event. It’s free, fun, and easy—and it helps the birds.
We also recommend taking a look at this link for more information about the Great Backyard Bird Count, http://www.birdsource.org/gbbc
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 8:00am - 11:00am
Join Irving in helping to collect information about bird species in our area during the Great Backyard Bird Count. By participating in the Great Backyard Bird Count, you become a part of creating a real-time snapshot of where birds are across the continent. Why count birds? Scientists and bird enthusiasts can learn a lot by knowing where the birds are. Bird populations are dynamic; they are constantly in flux. For more information about the national effort, visitwww.birdsource.org/gbbc.
For more information about Irving’s event, call 972-721-2501.
Pre-registration is required.
Saturday, February 18
9 a.m. to noon
Guided walks will be held at 9 a.m. and 11 a.m.
Birds Fort Trail at Campion
5756 Riverside Drive
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 8:00am - 12:00pm
Sat., 02/18/2012, 9 a.m. to 10 a.m.
New York Avenue Blackland Prairie
4907 New York Ave, Arlington, TX 76018 (about one mile south of I20)
Phone 817-988-9341
A 2-for-1 activity! Starting at 9 a.m., the first-ever Great Backyard Bird Count at NYABP will be held. Because prairie habitat is so rare, many of the birds that depend on it are also scarce and the data we get may be especially interesting. Bring binoculars if you have them; all ages and experience levels are welcome.
Those interested may stay for the workday starting at 10 a.m. Please RSVP: prairie@arlingtonconservationcouncil.org
10 a.m. – 1 p.m.
3rd Saturday workdays at NYABP
Volunteers needed! City Parks Dept. employees will be cutting brush and small trees, then applying herbicide. Volunteers are needed to remove the brush as it’s cut. There’s always an opportunity to pick up litter too. Bring your handsaws, loppers and gloves and wear thick-soled boots/shoes and long pants.
Jo Ann Duman, jduman@juno.com, 682-323-1997, Arlington Conservation Council
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 9:00am - 2:00pm
Join our experienced North Texas field ornithologists in this Citizen Science adventure for all ages. A 15-minute bird census will be conducted at various locations on the TRAC property every hour on the hour. All findings will be submitted to GBBC.
Free.
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 9:00am - 1:00pm
Join River Legacy as we help count birds for science and participate in fun, family-friendly bird-related crafts and activities. This event is held in conjunction with the Cornell Lab of Ornithology's annual Great Backyard Bird Count.
Free, donations accepted
Click here for a pdf with detailed information on events for that day at River Legacy.
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 9:00am
Be sure to mark your calendar to attend the annual Dallas County Lepidopterists' Society seed exchange on February 18th, 10:00 a.m. at the Texas Discovery Gardens in Fair Park. Bring seeds of your favorite host and nectar plants to swap with others. There'll be a short powerpoint presentation on the various plants and what butterflies you can expect to visit them, after which the swapping begins. Once everyone has the seeds they want, we'll move out to the greenhouses where Director of Horticulture Randy Johnson will give a brief overview of germinating seeds and how to transplant seedlings. As always, all DCLS meetings are free of charge.
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 9:30am - 11:00am
Don’t miss this opportunity to operate a real Recycling Truck, tour behind the scenes of some of our collection services and explore ways you can help manage our waste better in the City of Plano while also saving money. Environmental Waste Services staff will answer all your questions about waste collection services and help you better our community.
Operating a trash or recycling truck is fun and challenging for most, but collections drivers in Plano make it look easy. At Talking Trash & Recycling, try working a recycling truck and get an exciting behind-the-scenes glimpse at the Environmental Waste Services operations.
Talking Trash & Recycling is from 10 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 18 at the Environmental Education Center located at 4116 W. Plano Parkway at Commerce Drive. Learn what items can be recycled in Plano and how to properly dispose of yard trimmings. Discover a cool money-saving tip which makes residential recycling a better choice. (Pssst…just ask about the “free” cart!)
“We’ll answer all your questions about recycling, bulky waste collections, curbside collections and more,” said Kim Soto, environmental education coordinator. “We have the most fun letting residents climb into a fully-automated recycling truck and trying their hand in operating it. The ear-to-ear smiles on kids working the truck are fabulous!”
Talking Trash & Recycling showcases the Household Chemical Reuse Center and
provides information about residential chemical collections, paint reuse and electronic
recycling. The event is free and family-friendly!
Visit livegreeninplano.com for more information or contact Kim Soto at kims@plano.gov
or (972) 769-4343.
FREE
http://www.plano.gov/SiteCollectionDocuments/Talking%20Trash%20Feb%202012.pdf
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 10:00am - 10:45am
By Leslie Finical Halleck, NHG General Manager.An in-depth workshop on working within the City of Dallas Water Restriction Guidelines, but still maintaining a beautiful, healthy landscape.
Free.
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
See website for details.
Join us in exploring the history of the Nature Center where it all began. Learn more of the flora and fauna this forested island holds as we hike along the 1.5 mile trail. Pre-registration required. Meet at Greer Island parking lot. $5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE. 1 - 3 p.m.
Sat, 02/18/2012 - 1:00pm - 3:00pm
MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR FEB. 18 - Mark Winne to discuss state of U.S. community food systems, food policy and food security
Posted by Kim Young on January 31, 2012 at 12:30am0 Comments 1 Like
Sun, 02/19/2012 - 8:00am - 11:00am
Sunday, February 19
9 a.m. – noon
Southwest Nature Preserve
Meet at the northwest gate on Bowman Springs Rd. Classic crosstimbers woodlands, grasslands and ponds make this an interesting place to count birds.
- All ages and experience levels are welcome.
- Bring binoculars &/or bird guides if you have them.
- Dress for the weather. Long pants & sturdy shoes are recommended.
- For more information about the GBBC event, see www.birdsource.org/gbbc.
- For more information, directions, etc., please contact prairie@arlingtonconservationcouncil.org.
Tue, 02/21/2012 - 5:00pm - 7:00pm
*part of Irving’s Urban Farming Lecture Series
The front lawn was the great symbol of the American dream of homeownership. Connecting home to home from coast to coast, it was originally conceived as a common green. But, now it’s become clear that it is more wasteful than useful. Consuming vast amounts of resources including water and time and gives little in return. This class is for those brave enough to step out of the common front yard box and into the world of the “edible” and useful front yard.
Tuesday, February 21
6 to 8 p.m.
West Irving Library
4444 W. Rochelle Road – meeting room
Speaker: Marilyn and Donelle Simmons, owners of Garden Inspirations and DFW Truck Farm
http://www.cityofirving.org/begreen/Educational%20Opportunities.asp
Tue, 02/21/2012 - 6:00pm - 7:30pm
Before you head out on the water, be sure to learn the PADDLING BASICS. This 2 hour program offers you an overview of information on Canoes, Kayaks and Stand-up Paddleboards.
FREE
Register for this class by clicking here http://www.rei.com/event/31814/session/43767
Thu, 02/23/2012 (Ongoing) - Sun, 02/26/2012 (Ongoing)
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In February we have a trip planned to visit Mad Island Wildlife Management Area being led by TPWD's Brent Ortego. Mad Island has, for many years, held the nationwide record for most number of bird species seen during Christmas Bird Counts. Tours of the island are made by special reservations and we will be visiting on Saturday, February 25th.
Additionally, this weekend coincides with the Port Aransas Whooping Crane Festival. I will need to know how many people will be participating in this trip as soon as possible so I can reserve motel rooms and get us a spot on one of the boat tours to see the cranes. This trip will be limited to 12 participants and FWAS Chapter Only members will get first priority. Please email me as soon as possible to reserve your spot on this trip. |
Thu, 02/23/2012 - 4:45pm - 6:15pm
Evening Stroll with a Naturalist: 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 weather appropriate clothing.
Pre-registration required and ends 2/22. $10 (includes admission)/MEMBERS $5. 5:45- 7:15 p.m.
Fri, 02/24/2012 - 5:00pm - 8:00pm
Learn to compost - or learn to compost better and receive a free book and compost thermometer. Get all the details and sign up at
http://www.arlingtontx.gov/environment/ and look for "Register for Master Composter Class" tab on the right.
Where: UTA SWEET Center, 406 Summit Avenue
When: Friday February 24, 2012, 6 to 9 pm
Saturday February 25, 2012, 9 am to 4 pm
Fee: No fee for Arlington residents.
$20 for non-residents.
http://www.arlingtontx.gov/environment/composting_mastercomposter.html
Sat, 02/25/2012 (Ongoing) - Sun, 02/26/2012 (Ongoing)
Transform your property into a sustainable, food producing and eco-friendly habitat! Our workshops feature some of the best and brightest eco-minded enthusiasts in the DFW area. By the end of an Urban Sustainable Ecosystem workshop, students should be able to apply what they have learned on their own homestead. Our students’ successful application of these principles will enable a healthy individual, family, community and planet.
Coppell Community Garden: February 25th & 26th
The USE workshops are designed for beginning and advanced gardeners and/or eco-friendly homeowners who seek solutions to move their homestead to the next level of sustainability.
_______________________________________________________________________________________
USE Workshop – Day One Classes: (beginners to advanced)
- Plan Your Urban Sustainable Ecosystem - John Krause: host of DFW’s #1 Organic Radio Program, Instructor
- Soil Ecosystem and Composting - Randy Johnson: Horticulture Director of Texas Discovery Gardens and Owner of Randy Johnson Organic Consulting, Instructor
- Raised Bed Gardening - Heather Rinaldi: Owner of Texas Worm Ranch and Professional Organic Vegetable Garden Installer, Instructor
- Preserve Your Harvest - Trish Percy: Executive Director of Feed Texas First, Instructor
- Rainwater Harvesting, Rain Gardens, Water Conservation, Grey Water - Carrie Dubberly of Dubberly Landscapes and Don Dubberly of Catch the Rain
Hours for Day One Workshop will be from 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., lunch will be served.
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USE Workshop – Day Two Classes: (advanced – don’t be scared all you beginners!)
- Vermicomposting - Heather Rinaldi, Instructor: Owner of Texas Worm Ranch and Professional Organic Vegetable Garden Installer
- Black Soldier Fly Larvae Composting - Robert Olivier, Owner of Compost Mania and inventor of the “bio-pod”
- Integrated Pest Management - Randy Johnson: Horticulture Director of Texas Discovery Gardens and Owner of Randy Johnson Organic Consulting, Instructor
- Aquaponics - Dave Pennington: Owner of Synergyfish, expert on symbiotic relationships between fish and plant production
- Creating a Pollinator Habitat - Brandon and Susan Pollard: Owner of Texas Honeybee Guild and Zipcode Honey.
- Backyard Poultry - Bob Ritchie: Owner of Custom Coop and longtime urban poultry farmer
Hours for Day Two of USE Workshops will be from 12:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m.
Registration is required and fees and times are as follows:
Saturday workshop (9am – 5pm) is $75.00 and includes a healthy lunch.
Sunday workshop (Noon – 5pm) is $50.00. Lunch will not be served on Sunday.
You can register for both days for a total of $100.00
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 7:30am - 11:00am
Saturday February 25 and Saturday March 3, 2012 (8:30am to noon)
Don’t have a lot of time, money, patience, or space…but want a productive vegetable garden?
Learn about DFW’s unique growing season(s), climate, soils, plants, and water resources
Raise safe, nutritious food for your family
Teach children to know and enjoy gardening
What will I do in the class?
Basics: Gain knowledge needed to turn your bare ground or Bermuda grass lawn into raised-garden beds – in the right place, with the right soil, at the right time, with the right plants. Small enough to manage, big enough to provide real food.
Techniques: Raised beds; soil, mulch, and compost; bio-intensive/square-foot gardening, organic methods. plant varieties that work best in the North Central Texas area water management plant starts, seeds, and propagation good and bad bugs 80% hands-on -- Remainder of class is discussion time
Do It,…Learn It,…Go Home and Do It:. Saturday AM workshops include fun outdoor activities with a great group.
How it works:
Complete the Course - learn the skills, gain the knowledge, and be encouraged Community Service - volunteer 10 hours within the program (generally at the garden where your class was hosted) Become a Citizen Gardener!
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IMPORTANT, PLEASE READ:
This class will span two days, Saturday February 25 and Saturday March 3, 2012, from 8:30am to noon each day.
COST: $30 per person (Must register and pay in advance by going to
http://northtexasvegetablegardeners.com/index.php/citizen-gardener/classes,
click on the 'pay now' button, and complete the process to reserve your spot in the class. Payment must be received by by Feb 23, 2012, and class is limited to 30 students. If you don't receive a
confirmation email from a real person within 2 days of registering, please send an email to
citizengardener@northtexasvegetablegardeners.com.
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 9:00am - 11:00am
Go beyond the Butterfly Basics! An advanced look at the world of butterflies: their biology, behavior and adaptations to the environment with Entomologist John Watts.
$15; $10 for TDG Members. Register in advance.
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 9:30am
Building the Off-Grid Home with Compressed Earth Block (CEB)
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Saturday, February 25, 2012, 10:30 am
A building or home from our DFW clay compressed into earth blocks is Natural, Healthy, Inexpensive, Durable, Quiet, Strong, and Super Energy Efficient. And what could be better than building your home out of your own dirt?
This is a mechanized form of adobe that is easy and quick to build. It is naturally cooler than the outside air on a Texas afternoon and also warmer in the winter. Of course in the North Central Texas area, staying cool is of utmost importance. Adobe does this through latent heat.
Latent heat is thermal energy released or absorbed during a phase-change of a substance such as a phase-change material (PCM) like adobe.
Clay, carrying a negative charge, draws water from the atmosphere when relative humidity is highest, as in early morning. When the relative humidity is low, as in later afternoon, water vaporizes out of the adobe as latent heat of vaporization.
The result is evaporative cooling that lowers the temperature of the building.
With its thick walls, beautiful arches, and the inset windows of adobe homes, Santa Fe comes to mind but CEB can be used for any architectural style.
Our speaker, Tim Pettinger, bought a machine to make compressed blocks for their health benefits. Many chose CEB for energy-effieiciency, low cost, strength, and/or durability.
Tim will share his experiences with us, then answer our questions. To end the program we will watch a video of an actual home being built with CEB.
REI, 4515 LBJ Fwy, Dallas, TX, 10 am, Feb 25.
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 10:15am - 4:45pm
This class ideal for those who want to learn all about backpacking and for those who want to refresh your backpacking knowledge and skills. Topics include: wilderness ethics, outdoor clothing, boots, backpacks, tents, sleeping bags, cookware, food, preparing for a trip and even a short, late afternoon breakout session to discuss men's and women's outdoor 'issues'. Instructors are experienced Dallas Sierra Club leaders. There will be time for questions and a hands-on look at outdoor gear. You will also have the opportunity to learn about, and sign up for, several beginner backpacking trips. Lunch of backpacking food is included. (Feel free to bring anything else you prefer to eat.) The fee is $20 for Sierra Club members and $30 for non-members (CASH or CHECK ONLY). No reservations are necessary, just show up. The class will be held at the Dallas REI store, 4515 LBJ Freeway, Dallas, TX 75244 (north side of LBJ between Welch and Midway). Please arrive by 10:15am to register and get settled. The class will begin promptly at 10:30 AM and end about 4:45pm PM. Handouts will be provided. PLEASE BRING a writing utensil and your water bottle. Coordinator: Liz Wheelan 214-368-2306
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 11:00am - 2:00pm
Solar Scoping: Night time is not the only time you can look through a telescope to see stars. You can do it in the day time with some modifications to see the greatest star of all, the Sun. Stop by the Hardwicke Interpretive Center and take a look at the Sun and gain a different perspective of our source of light and heat.
FREE (with paid admission). Noon - 3 p.m.
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 1:00pm
Join us as education specialists from the Blackland Prairie Raptor Center introduce you to hawks, owls, and falcons of different sizes. During this presentation at River Legacy Living Science Center, you will learn about the unique characteristics of each bird and how these characteristics aid them in survival. This event is brought to you free of charge thanks to our sponsor, The Fort Worth Audubon Society.
FREE
Sat, 02/25/2012 - 1:30pm
by Johnette Taylor, Roundtree Landscaping. You can keep your garden green and still save on your water bill when you plant the proper plants and water the right way.
Free.
Sun, 02/26/2012 - 12:00pm - 2:00pm
Budding Trees: They have been hiding all winter long and as we approach spring, they are ready to bud out. Join us as we hike around the Refuge looking for trees that are beginning to bud out.
$5 (with paid admission)/MEMBERS FREE. 1 - 3 p.m.
Mon, 02/27/2012 - 5:00pm - 6:30pm
Peace Corps Volunteers perform a variety of jobs in business, education, community development, environment, health, information technology and agriculture. Learn more about these opportunities by joining Linda Tucker, returned volunteer and recruiter, for more information or call 214.253.5411
FREE
http://www.rei.com/event/33909/session/42528