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.
Course held eight weekends Nov. 17 - March 3, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Topics include community, green building, growing food and food forest, homesteading, sustainable living, permaculture, renewable energy, soils and water. Most classes held in Greenville. Outside projects held in Hunt County, Rockwall, East Dallas and Collin County. Cost: $275/in advance for all 16 days; $50/weekend; $30/day. Five scholarships will be given to young farmers who don't have access to land yet.
Bram Franklin, Design Build Manager with Techscape Landscape, will show which trees grow well in the Dallas area and where homeowners can plant them. $27/nonmembers, $24/members.
The Promise of Peace Garden is hosting this holiday bazaar with items from local artists. Event includes brunch, complimentary wine at noon and a free winter garden class by Redenta's.
Grand opening of the new museum. Tickets from $12-$15. Read about the state-of-the-art building:
http://greensourcedfw.org/articles/new-perot-museum-nature-and-science-opening-downtown-saturday-dec-1
Share your holiday gift giving with our feathered friends. Children of all ages are invited to make biodegradable bird treats ahead of time and bring them to the event to hang in the Garden’s Grove, providing food for wildlife and a little holiday cheer. This free event, complete with music and entertainment, is one of Fort Worth’s oldest holiday traditions.
Learn basic birding techniques on this guided hike where participants can see up to 30-plus species. Bring binoculars, field guides, sunscreen and insect repellent. Wear long pants, closed-toed shoes. All ages welcome.
Class designed to encourage children's curiosity and concern about the natural world through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts and hikes. This week's topic is Birds and Migration. Geared to ages 5-9. Cost: $35. Instructor: Monica Hutchins at mhutch64@verizon.net. Register online.
The Nature Explore Family Club aims to connect children and families with nature through fun, age-appropriate activities. Held the first Sunday of each month in December-February. Free.
Exhibit has been extended offering residents another chance to see Dale Chihuly’s outdoor sculpture exhibit illuminated during the holidays. Open Mon, Tues and Wed evenings, excluding Nov. 21 and Dec 24, thru Dec 30. Open Sunday evenings in December. Also open every evening Dec 26-30. 6-9pm. Evening admission: $20/adults, $15/seniors, $10/children.
Learn to make ornaments from pine cones adorned with dried floral and other natural materials in this Dallas Arboretum therapeutic horticulture class. Space is limited to 15 participants so register early. $8.
Green Corps hosts this workshop that aims to teach skills needed to promote social and environmental change. Contact: Lisa Trope at 301-318-3892 or Lisa@greencorps.org.
Class designed for home schoolers. Learn fascinating facts about the world around us as we explore nature. Two classes: one for 4-5 year olds and one for ages 6 and older. This week's theme is Nature Crafts. Cost: $7. Register online.
Volunteers needed to help remove invasive plants at the 5-acre nature center located in Oak Cliff. Bring gardening tools. Workday will be cancelled if raining. info@twelvehills.org.
Prairie & Timbers Audubon Society conducts this guided bird walk through the Heard Sanctuary. The walk, which lasts 1.5 hours, begins promptly. Free with regular admission.
The Arlington Conservation Council seeks volunteers to remove invasive privet, prep the butterfly garden for the winter, weed, water and clean up. Contact: friendsofosgray@gmail.com
The city of Arlington Master Composter volunteers hold composting classes the second Saturday of every month. Attendees will receive a free book. Dress for the weather. For more information, visit www.arlingtontx.gov. Free.
Event hosted by the North Texas Renewable Energy Group. Texas State Representative Rafael Anchia, House District 103, an advocate of energy efficiency, renewable energy and alternative technologies, will speak energy issues.
Hosted by the Coppell Community Garden. Learn tried and true methods of growing juicy, delicious tomatoes perfect for spring salads from expert Texas gardeners. Contact:info@coppellcommunitygarden.org
Designed for beginners, class covers the types of bikes available and gear needed, along with an introduction to cycling safety and bike maintenance. Free.
Town hall with Rep. Rafael Anchia of Dallas (Sunset Advisory Committee) and Rep. Jim Keffer of Eastland (Energy Resources Committee) where you can voice opinions on the PUC and the Railroad Commission, regarding tar sands, fracking, etc. On Dec.19, testimony will be heard at the Capitol on Sunset* of above-mentioned agencies. This event is sponsored by the Dallas and Fort Worth Sierra Clubs, Public Citizen and others.
*Sunset of an agency deals with all aspects of an agency, how it does business with the public and private sector--even whether the entity as we know it should continue. This process only happens once every seven years.
The South-Central Partnership for Energy Efficiency as a Resource, a partnership of energy efficiency industry stakeholders committed to the accelerated adoption of advanced building systems and energy efficiency products and services in the south-central U.S., is hosting two workshops:
9am to Noon -- Commercial Building Diagnostic Tools and Lighting Technologies.
1-4pm -- Commercial Building Operators-Evaluating Common Opportunities and HVAC Economizers. Cost: $20/per workshop, $30/both workshops. Lunch provided. See website for directions, parking info.
Dr. Fouad Jaber, asst prof and water resources mgmt specialist with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, will discuss water conservation and alternative water sources, including rainwater harvesting, grey water and air conditioner condensate reuse. For more information, contact Kirk Miller: 972-699-1687 or KirkMiller@DallasSierraClub.org.
Enjoy holiday lights and decorations along a half-mile trail, family-friendly entertainment, photos with Father Christmas and Mother Nature, hot beverages and treats. $9/adults, $6/children. Online ticket discount.
Class designed for home schoolers. These 1.5 hour workshops are designed for the student who wants to take science to the next level. Hands-on experiments and field studies will help students learn about nature and the environment. This week's theme is Under the Microscope. Two classes: one for 4-5 year olds and one for ages 6 and older. This week's theme is Nature Crafts. Cost: $7. Register online.
Volunteers needed to mulch trail, pull privit, pick up trash and weed wildflower beds. Bring work gloves and garden tools. Long sleeves, long pants, sturdy shoes, sun protection and water recommended. Group meets for lunch after. friendsofosgray@gmail.com
All monthly meetings are free to attend and open to the public.
No Presentations at this event but free train rides are available.
We will also get the standard updates on members projects and do open Q & A session.
http://holidayexpressridingtrain.com
Take a lantern-lit tour of historic farm followed by Christmas carol sing-a-long around the campfire with hot chocolate, apple cider and cookies. Free with cost of park admission: $7/ages 12 and up. Michelle.Varnell@tpwd.state.tx.us.
Guided 1.5-mile night walk. Wear close-toe shoes, long pants and weather appropriate clothes. Bring bug spray, flashlight and binoculars or spotting scope. Meet at the Suncreek Park circular parking lot (just west from the normal Connemara entrance on Alma - see map on website) at 9 p.m. sharp and then walk to the Meadow the back way. Sign up on the Connemara website. This event is not appropriate for young children.
Class designed to encourage children's curiosity and concern about the natural world through hands-on activities, experiments, crafts and hikes. This week's topic is Moose. Geared to ages 5-9. Cost: $35. Instructor: Monica Hutchins at mhutch64@verizon.net. Register online.
The Dallas Plan Commission is hosting a public hearing before it votes on whether to allow new gas drilling permits submitted by Trinity East to drill on Dallas parkland. Environmental groups, including Dallas Residents at Risk, are urging the public to voice their concerns about gas drilling at the meeting.
Class designed for home schoolers. Learn strange and unusual facts about some of nature's most interesting creatures. Two classes: one for 4-5 year olds and one for ages 6 and older. This week's theme is Roadrunners. Cost: $7. Register online.
20th annual Winter SolstiCelebration featuring ritual, dance, magic, music, poetry, conscious movement, meditation and storytelling. This is the final year for the event. Bring a flashlight to participate in the return of the light ceremony. Bring food pantry and winter wear donations. Cost: Adults - $20/at the door, $17/advance. Children and seniors - $15/at the door, $13/ in advance.
Dec. 26 and Dec. 28. 10-11:30am and 1-2:30pm. See bison upclose as staff feed the herd and visit the barn on this old-fashioned hayride. $16. Children 3 and under free but must sit on adult's lap. Registration required.
10-11:30am and 1-2:30pm. See bison upclose as staff feed the herd and visit the barn on this old-fashioned hayride. $16. Children 3 and under free but must sit on adult's lap. Registration required.
Texas Master Naturalist Chad Etheridge will discuss the natural and cultural history of the Trinity River in this adult workshop. Suited for ages 10 and up. RSVP requested. Free. Donations accepted.
Learn about geocaching, a scavenger/treasure hunt using GPS units. No equipment or experience needed. Space is limited so call Michelle at 972-291-5940 to check availability. The program is held in an outdoor amphitheater that is wheelchair and stroller accessible. Free with park admission.