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.

Hike one of the most scenic Wilderness trails in Arkansas in the Caney Creek Wilderness of west central Arkansas. Saturday we’ll enjoy the views from the ridgetop Buckeye Mountain Trail. This is a great trail to work on your map skills.  Sunday we’ll hike out along the creek bottoms of the Caney Creek Trail. If it's too late for Fall colors the leaves will be down and views will open up. This trip is rated moderate and would be suitable for beginners in good shape. Both days cover about 4 1/2 miles. Saturday includes an 800 foot uphill section. We'll camp Friday night near our cars, Saturday night near a nice little waterfall. Trip rated: Moderate. Leader: Bill Greer 972-247-0446

Texas AgriLife Extension is pleased to announce a 2 day Short course on Urban Stream Processes and Natural Restoration (see attached flyer).

Management of urban streams can range from site specific erosion control, protecting the stream corridor, preventing debris jams to large scale restoration projects. The workshop will address stream morphology assessment, natural channel design principles, and construction practices for stream restoration, riparian vegetation management, and project evaluation. This workshop involves in-class and hands-on field work with opportunities to discuss case studies of interest to the participants.

The course :
Day 1- Stream Processes Review, Stream Mechanics, Legal issues in Stream Degradation, Stream Survey Methodology
Day 2- Bioassessment of Streams, Vegetation Selection for restoration, Stream Design and In-stream Structures Design

When and Where:
November 16 and 17 (Wednesday and Thursday), 2011 9:00 am to 5:00 pm

Cost:
$ 100 Registration includes program materials and lunch

Who should attend:

Harp Seals DFW, in cooperation with the North Texas Energy and Environment Club, presents a free public screening of "A Sealed Fate?"

Filmed on the ice floes of Canada's North Atlantic coast, this documentary exposes the cruel annual slaughter of hundreds of thousands of harp seal pups.

Parking is available at meters along Hickory St. (north of the EESAT building) and at the parking garage at Union Circle and Welch Street. For more info, contact brian@harpsealsdfw.org.

Guided Trinity River Expedition via canoe. In addition to seeing the beauty (and sometimes the lack of same) of the river, veteran canoe guide Charles Allen will point out American Indian sites and other historical artifacts as you paddle. From 8:30 am until mid-afternoon. $45 payable when reservation made. Trips are rain or shine. Other details by calling 214-941-1757. 

TRAC - 2nd Saturday habitat-type volunteering (VH)

Habitat management, often in butterfly garden.

Every 2nd Saturday of the month in 2011:  11/12, 12/10.

Contact - Dana Wilson dwilson@audubon.org 
Location - Trinity River Audubon Center, 6500 S. Loop 12, Dallas 75217
Web site - http://www.trinityriveraudubon.org 

Third Saturday of every month from 9:00 AM to 12:00 PM

For the Love of the Lake (FTLOTL) - Second Saturday Shoreline Spruce-Up (VH)

Second Saturdays, 8:30am - 10:30am (register between 8:00 and 8:30)

Tasks of the day:  Clean the shores of White Rock Lake by picking up trash.

Registration Location:  1152 N Buckner Blvd, Dallas, TX 75218.  NE Corner of Garland Rd. & Buckner Blvd. in Casa Linda Plaza (Facing Buckner & Doctors Hospital).

Join Texas Master Naturalist and Environmental Scientist, Rich Jaynes, to explore and understand the management plans for the four habitat areas of the Connemara Meadow Preserve - a riparian zone along Rowlett Creek that is important as a wildlife corridor; the floodplain grasslands and wetlands in the lower meadow, the hedgerows along perimeter and interior fence lines established during agricultural use, and upland grasslands are located in the upper meadow which has a terrace system from earlier agricultural use.  The walk is planned to take about two hours.  All ages are welcome.

Please RSVP to RSVP@connemaraconservancy.org