Bird and nature walks, tree and plant identification, and more

Birders of all skill levels are welcome to join an expert birder as you explore prime birding locations along LLELA’s nature trails. Ages 10 and up. Free with $5/vehicle entry to LLELA. 

The Nature Conservancy of Texas has recently completed an ambitious tree thinning project at the Davis Mountains Preserve. The thinning treatments focused on canyons and riparian areas, because those sites had the highest tree density and were the most vulnerable to drought, insect outbreaks and wildfire. Each day of the event will include hikes through treated areas to examine the results of the project, as well as tree planting conducted by the TAMU Forest Service. Attendees will also help to cut firewood for local food pantries, using trees cut down as part of the thinning program.

Join us for a stroll through this excellent 10 acre example of Eastern Cross Timbers Post Oak and Blackjack woodlands, with scattered prairie openings. The park may look like the typical city-owned park from the street, but many treasures can be found in such a small natural area. To date, 678 observations, including 205 plant species, have been made through the iNaturalist app. You can view all the observations here: http://www.inaturalist.org/projects/survey-ofthora-hart-park-arlington-tx.

Meet at 8:30 a.m. in Glen Rose at the Brookshire’s parking lot. We will travel from there to stop and see a recently discovered rare plant species for North Texas near Glen Rose. From there, we will head on to Chalk Mountain Ranch. This will be a hike in easy to moderate terrain, up to 2 miles. Please bring plenty of water. It is optional, but the plan afterwards will be to eat at Hammonds BBQ in Glen Rose.

Join us with your cameras and smartphones to participate in the iNaturalist Challenge, documenting all living species. This will be a fun competition between DFW, Austin and Houston. This is a great way to learn and discover your prairie plants and document them for iNaturalist, plus you’ll have all your observations saved to continue learning more. Meet at the park pavilion on Roberts Cut Off Road, on the far west side next to Cahoba Dr. 

Jeff Quayle leads hike on this 10-acre Blackland Prairie remnant, acquired and preserved by the city of Arlington. Here are some of the expected flora at the site: Prairie Bishop (Bifora americana), Two Flower Milkvine (Matelea biflora), Indian Plantain (Arnoglossum plantagineum), Old Plainsman (Hymenopappus scabiosaeus var. corymbosus), Yellow Star (Lindheimera texana), Prairie Groundsel (Packera plattensis), Sleepy Catchfly (Silene antirrhina), Common St.

Enroll your 4th-7th grader in three full days of outdoor fun March 14-16. This Spring Break, your child can go back in time to 1869, examine microscopic plant life, hike the Blackjack Trail, use natural materials to inspire a work of art, grow something wild at the Native Plant Nursery, and much more. $125. Registration is required by Mar. 6. Forms are available at LLELA.org. The camp will fill, so don’t delay. Info: 972-219-3550 or  [email protected].  

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 free paddle time to explore on your own. Preregistration is required. This program is available for persons ages 7 and older. Please note: Heard canoes are not available for personal use. Canoeing at the Heard is only available by reservation for groups or during pre-scheduled canoeing events. $42.

Let us introduce you to some of the common insects and why they are important for all of us. This program is open to the public and is free with paid general admission or Heard Museum Membership. Many of these programs will have an outside component. Please dress appropriately. 

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