The Spring Creek Preservation Society has released its October schedule. Activities are listed below.
Oct. 1 – General Meeting – Michael Parkey, Native Trees in the Urban Forest. This is why the forest is designated as preserve – There is an amazing variety of native trees, 7 p.m. – 8 p.m.
Michael Parkey is a registered landscape architect who has designed gardens in north Texas since 1983. His special interests are sustainable landscapes and the use of native plants in gardens and restored habitats. Spanning a wide range, his projects include residential gardens, commercial developments, and specialized landscapes for botanic gardens, parks, schools, zoos and nature study areas.
He is based in Dallas, where he has had his own firm since 1993. In addition to his practice, he teaches courses on landscape design and native plants for Southern Methodist University and frequently lectures on the same topics. His articles, designs, and illustrations have appeared in several books and periodicals. His designs have received awards from the city of Dallas and the American Society of Landscape Architects.
For Master Naturalists, this counts as one hour of Advanced Training.
Oct. 6: Monthly Work Session DATE CHANGED from Saturday – 1787 Holford, 9 a.m. – 11 a.m. This will be a group effort – think of a bucket brigade. Participants will meet in the parking lot and pass heavy-ish edging stones from person to person as they are placed around the Wildscape. Wear work gloves.
It’s a big prairie and needs continual attention from people that want to make sure it is still here many years from now for people to enjoy. So, if there is time after placing the stones, work will be done in the prairie, too. At the 1787 Holford location, there is not only a prairie, but also a great example of native forest that runs along Spring Creek. This area is currently clear of that pernicious privet we are always pulling in other parts of the preserve, but there are many other chores to do.
For Master Naturalists, this counts as volunteer hours on the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest project.
Safety Materials: Each work session will begin with a safety briefing. BRING WATER. Even in the heat, wear work gloves, long pants, protective eyewear and sturdy shoes (no sandals) for your protection from poison ivy and thorns. If you have them, bring loppers and/or small tree saws. All participants and the parents of minors must sign our Liability Waiver. Minors 16 and younger must be accompanied by adult.
Oct. 27: Fourth Sunday Nature walk – 2 p.m. – 3:30 p.m., 1770 Holford Road – Try the new, regularly scheduled guided walk, every fourth Sunday of the month. These are fun, family walks, appropriate for anyone who wants to enjoy a guided walk in the Preserve. (They are NOT approved for Master Naturalist Advanced Training.)
October’s guides are Preservation Society president, David Parrish and board member John Sans. Continuing the October theme on native trees, they will lead participants through one of the best old-growth forests in the Dallas area.
NOTE: The natural-surface trails are not stroller-compatible; everyone must be able to walk approximately one mile.