Spring Creek Forest Preserve has a great schedule of activities for April. In addition, the trout lilies are still blooming. Be sure to see them before they’re gone. But don’t delay as they disappear by mid-April.
Tom Frey is now an Honorary Lifetime Member! Thanks to Tom for his years of being the society advisor. We are so honored that even in his retirement he is still willing to give us the benefit of his knowledge.
April 2023 – Activities
Speaker Series
Guest Speaker: Stephanie Varnum – Topic: Native Orchids of Texas
Date: Tuesday, April 4 – Time: 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Location: Zoom
Fifty-four species of wild orchids grow in Texas., and they are. They range from moderately common to extremely rare and critically endangered. Stephanie will give an overview of the orchids of Texas, but focus on the seven non-photosynthetic, myco-heterotrophic orchids of the Hexalectris genus. These beautiful, uncommon orchids are not amenable to propagation. The only way to ensure their future is to protect their
habitats.
Stephanie has spent her adult years in Texas. Love of nature was valued in her family. Being out in the woods and prairies, birdwatching and gardening are her favorite pastimes. She enjoys sharing her love of nature with her children, grandchildren and friends. She volunteers in an annual botanical survey of native, non-photosynthetic orchids and is an almost 20-year member of North Texas Master Naturalists.
2nd Saturday Monthly Work Session: Annual “Death to Privet”
Date: Saturday, April 8 – Time: 9 – 11 a.m. – Location: Halff Park on Ranger Drive
Help clear walking trail and take out invasive privet (plus others). Volunteers could be clearing trails, taking invasive plants out, opening up the prairies, picking up trash. If weather is questionable, check website or Facebook for updates.
- Bring water and bug repellant.
- Close-toed shoes are mandatory. Heavy work gloves, long pants and protective eyewear are recommended.
- If you have loppers and/or small tree saws, bring them – no power tools.
- All participants and the parents of minors must sign a Liability Waiver.
- Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. No drop off/pick up for those under 18.
- Master naturalists – this may count as volunteer hours on the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest project.
4th Sunday Nature Walk – Ricky Linex will explain why our creek acts the way it does
Date: Sunday, April 23 – Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Location: 1770 Holford
Ricky Linex has managed riparian creeks and forests for years. Spring Creek flows all year, fed from various springs along its route from Frisco, to where it flows into Rowlett Creek near Lavon Highway and Highway 190. It is also one of the cleanest creeks in Dallas County.
Become a Society member: The society is supported by memberships, which come with benefits. Support the Forest today! See membership information below regarding where to send membership information and check. Join us or give a gift membership to someone you love. Download membership form at https://springcreekforest.org/join/.
Make a donation: Donations help the all-volunteer Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest offer public lectures, conduct habitat management workdays and offer public nature walks.
Mail tax-deductible donations to: Treasurer – Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest, P.O. Box 450176, Garland, TX 75045-0176.
To subscribe to the monthly newsletter, contact: Barbara_Baynham2005@yahoo.com