Many activities of the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest are suspended during the summer months due to the heat. Listed below are a couple of events scheduled for June, July, August, as well as some fall activities so that you can mark your calendars.
An Evening with Moths & Sam K – Saturday, July 20 – 8:30 p.m. until late – 1770 Holford Drive
Sam Kieschnick, Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Wildlife Biologist for DFW, will be on hand with all his expertise and energy. This family-friendly event honors International Moth Week. Most moths are nocturnal, so light sheets are set up to attract moths and other flying insects. Volunteers will answer questions and help with identification.
One of Sam’s favorite quotes is by Bradley Miller: “Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.”
All children must be accompanied by an appropriate number of adults. Bring water, insect repellent and a flashlight. Wear close-toed shoes!
Plan Ahead
Monthly Public Speaker Series: Interesting speakers are lined up beginning in September. Meeting is usually on the first Tuesday of the month from Sept. to April.
Meeting Time: 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. – Location: Currently meeting via Zoom call.
For Master Naturalists, this often counts as an hour of Advanced Training. Check the MN schedule to be sure.
Sept. 3 – Tyler Hedlund – What Makes a Tick Tick?
Tuesday, Oct. 14 – Nancy Wilson – Bring Spring Creek Home: Native Plants at the Preserve that can work in Your Yard
Tuesday, Nov. 5 – TBA
Work Sessions
Dana Wilson will lead June, July and August, work sessions at various times, dates and locations. To join Dana’s work team, email danawilson59@yahoo.com.
9 a.m. – 11 a.m. – Locations change with work that needs to be done. Check Monthly Announcements, website or FB page for details.
Work session dates beginning this fall – Mark your calendars
Saturday, Sept. 14 – 1787 Holford. Controlling woody species, scattering wildflower seeds.
Saturday, Oct. 12 – 1770 Holford. Trail and little Prairie maintenance.
Saturday, Nov. 9 – Halff Park at Ranger Drive. Clear ragweed and trail maintenance.
Saturday, Dec. 14 – 1770 Holford. Clear invasive Amur honeysuckle and trail maintenance.
Service Projects– Need a project for your organization, Gold Award, or Eagle Scout rank? Contact David Parrish, dparrish1953@yahoo.com.
4th Sunday Nature Walks
Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m. – Locations of 4th-Sunday Nature Walks will vary throughout the preserve depending on the subject of the walk. Check the latest announcements.
Sunday, Sept. 22 – Naturalists Jennifer Stuart and Aleena Figueroa – Nature Trekkers with Family Walks in the Forest
Fall/Winter Special Events
- Sunday, Sept. 29: Matt Stepanek will teach you the tips and tricks of making great photos in the forest.
- Saturday, Nov. 30 and Sunday, December 1: Reba Collins, Certified Master Birder will lead two walks across the prairie to look for winter birds.
- Tuesday, Dec. 3: Holiday Party for Society Members
- Saturday, December 7, 2024: 14thAnnual Christmas is for the Birds. Our wonderful (although messy) event for kids preschool through elementary school age.
January 1, 2025: Start the New Year Right Nature Walk.
Sunday, Oct. 27 – TBA and Sunday, Nov. 24 – TBA
For a fun walk on your own, try the Self-Guided Interpretive Trail at 1787 Holford Road. It was created by the North Texas Master Naturalist chapter in Dallas. Follow the trail markers and read about the significance of the area on your iPhone or on the downloadable flyer. https://springcreekforest.org/interpretive-1787-holford-rd/
Become a Society member or donate – The society’s only means of financial support is through memberships and donations. Membership has benefits such as member-only nature walks and the annual holiday party.
Donations help the all-volunteer Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest offer lectures, conduct habitat management workdays and offer nature walks. Please support the preserve.
Online payment is available for membership or donation using credit or debit cards or PayPal. Or, download a membership form and send a check. Visit springcreekforest.org for more info.
Monthly Announcements – To subscribe contact: Barbara_Baynham2005@yahoo.com
The above activities are specific to the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest. For general preserve information, call Garland Parks and Rec Department – 972-205-2750.
Dog Policy
On-leash dogs are welcome in the preserve. Note that it is illegal to have off-leash pets in Garland parks. Call 972-205-3570, option 1 to report off-leash animals. Also, please deposit pet waste bags in trash bins in each parking lot. Do not leave bagged pet waste beside the trail.