The Spring Creek Forest Preserve Society has an interesting and busy schedule plan for April. Be sure to check out the activities below and decide which ones to attend.
Full Eclipse in the skies of Dallas – A Once in a Lifetime Event – Monday, April 8
The moon starts to edge over the sun at about 12:20 p.m., reaches total coverage at 1:42 p.m., ends about 3 p.m. If you want a quiet, open spot to enjoy the eclipse, you’re welcome to come to one of the preserve parking areas. We hope you can plan time to be outside to experience this rare phenomenon.
But for a less quiet atmosphere, check out Garland’s Downtown Square Eclipse events – free eclipse glasses, restaurants to relax in, expert guidance and more.DO NOT look at the sun with bare eyes or sunglasses. Your eyes could be damaged. Buy your certified eclipse glasses now. They are only a couple of dollars and are available online or at many stores.
Monthly Work Session – Saturday, April 13 – 9 – 11 a.m. – Halff Park at Ranger Drive
Trail maintenance among our tallest trees. We break into teams. Each has a knowledgeable volunteer, so you know exactly what to do. For last-minute information, especially if the weather is questionable, check our website or FB page for updates, including dates and locations which may change because of conditions. We don’t want anyone working in the preserve if there is a chance of lightning.
Safety Information
- BRING WATER and insect repellant.
- Close-toed shoes are mandatory. Heavy work gloves, long pants, and protective eyewear are recommended for your protection from poison ivy and thorns.
- If you have them, bring loppers and/or small tree saws. (No power tools.)
- All participants and the parents of minors must sign our Liability Waiver.
- Youth under 18 must be accompanied by an adult; no drop off/pick up of those under 18.
- For Master Naturalists, this may count as Volunteer Hours on the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest project.
4th Sunday Nature Walk – Matthew Stepanek – A Photo Trek Through Nature’s Gallery – Sunday, April 28 – Time: 2 – 3:30 p.m. – 1770 Holford
Photo by Matt Stepanek
Matt will first answer basic camera questions. Then he will lead us into the forest to get hands-on experience and tips for vibrant nature shots. Bring a camera, if possible; DSLR/full lens cameras would be preferred, but cell phones will work as well. Long pants and sturdy shoes are recommended.
Topics to be covered: general photography tips and tricks, cell phone photography, nature and wildlife photography, low-light photography, seasonal photography subjects, camera settings for different biomes, iNaturalist importance and use, game camera settings/use/placement, basic camouflage/blinds for photographers and game cameras, basic mammal/small animal tracking, nature photography ethics, nature photography safety.
Matt is a DFW nature and wildlife photographer who worked in the photography field. He is an acting member of the North Texas Master Naturalist chapter photography committee. He enjoys backcountry hiking, backpacking, macro/telephoto photography and exploring the rich biodiversity of various Texas ecoregions and biomes.
City Nature Challenge 2024
Observe species, photograph, post to iNaturalist, help DFW win most observations
Dates: April 26 – 29, 2024 – Location: Outside where there are plants and insects
Join Texas Parks & Wildlife, Texas Master Naturalists, the Audubon Society, The Nature Conservancy, and others in a fun challenge to see which city of the world can document the most species.
It is easy to participate by either joining an event or making observations on your own. You must post your observations using the free citizen-science phone app iNaturalist. You just take a picture of a plant or animal, and the on-line community will help identify what species it is.
Any observation made during the four days of the event in the greater metropolitan area of each city will count towards the challenge.
Although the Society is not hosting a specific event, you can participate by exploring the life in your backyard, in your local park or on a field trip with your local naturalist group.
More info: https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/wildlife_diversity/texas_nature_trackers/naturechallenge/
For a fun walk on your own, try the Self-Guided Interpretive Trail at 1787 Holford Road that 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 member or donate to help support the preserve – The society’s only means of 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 public lectures, conduct habitat management workdays and offer public nature walks.
Pay online for membership or donation using credit or debit cards or PayPal account. Or download membership form and send a check. Go to springcreekforest.org for more information.
Dog Policy: On-leash dogs are welcome in the preserve. But it is illegal to have off-leash pets in Garland parks. Call 972-205-3570, option 1 to report off-leash animals. Deposit pet waste bags in the trash bins in parking lots. Do not leave bagged pet waste beside the trail.
Monthly Announcements: To subscribe, contact Barbara_Baynham2005@yahoo.com