The Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest has released activity dates for December and January The schedule is filled with fun and informative activities for all ages.
Christmas is for the Birds – Saturday, Dec. 3 – 10 a.m. – 11:30 a.m. – 1787 Holford Rd. – This is a great event for pre-school or elementary school children. They will make biodegradable bird feeders out of peanut butter and bird seed, then the hang the feeders in the forest.
- Some folks make their own feeder treats at home and bring them to hang on the trees. Make-at-home suggestions are below.
- There are short nature walks to show children a bit of the forest and prairie.
- Biodegradable bird feeder ornaments must be hung with cotton yarn or string. Birds will use string later for making nests. Metal or plastic hangers and fishing line are dangerous for birds and wildlife because they might ingest it and injure themselves. If you make bird feeder ornaments at home, bring them to the park ready to hang.
- Some examples of biodegradable bird feeders:
- Pine cones coated in peanut butter and rolled in bird seed.
- Strings of fresh or dried berries.
- Strings of non–buttered popcorn.
Cookie Cutter Bird Feeders (Easily made by school age children with supervision.) – 1 small package original gelatin unflavored (Knox) – ¼ cup water – 1 cup birdseed – straws – waxed paper – cookie sheet and cookie cutters –
ribbon, string or twine
- Place unflavored gelatin in pot and add water.
- Bring it to a simmer while stirring until all the gelatin is dissolved.
- Remove from heat.
- Add birdseed to pan of water/gelatin mix and blend well; mixture will smell earthy.
- Place waxed paper on cookie sheet and put a cookie cutter on waxed paper.
- Spoon bird seed mixture into cookie cutter pressing it in firmly.
- Cut a straw about 3″ long and insert to make a hole for hanging.
- Let it set, then remove cookie cutter and straw.
- Add string to hang it.
No-melt suet balls – 1 cup crunchy peanut butter – 1 cup lard – 2 cups quick-cook oatmeal – 2 cups cornmeal – 1 cup white flour – ½ cup sugar – raisins (optional) – nuts (optional)
- Melt peanut butter and lard together.
- Stir in the other ingredients.
- Pour mixture into cookie cutters or form into balls and freeze.
Raisins and or nuts can be added to the mix before freezing.
Holiday Party – Tuesday, Dec. 6 – 7 p.m. – 8:30 p.m. – Instead of speaker – Holiday Party at the home of Don and Barbara Baynham.
Monthly Work Session – Saturday, Dec. 10, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. – 1770 Holford Road – Group will separate into teams. Each will have a knowledgeable volunteer. Examples of tasks are clearing trails, taking out invasive plants, opening the prairies and 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.
Mark your 2023 calendars
Start-the-New-Year-Right Nature Walk – Led by David Parrish – Sunday, January 1, 2023 – 9 a.m. – Halff Park on Ranger Drive – The trail leading from Halff Park goes through some of the biggest trees in the preserve. This is also the most wild section.
Speaker Series
Ricky Linex – Riparian Management “Why Creeks Act the Way They Do” – Tuesday, January 3, 2023 – 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Zoom – Join Zoom meeting: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89187002517?pwd=Ujc1UTEyVjNNbDhUUFJYMjFCV2lNdz09 – Riparian management means managing the land that is impacted by a creek or river. It is often designated flood plain. The entire preserve is riparian land. We are lucky to have Spring Creek as the foundation of the preserve. It has water year-round and is one of the cleanest creeks in Dallas County. Starting in Frisco, it meanders south through Collin County to Dallas County. About where it reaches Lavon Highway and the George Bush Tollway, it merges into Rowlett Creek, which then flows into Lake Ray Hubbard. Linex retired in 2021 as a wildlife biologist for the Natural Resources Conservation Service and works as a wildlife consultant. With NRCS he worked 52 Texas counties covering the Rolling Plains, Cross Timbers, Blackland Prairie and Post Oak Savannah vegetational regions.
Monthly Work Session – Saturday, Jan. 7, 9 a.m. – 11 p.m. – 1770 Holford Road – Group will separate into teams. Each will have a knowledgeable volunteer. Examples of some tasks are clearing trails, taking out invasive plants, opening the prairies and picking up trash. If the 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.
Bird Walks led by Master birder Reba Collins – Saturday, Jan. 14, 2023, and Sunday, Jan. 15, 2023 – 1787 Holford Road – Find out what birds are in the preserve in winter. Reservations are required. Groups are limited to 10 people per walk because too many people scare away the birds. Email rcollins20@verizon.net to reserve a spot. Bring binoculars. Dress for the weather. If it has been raining, rain boots may be appropriate.
4th Sunday Nature Walk led by Dana Wilson – January 22, 2023 – 2 – 3:30 p.m. – 1770 Holford Road – Dana is known throughout north Texas for her expertise in identifying plants. She works tirelessly to inform folks about the region’s treasures. She worked for the National Audubon Society for the openings of Trinity River Audubon (Dallas) and Dogwood Canyon Audubon (Cedar Hill).
Future Work Session Dates
- Feb. 11, 2023 – 1780 Holford Rd. – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
- March 11, 2023 – 1770 Holford Rd. – 9 a.m. – 11 a.m.
Future 4th Sunday Nature Walks
- February 26, 2023– 30th Annual Trout Lily Walk with Tom Frey
- March 26, 2023 – Bob Richie – Spring Edible Plants
Become a Member – The society is supported through memberships. Join today or give a gift membership. Download form: https://springcreekforest.org/join/. Membership cost is $20 for individual, $25 for family. Mail completed form to: Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest, Attn: Treasurer, P.O. Box 450176, Garland, TX 75045-0176.
Donations help the society offer lectures, conduct habitat management workdays and offer nature walks. Mail tax-deductible donations to: Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest, Attn: Treasurer, P.O. Box 450176, Garland, TX 75045-0176.
To receive monthly newsletter: Barbara_Baynham2005@yahoo.com.
Photos provided by Spring Creek Forest Preservation Society.