There is a full list of activities planned at the Spring Creek Forest Preserve for March and April.
March 2024
Celebrate OUR Old Growth Forest!
Spring Creek Forest Preserve was honored to join the national Old Growth Forest Network (OGFN). It is only the second forest in Texas to become a member. According to OGFN, “It is our turn to do what we can for those who will come after us and save the remnant old-growth (or future old-growth) forests across the country.” Over 200 nature enthusiasts visited Spring Creek Forest for the ceremony inducting the preserve into the national network of old-growth forests and our Trout Lily walk. Click here to learn more about OGFN. Spring Creek Forest Preserve — Old-Growth Forest Network (oldgrowthforest.net)
Walk will take place in a different section of the preserve and registration is required.
Sunday March 17, 1-2:30 p.m., led by naturalist (and for over 30 years leader of the trout lily walk) Tom Frey. Walks are on maintained natural surface trails; close-toe shoes recommended. Walks qualify for 1.5 hours of advanced credit for North Texas Master Naturalists. Each is limited to 15 participants. Registration is required. To sign up, or for questions, email Dana Wilson – danawilson59@yahoo.com – Location specifics and parking
instructions will be emailed.
4th Sunday Nature Walk – Tina Rust – Hands-on with GPS Trail Mapping – Sunday, March 24 – 2 – 3:30 p.m. – 1787 Holford
Tina Rust will be our leader on the prairie and forest trails, giving us hands-on how-tos of mapping trails using GPS. She directed other volunteers such as David Parrish on how to mark the trail on their iPhone as they walked. She could then transfer the data and create the map at springcreekforest.com. You don’t have to be interested in GPS to come and walk with us.
April 2024
Speaker Series – Stephanie Varnum – Native Orchids of Texas – April 2 – 7 – 8:30 p.m. – Zoom
Fifty-four species of wild orchids grow in Texas, and they are found in all 10 of the natural regions of the state. 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 uncommon orchids are not amenable to propagation so the only way to
ensure their future is to protect their habitats.
Stephanie has spent her adult years in Texas. Being out in the woods and prairies, birdwatching and gardening are her favorite pass-times. She enjoys sharing her love of nature with family and friends. She has volunteered in an annual botanical survey of native, non-photosynthetic orchids in Texas for 15 years and had been a member of the North Texas Master Naturalists for nearly 20 years.
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 Matthew 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.
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