Upcoming Events
Activities at Mockingbird Nature Park
Monthly Wildflower Walks – Saturdays 9 am
October 19
Night Hike
Saturday, November 9. 5:30 – 7:30pm
Monthly Meetings and Programs
6:00 PM – Chapter Business Meeting
7:00 PM – Program
Location: First United Methodist Church; 505 W. Marvin Ave., Waxahachie.
Family Life Center – Gathering Room
Or join us online using
→ Google Meet ←
October 28, 2024
Tracking
Heidi Bailey
All animals, from the lowliest bugs to the biggest mammals, leave some sort of sign of their passing through. Being able to identify and interpret animal tracks and sign allows new insight into the (often secretive) world of animals and their behavior. If you’ve ever wondered “What made that track?” or “What was that animal doing when it made that?”, then this will be a good introduction to the art and science of tracking.
Heidi Bailey is the TPWD District Wildlife Biologist for Van Zandt, Henderson, Anderson, and Rains Counties. She graduated from Texas A&M University in 1995 with a degree in Animal Science and started with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department back in 1999 after stints as a horse trainer, ranch hand, and assistant feedlot manager. Heidi is one of the top wildlife trackers within TPWD and has received Level 3 Track and Sign Interpreter certifications in two regions of the U.S. from CyberTracker International. Besides tracking, her other passions within the job are prescribed fire, wild turkey restoration, and native range restoration and enhancement.
November 25, 2024
Grassland Ecosystem Restoration
Brandon Belcher
Brandon Belcher will discuss the slow process of restoring grassland ecosystems in north Texas. The rebuilding of lost ecosystems takes time but reminds us of the benefits of locally adapted native plants. The presentation will touch on the importance of supporting local wildlife, drought tolerant plants, and sourcing plants adapted to our specific climate, as well as techniques, lessons, and other restoration considerations.
Brandon Belcher is North Texas Preserves Manager for The Nature Conservancy. Properties under his management include Clymer Meadow Preserve, County Line Prairie, Parkhill Prairie, Tridens Prairie and others. Brandon and his team use prescribed fire, grazing, and other techniques to maintain healthy grasslands with high biodiversity across Texas. He holds BS and MS degrees from Texas A&M-Commerce where he is an adjunct instructor in the Biological and Environmental Sciences Department.