Upcoming Events
Mockingbird Nature Park
Wildflower Walk – 3rd Saturday of the Month at 9am
March 21, April 18, May 16, June 20, September 19, October 17
Monthly Meetings and Programs
6:00 PM – Chapter Business Meeting
7:00 PM – Program
Location: First United Methodist Church; 505 W. Marvin Ave., Waxahachie.
Fidelis Hall Meeting Room
Or join us online using the link below
→ Google Meet ←
July 27, 2026
Monarch Waystations for Texas
Monarch Waystations for Texas covers the amazing story of the Monarch Butterfly’s life cycle and migration, explains historic and current threats to Monarch populations, and why Texas is critical for Monarchs’ future success. The program covers real steps Texas residents can take to help Monarchs in their own yards, and what to plant to feed Monarchs.
Carol Clark is a Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist, Texas Master Naturalist, and long-time member of the Native Plant Society of Texas. She can’t remember a time when she wasn’t excited about plants and insects. When she isn’t busy teaching others about pollinators or native plants, she enjoys looking after her own colossal Monarch Waystation and wildlife refuge in Cooke County.
August 24, 2026
The Flora & Fauna of the Ladd Nature Preserve
Presentation description: The Charles Ladd Nature Preserve in Duncanville is a wonderful refuge for so many organisms that live in the Dallas/Fort Worth urban ecosystem. For the past several years, we have been conducting bioblitzes and surveys on the landscape, and we’ve documented nearly 1900 species so far! Come and learn about some of these super interesting species and why places like this are so tremendously valuable to not just the urban wildlife but also the people that seek out wild places in Dallas/Fort Worth.
Sam Kieschnick is an urban wildlife biologist with TPWD serving the east side of the DFW metroplex. He previously worked as a nature educator with the City of Mansfield at Oliver Nature Park, as a naturalist at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge, as a science interpreter with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History, as a botanist with Botanical Research Institute of Texas, and as an instructor at Weatherford College. He has a master’s degree from Tarleton State University studying the genetics of pocket gophers. As an urban wildlife biologist, Sam’s focus will be on three a’s: awareness, appreciation, and action.
September 28, 2026
Wildlife Rehab
Meet two experienced wildlife rehabilitators and discover how they fulfill their mission of rescuing, treating, and caring for injured, orphaned, and displaced wild animals. Learn how their dedication helps give these animals a second chance by returning them to their natural habitats whenever possible, and learn what you can do if you come across an animal in need.
Hi, I’m Heather Federwisch from Waxahachie, Texas. I’m a wife, mother, and grandmother who has dedicated the past 25 years to rescuing, rehabilitating, and releasing injured and orphaned wildlife. As a permitted wildlife rehabilitator through Texas Parks and Wildlife, I have served communities throughout Ellis and Dallas counties, caring for small and large mammals as well as a wide variety of birds. My work includes everything from raising orphaned animals and treating injuries to preparing each animal for a safe and successful return to the wild. Wildlife rehabilitation has been a lifelong commitment for me, and I am passionate about expanding the resources and support available to the animals and communities we serve.
Hi, I’m Vallory with Val’s Little Rescue in Midlothian, Tx. I retired from nursing in 2007 after a rewarding career and have now dedicated more than 25 years to wildlife rehabilitation. For the past three years, I’ve served Ellis County under the leadership of Texas Parks & Wildlife’s Heather Federwisch. I specialize in the care and rehabilitation of small mammals, providing everything from bottle feeding orphaned babies to treating minor injuries and preparing wildlife for a successful return to their natural habitat.
