The Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge will offer a full schedule of birding, nature and youth programs throughout September, along with opportunities for area residents to volunteer at the refuge.
Unless otherwise noted, programs are held at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center, 6465 Refuge Road in Sherman. Most activities are free and open to the public, with donations accepted to support Friends of Hagerman programs.
The month begins with the Little Sit at 7 a.m. Sept. 5 at Pad-H on the west side of the refuge. Modeled after Cornell’s Big Sit, the program gives beginning and experienced birders an opportunity to observe and identify North Texas birds as they arrive at Lake Texoma and surrounding areas to feed.
Members of the refuge’s Bird Census Team will provide spotting scopes and identification tips. Participants may come and go during the event and are encouraged to bring a chair, binoculars and water.
Also Sept. 5, the Hagerman Photo Club will meet at 10 a.m. for a program on the 19th annual photo contest. Organizers will discuss changes to this year’s contest, how to enter, choosing photographs and what judges consider when selecting winners. Photo club membership is not required.
Activities continue Sept. 12 with an Early Bird Guided Walk beginning at 8 a.m. at the Visitor Center. Ornithologist Dr. Wayne Meyer and Texas Master Naturalist Jack Chiles will lead participants along the Harris Creek Trail to identify birds and other wildlife. Binoculars are available to borrow.
Butterfly Garden Strolls will be offered from 9 to 11 a.m. Sept. 12 and Sept. 26. Garden docents will help visitors identify native Texas plants and butterflies. Family activities will include scavenger hunts and other educational programs. Registration is not required.
The refuge’s Second Saturday program begins at 10 a.m. Sept. 12 and will feature Carol Clark presenting “Native Orchids in Your Neighborhood.” Clark will discuss native North Texas orchids, including the Spiranthes genus, as well as rarer native species and an invasive orchid spreading across Texas.
Clark is a Texas Master Naturalist, longtime member of the Native Plant Society of Texas and conservation specialist with Monarch Watch. She and her husband also operate Clark Haven Farm, a wildlife preserve and custom wildflower seed business in Cooke County.
A refuge cleanup is scheduled for 8 a.m. Sept. 19. Volunteers will meet at the Visitor Center before dividing into groups. Participants are encouraged to bring gloves, buckets, trash pickers and water. Scouts are welcome, and community service hours may be documented.
Later that morning, the Refuge Rocks youth program will present “Wonderful Water!” from 10 to 11:30 a.m. The free program is designed for children ages 5-10 and will explore the water cycle, watersheds and aquatic ecosystems through a lesson, craft and hands-on activity.
The Friends of Hagerman is also seeking volunteers to help with a variety of refuge activities, including bat and monarch monitoring, greeting visitors, tram tours, maintaining the Butterfly Garden and outdoor cleanup and trail work.
Because of the summer heat, regular tram tours are available by special request for groups of six to eight on weekdays and Saturday mornings. The 60- to 90-minute tours travel along Wildlife Drive and include information about refuge history, wildlife, birding and photography. Reservations are required.
For more information about Friends of Hagerman programs or volunteer opportunities, email [email protected]
Source: Freepik.com