Nature-friendly places to go in DFW starting Aug. 13
▪ Learn about backyard composting at a free class 9-11 a.m. Aug. 13 at the River Legacy Living Science Center, 703 N.W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. It’s in the center’s parking lot. No registration necessary; free book offered.
At 10 a.m. Aug. 13, go on a free family-friendly nature walk with a guide. Register by calling 817-860-6752. riverlegacy.org.
▪ Learn about “shohin” bonsai — trees that are 8 inches and shorter — during the monthly meeting of the Fort Worth Bonsai Society, 9 a.m.-noon Aug. 13 at the Conservatory of the Fort Worth Botanic Garden, 3220 Botanic Garden Blvd.
▪ The Iris Society of Dallas plant sale will begin at 9 a.m. Aug. 13 at Holy Cross Lutheran Church, 11425 Marsh Lane (near Forest Lane), Dallas. Usually sold out by noon. www.irises-dallas.org.
▪ Learn about birds’ nests of all sizes during a come-and-go demonstration 1-3 p.m. Aug. 13 at the Fort Worth Nature Center and Refuge.
At 1 p.m. Aug. 14, join a bilingual naturalist for “Nature en Espanol: El Verano” and a hike on the refuge’s trails. It will be about 1 1/2 hours long.
On Aug. 17, there will be a full moon paddle on the West Fork of the Trinity River beginning at 7:30 p.m. Canoes, paddles and life jackets are provided. It’s $20, $15 for members. Maximum 12 participants. Register by calling the refuge.
These programs (with the exception of the Aug. 17 canoe trip) are free with paid admission ($2-$5). You may register for these activities and more online. The refuge is at 9601 Fossil Ridge Road, Fort Worth. 817-392-7410; www.fwnaturecenter.org.
▪ Bluestem Nursery owner John Snowden, a native plant landscape expert, will talk about native grasses of the Southwest Nature Preserve with an emphasis on restoration at 7 p.m. Aug. 16 in the Community Room at the West Arlington Police Station, 2060 W. Green Oaks Blvd., Arlington. The preserve is at 5201 Bowman Springs Road, Arlington. www.swnp.org
▪ The Botanical Research Institute of Texas and the city of Fort Worth are selling 55-gallon Upcycle rain barrels, $75, and compost bins, $130, through Sept. 2. Orders: upcycle-products.com/britfw. Pick-up date and place: 9 a.m.-noon Sept. 10 at BRIT, 1700 University Drive, Fort Worth. brit.org.
▪ Get your gardening questions answered with a call to the Tarrant County Master Gardener Association help desk, 817-884-1944. Hours are 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Monday-Friday.
▪ Johnson County Master Gardeners also answer gardening questions and give advice 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Fridays. Call the Johnson County Extension Office at 817-556-6370 and ask to speak to a master gardener.
Mark your calendar …
▪ Master Naturalist George McBride will talk about hummingbirds at 10 a.m. Aug. 17 at the Bob Jones Nature Center. 355 E. Bob Jones Road, Southlake. To register, call 817-491-6333. bjnc.org.
Send announcements of local home and garden happenings (including retail news) at least two weeks in advance to Places to Go, Features Department, Star-Telegram, Box 1870, Fort Worth, TX 76101, or send an email to scline@star-telegram.com with “Places to Go” in the subject line.
This story was originally published August 11, 2016 at 1:39 PM with the headline "Nature-friendly places to go in DFW starting Aug. 13."