Take a hike, go fishing, stroll under the stars, visit the log house, or just find a quiet place to relax at the Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area. Here are some upcoming events:
• Bird Walk: February 9, 7:30 a.m. Bird watchers of all skill levels are invited to join master birder Keith Lockhart as he leads the way to birding locations at LLELA. Wintering sparrows and ducks are still here, providing lots of interesting viewing. Ages 10 and up. There is a $2 program fee for the bird walk, in addition to the regular gate fee of $5/person. Reservations are not required; call 972-219-3930 for more information.
• Nature Walk: February 9, 10:00 a.m. Join us for our monthly naturalist-led nature walk. You never know what we’ll find..animal tracks and signs, early signs of spring, and more. There is a $2 program fee, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/person). Reservations are not required, call 972-219-3930 for more information.
• Open House at the Minor-Porter Log House: February 16, 12:00 to 3:00 p.m. Completely restored and furnished with all the trappings of everyday frontier life, the log house gives visitors to LLELA a window on life in Denton County in 1870. Interested visitors of all ages are welcome to arrive at any time during the open hours and tour at their own pace. Knowledgeable volunteers will guide visitors through the structures and answer questions in this informal tour. Cost: regular admission ($5/person; children age 5 years and under free).
• Night Hike: February 23, 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. Join our trail guides as they lead a moonlit stroll through the woods and across the prairie. We may hear some bumps in the night, but have no fear…it’s probably just an armadillo. Howling coyotes, hooting owls, and other nocturnal sounds will provide an out-of-the-ordinary hiking experience. Registration is required at 972-219-3930 or [email protected]. There is a $2 program fee for the night hike, in addition to the regular gate fee of $5/person.
And coming up in March:
Kids’ Fishing Day: March 23, 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Angling instructors at LLELA are offering a whole morning of fun activities that will introduce children to the art of fishing. Activities will include: casting, fish identification, knot-tying, aquatic habitats, fishing rules and ethics and more. There is a $2 program fee, in addition to the regular gate fee ($5/person). Children must be accompanied by an adult. Please call 972-219-3930 to register. No poles are required for the activities, but will be needed if you intend to stay and fish afterwards.
The Lewisville Lake Environmental Learning Area is 2,000 acres of prairies, forests, and wetlands managed as a wildlife preserve by a group of agencies including the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the University of North Texas, the City of Lewisville, Lewisville ISD, and Texas A & M University. Their mission is to preserve and restore our native ecosystems and to provide and promote environmental education and scientific research. LLELA’s entrance is at 201 E. Jones St. (intersection of Jones & Kealy Streets), Lewisville, TX. Learn more at Learn more at www.ias.unt.edu/llela or by calling 972-219-3930, and follow them on Facebook at facebook.com/LLELALewisvilleLake.