Upcoming Park Activities

The Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist program are hosting their annual public forum on Tuesday, March 6. This year, the speaker is Charles Newberry, Texas Parks and Wildlife Biologist, who will be talking about what's happening with the TPWD. This program will be held in conjunction with the monthly Master Naturalist meeting at 7:00 PM, at River Bend Nature Center, 2200 3rd St.  The program is free and open to the public. Usually, light refreshments are served.

On Sunday, March 4, there will be a rally in support of Lake Arrowhead State Park, from 2:00 PM - 5:00 PM. This event is co-sponsored by the Friends of Lake Arrowhead State Park and the Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist.

On Saturday, March 17, the Friends of Lake Arrowhead State Park will hold their 2nd annual park clean up from 9:00 AM to noon. Last year we picked up a lot of trash. Although most of the people who came last year were Friends and Master Naturalists, we did have some campers and other members of the public take part. Anyone is welcome to help and there will be free hot dogs for the volunteers.

As a reminder, the state parks are in financial trouble. If you have the ability, consider contributing to the non-profit Texas State Parks Foundation. You can also help by visiting the park and paying the entry fee (which accounts for about half of the park's budget) and/or buying a Park Pass.

Upcoming Speakers and Issues of Interest

Midwestern State University has a Speakers and Issues program. They bring in a lot of interesting speakers--some of which I have mentioned in past blogs. There are two speakers coming up that will probably be of special interest to readers. This series is open to the public and free. The programs start at 7 PM in Akin Auditorium. My past experience has been that most of these events are standing room only, so if you want a seat, it is best to arrive early.

- 27 February: James K. Galbraith, economist. "Inequality and the Economic Crisis."
- 29 March: T. Colin Campbell, retired Professor Emeritus of at Cornell University. "The Health Care Crisis and Its Missing Link."

Activities and Events Coming Up

I been out of town as much as in lately, so I am a little bit behind the power curve on posting. However, there are some events coming up I wanted to get the word out on, so here they are:

  - Home and Garden Show: February 26, 27 at MPEC. Lots of great vendors and educational sessions.
  - Spring Break Camp at River Bend: March 12 - 16, 8:30 AM - 12:00 PM. Kindergarten through 6th Grade. Register by March 7. For information, click here. For a registration form, click here. Attendees will also need a medical release.
  - EcoFair Planning Meeting: March 2, Noon at River Bend.
  - Red River Group Sierra Club meeting, March 17, Noon - 1:00 PM, El Diablo. Trash pick up to follow.
  - Texas Clean Rivers Program Red River Basin Advisory Committee Meeting, March 27, 9:30 AM - approximately 1:30 PM.  Red River Authority of Texas Administrative Office and Laboratory Facility, 3000 Hammon Rd. Please RSVP to Stacey Green at 940- 723-2236 or sgreen@rra.dst.tx.us as they will be serving lunch.
  - EcoFair: April 21, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM. If you would like to have a booth, contact River Bend at 940-767-0843 or smcmahen@riverbendnaturecenter.org. Booth prices are only $50 commercial and $25 for non-profits. Living Green in Wichita Falls will have a booth.
  - Texas Master Naturalist Spring Training: Begins March 20 and runs through May 5. Deadline for applications is March 12. The class schedule includes classes and several field trips. Registration is $80 ($70 for MSU students.) Registration forms and fees can be dropped off at Inland Fisheries at  403 Chester.