Come walk on the wild side and discover the birds of Hagerman!

Join Dr. Wayne Meyer, ornithologist, and Master Naturalist Jack Chiles for a guided bird walk along the Harris Creek Trail every Second Saturday, weather permitting. This easy, flat, well maintained trail makes for a relaxed and enjoyable walk as you spot birds and other wildlife along the way. The group will return in time for the Second Saturday nature program.

Binoculars are available to borrow—just bring your curiosity and a bottle of water!

Registration is recommended to receive event updates and weather-related notifications.

Free and open to the public.  Donations are accepted to support this and other events and programs sponsored by the Friends of Hagerman NWR.

Come and Help Us Celebrate the 80th Birthday of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

8:00 Bird Walk

10:00 Ferns of Texas: Why the Lone Star State is So Diverse with George Diggs

11:30 Coffee, Cake and a Game with Ranger Beard

12:00 The History of Hagerman NWR with Mary Estre, Petrolium Specialist

Texas has a surprising number of native ferns and lycophytes, 127 in all, the most of any state in the continental U.S. This is particularly unexpected given that most people associate ferns and related plants with humid, even tropical conditions, just the opposite of much of Texas.

Texas’ diverse species thrive under a variety of conditions including some that are very extreme—in crevices on huge exposed granite outcrops, underwater on the bottoms of ponds or lakes, inside cave entrances, and in the deserts of west Texas. One Texas species has leaves reaching nearly 13 feet in length, while another is a tiny floating aquatic often less than 1/2 inch in total size. Many Texas species occur nowhere else in the entire United States.

This talk will look broadly at Texas ferns, ranging from the swamp forests of East Texas, to the hidden canyons of the Edwards Plateau, and even to the high mountain “sky islands” of such places as Big Bend National Park. It will examine why Texas is such a special place for these fascinating plants.

George Diggs is an evolutionary biologist and botanist who has taught for more than 40 years at Austin College in Sherman, and a Research Associate at the Botanical Research Institute of Texas.

His research interests include the plants of Texas, evolution as it relates to human health, the systematics of the Ericaceae (Blueberry Family), and biogeography.

He has co-authored four books, including The Ferns & Lycophytes of Texas, co-authored with Barney Lipscomb, and more than 30 scientific articles. In his research he has traveled to all seven continents. He helped found the Public Health program at Austin College and teaches Environmental and Evolutionary Health, including the impact of diet and toxins on human health.

Registration is not necessary—all are welcome! But if any of these programs spark your curiosity, signing up will get you a friendly reminder three days beforehand. You’ll also receive our once-a-month Featherless Flyer newsletter—no email overload, and it’s easy to unsubscribe anytime.

Fossil Frenzy! A Hands-On Adventure into the Prehistoric Past

Young explorers are invited to travel millions of years back in time at Fossil Frenzy!, an exciting hands-on children’s program at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. This interactive class will take place Saturday, February 21, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. and is designed for youth ages 5–10.

During Fossil Frenzy!, participants will uncover the fascinating story of fossils and discover how ancient plants and animals—including tiny insects—were preserved in amber. Through an engaging mini-lesson, kids will learn how fossils form, what they tell us about life long ago, and why insects trapped in amber are such incredible time capsules from the prehistoric world.

The fun doesn’t stop there! Young paleontologists will:

• Explore real-world fossil concepts through age-appropriate learning
• Create a fossil-themed craft to take home
• Participate in an active, hands-on activity that brings ancient history to life

This lively program blends science, creativity, and discovery—perfect for curious minds who love dinosaurs, bugs, and all things ancient.

Program Details:

Date: Saturday, February 21

Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Ages: 5–10 years

Location: Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Space is limited, and advance registration is encouraged.

Get ready to dig in, discover, and spark a lifelong love of science—Fossil Frenzy! is sure to be a roaring good time!

Observing birds requires more than just seeing them. When you learn to recognize their songs you will find more birds and get better ideas about where to find them. Top birders hear more birds first than they see first. Come learn a few of the common birds around the refuge and improve your results.

Dr. Wayne Meyer, an ornithologist, began birding at the age of 13 in Connecticut. He has birded extensively on both coasts of the United States and has spent the past quarter century birding in Texas and Oklahoma. Dr. Meyer has conducted extensive research on prairie birds and has been studying song learning and vocal development in Painted Buntings for more than a decade. He is a sought-after speaker for Master Naturalist groups and a frequent presenter at the Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Second Saturday programs.

Registration is not necessary—all are welcome! But if any of these programs spark your curiosity, signing up will get you a friendly reminder three days beforehand. You’ll also receive our once-a-month Featherless Flyer newsletter—no email overload, and it’s easy to unsubscribe anytime.

Photo by Donnie Simmons