Friends of Hagerman NWR upcoming events

Second Saturday Bird Walk (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 14:00:00 GMT

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.

Butterfly Garden Walk (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

Enjoy the Butterfly Garden at Hagerman NWR

Garden docents will be on hand to help identify the Texas native plants and visiting butterflies. Literature on plants and butterflies will be available. Special activities for families: scavenger hunts, the Metamorphosis Puppet and more. Registration is not necessary.

The garden is free of charge and open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.

Donations are accepted to support the Butterfly Garden, Garden Walks and other events and programs sponsored by the Friends of Hagerman NWR.

Join us with membership today to receive the monthly Featherless Flyer newsletter with nature articles, program information, updated events and other important refuge information!

Photo of American Lady Butterfly by Laurie Sheppard

Native Orchids in Your Neighborhood with Carol Clark (September 12, 2026)

Sat, 12 Sep 2026 16:00:00 GMT

Did you know North Central Texas has wild native orchids? Some are more common than you think. This program explores the Ladies' Tresses (Spiranthes genus) of native orchids and all their associated weirdness, and touches on some of the beautiful rarer orchids in North Texas and an invasive orchid making its way across Texas. We'll give you tips for spotting and IDing them near you. A cheat sheet for identifying the local Spiranthes species is included.

Carol Clark is an amateur botany enthusiast, a Texas Master Naturalist, a longtime member of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and is a Conservation Specialist with Monarch Watch.

She also co-administrates the Texas Native Bee Co-op Facebook page, and chairs the Bring Back the Monarchs to Texas committee. She and her husband own and operate Clark Haven Farm, a wildlife preserve and custom wildflower seed business in Cooke County.

Carol grew up with a nature photographer father and wildlife artist brother, and has spent much of her life looking around and learning in the great outdoors. Her favorite things to do are leading discovery walks in local natural areas, and finding and photographing interesting plants and insects.

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.

Refuge Rocks FREE Youth Program: Wonderful Water(Ages 5-10) (September 19, 2026)

Sat, 19 Sep 2026 15:00:00 GMT

From falling rain to flowing streams, water is always on the move! Young nature explorers are invited to dive into the science of water at Wonderful Water, an engaging children’s program at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. This hands-on class will take place Saturday, September 19, 2026, from 10:00–11:30 a.m. and is designed for youth ages 5–10.

During this interactive program, participants will explore the amazing journey of water through the water cycle, learn about local watersheds, and discover the aquatic ecosystems that depend on clean, healthy water. Through an age-appropriate mini lesson, kids will see how water connects clouds, land, plants, animals—and people.

The program includes:

A fun, educational lesson on the water cycle and watersheds
A creative, water-themed craft to take home
A hands-on activity that brings aquatic ecosystems to life

Blending science, creativity, and outdoor discovery, Wonderful Water helps kids understand why water is one of our most important natural resources—and how we can help protect it.

Program Details:

Date: Saturday, September 19, 2026

Time: 10:00–11:30 a.m.

Ages: 5–10

Location: Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge

Space is limited. Advance registration is encouraged. Register now!

Get ready to splash into learning—because every drop tells a story of Wonderful Water!