Life Long Learning brochure - Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center

Chi h u a h u a n De s e rtRes e a r c h In s t i t u t eLife Long Learning 2013Programs and Events

ContentsCalendar at a Glance 2Lectures 3Field Trips & Workshops 7Special Events 11Nature Day Camps 13School Programs 15Guided Hikes & Group Tours 18Research Programs 19Volunteer! 22To RegisterTo register for CDRI programs, downloada form from www.cdri.org (underthe Education: Life Long Learning tab)and mail to:Chihuahuan Desert Research InstituteP.O. Box 905Fort Davis, TX 79734You may also call 432.364.2499 oremail education@cdri.org to register.Registrations are processed uponreceipt. You may pay by cash, check, orcredit card (we accept Visa, Mastercard,or Discover). Your registration is consideredcomplete once we have receivedfull payment and you have receivedwritten confirmation.If you are a current member, or you areenclosing a new or renewed membershipwith your registration, you are entitledto receive the membership rate forprograms. If our records do not indicatethat your membership is current, wewill have to charge you the nonmemberrate.Cancellations & RefundsIf registration numbers are insufficient,we reserve the right to cancel a program.In this case, we will offer a fullrefund.If you need to cancel your registration,please call us five working days beforethe program. We will refund yourregistration fee less a $5.00 per coursecancellation fee. We cannot refund registrationfees for programs you do notattend without prior notice.For the Latest InformationBe sure to follow us on FaceBook orcheck our website frequently for additionsto the schedule or changes topreviously scheduled programs. Newopportunities arise throughout the year!The mission of the Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute is to promote publicawareness, appreciation, and concern for the natural diversity of the ChihuahuanDesert region through research and education.To achieve this mission, the CDRI promotes and demonstrates sustainable development;provides science-based environmental education programs to thecommunity; and encourages biodiversity conservation.www.cdri.org Page 1 432.364.2499

January 24Water in the Desert: Projects of theRio Grande Research CenterDr. Kevin Urbanczyk, Sul Ross State UniversitySRSU; Lawrence Hall Room 300: 7:00 p.m.The primary objective of the RioGrande Research Center at Sul RossState University is to conductoutreach and education about thesustainable use of natural resources--especially water. Dr. Kevin Urbanczyk,Center Director, will be joining usto talk about current research projectsat the RGRC.Students and faculty affiliated withthe Rio Grande Research Center areengaged in numerous field researchprojects including identification ofalternative technology and methodsfor increasing water-use efficiency inagricultural irrigation practices; asalternative incentives for water reuseor conservation; and the possibilitiesfor increasing water use efficiency inurban areas.February 15Sustainability Trends,Drivers & IssuesDavid A. Alvidrez, AIASRSU Room ACR204: 7:00 p.m.As founder of Alvidrez ArchitectureInc., David Alvidrez is a passionatechampion for timeless designs thatinnovate while creating a sharedvalue for owners and end users. Hisphilosophy is simple: “Exceptionaldesign impacts more than the builtenvironment, it impacts lives.”In this lecture, David will discussmajor trends shaping the sustainabledevelopment movement in 2013 aswell as new options that can be appliedin diverse environments.Founded in 1987, with hundredsof projects and numerous regionaland state awards to its credit, AlvidrezArchitecture has earned thereputation of being one of the state’sleading architectural firms specializingin the design and planningof educational, ecclesiastical, administrative,institutional, housing,recreational, and commercial basedprojects.March 21Texas Climate ChangeDr. John Nielsen-Gammon, Texas A&MSRSU Lawrence Hall Room 300: 7:00 p.m.While most of Texas is still in amoderate-to-severe drought the effectshave been felt significantly inwest Texas. In a region where theweather plays such an important rolein the livelihood of many west Texans,it is important to understandthe mechanisms of weather andclimate change.State Climatologist Dr. JohnNielsen-Gammon will join us todiscuss climate change in Texas andwww.cdri.org Page 4 432.364.2499

his research on drought monitoringand forecasting.Dr. Nielsen-Gammon joined thefaculty at Texas A&M University in1991 and was appointed Texas StateClimatologist in 2000. His research involvessuch topics as jet streams, heavyrain, sea breezes, air pollution, dataassimilation, climate data quality, anddrought monitoring and forecasting.Photo by R. Kosteckeacres of the Davis Mountains andsurrounding desert grasslands wereburned. This combination ofdrought and wildfire undoubtedlyimpacted the avian communities ofthe Davis Mountains.Rich Kostecke has been conductingbird surveys in the Davis Mountainshigh country and will presentpreliminary results and discussionon how the drought and wildfiresmight be impacting the birdlife ofthe Davis Mountains.June 27May 9Drought, Wildfire, and the AvianCommunity of the Davis MountainsDr. Richard Kostecke, The Nature ConservancySRSU Lawrence Hall Room 300: 7:00 p.m.Texas experienced its worst singleyeardrought in 2011 as well ashistorically extreme and extensivewildfires. Approximately 350,000The Nature Conservancy’sDavis Mountains Preserve: Past,Present, and FutureShawn Benedict, The Nature ConservancySRSU Room TBA: 7:00 p.m.Shawn Benedict, the Davis MountainsProject Director, will present ageneral overview of the past, present,and future research at the DavisMountains Preserve.Hummingbirds, mountain lions,and fire effects are the focus of just afew of the current research projectsbeing conducted at the preserve.Past projects include general botanyand species composition on site andblack bear habitat suitability.In the future, Shawn will focus onthinning, watershed protection, andwetlands restoration projects at thepreserve.www.cdri.org Page 5 432.364.2499

July 26Herpetological Diversity of theWestern Sierra Madre OrientalMichael S. PriceSRSU Room TBA: 7:00 p.m.Renowned for their herpetologicaldiversity, the Sierra Madre Orientalsare a long range of tall mountains thatspan approximately 600 miles throughthe Mexican states of Coahuila, NuevoLeon, Tamaulipas, San Luis Potosi,Hidalgo, Puebla, and Queretaro.Michael S. Price, Director of theSan Angelo Nature Center, hasconducted 18 expeditions into theSierra Madres to study the reptilesand amphibians found there.Michael will provide an overviewof the herpetological fauna found ina region stretching from Monterrey,Nuevo Leon southward to centralSan Luis Potosi. He will cover familiarspecies as well as lesser knownamphibians and reptiles found onlyin the Sierra Madre.See page 11 for the companion workshop!www.cdri.org Page 6 432.364.2499

August 15Chronic Wasting Disease and its Presencein West TexasShawn GrayTexas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentSRSU Room TBA: 7:00 p.m.In 2012 Texas Parks & Wildlifereported that two cases of ChronicWasting Disease (CWD) weredetected in far West Texas. CWDis a contagious neurological diseaseaffecting deer, elk and moose thatcauses a spongy degeneration of thebrains of infected animals and isrelated to scrapie in sheep, mad cowdisease in cattle, and Cruetzfeldt-Jakob disease in humansWhile there is no cure or vaccinefor CWD the main goal now is theimplementation of a response planto minimize the risk of the diseasespreading. TPWD Biologist ShawnGray will speak on the current statusof CWD in west Texas and the stepsbeing taken as part of the responseplan to CWD.September 26Chihuahuan Desert BighornRestorationFroylan HernandezTexas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentSRSU Room TBA: 7:00 p.m.TPWD’s desert bighorn restorationand management program has madelong strides since the bighorn’s extirpationin the early 1960s. The bighorn’scomeback to the West Texasmountains has only been possiblebecause of dedicated conservationagencies, interests groups, volunteers,and landowners all sharing the samegoal of restoring the iconic animal.The future, though promising, willundoubtedly be accompanied bychallenges that will be resolved whilemaintaining consideration for allnatural resources.Join us to learn more about thesefascinating creatures when TPWDDesert Bighorn Sheep Program Leader,Froylan Hernandez, joins us todiscuss the status of desert bighornsin the Trans Pecos region of Texas.www.cdri.org Page 7 432.364.2499

elusive qualities of the ChihuahuanDesert. The presentation will includepoetic aspects of the desertlandscape, as seen through the eyesof an artist, along with literature,geography and plant life of theregion. Like Tom Lea, we’re drawnto this majestic, mysterious, unforgivinglandscape because it stirs our souland overwhelms us with the beautyof its intense light and stark formsshimmering in the heat of an endlesshorizon. It’s why we’re all here andwhy we want to learn to understand it.Where the Hawks Live, 1972, by Tom Lea.Watercolor, 21.5 x 14.5. Collection of Mrs.W.E. Vandevere, El Paso. Courtesy of the TomLea Institute, El Paso.October 19Tom Lea: A Man Alone in the Spaceof the LandKatherine AlexanderCDRI Nature Center: 2:00 p.m.In celebration of Tom Lea MonthKatherine Alexander will present“Tom Lea: A Man Alone in theSpace of the Land.” This presentationfocuses on the artist’s landscapepaintings from a historicalperspective as well as his contributionas quintessential painter of theOctober isTom Lea MonthTom Lea (1907-2001) was a genius of thetwentieth century whose extraordinary giftsas a muralist, illustrator, war correspondent,portraitist, novelist, historian and easelpainter brought fame to himself and toTexas.To raise awareness of this unsung geniusof our time, Margo Adair founded theTom Lea Institute in El Paso. Each year,Tom Lea’s legacy is celebrated in Octoberwith a series of tours, talks, exhibitsand special events. These events, heldin El Paso, Austin, Odessa, Marathon,Las Cruces, and Chihuahua (and nowFort Davis!), attract over 65,000 peopleeach year.For more information and a completelisting of 2013 Tom Lea Month events,be sure to visit the Tom Lea Institutewebsite at www.tomlea.net.www.cdri.org Page 8 432.364.2499

Field Trips &Workshopswww.cdri.org Page 9 432.364.2499

April 6Mitre Peak ClimbLed by Pam GaddisLimit: 15 participantsWorkshop fee: $105 members; $110 nonmembers(includes $85 access and guide fee)Standing on top of Mitre Peak, theprominent pointed mountain betweenAlpine and Fort Davis, hikerswill have a stunning 360 degree viewof Brewster, Jeff Davis, and Presidiocounties. This is a fun, but challenging,hike requiring good balance andphysical staminia.Our guide, Pam Gaddis, has leadover 25 hikes up Mitre Peak. Thishike is rated strenuous.May 11Birding Davis Mountains State ParkLimit: 15 participantsField trip fee: $26 members; $31 nonmembers (Includesentrance fee to Davis Mountains State Park)In celebration of InternationalMigratory Bird Day, the CDRI is offeringa birding day trip to the primitivearea along Limpia Creek locatedin the Davis Mountains State Park.The terrain, flora, and fauna of thepark, located a mile above sea level,contract sharply with the surroundingChihuuan Desert.Cottonwoods and willows canbe found along Limpia Creek, aswell as Emory and gray oaks. Thisarea is ideal for spotting wildlife, sograb your binoculars, lunch, and abird book and join us for a leisurelymorning of bird watching.June 14 through 24Conservation Across BoundariesDr. Selma Glasscock (Welder Wildlife Foundation)& Jessica Glasscock (Chihuahuan DesertResearch Institute)Conservation Across Boundaries(CAB) is a science-based teachereducation program focused onconservation of wildlife and naturalresources. During the program,teachers travel from the mountainsof west Texas to the coastal plainsof south Texas. Through a combinationof classroom lectures andhands-on experiences, participantscompare wildlife, ecosystems, and socioculturalaspects of the ecoregionsthey travel through.The program is sponsored by theWelder Wildlife Foundation, theBoone and Crockett Club, andthe Chihuahuan Desert ResearchInstitute.For more information on cost,registration, continuing educationcredit, and college course credit,please contact Jessica Glasscock ateducation@cdri.org.www.cdri.org Page 10 432.364.2499

July 27Reptiles & Amphibians ofthe Nature CenterMichael S. Price, San Angelo Nature CenterTime: 6 p.m. to 10 p.m.Limit: 15 participantsWorkshop fee: $20 members;$25 nonmembersBe sure to attend Michael Price’slecture on Friday (July 26) and thenjoin us on Saturday night to explorethe trails of the Nature Center tolook for reptiles and amphibians intheir natural habitat.Michael Price is the Director ofthe San Angelo Nature Center andhas a special interest in the reptilesand amphibians of west Texas.August 24Hiking Mount LivermoreShawn Benedict, The Nature ConservancyLimit: 15 participantsField trip fee: $52 members; $65 nonmembersJoin us for our annual climb upMount Livermore—the highest pointon the Nature Conservancy’s DavisMountains Preserve.Participants will carpool to BridgeGap, then make the approximately3-mile round trip to the summit andback. You will gain about 1000 ft. inelevation and learn about the ecologicalimportance of this sky island as weobserve the plants and animals thatmake the mountain their home.Shawn Benedict, the Davis MountainsProject Director, will be ourguide.September 28In Search of the Desert Bighorn:Field Trip to Elephant MountainWildlife Management AreaDewey StockbridgeTexas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentLimit: 15 participantsField trip fee: $52 members; $65 nonmembersOne of the primary goals of ElephantMountain WMA is to provide asource of desert bighorn brood-stockfor transplanting to depleted habitats.Since restoration of the desert bighornbegan, around 50 years ago, theirnumbers have reached close to 1,500in the west Texas region. The mostwww.cdri.org Page 11 432.364.2499

ecent relocation occurred in Dec.2012 and 44 desert bighorn weretransported from Elephant MountainWMA to 9 Point Mesa.Participants in this field trip willhave the opportunity to travel tothe top of Elephant Mountain insearch of the desert bighorn thatmake their home there. Texas Parksand Wildlife Biologist Dewey Stockbridgewill lead our expedition.December 7Big Bend Ranch State Park HikeBlaine Hall, Texas Parks & Wildlife DepartmentLimit: 12 participantsField trip fee: $52 members; $65 nonmembers(includes TPWD guide and entrance fee)Big Bend Ranch State Park coversmore than 300,000 acres of theChihuahuan Desert, thus providinga perfect opportunity to enjoy all thewonders that the desert has to offer.TPWD Interpretive Ranger, BlaineHall, will guide us on our hike intoremote and truly beautiful areas ofthe Park where we can experiencethe magnificent vistas of FresnoCnyon and Madrid Falls; all this,while learning about the rich historyof the Park and the flora and faunathat make up its ecosystem.This moderately strenuous hikecovers about 4 miles and will lastapproximately 8 hours, includingtransit time to and from thetrailhead. The trip will leave fromBBRSP Headquarters at Sauceda,located about 1.5 hours from Presidio.Participants are encouraged tostay at Sauceda to have ample timeto enjoy the park. Lodging can bereserved by calling 512.389.8919 andfood requests need to be made atleast one week in advance directly at432.358.4444.www.cdri.org Page 12 432.364.2499

Special Eventswww.cdri.org Page 13 432.364.2499

Cactus ShowcaseFebruaryHeart Healthy Hiker’s ClubCelebrate Valentine’s Day by joiningthe Heart Healthy Hiker’s Club. As amember of the club, you’ll receive afree pedometer provided by Big BendRegional Hospital, access to the NatureCenter’s hiking trails starting at 7:30a.m. on Tuesday and Thursdays, anda chance to win a great prize if you’velogged the most steps by the end ofFebruary. You must be a member of theCDRI to participate.March 11 to 16It’s showtime! Spring at the NatureCenter is a wonderful time to enjoythe radiant colors of the ChihuahuanDesert region. Explore the garden andgreenhouse, then purchase a cactus orsucculent from our largest selection ofthe year to take home with you.Each day is filled with fun and informativeactivities. Check the website for adaily schedule of events.CDRI members are invited to MembersNight on Friday, April 27 to choosefrom the very best selection of plants.The sale continues on Saturday. As always,we’ll have plant experts and volunteerson hand to help you select plantsand answer any questions you may have.Check the website (cdri.org) in earlyApril for a list of plants available at thesale.September 14Annual BBQ and Benefit AuctionThe BBQ and Benefit Auction providesan opportunity for us to show off thework that your memberships and giftssupport. It also provides a fun-filledevening to mingle and visit with CDRIstaff, volunteers, members, and friends.The auction features original artwork,unique field trips, and treasures of thedesert highlighting the talent, knowledge,and services of our community.We hope that you’ll join the party andtake this opportunity to support theChihuahuan Desert Research Instituteduring our major fundraising event.April 26 & 27Annual Native Plant SaleApril 26, Members Night (4 to 7 p.m.)April 27, Public Sale (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.)The native plants of the ChihuahuanDesert region are beautiful, droughttolerant, and provide food and shelterfor native insects, birds, and animals.Why plant anything else?November 29 & 30Thanksgiving Open HouseThe Nature Center will be open to everyone,free of admission, on the Fridayand Saturday after Thanksgiving.Bring your family, friends, and pets towalk off that turkey dinner and enjoythe crisp fall air!www.cdri.org Page 14 432.364.2499

Shop EventsEach month this year we’re going to offer a special shop event.Don’t miss this great opportunity to build your library and stock up on gifts andapparel from the Leapin’ Lizard Nature Shop—all while supporting the programsof the CDRI!JanuaryWe’re making space for new 2013 inventory.Save 50% on select books, gifts,and children’s t-shirts.FebruaryValentine’s Day SpecialsFebruary 8–11Do your heart a favor and go for a hike!Hiking sticks, water bottle koozies, andCDRI caps are reduced 20%.Volunteer Appreciation SaleFebruary 22–25Flat 20% off any purchase for CDRIvolunteers and 30% off for all volunteersthat are also members.MarchUsed Book Porch SaleMarch 11–23Find amazing bargains on nature-relatedbooks that span the globe.Cactus Showcase SpecialsMarch 15–18Select books on cactus and ethnobotanyreduced 20% this weekend.AprilEarth Day WeekendApril 19–22All books about Aldo Leopold, greenbuilding, and rainwater harvesting are20% off this weekend.MayMother’s Day WeekendMay 10 & 11Enjoy a 10% discount on all jewelry thisweekend and specials on selected birdrelatedgifts and books.www.cdri.org Page 15 432.364.2499

JuneNational Trail DayMay 31–June 3Take advantage of the 20% discount onselect outdoor equipment and books.National Pollinator WeekJune 21–24Celebrate the importance of pollinatorswith a 20% discount on all pollinatorrelatedbooks, feeders, and nest boxes.JulyNational Butterfly Count WeekendJuly 12–July 15Use your 20% discount to stock up onbutterfly-related books, field guides,and gifts.OctoberThe Earth Rocks!October 18–October 21Celebrate National Earth Science Weekwith a 20% discount on geology-relatedbooks, gifts, and educational materials.Teachers with a current school ID receivea 30% discount.NovemberKid’s Stuff SpecialsNovember 29–December 1Get ready for the holidays with a 20%discount on children’s apparel, books,and toys.AugustCelebrate the Rainy Season!August 16–August 19Go ahead. Do a tiny rain dance when youdiscover that all wildflower-related booksand gifts are 20% off this weekend.SeptemberNational Wildlife DayAugust 30–September 2All Folkmanis wildlife puppets arereduced 20% this weekend.DecemberHappy Holidays!All monthEnjoy daily specials when you shop at theLeapin’ Lizards Nature Shop for naturerelatedgifts, books, apparel, and educationaltoys.www.cdri.org Page 16 432.364.2499

Nature Day Campswww.cdri.org Page 17 432.364.2499

July 8-12Critter Club Nature CampFor children 4 to 69 a.m. to 12 noonFees: $125 members; $150 nonmembersNature Camp is a time for outdoor funand learning! Sign your favorite camperup for a week of hiking, birdwatching,bug collecting, reptile and amphibianviewing, arts and crafts, and more.Each day offers your camper a differentnature-based educational theme andthe opportunity to enjoy the surprisesnature has to offer. With 507 acres ofprime country to explore your childrenare sure to come home bursting withtall-tales of camp!For more information on camps, contactJessica Glasscock at education@cdri.org or432.364.2499.July 22-26Desert Rat Club Nature CampFor children 7 to 109 a.m. to 12 noonFees: $125 members; $150 nonmembersIs your little one a future scientist, artist,or journalist? Nature Camp is justthe place for them to explore these possibilities.Your camper will have the opportunityto hike, explore, and discoverthe flora and fauna of the ChihuahuanDesert as well as embrace their artisticside through journaling, photography,and design! Nature Camp fills up rapidlyso be sure to register in advance.www.cdri.org Page 18 432.364.2499

School Programswww.cdri.org Page 19 432.364.2499

All Year Long!Chihuahuan Desert Field School:Science Enrichment ProgramThe Chihuahuan Desert Field Schoolis open to student and youth groups ofall ages: including—but not limited to—public, private, and home-schools; 4-H;Scout; and church youth groups.Bring your student or youth groupto the Nature Center to discover theamazing diversity of life and habitats inthe Chihuahuan Desert region. Scienceeducation programs at CDRI areTEKS/STAR aligned and adaptable todifferent grades, groups, and skill levels.Educational opportunities range frominterpretive hiking tours throughModesta Canyon or up to Clayton’sOverlook; guided tours of the miningheritage exhibit; visiting our 20-acrebotanical garden & cactus greenhouse;walking our geologic timeline, geocaching,and much more!May 8For more information, or to reservea place for your class, contact JessicaGlasscock, at 432.364.2499 or education@cdri.org.Be sure to ask about scholarships offeredthrough CDRI for local students.This event is limited to 300 students.Not a teacher? Volunteer to help! Bugs,Bugs, Bugs Field Day is made possiblewith the help of hard-working volunteers.We are always looking for moreeager volunteers!June 14 to 24Bugs, Bugs, Bugs Field DayTo register, contact Jessica Glasscock at432.364.2499 or education@cdri.org.The Bugs, Bugs, Bugs Field Day curriculumis designed for students in the 2ndand 3rd grades. If you would like to giveyour 2nd and 3rd graders the opportunityto get up close and personal withbugs, this is the event for you! Bug Dayoffers a variety of activities from ediblebug sampling, enjoying a live butterflypavilion, learning bug anatomy, andmuch more!Conservation Across Boundaries ©:Teacher Education ProgramConservation Across Boundaries © is ascience-based teacher education programfocused on conservation of wildlife andnatural resources. During the program,teachers travel from the mountainsof west Texas to the coastal plains ofsouth Texas. Through a combination ofclassroom lectures and hands-on experiences,participants compare wildlife,ecosystems, and sociocultural aspects ofthe ecoregions they travel through.www.cdri.org Page 20 432.364.2499

The program is sponsored by theWelder Wildlife Foundation, the Booneand Crockett Club, and the ChihuahuanDesert Research Institute.For more information on cost, registration,and continuing education credit,please contact Jessica Glasscock ateducation@cdri.org.October 168th Annual The Earth Rocks!!!The Earth Rocks!!!, our annual fieldday in celebration of National EarthScience Week is going strong. Lastyear over 400 children from across theTrans-Pecos participated in this funfilledscience education day. We’re lookingforward to even more in 2013!The Earth Rocks!!! is designed aroundTEKS/STAR guidelines to improveunderstanding and retention and tosupport curriculum learned in theclassroom for students in the 4th and5th grades.Be sure to sign your class up early toexperience a day of hands-on activities,exhibits, and guided tours to introduceand reinforce important concepts ingeology, biology, energy, and earth science.For more information or to register,contact Jessica Glasscock, CDRI educationcoordinator at 432.364.2499 ore-mail her at education@cdri.org.Be sure to ask about scholarships offeredthrough CDRI for local students.What teachers have to say about CDRIeducation programs:“I have taken lots of students on field trips,but this is by far the best and mos teductionalprogram I have ever attended with anystudents”Alpine Middle School TeacherAnd their students?“This was the coolest field trip ever.”“I learned a lot today it’s the best fifth gradefield trip!”“I love this place it was so cool and interesting!I love the nature centure!!! ”The education program is supported bygifts and grants from:Bridgestone-Firestone FoundationThe Brown Foundation, HoustonDixon Water FoundationThe Permian Basin Area FoundationCDRI Members and Friendswww.cdri.org Page 21 432.364.2499

Guided Hikes &Group Toursmore about how the Nature Center fitsinto the global picture, join us on May10th for a guided tour of our botanicalgardens.Saturday Nights in JulyGroup ToursWe’d be delighted to give your youth,tour, scout, church, or any other groupa guided tour of the botanical gardensor a guided hike into Modesta Canyon.Guided tours are $7.50 per personwith a minimum of 10 people. ContactJessica Glasscock at education@cdri.orgor 432.364.2499 to schedule your grouptour today!May 10National Public Gardens Day ToursGuided tours at 10:00 a.m. & 2:00 p.m.Celebrate National Public GardensDay with us! Botanical gardens aroundthe world play an important role inpromoting environmental stewardship,plant and water conservation, greenspaces, and science education. To learnThe Desert After DarkJuly 6, 13, & 20. Starts at 8:30 p.m.$5.00 per personAre you interested in what’s movingat the Nature Center after hours? Joinus on Saturdays in July for a guided nocturnalexcursion into Modesta Canyonto find out what goes on after the sungoes down.Night hikes are a great opportunity tosee some of the many nocturnal creaturesthat make the desert their homeand to enjoy the spectacular night skiesof the Davis Mountains.Night hikes tend to be very popular. Wehighly recommend making reservationsin advance. Just call 432.364.2499 to letus know how many people are coming.(The July 27th night hike will be a specialprogram. See page 11 for more details.)www.cdri.org Page 22 432.364.2499

Research Programswww.cdri.org Page 23 432.364.2499

Join our team of citizen scientists and help collect data on the flora and faunaof the Chihuahuan Desert Nature Center and Davis Mountains region. Whetheryou’re just learning or a seasoned veteran, we need you! Below are some of thebird and butterfly counts that are scheduled for 2013. Be sure to watch the CDRIwebsite (www.cdri.org) and our FaceBook page for additional opportunities toparticipate in citizen scientist events.Butterfly CountsApril 18, July 13, & September 27All counts start at 10:00 a.m. at the NatureCenter.The Fort Davis Butterfly Count Circleis centered on the Jeff Davis CountyCourthouse and extends from theCDRI’s Nature Center to the McDonaldObservatory.Join fellow butterfly enthusiasts as wecount the number and species of butterfliesfound in the diverse habitatsof our count circle. We’ll focus on theNature Center, but if there are enoughparticipants, we will cover the entirecount circle.Christmas Bird CountPhoto by M. Reid 2012Bird CountsFebruary 16 Great Backyard Bird CountOctober 5 Fall Bird CountAll counts start at 8:30 a.m. at the NatureCenter.Join us as we survey the 507 acres ofthe Nature Center for birdlife. Thesecounts provide valuable information onbird populations, how they’re changing,and whether the grassland restorationproject is providing better habitat forgrassland birds.December 14, Fort Davis CountDecember 15, Balmorhea CountBe a part of the National AudubonSociety’s Christmas Bird Count. Eachyear, volunteers collect data in the DavisMountains and in Balmorhea duringthis international birding event designedto monitor the status of residentand migratory birds in the WesternHemisphere. Everyone is invited, andbirders of all skill levels are encouragedto participate. Contact us for moreinformation about the event.www.cdri.org Page 24 432.364.2499

Volunteer!www.cdri.org Page 25 432.364.2499

We have a great group of volunteers! Won’t you join us?A few of our ongoing needs are listed below. If you don’t see something that’sof interest, contact Susan Penney, our volunteer coordinator at spenney@cdri.org or 432.364.2499. She’ll work with you to find the perfect combination ofyour skills and interests and our needs.Adopt-A-PlantPlants do much better with individualtender-loving care. Consequently, weare looking for folks who would beinterested in contributing a little timeand attention to an individual plant orgroup planting. You’ll be responsiblefor the watering, weeding, pruning, andgeneral care of the plant or bed. Notquite sure what to do? We’ll teach you!Visitor ServicesDo you like to talk to people from allover the world who are interested in thesame things you are interested in—likegeology, plants, birds, and wildlife in theChihuahuan Desert? If so, we could useyour help at the front desk answeringquestions from visitors and providinginformation about the Nature Center.Guided Hikes & ToursEvent PreparationSeveral times a year we have large eventsand need help with setting up tents andtables, stuffing bags, shopping for supplies,baking treats, and helping feed folks.If this sounds fun, let Susan know andshe’ll put you on our event contact list.EducationShare your love of the outdoors withschoolchildren from around the state. Letus know if you’d like to lead a hike or helpthe education coordinator give programs.Yank & YakThis weekly event is a social gatheringof folks who enjoy learning about plants(and each other) as they work in andaround our botanical gardens. Join usevery Thursday from 10:30 to 12:30 inwinter & 8:30 to 10:30 in summer.Enthusiastic naturalists are needed,both in the garden and along the trails,to help people of all ages learn moreabout our beautiful and diverse ChihuahuanDesert region.www.cdri.org Page 26 432.364.2499

Chihuahuan Desert Research InstituteP.O. Box 905Fort Davis, TX 79734ADDRESS SERVICE REQUESTEDopen Monday-Saturday, 9AM to 5 PM432.364.2499 office432.364.2686 faxwww.cdri.orgNon-profitOrg.U.S. PostagePAIDAlpine, TexasPermit No. 24