Preparing for the upcoming Prairie Seeker training, the instructors met with Daniel Price, Natural Resource Manager of the Ft. Worth Nature Center & Refuge on Tuesday. We were there to learn about the current practices for the prairies. Daniel graciously showed us around. Furthermore, he told us about the prescribed burns and the bison management. Of course, many of you know one of the instructors, Suzanne. In fact, she was the manager there for 23 years. Lots of knowledge!
A lone Partridge Pea stood among the grasses on the demonstration prairie. Do you see the Side-oat Grama (Bouteloua curtipendula)? Also this is where the class will start on the demonstration prairie.
In addition to grasses, plants like the Yellow Puff can be found in the prairie!
This definitely was highlight of the day for me, the Gulf Coast Toad (Incilius valliceps). Daniel spotted it down in a hole on the prairie. In fact, this was a new species for me!
To illustrate the different pastures/prairies, Daniel told us about the native hay field on the right. On the left is one of the pastures for the bison!
Prairie people are often looking down. 😉
So much can be found on the ground among the grasses, like these termite tubes! In fact, Suzanne pointed it out and it was new for me. Thanks Suzanne!
A Wand or Comet Milkweed (Asclepias viridiflora) with a Small Milkweed Bug. In fact, it takes everyone, insects included to make a healthy prairie!
After the tour was over, Jeanne and I headed off to Greer Island for a quick look! We were pleasantly surprised to find a Clematis (Clematis pitcheri)!!
An Eastern Pondhawk (Erythemis simplicicollis) sat for a portrait!
Here the Clammyweed (Polanisia dodecandra) was along the path as well.
Heading over to the boardwalk next, we looked up. Ringed Paper Wasp (Polistes annularis) were as busy as bees. Can you say that about wasps? LOL.
There were several types of nests under the roof at the end of the boardwalk. In addition, we saw a Great Egret, a Glossy Ibis and an immature Little Blue Heron while at the boardwalk.
So many cool things. Never seen that toad. Didn’t know they were here. What a fun day y’all had. Im looking forward to more from there.
Me too!
Somehow I missed the termite tubes – cool – hope they are still there on Sept 24!
🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
I love hanging out with prairie people, especially at one of my favorite prairie places. Thanks for the shout out, Mary!
It is always a treat to be out with prairie people! So thank you!
I’ve never seen that kind of toad either. Neat! I feel like I might have seen termites in cow patties before? But not often.
Cow patties, very interesting.