Tuesday, August 16, 7pm, Spiders of SCNP, via ZOOM
Meghan Cassidy will give a foundation of basic info about spiders and other arachnids including harvestmen, scorpions, ticks, and a few others – most of whom are misunderstood, and almost all often feared. The presentation will include basic taxonomy, ecology, natural history, and common families. Meghan will discuss spiders found in Texas prairies and the plants these spiders may be associated with, especially those at SCNP. She will also offer some strategies for identifying spiders. Meghan has many detailed spider photos to show, and she will provide some tips for using iNaturalist as a learning resource for spiders!
See below for her bio, since she will be leading a walk at the preserve a couple of weeks later.
Saturday, August 27, 7pm, Bats of the Area and How to Find Them, at SCNP
Local bat enthusiasts Ellen Ravkind and Anne Alderfer along with bat expert Kate Rugroden from the Bat World Sanctuary will provide our program, to be held at the amphitheater, overlooking the south pond. Kate can talk about the bats in this area and the role the sanctuary plays in education and rehabilitation. Ellen and Anne will demonstrate the use of the echo location devices from Wildlife Acoustics (Echo Meter Touch 2).
We will meet in the amphitheater that overlooks the south pond. You might want to bring bug spray and water, and a good flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries for getting back to the parking lot at the end of the evening.
Kate Rugroden is Director of Special Projects for the Bat World Sanctuary and is a licensed wildlife rehabilitator, specializing in bats, raccoons, and opossums. To learn more www.batworld.org and www.bwmidcities-batworld.org.
Dr. Ellen Ravkind is the Naturalist Manager/Environmental Educator at River Legacy Foundation/River Legacy Living Science Center. Anne Alderfer is a part time Naturalist at River Legacy Park and a Master Naturalist.
TENTATIVE Date: Saturday, September 3, 7:30 pm, An Evening at SCNP, Looking for Arachnids
Meghan Cassidy will lead us on a spider walk focusing on the types of spiders commonly found at SCNP. Meghan will cover high level information about the natural history of some of these spiders, why spiders are ecologically important (and not scary!), cover the 2 types of medically significant spiders that can be found in Texas along with precautions, as well as handing out an informational pamphlet she has created, including photos of spiders from SCNP! As we walk around, we’ll encounter other invertebrates (such as insects), so Meghan will give some impromptu information on any insects we come across as well!
Meghan is a photographer, and an arachnology enthusiast living in the DFW area. Originally from the east coast, she relocated to Texas 10 years ago and began studying Texas’ invertebrates in her free time, with a special focus on arachnids and arachnid diversity!
We will meet in the amphitheater that overlooks the south pond. Wear sturdy shoes or boots, maybe bring bug spray and water, and especially a good flashlight or headlamp with fresh batteries. The walk back will be in the dark, so a good light will be essential.