By Julie Thibodeaux

Looking ahead, there are happenings for all ages to love this week. While up-and-coming conservationists can mingle at a new networking group, kids will enjoy close encounters with reptiles and adults can take a crash course in preparing food the way Grandma did.


YOUTH MOVEMENT 

The Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation is launching a group aimed at the 40-and-under crowd. To introduce the Texas Parks and Wildlife Young Professionals, a kickoff dinner will be held on Thursday, June 20, at Old Parkland in Dallas. Those who have an interest and passion for conservation efforts are invited. 

Benefits of the $75 annual membership include invitations to special events and service opportunities, an annual subscription to Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine and multiple outreach activities. One of the efforts the group will help support is the Kemp’s Ridley Sea Turtle Conservation Project.

“Working together with the Young Professionals, we can leverage public funds with private philanthropy to ensure the continued success and expansion of successful Texas conservation projects,” said Anne Brown, executive director of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation. 

Cost for the dinner is $25. Details. 

SNAKES ALIVE

Learn the benefits of our local native snakes at the Fangs! Family Festival on Saturday, June 22, from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Texas Discovery Gardens  in Dallas. Over a dozen snakes will be on display, from the iconic rattlesnake to the harmless milk snake.

“Many people believe that the only good snake is a dead snake,” said Sarah Gardner, spokesperson for TDG. “That is far from the case.”

In addition to snake talks, there will be crafts, educational booths and a few other reptiles at the indoor exhibit. Snake feeding at 1 p.m. Cost $4-8. Details.

 A REAL PICKLE


Pickling must be the newest “oldfangled" fad these days. It's evidenced by two pickling classes being held this weekend at the same time, forcing foodies to choose.

The White Rock Lake Local Market hosts “You Can Pickle That!” on Saturday, June 22, from 9:30 a.m. to noon at the First Unitarian Church in Dallas. At the workshop, Kathy Neumuller from JJ&B Jams and Jellies and Karen Phelps from In a Pickle will guide participants through the process of canning and pickling your garden fare. Cost is $50 and includes a light lunch. Details. 

Meanwhile, the Texas Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association hosts the “Basics of Fermentation” from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Dallas. According to organizers, fermented foods are higher in nutrients and retain flavor and color better than foods preserved with the canning method. Participants will learn how to make pickled veggies and sourdough bread starters for bread, rolls and pancakes. Cost is $50. Bring a sack lunch. Details 


Sign up for the weekly Green Source DFW Newsletter to stay up to date on everything green in North Texas, the latest news and events

Julie Thibodeaux covers environmental issues, green topics and sustainable living for Green Source DFW. Previously, she worked as an editor and writer at the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Send your green bulletin items to Julie@greensourcedfw.org. Follow us on Facebook and Pinterest.