One Saturday each month, we invite individuals and groups to assist us with outdoor projects based on current needs. Projects may include trail building, habitat management, invasive plant removal, working in our gardens and much more. Corporate and other groups welcome, but please call ahead: 469-526-1991.

Spend an evening exploring Dogwood Canyon trails while sampling hors d'oeuvres, beer and wine. This mini taste tour brings you to one of the highest elevation points in Dallas County to enjoy the sunset over Joe Pool Lake and the sounds of nature. Shop in our nature-themed gift shop and end the evening with coffee and a sweet treat. $30. Registration required. Adults ages 21+.

Hear master birder Ben Sandifer talk the Great Trinity Forest at Texas State Fair 2017 on the Go Texan stage (Fiber Pavilion).

Bring your telescope and check out the beautiful night sky of the western cross timbers. FYI-For telescopes requiring power, you will need to bring a battery pack as there is no electricity available and generators will not be allowed.

Visitors will take a guided night hike through the Great Trinity Forest and explore how our senses change with the setting of the sun. We will learn how nocturnal animals have adapted to the night life. Guests will search and call for the owl species that call Dallas home. The night will end roasting s’mores over the fire!

Please bring your favorite work gloves, shovel, litter picker upper, or gardening tools.

Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and for working in a natural area (long pants, long sleeves, sturdy shoes, hat).

Water and snacks will be available.

O.S. Gray Natural Area has no restroom facilities, but Kroger is nearby.

Info: friendsofosgray@gmail.com

Outdoor light display on the half-mile nature trail. Photos with Father Christmas and Mother Nature. Hot beverages and treats. Family-friendly entertainment. Live holiday music in the Heard outdoor amphitheater. Tickets at the door are only $9 for adults & seniors and $5 for kids 3-12 (children 2 and under are free). Prepurchase tickets online and save $2 per ticket!

Spend the morning at Mathews Prairie, a 100-acre pristine Blackland Prairie preserve. It is densely grassed, heavily forbed and riddled with deep gilgai impressions. Currently under a conservation easement with The Nature Conservancy, NPAT seeks to additionally protect the property from rapid encroachment by purchasing it and co-managing with TNC. Our host will be Brandon Belcher, North Texas Preserves Manager for TNC, who will grace us with his deep prairie knowledge. 

Families will enjoy an evening full of fun activities including a presentation of a family-friendly movie on the Heard's outdoor amphitheater stage. Kids ages 12 and under will also have the opportunity to participate in a costume contest.

The Heard recommends that guests bring insect repellant, flashlights, water-resistant blankets and/or stadium seats for use during the movie. Concessions will be available for purchase. Guests may also bring their own picnic dinner and non-alcoholic beverages.

Even if you're a beginning artist (or a beginning paddler), find your inspiration on our paddling trail. Paddlers receive an introduction to kayaking on dry land before pushing off into the water. All equipment is provided, including boat/paddle/life vest. Each kayak will also be outfitted with watercolor paper, paints and brushes. Kayakers will use the water they are floating on to mix their paints and create a memory to take home with them. $25/paddler plus $5/vehicle upon entry to LLELA (cash or check only). Ages 7 years and up.