Hikers, birders, and wildlife watchers have over seven miles of trails to enjoy at LLELA. LLELA is positioned where Blackland Prairie mingles with the dry upland forests of the Eastern Cross Timbers. The Elm Fork of the Trinity River, with its surrounding bottomland forests, winds through the middle of these two ecosystems. This lucky collision makes LLELA a perfect place to find a diversity of wildlife and plants. Well over 360 vertebrate species make a home at LLELA, from river otters to peregrine falcons, along with more than 500 plant species and uncounted dragonflies, butterflies, and other invertebrates.
Where to Meet
We’ll meet at the pavilion at 8:00 am. Anita will have printouts of the trails for you, and you can shoot wherever you like. Since there are so many different ecosystems, we should have a wide variety of shots for the slideshow.
Macro Work - Optional
For those who want to participate, we can meet at 10:00 in the pollinator garden for some macro work. [PLEASE LET ANITA KNOW IF YOU WANT TO PARTICIPATE IN THIS PART.)
Cost
$5.00 per car (credit/debit card only: VISA, MasterCard, and Discover accepted – no cash). Note: LLELA is not a state park and you cannot use a state park pass to enter.
Pets are not allowed at LLELA.
Directions
Do NOT trust Apple maps on this one. It tries to take you down Fish Hatchery Road, which is gated off. You can trust Google Maps.
Traveling West on State Hwy 121 Business:
· Turn right onto East Valley Ridge Blvd
· Turn right onto N Kealy Ave
· At the T intersection, turn right onto Jones Street.
Traveling East on State Hwy 121 Business,
· Turn left on E. Valley Ridge Blvd and follow the directions above.
Logistics
LUNCH: Lunch plans will be announced later for those who choose to participate.
BIRD CHECKLIST: https://www.llela.org/visit/checklists/birds The code for the checklist is at the very bottom of the chart.
SUGGESTED EQUIPMENT:
• Bottled water.
• A selection of lenses.
• Bug spray, sun protection
Please go to our website to sign up for this field trip.
Questions – feel free to call Anita! Final details will be sent a few days before the event.
Anita Oakley
Trip Leader
anitaoak@outlook.com
469/924-3638