We didn’t get very far from our previous backyard before we found…
The Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center of Denton, TX which features workshops, gardening, fishing, and more than 10 miles of family-friendly (hiker only) nature trails. And all that for an entry fee of $0. That’s right, we are in the FREE category which is how we like it. Take a walking stick, because you never know when you will have to defend yourself against leaping armadillos!
DID YOU KNOW?
>>> When startled or caught off guard, an armadillo can jump straight upward about three to four feet?! Often times this is how they are killed on roads by jumping into the underside of vehicles on the move.
Want to see it happen?!
Well, I do too. I mean not the vehicle part, but the air time. However, to date, I have been unable to locate verifiable video proof of this claim. Let me know if you find any! Check out some other interesting facts about officially designated Texas State Small Mammal the armadillo.
Actually you may not find many armadillos here but you may get a chance to see other inhabitants such as waterfowl, herons, and beavers. I would recommend keeping your noise to a minimum so as not to scare them off before you even arrive. Not a requirement but it is always nice when you have one or two of these items with you to magnify or record your experience: bring a good camera with zoom capability, a telephoto lens for your cell phone, some binoculars, and/or a spotting scope.
As always, be sure to pre-hydrate and bring water as well!
–12 Most Beautiful Birds in Texas
“The mission of CCNHC (Clear Creek Natural Heritage Center) is to inspire environmental citizenship through an understanding of the natural heritage of north central Texas by providing nature experiences, education and research programs, and conservation and restoration projects.”
The FREE workshops provided by workers and volunteers of Denton’s Clear Creek Natural Heritage center are known to cover topics including, but not limited to sustainable living, organic gardening, rainwater harvesting, composting, and even vermiculture! Check out their most recent Events Calendar.
I personally learned of this nature center via enrollment in a Permaculture Design course here provided by PermacultureDenton not by CCNHC. However, it was a perfect location that they were willing to generously provide for a few of our course sections. The design course offered by PermacultureDenton is not free but loaded with information, experienced instructors, and hands-on learning. You can find other available courses being offered along with scheduled events here.
WHAT IS PERMACULTURE?
Permaculture is a system of agricultural and social design principles centered around simulating or directly utilizing the patterns and features observed in natural ecosystems. The term permaculture was developed and coined by David Holmgren, then a graduate student, and his professor, Bill Mollison, in 1978. You may find the text book authored by Mollison here.
There is unfortunately NO CAMPING allowed at the nature center but it makes up for this with other perks! Dogs are allowed with proper leash and as always, please clean up after your furry friend. Also the exercise, wild life exposure, and fresh air is FREE!
I hope my article has provided you with an acceptable amount of information and other things to think and ponder on. Hopefully you will get a chance to have a visit of your own!
There is a lot to see here, so multiple visits are totally justifiable with this Texas Gem.
Have you visited any of these places yourself? Do you have any suggestions for what I or our readers should come to see next time? Please comment! Better yet, do you have a roaming interest of your own that you would like to explore and use to help other travelers? Why not consider writing and submitting an article of your own to be reviewed for posting HERE on Roaming Interest!
