Trinity Audubon

I spent the day volunteering at the Trinity Audubon Center.  If you are interested in the outdoors and conservation, make time for a visit.  The Center encompasses nature tours, bird watching, educational opportunities, and a gift shop.  This once illegal dumpsite hosting over 1.5 million tons of waste, is now a LEED certified building, and home to numerous plant and animal species. 

The site's sustainable design is easy to miss, but important to note.  Permeable pavement for increased water collection, rooftop gardens, high efficient heating and A/C systems, low flow toilets, locally purchased materials, and increased daylighting characterizes the center.  This is the first LEED certified building constructed by Dallas Park and Recreation Department

I shadowed a tour guide as she led a group of third graders around the complex.  She started with a brief description of various life forms found in the area.  We hiked an outlined trail, noting bee hives, diverse fauna, and the Trinity River.  (The tour also offers a river boat activity, but unfortunately, was unavailable).  The kids had notebooks and were scribbling ideas, drawing photos, and asking better questions than I could have imagined.  At the end of the tour, the students took water samples and examined their findings. Creatures such as water bugs, spiders, and fish were discovered.  Pretty cool to see their wheels turning. 

Science is incredible, and the earlier kids get hooked (on science)... the better.  Side note- Did you know the Trinity Forest, at 6,000 acres is the largest urban bottomland hardwood forest in North America?  Neither did I, but one would never guess it existed just outside of Dallas.  

Needless to say, that fact reinforces the importance of Audubon's work.  This video provides an accurate timeline and history of the space.  With the brownfield site restored, they have re-introduced countless species of birds, offset CO2 emissions, and provided a serene getaway for the community.  For those who are interested, and strive to add even more value... start here.  

P.S- Don't leave without fresh honey... we can always use help with allergies.

Be Authentic.

-Sterling