The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center will host a fifth-anniversary party Saturday, Oct. 17, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Located in the middle of the 2000 acre East Fork Wetland Project, the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center provides education and research opportunities pertaining to water conservation, wetland systems and wildlife management.
The center's director John DeFillipo, who supervises a staff of five, recently made a presentation to the Cedar Creek Lake Area Chamber of Commerce. Trinity Valley Electric Foundation recently made a grant of $3,000 to the center, he said.
The Center serves as the hub of environmental and social interest of man-made wetland habitats on the Rosewood Seagoville Ranch property. This includes the North Texas Municipal Water District's 2,000 acre East Fork Wetland Project, and an additional 1,200 acres of bottomland hardwood forest restoration as part of the Bunker Sands Mitigation Bank.
The Wetland Center has partnered with regional school districts, wildlife and conservation organizations, and research institutions to develop premier environmental education programs, specializing in Middle School and High School Field Studies.
The education programs focus on wetland and river ecosystems, bird migrations and water conservation. Research conducted at the Wetland Center will encompass wetland ecology, riparian ecology and watershed modeling.
The unique environmental education programs of the Wetland Center will give students an opportunity to observe and collect data for research projects. This scientific inquiry method provides real life experience using field and laboratory investigations to solve problems and make informed decisions.
Entertainment at the party will include education and research booths, kids activities, food trucks, live Bluegrass Music, live Bald Eagle and other bird presentations, 4-H animals, vendors and craft booths and the Nature Store will be open.
There will be a self-guided free 5K Run/Walk from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. to experience wetland activities and wildlife along the beautiful course.
The wetland center has 250 species of birds, bobcats, otters, alligators and more.
Visit www.wetlandcenter.com or call 972-474-9100 for information.
