A nature-themed lecture is typically held in association with the monthly meeting of Caspers Park Foundation (CPF) volunteers. This month, Steve Bledsoe, North American Field Herpetology Association member and authority on local rattlesnakes, reptiles and amphibians, will preview results of the survey of herp species found at Caspers Park, as well as discuss upcoming herp-themed public hikes. Lecture start time is approximate; lecture follows the business portion of the meeting, which starts at 9:30a.

(This event is SOLD OUT, but please email your request to be added to our waitlist.) Join our seasonal search for fungi popping up after winter rains. Unlike plants, fungi don't photosynthesize, but they do "fruit," producing mushrooms and other fantastic growths containing spores rather than seeds. Learn more about the mysteries of moistened mycelia by hitting the trail with mycology expert Gregg Miller. (Interpretation Level: HIGH, Fitness Level: Easy.)

Volunteer to spend a few hours in beautiful surroundings helping make Reserve trails accessible to our visitors. You'll join a dedicated crew in protecting the food plants of our native wildlife by eliminating weeds, those pesky botanical invaders. Volunteer efforts make an impact! Drinks and snacks provided. (BRING: Work gloves if you have them. LEVEL: Moderate.)

(This event is SOLD OUT, but please email your request to be added to our waitlist.) Join licensed falconer Adam Chavez to learn more about the partnership between human and raptor, better known as a "bird of prey." Adam will discuss the traditional practice of falconry, a sport which is thousands of years old, along with newer equipment employed by contemporary practioners. The event will include an exhilarating demonstration of free flight by one or more of Adam's three trained birds: a European goshawk, a prarie falcon, and a peregrine-gyrfalcon hybrid. (INTERPRETATION: High; WALKING: Moderate.)

(This event is SOLD OUT, but please email your request to be added to our waitlist.) Local wildflower expert Bob Allen will lead an exploration of The Reserve looking for early spring wildflowers like the Padre Shooting Star. Learn to identify blooms or just savor the smells, sights, sounds and breathtaking beauty of early spring. (Interpretation Level: High, Fitness Level: Moderate.)

For years, the stars have been considered heaven's guideposts. Observers looked to the night sky to predict everything from a change of weather to a change of leaders. Enjoy an evening outdoors, as you gaze into the heavens, learn the constellations, and peer through the telescopes of our volunteer astronomers. (BRING: Warm clothing, flashlight, binoculars, optional beach chair. LEVEL: Easy.)

Volunteer for a few hours to help make Reserve trails accessible to our visitors. Put your trail maintenance skills to work on projects requiring more time or skill than our weekend Xtreme Weeding. Drinks and snacks provided. (BRING: Work gloves if you have them. LEVEL: Moderate.)

Join guest leaders Robert Scrimger and Gary Meredith for a bird walk at The Conservancy. Birds get up early, so we will do likewise! (BRING: Binoculars & birding guides if you have them. INTERPRETATION: High. LEVEL: Easy.)