INDIAN TRAIL MASTER NATURALISTS
WORK DAYS: 2ND SATURDAY 9-11AM
3RD FRIDAY 6-8PM/MONTHLY AT THE LADD
WHAT WE HAVE BEEN UP TO:
Did we mention the voter petition and all of the work to help get the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve created. Countless volunteer hours, unheard of citizen engagement, and finally, a Preserve!
Again participated in the Christmas parade for a third time with an epic Ladd diorama. 540 wildflower seed packets were packed and distributed along with info and instruction labels along the parade route, DNC decals were also given out. How about that flowing river complete with otter and flying hawks?
The DNC identified and directed 9 architects to the city of Duncanville; one, Halff and Associated was selected to complete the Master Plan for the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve. Halff, along with Lake Flato and Blackland Collaborative, would be considered premiere conservation related design firms.
The Ladd Nature Preserve Advisory Committee including conservancy met 4 times with architects Halffe and Lake Flato in collaboration with Blackland Collaborative. Next meeting this Tuesday evening at council.
The council approved the Master Plan for the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve March 4, 2025. The Preserve was subsequently moved into “The Parks Department” and should be there in perpetuity.
April-Laddfest 2024 raising awareness, having fun, and also raising over $45,000, with $40,000 invested in high yield CD’s. We ended 2023 with $1,100 in account and much out of pocket expense. Event considered a major success with citizen engagement, sponsors, nature groups and experts, and fun. Speakers were Sheri Capehart of the Sheri Capehart Nature Preserve (and longest tenured Arlington council person), Texas Parks and Wildlife, the Scouts, Village Tech school students, master naturalists, Doug Finch City Manager, ending with a demonstration by Blackland Prairie Raptor Center.
April-Laddfest 2025 was a hit. Petunia the vulture walking the aisles stole the show but speakers and entertainment were at the top of their game. Devon Kodzis storyteller, Amy Martin Author Wild DFW, Blackland Collaborative Michelle Bertelsen and John Hart Asher, Pianist Jeremy Koontz, Master Naturalists Robby and Tabbie, Blackland Prairie Raptors as well as silent auction. Raised over $5,000.
Hosted the April 2024 candidate forum in which nearly every Duncanville Council candidate participated.
Worked with architectural designers at HKS Architects in conjunction with Master Naturalist to work on preserving and utilizing existing wildlife and natural habitats at the new large k-12 charter school project at Danieldale and Cockrell Hill Road.
Jan – Feb - Were supportive and front and center in support of the KDB native landscape ordinance which passed.
Prepared over 800 native wildflower seed packs and began distribution to Duncanville Library seed library, to Cox’s Farm Nursery to be distributed with each sale of native plants.
Granted and approved first conservation grant project proposal to Indian Trial Master Naturalists for $1,000 for invasive species removal and wildlife monitoring at the Charles F. Ladd Nature Preserve.
June 2025 proposed wildflower planting grant of $12,000 to the city of Duncanville to plant the 16.9 acres of the Danieldale savannah at the Ladd in wildflowers to create an outstanding community event, broaden tourism, engage volunteers. The mode was drilling and planting. The project was directed to be forwarded to KDB committee and then to council for consideration but no action was taken by the city prior to first freeze of November 2025. Support for wild grassland rehabilitation also being considered.
Opened an extended dialogue with US Fish and Wildlife Service for consideration as a select project to address invasive plant mitigation at the Ladd Preserve. Conversation being taken to USFWS committee.