Fair Park-How important is it to you?

                               Bronze Door-Hall of State                                   Photo credit/Becky Rader

Teaching moment: Looking at the picture above can you tell which industry from the 1930's (remember the building was completed in 1936) is represented? Good guess. Now what other items are represented in this---look closely.  Lots to see at this fabulous building that at the time it was finished was said to be one of the three most important places for Texas History, the other two? The Alamo and the San Jacinto Monument. Come by for a tour sometime...

Dallas is known for many things and in my humble opinion one of the best places we have to offer, but admittedly most neglected maintenance wise, is Fair Park. Some call it a City jewel others distain it as a relic of the past.

But whatever your opinion is, all of that is about to change. For the first time in a very, very long time the City has chosen to place Fair Park as a separate item in the upcoming 2017 Bond. Some people though are under the misconception that the money for Fair Park, $50 Million, is to go to the group that is awarded the Fair Park Management Agreement, this is not accurate.

The money will go to the immediate needs repair for many buildings and will be under the purview of the Dallas Park and Recreation Department. Several buildings have major flood damage from leaking roofs and condensation issues, others have critical electrical repair needs, structural stabilization, plumbing, chiller, mechanical equipment, heat pump replacement, etc.

This list is by no means carved in stone and is only in draft form. Perhaps this can be viewed as an incentive for whomever takes over management of Fair Park so that new occupants for the vacant buildings are a little more easily acquired. And yes, we need a real park at Fair Park.

Here is an article from the DMN about this issue: 
https://www.dallasnews.com/news/fair-park/2017/06/27/fair-park-need-50m-face-lift-dallas-city-council-let-voters-decide

Below is the Aug. 17th, 2017 Draft of the proposed use of the $50 Million allocated for Fair Park

Project Description                                                                                                   Amount
1. Hall of State-Exterior wall and plaza restoration; exterior drainage 
and lighting; repair or replace exterior doors and windows; other
architectural interior and exterior repairs; repair sump pump; other                             $14,410,000
plumbing repairs; address dehumidification issues; replace heaters and 
other mechanical repairs; electrical repairs; elevator; ADA; and other
necessary repairs 
2. Music Hall-Elevator; carpeting; replace old plumbing pipes; security;
ADA improvements and other necessary repairs                                                       $ 4,300,000
3. African American Museum-Resolve water intursion; repair interior finishes; 
flush condenser water system; complete mechanical and electrical repairs                  $ 2,000,000
4. Texas Discovery Gardens-Chiller                                                                         $    300,000
5. Food and Fiber Building-Structural stabilization; repair damaged finishes;
and other necessary repairs                                                                                      $ 1,500,000
6. Coliseum-Water infiltration; flooring; plumbing; electrical/mechanical;
 restrooms; and other necessary repairs; Phase 1 Restoration                                    $ 9,500,000
7. Tower Building-Water infiltration repairs; interior renovation; plumbing;
mechanical/electrical; and other necessary repairs                                                      $ 3,500,000
8.Centennial Building-Roof repair; interior; exterior; electrical/mechanical;
mural and bas relief conservation; and other necessary repairs                                   $ 4,400,000
9. Pan American Complex-Poultry-Exterior restoration, repair interior doors;
Sheep and Goat-Renovation of concrete columns and stucco; Police Mounted 
Unit-Repair concrete, stucco, doors, columns, ventilation for electrical and 
elevator rooms; Arena-roof and louver; and other necessary repairs                          $ 3,480,000
10. Science Place 1(Phase 1)-Water infiltration repairs; conduct mold
testing; replace plumbing fixtures and water heater; replace aged mechanical
equipment; security                                                                                                  $ 5,110,000
11. Aquarium annex- Roof repairs and complete facade repairs; replace
some interior finishes; replace plumbing fixtures; upgrade fire alarm system;
provide new security                                                                                                $    600,000
 12. Magnolia Lounge-Roof replacement; repair facade; complete minor 
interior work; replace heat pumps and FCU's; replace interior lighting;
install security system                                                                                               $    900,000

Total for Fair Park-Proposition J (Bond)                                                             $50,000,000

 




 

Memorial Day - May 29, 2017

Bluebirds on fenceposts                                         Becky Rader

Today marks a day of remembrance for those that have fought for our country, whether in action of wars and conflicts or by serving in a branch of the military. I visited Restland Cemetery today and placed American flags on my grandfather's grave, as mother always did.

I remember and honor my family members who have served. 

My late husband was in the Infantry, Cpt. Lester D. Rader, III, Airborne Ranger. Lester loved the military life and served his country well, giving it his all. He was stationed at Ft. Hood after graduating college. I remember Killeen well, all the speed traps too. He went to Ft. Bragg for winter Ranger school and returned as a Ranger, with walking pneumonia. Proud of his accomplishment! The entire 3/41 Battalion was sent to West Germany to a new base, Clay Kaserne near Osterholtz-Scharmbeck. I followed a year later. He, and others in the Battalion, were transferred to Baumholder, where we lived in NATO housing in Birkenfeld, near the base. It was great to live among others serving from so many different countries. After serving overseas, we were sent to Ft. Benning, GA., Home of the Infantry. It was at Martin Army Hospital that our son was born.

My husband's father was KIA in Korea, Lester D. Rader, Jr. His father never saw his son and yet I know he would have been proud.

My husband had several of his family members serve, including an uncle and several cousins.

My father served in WWII and in the Korean War, Melvin Howe. After WWII service in France and Germany he came back to Texas and completed his degree at SMU, thanks to the G.I. Bill, where he met my mother. He had stayed in the reserves and was called back in for the Korean war. My father never spoke of either war until I married Lester and we were stationed in Germany. My parents came to visit and I learned much about my father's time spent there. He was awarded a Purple Heart for his service.

My father's dad, George Howe served in WWI in the Infantry. Other than that I do not know much. He never talked about it that I can remember. He was a great man who made his own way.

My mother's dad, Dr. A. W. Brazda, served in both WWI, in the Army, and WWII, in the Air Force. There was a need for medical professionals during WWII, so my grandfather re-upped and was sent in, he was in his 40's. He was one of the first surgeons to land on the beaches during the Normandy invasion. He stayed in the reserves after the war and had just retired right before his unexpected death.

These are the memories I have of the service that my family gave to our country. Some gave their lives and all served their country well.

May your day be one of remembrance and gratitude. 

All Gone

The book is sold out and will not be re-published at this time. Please ignore the order link. Trying to get that removed.

Thank you to all of the people who had an interest in George Boyd's exemplary nature photography and my work on our joint effort in "Nature's Images of White Rock Lake Park."

It was a pleasure to meet several of you and I know that George would have enjoyed that also. He was someone that had the ability to converse with anyone. Plus he loved to share his pursuit of the wonders of the lake. He was a dogged activist on all matters of nature and chose to use photography as his method of spreading the word.

Working with his wife, Shirley, has been one of the greatest and most enjoyable occurrences to have happened in my life. We worked together to get the book published and to find that perfect fit for our self publishing endeavor. That was an experience! Many friendships were made in the process and will continue.

It is sad to have this finished, but if we decide to get back out there in some manner YOU will be the first to know.

I will still post about my interests in Dallas, though not frequently, as you might have noticed. Lots happening...maybe you will get the short and to the point version as one of my favorite bloggers, Seth Godin, does.

Thanks again to all of you and stay tuned! Life is an adventure and we are on this road together : )

Hello again. I know, where have I been? If you follow on the FB you will know I have been around, just not so inclined to be a consistent blogger. Oh well, all I can say is that it has been very busy since April.
What has happened in that time frame? Well, let's see April was busy, May was wet, really wet, there were elections and run-offs, and now it is nearing the end of summer.

                                                                  White Rock lake flood 2006
Can we complain about the heat yet? Go ahead. Just remember what we were all thinking about a few months ago when winter decided to finally show up in January. And then a late cool spring and the frog choking rains! Some think it broke the drought. Hmm, let's figure this out. We live in a drought state so I figure that we should all realize that we are always going to be in drought most of the time and some of the time we won't be. Seems that would be the logical way to look at things here in Texas.


And surprise! We are back in a drought according to the meteorologists. Were we ever out of it? Only for a month or two. Drought state. So what can you do to adapt? All the standard recommendations, which by the way, we should all be following to the letter all the time, not just when someone says to. The pioneers knew how to survive here, but we have become used to turning on the tap and watching the water flow. Spoiled, we are.                                                                                  

Conservation measures:
Water the yard, if you must, once a week or less. Water deeply, no run off.
Plant indigenous native plants or those that are drought tolerant.
Use a soaker hose along the foundation of your house.
Take short showers.
Full load when washing laundry and dishes.
Wash car at a car wash, or wait for it to rain like I do.
Turn off water when brushing teeth.

You know the drill. We live with drought, that will never change,only when we are temporarily blessed with rain. Give and take. Rain and drought.

We are so far removed from that connection to the land that we have lost the ability to see and forgotten the knowledge of how we should care for the place we live. Time to learn all over again.

              Norbuck Prairie                                                                                                          B.Rader
 

What Once Was Lost

    Prairie Fest May 5, 2004                                                                                 Photo by Becky Rader

I came across this photo and decided to share some of the uphill and downhill moments of preservation projects. At the time I was a member of the local chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program and was  the second chapter President and also served on the Board for 5 years. This was the 5th year for Prairie Fest, which was held annually from 2000-2005, to bring attention to the Blackland Prairie remnants around White Rock Lake.

We had a good turn-out in spite of the cold that day with Buffalo Soldiers from the10th Cavalry Unit and representatives from one of the Air Force Battalions based out of Wichita Falls. Their longhorn was a mascot and fund raiser for the battalion. He was pretty darn awesome, but let's just say when he didn't want to work, he wouldn't. The Buffalo Soldiers mentor boys and brought a group with them who really liked that longhorn steer, despite the fact that he was laying down on the job ; ). There were many others there to share their knowledge and passion for the prairie.

What brought all of this about was a drive by the lake in 1998 and watching the wildflowers being mowed down. Just about had a wreck. You see that is the absolute worst time to mow, while they are blooming, because they have not had a chance to set seed yet.  I decided to make a few calls once I reached home. Turned out that became about 10 calls because I was passed along the chain, no one wanted to talk about wildflowers. Not important you know.  I was finally passed to a gentleman, Larry Smith with DPARD who knew exactly what I was trying to say. He agreed that it was the wrong time to mow, but there had been other phone calls about the "weeds" so he had been told to get the mowers out. My response was that some education needed to take place, he agreed and that is where it began. After a very long year, oh yes, one whole year of talking and presenting to lake organizations, neighborhoods around the lake, city staff and bringing in groups of botanists and scientists to confirm what I saw and knew was prairie, this project was accepted by DPARD and taken on as one of the first chapter projects by the NTMN. Dr. Kip Kiphart was a partner on this project.

The presence of wildflowers around the lake had long been recognized and even pointed out on a map that was created by the ADVOCATE magazine in a booklet about the lake. So how was it determined to be an actual area of long lost prairie? That is where the plan began. It was decided that there would be no mowing in certain areas for at least a year, some areas two years, to see what came up. How was this decision determined you ask? Again going to the neighbors and groups, letting them know what was going to occur and having the group of scientists and other experts on board. Who were they you ask? Dr. Ken Steigman formerly with the Heard Museum-now director at LLELA, Dr. Lou Verner-TPWD, John Davis-TPWD, Jim Eidson-TNC, Barney Limpscomb - Bob O'Kennon - George Diggs all with BRIT and co-authors of Shinners and Mahler's Flora Of North Central Texas, Jim Apkin -botanist, Jeff Quayle-botanist, Jim Varnum-botanist, for starters. There have been others that became interested along the way, but this was the original group.

OK, so what happened when there was no mowing? First of all you have to understand that since the beginning of this park there has been mowing, that was why erosion terraces had to be built on the slopes by the CCC. You mow it, it rains and on those slopes around the lake erosion happens, not much vegetation to slow down the water so the terraces were built. But still able to survive somehow was this incredible seed bank and root system in the soil of the original prairie that had existed there for hundreds of years. Aw cum on you say, really? Yes, really. What grew in the next couple of years was astounding...Little Bluestem, Indian Grass, Eastern Gamagrass, Sideoats Grama, Purpletop....all native prairie species of grasses. And so much more, over 330 plant species identified so far. It was like a totally changed landscape, not just in the vegetation category, but also wildlife.

Raptors were returning to the lake. There had been some through the years, but now there was an incredible upswing in the number of sightings and nesting that was occurring. Members of the local Audubon chapter took notice. Eastern Bluebirds returned, bluebird houses were donated and placed by WBU with DPARD approval. There are now Bluebirds nesting in tree cavities around the lake every year, along with other cavity nesters, woodpeckers and owls. The number of  bird species identified at the lake has increased from around 250 and now is in the 320 range, if not more.

Where there is tall grass there are critters eating the seed and plants. Critters like rodents, no not the ones that live in buildings, field mice and rats, rabbits, box turtles, insects, raccoons, possums, and skunks, following them are the predators; lizards, snakes, raptors, coyote and bobcat. You can place the raccoon, possum and skunk in both categories by the way. They are omnivores. All have adapted to living within the urban surroundings because of the tall grass and riparian areas we have in this park.

How is this all managed...that is one of the biggest challenges faced.

Stay tuned....more to come.

Has it really been an hour since I posted that you should go to this blog and read about my response to this article http://www.dmagazine.com/…/2…/april/six-best-hikes-in-dallas

Good grief how Facebook makes the time fly. It is all the election, street repair, neighborhood, White Rock Lake, Trinity Project news that gets me so very distracted, steamed up and more and the time gets away from me.

So back to the great article by Bill Holston, a friend and fellow lover of all things nature. He had some great walks outlined for all of you to experience and some are my favs too, especially Cedar Ridge Preserve which was the Dallas Nature Center. Great trails and views. I walked there many times when Dr. Geoffrey Stanford was alive and was introduced to so many aspects of the environment just by listening and learning from him.
audubondallas.org/cedarridge.html

Another is the Scyene Overlook where I walked first with Ned Fritz and followed with many others. Ned was amazing. The man walked and talked so fast that you literally almost had to jog to keep up with him and hear what he was saying. amazing man who defended the GTF for years and was invaluable in saving the Big Thicket Preserve in East Texas from clear cutting.
http://www.dmagazine.com/publications/d-magazine/2012/may/10-top-trails-for-hiking-and-biking-in-dallas?single=1

Other places I explore are Breckinridge Park and the Spring Creek Nature Area in Richardson. Wonderful diversity of native plants to see and also after rains good wildlife tracking opportunities. Both are easy to get to and are not hard to navigate.
http://www.cor.net/index.aspx?page=39

If you have not been, you need to get down to see the Dogwood Canyon Audubon Center in Cedar Hill. This is the perfect time to go, the Dogwoods are in bloom. What is so fascinating is that this is a relic population of Dogwoods that are growing out of the chalk rock. Most Dogwoods are in need of acidic soils to be healthy and grow well, not these. Plus the birding and other native plants are awesome there, a place where east meets west as far as flora/fauna are concerned. There is a fee here, but well worth it.
http://dogwoodcanyon.audubon.org/visit-us

Another fav is the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center...great boardwalk in the one of the wetland cells and  trails to Bunker's Pond too. Talk about the diversity of wildlife...wow! Beautiful place that has a lot of meaning for me. Fee here also, but go! You will be amazed!
wetlandcenter.com

Other places I walk....and you have to realize, this is not for exercise, too much distraction for me because I am always looking at plants or tracks or scat or something else that keeps me from continuing a steady pace. Anyway that other place is White Rock Lake. Off the concrete trail are some great places to really see things like the Old Fish Hatchery area, Flag Pole Hill, and Norbuck. A few other places I know of but then you would know too much and there would be more people and I will just remain quiet and let you find those places for yourself.
http://www.dallasparks.org/235/White-Rock-Lake

Enjoy the exploration.

Spring Thaw

I don't know about you but I am more than ready for the spring thaw.

                               My backyard Mexican Plum 2012                                   Photo by: Becky Rader

It has been cold and gray here long enough, at least for me. Ready for that sunshine to come back and with it the warm air. And yes, I am fully aware that I will change my tune soon enough, don't we all?

With the changing seasons, activities pick up and the calendar fills. Same is true this year. This weekend on Saturday, March 14, Shirley Boyd and I will be at the Bath House Cultural Center for an exhibit focusing on Birds! We were invited to attend and will have a table setup from 7-9 pm during the artist's reception to sell the book, cash or check only please. Order from the blog page if using credit cards. The book is full of photos by George Boyd, who documented the flora and fauna at the lake for 30 years. Many of the images are of birds that he captured in flight, feeding, nesting or just relaxing. Beautiful. Come by to see us and say hello.We would love to see you there.

Our next event will be at the Prairies and Native Plants Day hosted by the North Texas Master Naturalist Chapter. It will take place on Saturday, May 2 from 10-3 at the Bath House Cultural Center.

In other news, Big Spring, located in the Great Trinity Forest, now has a management plan and activity will begin on invasive species removal and planting of native milkweed that was rescued from a site that was destroyed. The NTMN and the shareholders involved with the Spring will be busy next week assisting LAERF and TWM to work in the area around the spring.

On Saturday, March 28, I will lead a walk in Richardson to view the newly purchased addition to Spring Creek Nature Area. It encompasses areas that I knew as a child and visited during Girl Scout day-camps that took place there during the summer months. Beautiful area that has changed due to spread of non-native landscape plants. We will discuss those issues and walk with Roger Scott, Asst. Director of Richardson Parks and Recreation. This is a part of a wonderful program they have called Richardson Urban Naturalist Program. Join us if you can. The walk begins at 9. See below:

                 Richardson Urban Naturalist Program sets spring calendar

Five walks are planned for the spring as the City of Richardson revives its Urban Naturalist program. Each walk is $5 for adults 18 and older plus $2 for non-residents. Pre-register by calling Heights Recreation Center (972-744-7850) or Huffhines Recreation Center (972-744-7881) or go online to www.cor.net/parksonline. 

No drinking fountains or restrooms will be available on the west side of Breckinridge Park, so plan accordingly. Feel free to bring water bottles, snacks, notebooks, binoculars or cameras. Long pants and sturdy  shoes are also recommended. Each walk is restricted to 25 participants and children are encouraged to attend but must be accompanied by an adult.

 VALUE OF NATURAL OPEN SPACE

We all recognize that a walk out-doors is beneficial to our well being in so many ways. In doing so, we have established our own individual values on open space areas for giving us these opportunities. But what is the real value of preserving natural open space areas in perpetuity in a busy urban environment? We are fortunate in Richardson that the City Council has recently approved a significant expansion of Spring Creek nature Area with the acquisition of the woods at Renner Road and Plano Road. 

Becky Rader, a natural area consultant and previously the lead naturalist for the Dallas Museum of Natural History, will lead us on a tour of the newly acquired natural space around the Spring Creek Nature Area. She will explain how the expansion will provide greater public access and increased wildlife viewing opportunities, resulting in a greater connection to our natural world here in our urban environment.

March 28, 9-11 a.m.

Course Number: 82484

MEET AT FOXBORO PARK

Here is the link for all the Spring walks planned in Richardson...bottom of first page.
https://www.cor.net/modules/showdocument.aspx?documentid=12328

There is also a fabulous newsletter that goes out to those interested in our natural areas, Jim's This and That.

Jim's This and That for March 1, 2015
{ National PI day on the 14th }

Jim's This and That is a personal communication to individuals interested in the natural world -- primarily in the Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas area.  If you have comments and questions about its content or wish to receive or not receive Jim's This and That e-mails, please e-mail to

 jevarnum@aol.com

Most of the activities are free and the list is long on opportunities and places to see things in the WILD. Shocking? Not so much if you are familiar with all that our area has to offer and it is a lot. Get out there and learn, see the beauty we have that is not fertilized or groomed to perfection, listen to the sound of birds and water in a forest with the creek flowing by.

We have forgotten so much about the natural beauty that we actually have here. Time to start a new trend and get out there and enjoy it all. Pick one from Jim's list and start there. It is easy, make it a habit and join us in celebrating the arrival of Spring! : )


In memory of our crazy happy dog who passed on Monday....
Montgomery came to us as an abandoned 6 month old pup left in the backyard when his owners moved. My son named him after General Montgomery due to his look of an English Border Collie. He had smarts and talent. He was the best escape artist out there. He passed still wagging his tail at the age of 15. We will miss his happy go lucky attitude....always smiling.