Nazareth Shorebirds Playa Field Day

Master Naturalists, agency personnel, conservationists, and the interested public are invited to attend a Playa Field Day presented by Ogallala Commons (www.ogallalacommons.org) on Wednesday, August 26th from 9:30am-2:00pm Central Time at the Knights of Columbus Hall (just up the hill at the intersection of FM Hwy 168 and Leo Street) in Nazareth, TX.  The field day will focus on the variety of shorebirds that migrate across the North American Southern Plains, using playa wetlands for their journeys, as well as information for habitat management.  A tour will be held at OC’s Playa Classroom and surrounding playa sites, with lunch served at 12:30pm, followed by adjournment at 2:00pm.

“Those attending the Field Day will receive essential information regarding the various species of shorebirds that use playa wetlands, according to Abby Sterling, one of the presenters for the event.  “Attendees will also learn how habitat can be improved and better managed.”

Playas are shallow, rain-fed wetlands throughout the Great Plains. When containing surface water, playas provide crucial habitat for many wildlife that depend on water to survive. When dry, playas also support several other Great Plains wildlife species because they are often the only natural lands in a region dominated by agricultural production. Playas also recharge water to the underlying aquifer, filter nutrients and chemicals from the surrounding watershed, and add recreational value to the region. 

Registration for the event is $20 per person.  

Otherwise, you can register by contacting Darryl Birkenfeld, Ogallala Commons Director Emeritus (darryl@ogallalacommons.org or by phone at 806-336-1713). 

The Field Day is presented by Ogallala Commons and Playa Lakes Joint Venture, with funding support from the High Plains Water District.

AGENDA:

9:30am Sign-In/Registration with light refreshments 

KC Hall, Nazareth, TX

9:50am Welcome & Overview - Darryl Birkenfeld, Ph.D., Director Emeritus, Ogallala Commons, Nazareth, TX

10:00am Presentation on Shorebirds that use Playas - Abby Sterling, Ph.D., Manomet Conservation Sciences, Senior Director of Shorebird Conservation: North America, Athens, GA

10:30am Playa Restoration Work in Texas Panhandle/South Plains - Tavin Dotson, Texas Playa Conservation Initiative, Lubbock, TX & Darryl Birkenfeld, playa landowner

11:00am Break

11:15am Carpool to OC Playa Classroom 

(3/4 mile south of Nazareth off TX FM 168, turn left into caliche parking lot)

Tour of Playa Classroom and Walk through Playa Basin

11:50am Driving Tour of nearby Playas (Depart from Playa Classroom)

12:30pm Sandwich Lunch at KC Hall

1:00pm Wrap-Up Meeting for Shorebird Researchers 

2:00pm Adjourn

The Field Day is presented by Ogallala Commons and Playa Lakes Joint Venture, with Funding support from the High Plains Water District. It is also part of a shorebird management workshop hosted by USFWS, Manomet Conservation Sciences, PLJV, and TPWD. If you are already registered for the full workshop, this Field Day is included.