Invasives at the Refuge will be the topic for Second Saturday program at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge, on August 11.  The program begins at 10 a.m. in the Refuge’s Visitor Center.

An invasive species is non-native to a particular ecosystem and spreads or reproduces rapidly and causes harm to the environment, human health, and or the economy.  North Texas residents have all been reading and hearing about one invasive species, the zebra mussel.  Learn which other plants and animals are on the list of invasive species and what is and can be done.

This photo, taken by Carl Hill, shows a group of feral hogs that are invasive at the Refuge, as well as throughout many parts of Texas.

Presenting the program will be Saul Petty, who is the Invasive Species Biologist at the Refuge. Petty moved to Hagerman in late July 2010 from Louisiana, where he worked for the US Forest Service.  He received a Bachelor’s degree from Texas A&M – College Station in Horticulture and a Master’s degree in Forestry.  Saul’s duties at the refuge include providing guidance and technical assistance regarding invasive species management to refuges throughout Texas and Oklahoma.

Youngsters ages 4-10 are invited to the Second Saturday for Youth program, entitled Fun with Fossils, also on August 11.  The program includes nature crafts and activities and will be led by Katie Palmer; it begins at 10 a.m.  Children under age 6 must be accompanied by a parent or other responsible adult.  To assure adequate supplies for each youth, advance registration is required and can be made by calling the refuge at 903-786-2826.

All Second Saturday activities are free of charge and open to the public.  Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge is located on the Big Mineral Arm of Lake Texoma. 

For more information, call the Refuge or visit www.friendsofhagerman.com.