The following is the Friends of Hagerman NWR Press Release. For more information about these events, please email: friendsofhagerman@gmail.com.
All events are sponsored by the Friends of Hagerman and occur at the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center: 6465 Refuge Road, Sherman, TX 75092, unless stated otherwise.
Volunteers Needed:
There is something for everyone at Hagerman! From Bat & Monarch monitoring to greeting visitors and being a tram tour guide, get more information at https://friendsofhagerman.com/Volunteer.
Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Visitor Center Greeters
Meet and greet people from all over the world while giving out information about the refuge and wildlife. Hand out maps and make sales in the Nature Nook. Come and join our team! For more information, please email friendsofhagerman@gmail.com.
Butterfly Garden
Like digging in your garden? Want to learn about native plants? Come join out Master Naturalists and Gardeners in maintaining the Butterfly Garden. For more information on volunteering, please email FriendsofHagerman@email.com for details.
Outdoor Crew
Do you enjoy working outside, mowing, sprucing up hiking trails, trimming and removing brush and general cleanup? Join the Outdoor Crew at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. The Outdoor Crew meets on the First Tuesday and Fourth Saturday of every month. Please email friendsofhagerman@gmail.com for details and to join our team. Scouts welcome!
Activities & Events:
The Little Sit: April 4 th at 7:00am Pad-H on the West side of Hagerman NWR
If you want to learn how to identify the birds of North Texas, the "Little Sit" is the perfect way to start. Meet the Bird Census Team while learning how to identify the birds of North Texas, and enjoy the beautiful sunrise over Lake Texoma! Modeled after Cornell's national "Big Sit" event, a group of dedicated birders invite you to join them at sunrise to conduct a bird count as multiple species fly to the water and the surrounding land to feed. Leaders will bring spotting scopes and will provide tips for identification of the many species you will see. This event lasts a couple of hours, but all are welcome to come and go as they please. Participants are advised to bring a
chair, binoculars and water.
We meet on the first Saturday of each month, 30 minutes before sunrise to watch the birds come into the water and begin to feed. We usually stay out for 2-3 hours, but you are welcome for all or part of the Sit.
For more information, a map to Pad-H and to register to receive event updates (registering is recommended
to be informed of location change) https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/event-6486768?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=12/26/2025
Or email: friendsofhagerman@gmail.com.
GPS Coordinates to Pad-H: 33.734961, -96.780582
Free and open to the public, funded by donations.
Early Bird Guided Walk
Come walk on the wild side with Jack Chiles! Saturday April 11, from 8:00 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Master Naturalist Jack Chiles will lead this Early Bird Walk, weather
permitting. Participants will view birds and wildlife along Harris Creek Trail, walking about two miles, and returning to the Visitor Center in time for the Second Saturday program. Register to receive event updates https://friendsofhagerman.com/event-6514719?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=4/2/2026
Second Saturday: Saturday April 11 at 10:00 a.m. Birding by Ear with Dr. Wayne Meyer
Observing birds requires more than just seeing them. When you learn to recognize their songs, you will find more birds and get better ideas about where to find them. Top birders hear more birds first than they see first.
Come learn a few of the common birds around the refuge and improve your results. Dr. Wayne Meyer, an ornithologist, began birding at the age of 13 in Connecticut. He has birded extensively on both coasts of the United States and has spent the past quarter century birding in Texas and Oklahoma.
Dr. Meyer has conducted extensive research on prairie birds and has been studying song learning and vocal
development in Painted Buntings for more than a decade. He is a sought-after speaker for Master Naturalist groups and a frequent presenter at the Friends of Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge Second Saturday
programs.
Refuge Rocks: Saturday April 18 at 10:00 a.m. Refuge Rocks - The Secret Life of Fungi! (Ages 5-10)
Mushrooms aren’t just mysterious—they’re mighty important! Young nature explorers are invited to
uncover the fascinating world beneath their feet at The Secret Life of Fungi, a hands-on children’s program
at Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge. This interactive class will take place Saturday, April 18, 2026, from
10:00–11:30 a.m. and is designed for youth ages 5–10.
During this fun and educational program, participants will learn about the important role fungi play in nature and on the refuge—from breaking down fallen trees to helping plants grow. Kids will take a closer look at mushrooms and discover why fungi are often called nature’s recyclers and underground helpers.
The program includes:
An age-appropriate mini lesson on fungi and mushrooms
A creative, fungi-themed craft to take home
A fun, hands-on activity that brings the secret life of fungi to life
Blending science, creativity, and outdoor discovery, The Secret Life of Fungi is perfect for curious kids who
love nature, exploration, and a little mystery.
Registration encouraged at
https://friendsofhagerman.com/event-6625146?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=4/2/2026
Butterfly Garden Stroll: Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 a.m. to noon.
Garden docents will be on hand to help identify the Texas native plants and visiting butterflies. Literature on plants and butterflies will be available. Special activities for families: scavenger hunts, the Metamorphosis Puppet and more. Registration is not necessary.
The garden is free of charge and open to the public from sunrise to sunset every day of the year.
Donations are accepted to support the Butterfly Garden, Garden Walks and other events and programs sponsored by the Friends of Hagerman NWR.
Tram Tours every Saturday and Sunday at 2:00 p.m.
Enjoy a 60 – 90-minute tour along Wildlife Drive at the Refuge. Enjoy learning about the history of the
displaced town of Hagerman while watching for wildlife. Lots of stops for birdwatching and photography.
Reservations required. Standbys are accepted if space permits. Free and open to the public.
Funded by donations. https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/Tram-Tours.
