Frogs, toads, turtles and snakes will take center stage during a special nighttime program at the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center in September.
JBS After Dark: Reptiles & Amphibians is scheduled for Thursday, Sept. 10, from 7 to 9 p.m. at the Wetland Center, located at 655 Martin Lane in Combine.
The twilight program will give participants an opportunity to experience the wetlands after normal daytime activity begins to fade and many reptiles and amphibians become more active.
Armed with flashlights, guests will explore the wetlands in search of frogs, toads, turtles and potentially snakes while learning about the adaptations that allow these animals to survive in the wetland environment.
The program is designed for ages 12 and older and costs $10 per person. Registration is available through the official JBS After Dark: Reptiles & Amphibians event page.
Exploring a Different Side of the Wetlands
Most visitors experience the John Bunker Sands Wetland Center during daylight hours, but the After Dark program provides a different perspective.
As temperatures begin to drop in the evening, the sounds and activity around the wetlands can change significantly. Participants may hear croaking frogs and other nighttime wildlife while searching the habitat with flashlights.
Organizers caution that wildlife encounters cannot be guaranteed. Reptiles and amphibians are wild animals, so guests may not necessarily see or hear the species they are searching for during the program.
The educational experience, however, is intended to help participants better understand native reptiles and amphibians and their roles in the wetland ecosystem even if some of the animals remain hidden.
The John Bunker Sands Wetland Center is located within the North Texas Municipal Water District’s East Fork Water Reuse Project. Its educational mission focuses on water reuse, water quality and supply, wildlife conservation and wetland systems.
The center’s wetlands also provide habitat for a wide range of wildlife, including reptiles, amphibians and hundreds of bird species.
JBS After Dark: Reptiles & Amphibians is part of the center’s growing lineup of educational programs that allow visitors to experience the wetlands beyond a traditional daytime visit.
For local residents interested in wildlife, nature and an unusual Thursday-night outing, the program offers a chance to trade the television screen for a flashlight and see what might be moving through the wetlands after sunset.
