Tandy Hills: Visual & Verbal Poetry From Don Young

Prairie Notes: March 21, 2009
Vernal Equinox

Field report-

I was so busy yesterday, preparing for the 4th annual Fort Worth Prairie Fest, that I forgot to look up when the center of the Sun crossed the equator in the celestial sphere at 8:44 am CDT. The vernal equinox has come and gone. Dang! I hate it when that happens.

The winds of mid-March whistle through the TV towers above Tandy Hills like the ghosts of Indians past. The trees are adorned with kites and plastic bags. A pair of Screech Owls have arrived, testing the mettle of scurrying field mice. Tiny-legged Ground Skinks are on the move again, "swimming" like quicksilver through the mysterious world underfoot.

A Cooper's Hawk, sliced overhead yesterday, reminding me of who rules the air around here.

Learn more about the birds of Tandy Hills in Tom Steven's excellent, Tandy Hills-Stratford Parks Ornithological Assessment.

Tandy Hills 4th Annual Prairie Fest: April 25

In a little over a month the wildflowers should be doing their colorful thing, hopefully under blue skies and moderate temperatures, while the 4th Annual Prairie Fest takes place on April 25 at the Tandy Hills.

I went to last year's Prairie Fest. It was a much bigger deal than I expected. With very good music, very good food. And beer.

This is the Greenest Festival in Texas, with solar panels producing electricity. (if the sun cooperates)

There is no admission fee to the Prairie Fest. That means it's free. You will need to pay for food and beer. Dancing is also free.

If you are interested in being a sponsor or an exhibitor or vendor go to the Tandy Hills website and you'll find the information you seek, including more information about this year's Prairie Fest.

Below is a YouTube video I made from my visit to last year's Prairie Fest.