Note from the Environmental Education Center
April is vibrant as wildflowers burst into color around the park and roadsides. Firewheel, evening primrose, winecup, prairie verbena, and meadow pink are a few of the favorites at John Paul Landing. However, many of our smaller flowering plants are often overlooked. Upon close observation, you will see that butterflies and other pollinators make good use of these unassuming blooms. April is also the best month to observe migratory birds passing through the park. They sometimes stop in the park to rest and feed for a few days before continuing their journey north. These migrants include warblers, buntings, flycatchers, vireos, hawks, and shorebirds. Nothing says spring like the sound of an upland sandpiper calling “we-dudu” as it flies overhead.
Photos by Megan Ahlgren - (Top) Firewheel, (Bottom) Winecup
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We hope you visit the Environmental Education Center this month to enjoy the wildflowers and join us for one of our programs or bird walks.
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April Events at John Paul Landing |
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Birding Program: Warbler ID Bingo
Thursday, April 6,
12:30 – 2 p.m.
For adults and older students with a keen interest in birds. Click here for more information.
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A Closer Look at Nature: Eggs in Nature
Wednesday, April 12,
2 – 3 p.m. or
Saturday, April 15,
10 – 11 a.m.
Designed for school-aged children. Registration required. Click here for more information.
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An Evening Under the Stars
Saturday, April 29,
8 – 10 p.m.
All ages and levels of experience welcome. Registration requested. Click here for more information.
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Nature is EGGcellent!
This time of year, many of us have egg hunts on our minds. But what about the eggs hidden in nature all around us? They are as varied as the species that lay them. They come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and textures, with different strategies employed to keep them safe. Most of us are familiar with the hard-shelled eggs of birds, especially those laid in nests. Other birds, like the killdeer, lay their eggs in shallow depressions inthe ground. With a camouflage pattern, the eggs can be easily mistaken for rocks, and the parent is quick to distract you from the nest should you wander too close. Reptiles, like the red-eared slider turtles that live in the lake, lay eggs with rubbery shells. The eggs are buried in the dirt, and often the surrounding temperature determines whether the babies will be male or female. Since they do not have a protective shell, jelly-like fish and frog eggs must be laid in water to keep from drying out. Insects lay their eggs on the stems or leaves of plants. Butterflies, like monarchs, deposit one tiny egg at a time, whereas the praying mantis lays a case of up to 300 eggs.
The next time you are in the park, join in on nature’s egg hunt. Just remember, eggs are delicate and should not be touched or moved. If you see an egg, take a photo and show the naturalists at the Environmental Education Center. We are always happy to help you identify what you find.
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How many species of egg-laying mammals exist today?
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Calling all gardeners! Abundant plant growth in the spring means we could use some extra hands tending to flower beds and natural areas around the Environmental Education Center. We could use help weeding, trimming, and watering to keep these plants doing their best.
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Interactive Content Answer
How many species of egg-laying mammals exist today?
Answer: D. 5
Known as monotremes, these include the platypus and four species of echidna. They are found in New Guinea, Australia, and Tasmania.
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9950 Katy Hockley Road, Cypress, TX 77443
713-274-3131
hcp4.net/jpl
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