July 2026 Announcements

Preserve, Educate, Collaborate
(https://springcreekforest.org)

Contact the Society: springcreekforestpreservation@gmail.com

Message from Christina Hickey, PE, City of Garland Water Department, June 25, 2026:

A summary of our discussion and the current status of the project.

Original Assessment Plan

• Assess the interceptor using Multi-Sensor Inspection (MSI) technology.
• Perform CCTV inspection of the service laterals.

Current Status

• The [map on display showed] the current status of sanitary sewer inspections within the Spring Creek forested area.
• As the project progressed, much of the planned MSI work was transitioned to CCTV inspections where access for MSI could not be achieved due to flow conditions or site access limitations. In many locations, CCTV has successfully provided the necessary assessment without additional surface disturbance.

Current Access Challenges
During field activities, several access limitations have been identified that prevent the remaining sections from being inspected using the original approach:

• Manholes cannot currently be located due to siltation, rocks, or other obstructions.
• Some manholes are submerged beneath several feet of water.
• Establishing a secure cofferdam around certain manholes is not feasible without bringing large equipment into the Preserve.
• Condition of manhole rings and covers require immediate replacement if opened for inspection.
• Continuous rain has delayed our ability to make sure we get as much footage as we can with the original assessment methods

Revised Path Forward
To address these access challenges while continuing to minimize disturbance within the Preserve, the project team began evaluating an alternative assessment technology.
This approach is intended to:

• Minimize new surface disturbance.
• Provide a visual assessment of the interceptor where conventional access is limited.
• Supplement and confirm observations from the more detailed upstream and downstream inspections.

Because this technology is provided by a new vendor, the timeline for the evaluation process has expanded. Current activities include:

• Reviewing site access requirements specific to the new technology.
• Discussing pricing and contracting considerations.
• Developing a mobilization plan and updated project schedule.

While we believe this technology represents the best available option for the remaining assessment, we cannot yet confirm that it will be successful for the entirety of the remaining interceptor. We will evaluate its effectiveness and keep stakeholders informed of any limitations or necessary adjustments to the assessment approach.

We appreciate the Preserve Society’s continued collaboration and support throughout this effort. We will continue to provide updates as the evaluation progresses and the revised schedule is finalized. Please let us know if you have any questions or if there is anything we can clarify regarding the proposed approach.

Comment from Barbara Baynham, Vice-president of the Society

We certainly appreciate the care that the City and Kimley-Horn are taking throughout the assessment of this project to try to do the least damage possible at all times. It has actually been a pleasure watching excellent people work on this project.

          But it is my job to remind you that the challenges mentioned above – challenges including restricted manhole accessibility, water depth, sediment accumulation over manholes, and the steep creek banks that have limited the extent of inspection that can be completed – can be fixed. Of course water, sediment, and steep banks are going to be challenges! Let’s take away this problem by moving the Pipeline Out Of the Preserve. Help us keep the POOP project at the top of the to-do list.

Photo: manhole in the creek

Before & After:
Preservation Society Trail Crew Keeps the Trails Ready for Hikers

A tree branch fell across the hiking trail at the Mapleridge entrance to the Preserve, but the trail is clear after Preservation Society volunteer Rob Kaaa came in and made the trail safe once again.

Before – the red arrow indicates the fallen branches blocking the trail.

After

It is a challenge to maintain over 4 miles of natural-surface hiking trails in an old-growth forest and on our limestone prairies, but the Preservation Society is up to the challenge thanks to two secret weapons. First, our friends at the Garland Parks department are quick to respond with chainsaws and heavy equipment when it’s time to clear away massive logs and debris that obstructs trails. And every day, our trail monitors and trail clearing crew walk our trails and report safety issues. We say THANK YOU to the many people who contribute to this important effort.

If you are hiking and see a trail hazard or safety issue, please report it, along with a photo and your contact information, to springcreekforestpreservation @gmail.com.

Wanted: Seed Collectors

As the heat begins to strengthen, it’s time for seeds to start ripening. We’ve had great success collecting wildflower seeds on site and sowing them in the fall, and now it’s time to start that process again. If you’d like to help with this rewarding process, please contact Dana Wilson (danawilson59@yahoo.com) – she will meet you, paper bags in hand, and get you started.

Dana collecting seeds – Prairie Parsley in bloom

Big long stalk of the Prairie Parsley

 The Patron Saints of Spring Creek Forest Preserve 

          Every day, twice a day, Phillip and Mary Dudley park near the pavilion at 1770 Holford to walk their puppies Jack and Jill. They are well-known, friendly faces to the many visitors who walk in the preserve. In honor of their dedication, the Preservation Society for Spring Creek Forest Preserve is pleased to make them Honorary Lifetime members. Thank you, Phillip and Mary!

For Volunteers –
Note that there might be some pop-up work sessions during the summer. Join Dana’s work team to participate:

In the summer, because of the heat, Work Sessions will be led by Dana Wilson at various times, dates, and locations. If you would like to be on Dana’s work team, please email her at danawilson59@yahoo.com.

Garland Red, White & You

Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
Time: 5:00 – 10:00 p.m.
Location: Downtown Garland Square

          The Society will have a table at this event. Maybe we will see you there!

Celebrate America’s 250^th Anniversary at Garland’s Red, White & You. Garland’s signature Independence Day celebration brings thousands of people to the Downtown Garland Square for an evening of music, food, and family-friendly fun. Held annually on July 3, this FREE festival captures the spirit of the season with lively entertainment, hands-on activities, and a festive atmosphere for all ages.

Enjoy a dynamic mix of live music, interactive attractions, and summertime favorites ranging from inflatables and games to creative art experiences. Local restaurants, food trucks, and vendors add to the excitement, serving up a taste of Garland’s diverse flavors just steps from the heart of the action.

As the sun sets, the celebration builds toward its highlight: a brilliant fireworks show that lights up the skyline and signals the start of the holiday weekend. Whether you’re enjoying the performances, exploring the activity zones, or simply soaking in the July festivities, Red, White & You offers a vibrant way to celebrate Independence Day in Garland.

More information at: https://www.visitgarlandtx.com/red-white-and-you

6th Annual An Evening with Moths

Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
Time: 9:00 p.m. until late
Location: 1770 Holford Rd.

Sam Kieschnick, Urban Wildlife Biologist, DFW, Texas Parks and Wildlife will be on hand to host our 6^th annual celebration of not only our moth population but all our other insects that land on the lighted sheets and the interesting animals that are drawn to the light.

The time is 9:00 p.m. until late.

This family-friendly event honoring International Moth Week is an opportunity to experience the Preserve at night! Most moths are nocturnal, so we set up several stations with lighted sheets to attract moths and other night flying insects. Volunteers will be on hand to answer questions and help with identification. Visitors are encouraged to use the free phone app “iNaturalist” to turn in their observations at the event.

Notes:

• Close-toed shoes are mandatory – no bare feet, no sandals!
• All children must be accompanied by an appropriate number of adults.
• For the safety of our young visitors, family and scout groups need to stay together during the event.
• Each person should have water and a flashlight.
• If you have a magnifying glass or a loupe, bring that so you can see the intricate details on the insects.
• Wear insect repellent.
• Parking is limited so please carpool if possible.

We hope to see you there to celebrate Moth Week with us.

One of Sam Kieschnick’s favorite quotes by Bradley Miller:
“Teaching a child not to step on a caterpillar is as valuable to the child as it is to the caterpillar.”

Sam Kieschnick keeps children in awe as he talks about the insects they see.

A Walking Stick was drawn to the light. 2025

July Walks – created for you –
Get to Know Your Preserve

          It is possible to enjoy being outside in the summer…especially if you go early in the morning or later in the evening. This summer, members of the Society will lead 1-hour walks in several parts of the preserve. All the leaders are Texas Master Naturalists.

This is a great way to relax, stroll with a knowledgeable guide, and maybe see some parts of the preserve that you haven’t seen before. Close-toe shoes and long pants are highly recommended; bring water and bug spray. A great activity for families, friends, and pets on a leash. Please contact Dana Wilson (danawilson59@yahoo.com) with questions.

Friday, July 10, 7:30 p.m., 1770 Holford Road: Join Steve & Nancy Boeding for a walk down our new trout lily trail and across to a limestone prairie.

Saturday, July 11, 8:00 a.m., 1770 Holford Road: Join Vince Hale & David Parrish as they make the loop from the Boy Scout trail to a Spring Creek landmark – our much-graffitied BelAir.

Sunday, July 12, 8:30 a.m., 2393 Mapleridge Drive (at the dead end 2 blocks east of Shiloh): Piotr Gruszecki will lead walkers into the woods and along our creek-side Mapleridge Trail.

Friday, July 17, 7:30 p.m., 1787 Holford Road: Steve & Nancy Boeding get a sunset look at our big limestone prairie and old-growth forest.

Saturday, July 18, 8 a.m., 4695 Ranger Drive at Halff Park: Rob Kaaa will loop through our oldest old-growth forest then circle back across a limestone prairie.

Sunday, July 19, 8:30 a.m., 2393 Mapleridge Drive (at the dead end 2 blocks east of Shiloh): Piotr Gruszecki will lead walkers into the woods and along our creek-side Mapleridge Trail.

Saturday, July 25, 8:00 a.m., 4695 Ranger Drive at Halff Park: Rob Kaaa will loop through our oldest old-growth forest then circle back across a limestone prairie.

Sunday, July 26, 8:00 a.m., 1770 Holford Road: David Parrish will make a circle through the woods to the old abandoned BelAir then back to a creek overlook.

Our ever-changing BelAir

Cool-looking forest even in the summer

But see “Plan Ahead” for September and later.

The Executive Committee usually meets once a month. The meetings are open to the public. For information, please contact us at springcreekforestpreservation@gmail.com.