Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge -- The following is the Friends of Hagerman NWR Press Release. For more information about these events, please email: Friendsofhagerman@gmail.org. 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
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.org.
Butterfly Garden
Like digging in your garden? Want to learn about native plants? Come join our Master Naturalists and Gardeners in maintaining the Butterfly Garden. For more information on volunteering, please email FriendsofHagerman@gmail.org 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.org for details and to join our team. Scouts welcome!
Activities & events
The Little Sit: September 2 at 6:45 a.m. 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. Free and open to the public, funded by donations.
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
https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/event-5964078?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=5/22/2025
(registering is recommended) to be informed of location change). Or email: friendsofhagerman@gmail.com.
GPS Coordinates to Pad-H: 33.734961, -96.780582
Early Bird Guided Walks September 13, 8:00 a.m. to 9:30. 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 for weather updates at
https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/event-6304546?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=9/24/2025Second Saturday: Saturday September 13 at 10:00 a.m. - The Eastern Bluebird with Kathy Whaley.
In this presentation about Eastern Bluebirds the focus will be on the general biology and conservation efforts of this iconic species. The presentation will highlight the bird's behavior, nesting habits, diet, and historic plight. Additionally, it will address the challenges faced by Eastern Bluebirds such as habitat loss and competition for nesting sites with invasive species including house sparrows. Conservation efforts, including the installation of bluebird boxes and monitoring program, will be explored to show how volunteers may contribute to the protection and recovery of this species. Plan to arrive early--this session usually fills all seats.
Butterfly Garden Stroll: September 6 and September 20 from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m.
Enjoy the Butterfly Garden at Hagerman NWR. 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.
Refuge Rocks for Kids: Saturday September 20h from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 - Microbiology or What's in a
Pond (Ages 5-10)
Ever spotted moths throwing a wild dance party around the lights at night? But wait—what exactly are these fuzzy party crashers, and how do they compare to their glamorous butterfly cousins? Buckle up, because this lesson is about to take you on a moth-tastic journey! We’ll dive into the nitty-gritty of moth life cycles with their four fabulous stages: egg, caterpillar, pupa (or cocoon), and the dazzling adult moth.
We’ll also uncover their quirky traits like those funky antennae and wing patterns, explore the stars of the moth world (hello, Luna and silk moths!), and reveal how they navigate the night using their super sniffer!
Plus, get ready for some fun with moth-themed crafts, live moth spotting (if the little guys cooperate!), and lively chats about their amazing adaptations. Let the moth mayhem begin! Sign up for this class and reserve your kiddo's spot for this fun class! Registration required.
https://www.friendsofhagerman.com/event-6244646?CalendarViewType=1&SelectedDate=9/24/2025
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.
