April 2020
While daily life changed for everyone in March, flowering trees signaled a normal spring’s arrival along the creek, and the absence of mowers left the impression of a natural meadow in places. Likely April will bring more days just right for walking along the creek, and perhaps broods of mallards in the waters.  Meanwhile sharp eyed kids of all ages can watch this brief video clip of a Mallard and her numerous brood, taken last year. Look sharp for the lone straggler! 

Besides waterfowl, the creek and greenbelt provide habitat for many bird species – the same birds that frequent our backyards, and will be the wildest creatures that we see on a daily basis. In this month of nest building, and in the months to come,these Woodpeckers, Jays, Cardinals, Titmice, Wrens, and Chickadees can bring a lively natural presence to your backyard. All will benefit from feeding stations offering suet, bird seed, or peanuts.

Click here for photos from March Along the Creek

For tips on creating a natural backyard, or front yard habitat, this article from Audubon contains a number of still timely ideas, a link to native plant databases, and practical advice.

Click here to see How To Create a Bird-Friendly Yard

Below: 1. Carolina Wren. 2. Titmouse. 3. Mallard Ducks   

Vince Punaro, Creek Leader and Author
For Creek Leaders Gary Barton, Doug Guiling, and Stu Pauley

March 2020. 

Joe’s Creek hosts a returning population of Mallards – a springtime sighting of a tiny brood of ducklings scurrying to keep up with their mother will delight kids of all ages. These birds and other wildlife are drawn to the creek for its benefits as a natural habitat, and add their own elegant aspect to the Creek. 

Waterfowl represent a success story that contrasts with the long-term declining trend in North American Bird counts. Many species show a marked decline over the last 50 years, as noted in Scientific American last September. Waterfowl have made a resurgence since 1970, due in part to the efforts of conservationists in restoring wetlands. Whether we will continue to hear the sounds of Mallards in the Creek, and the call of wild birds in our own backyards depends upon sustained initiatives both large and small, local and regional, that will protect the environment, and hopefully avoid the “Silent Spring” that Rachel Carson wrote about 50 years ago.

Vince Punaro
For Creek Leaders Gary Barton, Doug Guiling, and Stu Pauley

January 2020.
As we start the new year, let’s remember that we are surrounded by caring neighbors, many developing into close friends, offering comfort and a sense of security in our little hamlet. We are very fortunate to live in one of the most desirable neighborhoods in the city of Dallas with the added bonus of a beautiful creek running through our happy and diverse community.

Recently, several areas of vulgar and anti-Semitic graffiti was discovered painted on the supporting walls outside and under the Alta Vista bridge at Joe’s Creek. Most of us are aware that hate and vandalism is a global concern, but seeing it happen in our neighborhood is alarming. We cannot allow this activity to continue.

Below: The Good. The Bad. The Ugly.

The Dallas Police Department is advising that if you witness individuals suspiciously carrying spray paint cans or actively defacing public property, call 911 immediately.

Related and more frequent is trash being dumped near or into the creek. Joe’s Creek flows into the Trinity River, carrying plastic waste and other pollutants to the gulf where fisheries, waterfowl and other aquatic wildlife are seriously impacted.

What we can do to help now:

• Educate family, friends and others the importance of maintaining a clean environment where you live, work and travel.
• Consider taking a single use (disposable) grocery or trash bag with you to pick up a few pieces of trash when you take your dog for a walk, visit the creek or are just out for a stroll and dispose it properly.

This year, let’s take pride in our neighborhood by protecting the environment and public spaces for everyone to enjoy.

Wishing you a healthy and Happy New Year!
Gary Barton, NPNA Creek Committee