Registration Fee: $75

Equipment and Attire: Persons should bring a one liter or more water bottle. Sunscreen, insect repellant, hat, and sun glasses are optional but highly suggested. Some moderate hiking (<0.5 km) expected over moderate terrain with hot temperatures.

Itinerary: The trip will begin at the north edge of the refuge near the shinoak observation deck. Description of habitat requirements for the black-capped vireo, past fire management, and adaptation of shin oak will be presented. Next stop will be the Doeskin Ranch for a small hike in a fire-restored little blue stem lowland prairie. This will include a small hike to a creek and beyond. Lunch at the Flying X Ranch will follow (air conditioned). Small informal presentations of current research regarding fire history, bird genetics, and plant ecology will occur. In the early afternoon, participants will be taken to Warbler Vista for a small hike in the oak belt. Discussion of geological factors important for plant ecology will be discussed. The trip will end with another small hike to a riparian canyon where ferns, lower-vascular plants, and an endemic croton occurs. The trip will conclude with a brief discussion regarding wildland urban interface issues at the southern edge of the refuge.