This Saturday, the Hagerman National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) will host Choctaw Cultural Day from 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The public is invited to come celebrate the heritage of the third-largest Indian Nation in the United States. Free and open to the public, a variety of events and activities are powered by volunteers and funded by donations.
At 8 a.m., come walk on the wild side with master naturalist Jack Chiles. Meet at the Visitor Center and return in time for the Second Saturday program, Establishing Tallgrass Prairies for Agricultural, Wildlife and Enjoyment. This lecture will be led by Ellen Melson and will cover her 20+ years of experience establishing tallgrass prairie on her farm and utilizing it for livestock grazing and hay. Melson will also discuss how to establish a pocket prairie on small properties for your own enjoyment and to attract and provide food and cover for pollinators and wildlife.
Melson and her husband Nathan have been managing and utilizing re-established tallgrass prairie and other native forages for livestock and hay production for 20 years. Ellen has a PhD in plant breeding from Texas A&M University and Nathan has a MS in agricultural sciences with an emphasis in forage management from Texas A&M – Commerce. Together they have many years of practical experience (and mistakes) in working with native grasses and forages. They focus on maintaining and enjoying species diversity in grasses, forages, wildflowers and wildlife while raising livestock.
Then, at noon, Dr. Ian Thompson will speak on “OKTAK” (Choctaw for “prairie”). Thompson will discuss tallgrass prairie’s deep connection with Choctaw culture, language and history.
From 1:30-3:30 p.m., visitors can enjoy a butterfly garden stroll. Docents will be available to help identify butterflies and native plants.
Choctaw Nation will have displays and a Native Indian craft table for kids from noon-4 p.m. Activities include an atlatl (spear-throwing device) demo, weapons table, cultural table, stickball demo and Choctaw dance.
Event attendees can also enjoy food trucks from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Unfortunately, previously planned tram tours from 1-2:30 p.m. have been canceled due to high water.
Don’t miss out on this fun and educational day of activities and events. It’s sure to be fun for the whole family.
Source: Freepik.com