Q&A with Valley Ranch Green Club
Maintaining the beauty of Valley Ranch is a collaborative effort across multiple organizations. Whether it be the City of Irving, Valley Ranch Association, Keep Irving Beautiful, Valley Ranch Green Club or other organizations within our community, IFCD 3 is thankful to be one of many local groups that works to make our home the best it can be.
In an ongoing effort to showcase the hard work of our community partners, we’re continuing our blog Q&A series today with Valley Ranch Green Club to learn more about the role they play in Valley Ranch.
Q: Tell us about Valley Ranch Green Club.
A: Valley Ranch Green Club was established in 2015 to protect and improve the natural resources and wildlife in Valley Ranch. We remain focused on educating residents, increasing the use of native plants and trees, helping pollinators and wildlife and certifying Valley Ranch as a Wildlife Habitat Community with the National Wildlife Federation.
Since 2015, we’ve worked in partnership with Valley Ranch Association, IFCD 3 and LandCare to accomplish many projects. Over the years, we’ve received guidance from the National Wildlife Federation, Texas Bluebird Society and Native American Seed Company. We’ve also secured funding from U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services (USFWS), Pollinator.org and National Wildlife Federation Garden for Wildlife.
Q: What are some previous accomplishments of Valley Ranch Green Club?
A: With 500+ volunteer hours per year, our team has accomplished many amazing things in our nine years of operation! A few of our biggest accomplishments include:
Installing sixteen pollinator beds along community walkways, filled with native blooming perennials that attract butterflies and other pollinators
Planting native, pollinator-friendly perennials in Canyon Crest Park, Campion Park, Saddlehorn Park and The Hollows
Converting a four-acre parcel of land from Bermuda grass to a native wildflower and grass prairie. In addition to reducing mowing costs due to this area only needing to be mowed once per year now, this area now also provides habitat and food to countless wildlife, songbirds and pollinators
Helping 125 Valley Ranch residents, along with Valley Ranch Elementary, receive NWF Wildlife Habitat certifications
Partnering with Valley Ranch Association to implement practices focused on nature/conservation and wildlife preservation. This includes leaving bridge underpasses undisturbed during nesting season and planting native trees, ground cover and pollinator-friendly shrubs in shaded areas where grass doesn’t grow.
Recruiting a talented, world-renowned group of volunteers! Over the past few years, several of our members have received city, state and worldwide recognition for their efforts.
Q: What are Valley Ranch Green Club’s goals for this year? The next five years?
A: This year, we have five priorities:
- Tackle soil erosion in shaded areas
- Complete the NWF Community Wildlife Habitat Certification
- Install new pollinator signs in local flower beds and parks
- Continue to maintain Lakeview Park
- Increase communication with local residents through monthly Zoom meetings
In the next five years, we aim to increase the amount of shade along walking pathways, park seating areas and public benches by planting more native trees. We’re also looking to decrease local light pollution by upgrading public light fixtures and educating households on changes they can make to their own light fixtures.
Q: How can community members support your mission?
A: We encourage community members to participate in Valley Ranch Green Club! We’re always looking for help with pulling weeds during our workday events, planting native trees and grant writing. We also encourage people to engage with us on social media.
Q: Are there any upcoming events that people can attend?
A: Yes! We have our next workday event scheduled for Saturday, April 6, from 8 – 10 am at Lakeview Park. We’re also hosting our annual EarthFest Pollinator Plant Sale on Saturday, April 20, where we’ll sell native pollinator plants to Valley Ranch residents.
Follow IFCD 3 on Facebook and X for more information about our community partners and their upcoming events!