The public is invited to attend a variety of free nature walks and other activities at Doeskin Ranch on Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge on Oct. 11. The Refuge Week celebration is set from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Activities include a live snake show offered from 12:15- 1 p.m.; a "What's in Your Backyard?" show for children, parents and Scouts at 1:15 p.m.

A "Bird and Butterflies for Beginners Walk" will be held from 8:30- 10:30 am. During the "Animals on the Move Walk", participants will examine which animals are moving, where, how far, and why, from 8:30- 10:30 a.m.

Also, at the same time, a Nature Photography Workshop for using digital and 35mm cameras is offered. Bring a camera and camera manual. Walking is involved.

A guided nature walk is offered from 10:30 a.m. to noon and again from 1:30- 3 p.m.

A "Dragonflies and Damselflies" walk to discover different species found at a pond and along a creek is offered from noon- 1:30 pm.

Learn about Hill Country spiders on an excursion through nature. Spider enthusiast Joe Lapp (spiderjoe.net) will introduce everyone to spiders and then lead a spider hunt while sharing amazing facts about the spiders. Walks will be offered at 11 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Nature walks later in the afternoon will be offered too.

Other activities include a butterfly tent to look closely at Monarchs and other butterflies that resemble them. See live animals on display. Observe up close many interesting and bizarre-looking pond and creek creatures from 10 a.m to 4 p.m.

Bring binoculars, outdoor foot wear, clothing, a hat, water and lunch.

Doeskin Ranch public use area is northwest of Lago Vista on RR 1174, almost 4 1/2 miles north of the intersection between FM 1431 and RR 1174.

For more information about Refuge Week or to register for an activity, contact Rob Iski at (512) 339-9432 ext. 70.