Martha Lafite Thompson Nature Sanctuary

10/09/2026

Exciting news!

What could be better than 100+ jack-o-lanterns, candy, Fairy Tale Forest characters, and Swoop the Owl? How about some delicious fall treats and decor!

Local bakers and artisans J and L Crafts will be selling rice crispy treats, smores bars, Reese's puffs bars, cinnamon rolls, seasonal cake donuts, little bread loafs, and packs of cookies during each night of Fairy Tale Forest. Also check out their incredible pumpkin dioramas to put the finishing touch on your home fall decor.

Get your tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2026FTF

10/07/2026

What do you see in this photo?

I see a PILE of POTENTIAL!

Potential for YOU to grab some friends, club members, or youth group to have a carving party on Oct 13 or 14! Sign up by emailing [email protected] with your group size & preferred time.

Potential for YOU to see the amazing carved creations at Fairy Tale Forest Oct 15-18. Tickets at https://tinyurl.com/2026FTF

10/07/2026

The White-breasted Nuthatch (Sitta carolinensis) is the bird of the week. They are year-round residents that become more active at feeders and around trees as the weather cools. They are the only North American bird that can consistently climb headfirst down a tree trunk. They are common at feeders and enjoy large seeds and nuts, which they may jam into tree bark and then peck with their beak to open.

10/05/2026

Over 100 carved pumpkins 🎃

Fairy Tale Forest characters share a nature skit 🍬

Visit Swoop the Eurasian Eagle Owl 🦉

4 nights to choose from: October 15, 16, 17, or 18 from 6-8 pm

Purchase tickets online at https://tinyurl.com/2026FTF

Can't wait to see you there!

10/01/2026

Fall is a time of transitions. This year at MLTNS there will be more than just leaves changing colors, birds migrating, and squirrels caching acorns. Michael Sandy, long-time Executive Director at MLTNS, will be leaving, and the Board of Directors will begin the hiring process for a Conservation and Education Director. Through this fall transition, some things will look different, but here’s what you can count on:

The hiking trails will remain open daily from 8 am to 5 pm.

Fairy Tale Forest WILL take place October 15-18. Support the Sanctuary by purchasing your tickets for this event at https://tinyurl.com/2026FTF

The Nature Center will be closed in October, except for Saturdays. Saturdays it will be open from 9 am – 5 pm. In November and December, the Nature Center will be open on Fridays and Saturdays. Any changes to this schedule will be updated on Facebook.

Overall we are excited for what is to come at MLTNS! We appreciate your patience and your support during this time of transition, and look forward to engaging with the community in new ways as we begin our 51st year!

MARTHA LAFITE THOMPSON NATURE SANCTUARY PRESENTS THE 40TH ANNUAL FAIRY TALE FOREST AND "WALK OF 100 JACK-O-LANTERNS"! , October 15, 16, 17, 18, 2026; Thursday - Sunday; 6:00pm to 8:00pm. Fun for all ages, especially for little ones; Admission: $10/person. We will have an admissions sign-in,....

09/29/2026

Looking for a way to give back in your community? Adult and teen volunteers are vital for the success of our annual fundraiser, Fairy Tale Forest. There are many ways you can help, on dates between Oct. 13-18. Pass the word!

https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C054AAFA82BA6FFCE9-65319286-fairy

09/29/2026

The bird of the week is the Red-tailed Hawk (Buteo jamaicensis). They are the most common and widespread hawk in North America and the sound most often used in movies to represent any large eagle or hawk. Look for red-tailed hawks on your next highway drive--you'll see them on fenceposts and signs scouting their next meal, or soaring above open fields. Hawks move in from northern breeding territory in mid-September through October, increasing local populations.

09/25/2026

We have Monarchs in the Nature Center to be Tagged Saturday, 9-26-2026 for Monarch Mania.

09/24/2026

Have you been noticing the butterflies fluttering by? There are still some spaces left at our Monarch Butterfly event this Saturday at Martha Lafite, from 11-12:30. Learn all about migrating monarchs, native plants, and pollinators! The event is free but registration is required. https://mdc-event-web.s3licensing.com/Event/EventDetails/220837

09/22/2026

The Cedar Waxwing (Bombycilla cedrorum) is our bird of the week. These social birds are often seen in flocks and are known for eating berries. They have waxy red tips on their secondary flight feathers, which look like high-quality wax seals and are unique to this family of birds. Look for cedar waxwings low in berry bushes or high in evergreens like juniper and cedar.