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Alamo Area Chapter NewsApril 2015txmn.org/alamo
EvEnts, voluntEEr opportunitiEs, Education, and training
Volume 19, Issue 5
AAmN BoArd meetINg
May 12 at 5:30 pm
AgriLIFE Extension3355 Cherry RidgeClassroom 208
General Meeting 7-8 pm
Natural Resource Specialist Jacob Eick-stead’s presentation will explore the diverse, dynamic world of soil.
offIcers
PresidentLiz [email protected] 210-548-8510
Vice-PresidentAubrey [email protected]
TreasurerNancy [email protected]
SecretaryCamille [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentAnton [email protected]
President’s Message
Class #36 Graduation After heavy storms early Saturday morning, April 25, the sun came out and all the graduation activities went as planned. Class 36 was a large class with 49 students. Forty-four students completed the class; eight graduated with certification, and one student was also awarded the re-certification Bluebon-net pin. As all the classes, it was a great enthusiastic group. Check out their class photo on page 3 of this newsletter.
The AAMN Round-UpThe Round-Up was truly an outstanding experience for all attendees! To learn more about the day’s presentations and activities, go to page 6 to read Evelyn Penrod’s detailed report. The Round-Up was a huge success thanks to the following people:•AAMN Class 27 members, Evelyn Penrod and Patsy Kuentz, for their coordinating and extensive planning efforts •Judit Green, the chapter’s TPWD sponsor, for her support and leadership•San Antonio River Authority (SARA) for providing the beautiful location•Kayla Gasker, SARA Park Program Coordinator and AAMN Class 34 member, for her assistance throughout the planning stage.•Hospitality Committee
AAMN Hospitality Committee - HCThank you hospitality committee! The HC members help make all our chapter gatherings a success. As in the past, this year they have been busy planning, coordinating and serving the meals for 50-70 hungry MN at a time. Starting with the annual lasagna dinner in January, to the 20 weeks of training classes and two graduations yearly, to our monthly meetings, and to the holiday gathering in December, these volunteers remain behind the scenes, always ready to serve. They also were present at the Round-Up, working diligently, setting up the food for all to enjoy. Chaired by Sharon Kilmer-Cl.27, the HC members are truly committed to make your eating fun and enjoyable. If you’d like to become part of this hard working group, contact Sharon at [email protected].
Chapter Bylaws
Chapter bylaws acceptance or approval will be handled at the May andJune board meetings so that members can accept them in July. To view a compar-ison to the 2011 bylaws and the Power-Point presentation given by TMN Direc-tor at the October 2014 Annual Meeting, go to http://txmn.org/alamo/documents/
commIttees
Activities InformationChair Pam [email protected]
Community OutreachChair Matt [email protected]
HIstorianKeeley [email protected]
HospitalityChair Sharon [email protected]
MembershipChair Nancy [email protected]
Media & TechnologyChair David [email protected] [email protected] Ballardfm4459@sbcglobal,net
ProgramsChair Tom [email protected]
Education and TrainingChair Pam [email protected]
Pins and Awards
Congratulations to all our pin recipients! Those who haven’t received their pins may pick them up at the May chapter meeting.
Initial Certification DragonflyVanessa Jimenez – 34Linda ONeal - 34Myles Siegel – 36April Thomason – 35
2015 Recertification – Texas BluebonnetStan Drezek - 27Donald Ewers - 31Kathryn Gilson – 34Anne Gulley - 20Alan Kuentz – 27Jessica Leslie – 20Keeley Porter – 30Liz Robbins – 17Wendy Thornton - 20
500 Hours DragonflyEvelyn Penrod – 27Keeley Porter – 30Jennifer Sorenson – 33Mike Startzel – 28
1000 Hours DragonflyJohn Prentice – 23
Congratulations to those in Class 36 who graduated certified:Eileen EganKerry FordNicholas JohnsonJoel KingNJ MenchacaShannon MooreSusan SampietroDrake White
Congratulations to the Class 36 member who also earned the 2015 pin:Susan Sampietro
clAss represeNtAtIVes
Class 25Ron [email protected]
Class 26Dwight [email protected] [email protected]
Class 27David [email protected] [email protected]
Class 28LeLynn [email protected]
Class 29Tom [email protected]
Class 30Randy [email protected] De [email protected]
Class 31Camille [email protected] [email protected]
clAss represeNtAtIVes, coNtINued
Class 32Matthew [email protected] [email protected]
Class 33Jennifer [email protected] [email protected]
Class 34Chuck [email protected] [email protected]
Class 35Peter [email protected] [email protected]
Class 36Mike [email protected] [email protected]
Congratulations Class 36 graduates!
May Training and Volunteer Events
Behlau Elem. Field Trip---- 3 days (VSH)Tuesday, May 5 thru Thursday, May 7, 9 am – 12 pm
Acequia Park---8500 Mission Parkway, San AntonioVolunteers are needed to assist with nature walks along the Acequia Park loop. Walk is a one-mile loop and can cover flora, fauna, ecosystem restoration, riparian and woodland habitats, acequias and the Mission Reach project. Contact Kayla Gasker at (210) 302-3259 or [email protected]
Native Plant Society of Texas - Boerne Chapter: Soil Science (AT)Tuesday, May 5, 7 pm – 8 pm
Cibolo Nature Center & Farm Auditorium, 140 Coty Park Road, Boerne, TXThis will be a presentation on soil, what is there, and how to care for it. David Vaughan graduated from Stephen F. Austin in 1971 with a BS in Forestry. He also earned a MS of Agriculture in Natural Resources Development from Texas A&M in 1977. He has worked as an arborist with Etter Tree Care in San Antonio for the past 20 years, and was among the first group of 22 arborists to be certified in Texas. Presentation begins at 7pm, but everyone is invited to socialize at 6:30! Questions? or for details: Please contact Emily Weiner, NPSOT - Boerne Chapter at http://www.meetup.com/Boerne-Native-Plant-Society-of-Texas/ or emily.a.wein-er (at)gmail.com or 210.259.7009
SABG Film Series (AT) -- Panel Participation (VSH)Friday, May 8, 6:30 pm – 8:30 pm
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXJoin us for this free, outdoor sustainable film series. Free admission with complimentary burrito, thanks to Chipotle. Bring your own seating. RSVP at [email protected] to ensure that we have enough burritos for everyone (plus BOGO coupons)! Gates open at 6:30pm, with panel discussion preceding the movie’s start time at sunset. May 8, More than Honey Beekeepers, scientists, and others discuss the world’s declining bee population and what it may mean for modern society.
Texas Native Trails Guided Tour: Hill Country (AT)Friday, May 1, 10 am – 11:30 am
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXExplore the 11-acre native trails area with a Master Naturalist. No registration required. Meet in Gertie’s Garden. Contact person: Ron Tullius, [email protected] or 210-739-2566.
Certified Interpretive Guide Training Workshop (AT)Monday, May 4, 8:30 am – 5:00 pm
Daily, until May 7San Antonio College/EcoCentro, 1802 N. Main St, San Antonio, TXHill Country Alliance, in partnership with the Nation-al Association for Interpretation (NAI), is offering a course for anyone who delivers messages about natural, cultural or historic sites or who would like to more effectively connect with audiences of any size about the importance of protecting natural resourc-es. Learn to: Emotionally connect the audience with the presentation topic Use recent research on social behavior and learning tailor programs for diverse au-diences and various learning styles Improve commu-nication and presentation skills Design and practice a full presentation by the end of the course Instructor: Clark Hancock, Certified Interpretive Trainer: [email protected] or call 12-507-1627. Course only: $245; course with NAI Certification: $375; fees in-clude materials Only 12 seats available - Please email [email protected] for more informa-tion and to begin registration.
Mission REACH San Juan Field Trip (VSH)Monday, May 4, 2015, 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
Mission San Juan, 9101 Graf Road, San Antonio, TXVolunteers are needed to lead flora and fauna hikes on the Yanaguana Trail. Walk is approx. ½ mile on paved concrete. Topics which can be discussed are native vegetation, river remnant, ecosystem resto-ration, riparian and woodland habitats and fauna. Training provided once registered. Lunch provided. Contact Kayla Gasker at 210-302-3259 or [email protected]
Spring 2015 Wildlife Field Research (AT - VSH if assisting)Monday, May 11, 9 am – Tue, May 12, 12 am
Cibolo Nature Center & Farm, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, TXMultiple opportunities exist for volunteering with this research project such as multiple animal surveys, Monarch biology, riparian studies, bird surveys, vegetation surveys and more. Times for surveys vary by day. For more information, contact Donna Taylor at Cibolo Nature Center. Go to www.wildlifefieldre-search.org to sign up.
Growing Up Wild in Castroville (VSH)Tuesday, May 12, 9:30 am – 11:15 am
Weekly on Tuesday, until May 26Castroville Regional Park, Large Pavilion, 816 Al-sace, Castroville, TXVolunteers needed in Castroville for Growing Up Wild program. When: Tuesdays Mar. 10 & 24, April 14 & 28, May 12 & 26. Volunteers to assist 3-7 year olds in learning about nature with crafts, games, hikes, songs and snacks. Contact Mary Beth Francis, [email protected], 210-296-8559.
Oak Loop Seasonal Walk: Ethnobotany (AT)Saturday, May 23, 8 am – 10 am
Phil Hardberger Park West, Urban Ecology Center, 8400 NW Military Highway, San Antonio, TXEthnobotany is the study of how people use plants for food, medicine, tools, and more. On this walk, partic-ipants learn how the Native Americans and pioneers used native plants and how some of these plants are still in use today. Come and learn the uses of some of the common plants occurring naturally in our park. Janis Merritt, Master Naturalist and member of the Native Plant Society of Texas-SA, leads the walk. Meet in the patio area of the PHP Urban Ecology Center in the west side of the park (8400 NW Military Hwy). The program is presented by the Sierra Club, the Alamo Area Texas Master Naturalists, the Phil Hardberger Park Conser-vancy and San Antonio Parks & Recreation. It is free and no registration is required. A donation to the PHP Conservancy of $3/ person OR $5/ family is suggest-ed. For more information, call 210-492-7472 or e-mail [email protected].
May Training and Volunteer Events
Helton Nature Park Field Trip (VSH)Wednesday, May 27, 2015, 8 am – 2 pm
Helton Nature Park---15662 FM 775, FloresvilleVolunteers are needed to assist SARA staff and partners (Mitchell Lake, TPWD, and Nueces River Authority) with activity rotations. Lunch provided. Contact Kayla Gasker at 210-302-3259 or [email protected]
Urban Deer Workshop (AT)Friday, May 29, 8 am – 5 pm
LBJ Student Center Ballroom, 109 Student Center Drive, San Marcos, TXHosted by TWA, TPWD, & Texas State University. All are welcome! Addressing Conflict with Deer in our Communities. An Interactive and Engaging Work-shop. White-tailed deer are a valuable natural resource enjoyed by many across Texas. However, when deer numbers escalate and they become overabundant, deer can threaten wildlife and plant diversity and cause emotionally charged conflict within communities. There are very real economic, cultural, health, and ecological concerns. Texas communities regularly confront these issues. This workshop will allow attendees to learn from the experiences of others and hear from nation-ally recognized experts currently working with over-abundant deer issues. Topics to Include: • Why do deer thrive in our communities? • Evaluating your current situation. How bad is the problem? • How to build sup-port for potential solutions • Real world case studies: What worked and what hasn’t? • Management tools and solutions Fee: $55.00, includes lunch. Space is limit-ed! Registration ends May 13, 2015. Register online at https://www.texas-wildlife.org/resources/event-form/urban-deer-workshop Questions? Contact Clint Faas at [email protected] or 979-541-9803.
Helton Nature Park Grand Opening (VSH)Saturday, May 30, 2015, 11 am – 1 pm
Helton Nature Park--- 15662 FM 775, FloresvillePark dedication will start with a 30 minute ceremony and then the public is invited to participate in various nature activities. Volunteers are needed to assist with nature walks, Backyard Bass fishing activity, geocach-ing, and art activity. Lunch provided. Contact Kayla Gasker at 210-302-3259 or [email protected]
The 2015 Round-Up: Urban Garden Gems
On Saturday, April 18th, 2015, approximately 46 Master Naturalists and friends met for a day of fun, food, and history. Our focus centered on the AAMN Wildscape Demonstration Garden on the Riverwalk just downriver from the horseshoe of the San Antonio River. We learned about the history of the garden from Judit Green and her panel of experts (our Riverwalk docents plus Melba Jacobson) who shared their love of the Riverwalk Garden and of the Master Naturalist program. Next we took a walking tour of two private gardens in the Collins Gardens District.
One on West Sheridan Street was an established garden of native and/or xeric plants whose owner, Gary Woods, explained his design and concepts. Not a typical backyard, the outdoor space was created to be an extension of the rooms in his home. Gary’s unique, multi-room yard was an invitation to guests to wander, relax, and enjoy the breeze from the San Antonio River. With the dining table in the arbor courtyard surrounded by low mainte-nance plantings, one was reminded of the days before air condi-tioning when socializing with passing neighbors and friends was done with the help of porches and fans.
Next, we walked past the historic homes on City Street to a recently constructed home and garden on Arsenal Street owned by Monika Maeckle and her husband Robert Rivard. Monika Maeckle, a butterfly evangelist, gave us a tour of the front garden and explained her philosophy that everything planted should be edible—if not for the butterflies then for humans. We met Charles Bartlett, a fellow Master Naturalist who helped with the extensive plant selection, and he explained the use of pecan mulch and the security features of the perimeter plants among other things. All were fascinated by the gabion walls, which acted as large trellises for the newly planted cross vines.
The 2015 Round-Up: Urban Garden Gems, continued
For our final destination, we took the Riverwalk route, passing homes and properties rich in San Antonio history. After walking under Cesar Chavez Boulevard, we surfaced at the Alamo Area Master Naturalist Demonstration Garden, where the group was free to explore the garden with the help of our four docents Mary Frances Anderson, Lottie Millsaps, Lan Eng, and Gail Cooper.
We returned to SARA for a tasty lunch served by our Hospitality Committee. Our afternoon session fo-cused on the current rather than the historical. George Ozuna explained the News 4 Nature segments that are being introduced on Channel 4 news. Judit Green gave a short “TED Talk” on why we need to continue to support nature and encourage our young people to participate in it as well. Patsy Kuentz ended the day with a challenge to all of us to do what we can to encourage and develop areas that support animals of all kinds. The group shared ideas and experiences to help each other along the path.
We would like to thank the following people: Kayla Gasker with San Antonio River Authority, who offered their lovely facilities; our wonderful Hospitality Committee, Sharon Kilmer, Liz Robbins, Barbara Harder, and Keeley Porter, who served breakfast, lunch (donated by Chipotle), drinks, and dessert with a special Round-Up 2015 cake; Susan Sampietro and Mike Tayloe from Class 36 who helped out the Hospitality Committee; Nancy Thoss who organized the sign-up and the sign-in; and Myles Siegel and Liz Robbins who acquired the great door prizes, as well as Patsy Kuentz, Evelyn Penrod, and Judit Green for the pro-grams and tours. A special big thanks goes to all who came out to experience and learn about several of the Urban Garden Gems along and near the historic San Antonio River Walk.
San Antonio Parks and RecreationNatural Areas Stewardship Activities
Scientists studying avian migration have learned that birds that travel longer distances seem to operate on a tighter schedule than those that travel shorter distances. For example in San Antonio, black-chinned hummingbirds first appear within a few days of March 15. White-eyed vireos, however, may arrive anytime between mid-March and mid-May. The black-chinned hummingbird is considered a medium to long-distance migrant, whereas the white-eyed vireo is regarded as migrating over a relatively short distance.
Consider the effects of an early spring on birds with these two different migratory strategies. Earlier warmer tem-peratures inevitably result in earlier insect “blooms.” According to results reported in the Cornell Lab of Ornitholo-gy’s “All About Birds” (Spring 2015, 2:2, p.3), a recent study suggests that “shorter distance migrants are pushing up their spring arrival dates, while long-distance migrants are less flexible in responding to environmental change.” What might the implications be for species like the already endangered golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo? Will these two long-distance migrants be able to adapt to changing climates and continue to breed successful-ly in their limited breeding ranges? Or will this be the final straw in a stack?
Come join us in making a positive difference in our Natural Areas. Come prepared to do trail “tweaking” or main-tenance, tree protection, landscape maintenance, or removal of small junipers. Feel free to contact Jayne Neal at [email protected], 210-207-3785, if you have questions or need directions. Please also let Jayne know if you are coming. Schedule: May 14 and 28, 7:45-11:30 am (VHS) Friedrich Wilderness Park-West, Meet at the gate at 7645 Heuermann. Please bring leather work gloves.
Class 36 Graduates
Graduates with Certification
Eileen Egan Kerry Ford Nicholas Andrew JohnsonJoel King NJ Menchaca Shannon D MooreSusan Janey Sampietro Drake D White
Graduates
Jacob Castro Kim C Clendenen Christiana DavisLinda C Draper Erik Extrell Julia FarmerJennifer Green Emily K Hawthorn Lisa G HixonJanis Jacobs Maria Kaylor Bobbie KelnerKimberly Ann Kennedy Clara J Kirk Dan KowalikAngela Lands Carolyn Lang Sandra Arias LongoriaMichael Madewell Mary Jo McDonough Wilmet McLinSergio Mendoza Samantha J Perez Jeanne PippinBarbara A Potts Sarah N Rice Beverly RiosMyles J Siegel Michel Stanford Koen King StokesMichael E Tayloe Judy M Teale Adrian A ValdezMichelle L Weldin Lee A Wilson Cait Womack
Six years ago, Citizen Scientists from the Invaders of Texas program began invasive plant eradication efforts that have continued to the present time. Officially, the Balcones Satellite of the Invaders of Texas program was formed five years ago, and more than 250 volunteers have assisted us in eradicating invasive plants in the Northwest region of San Antonio.
Rancho Diana Natural Area: We discovered our first “nandina forest” and spent more than two years eradi-cating Heavenly Bamboo (Nandina domestica), Scarlet firethorn ( Pyracantha), Chinese photinia (Photinia serratifolia), and Chinese pistache (Pistacia chinensis) on this 1,200-acre, historic ranch.
Next, we moved down the street to the Madla Natural Area. On this 42-acre site, we eradicated the invasive plants BEFORE the property was open to the public. Eradication of Glossy privet (Ligustrum lucidum), Japanese honeysuckle (Lonicera japonica), and Chinaberry tree (Melia azedarach) took the better part of a year, and we observed Cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia), Western soapberry (Sapindus drummondii) and Lindheimer’s silktassel (Garrya ovata, sub.lindheimeri) resume their place in the restored ecosystem.
Just for fun, we worked with the City of Grey Forest to eradicate Giant reed (Arundo donax) in Helotes Creek, and were thrilled to watch the creek flow increase significantly as a result of our efforts.
The Leon Creek Greenway was our next effort. For more than three years, we eradicated invasive plants along the Greenway, beginning at the Valero Creek Trailhead and ending 1½ miles south of the Mainland Trailhead. This 8-mile stretch yielded Chinese tallowtree (Triadica sebifera), Ligustrum, nandina, Arundo donax, and a “Chinaberry tree monoculture” where we eradicated more than 1,200 Chinaberry trees.
Last fall, we returned to Madla Natural Area and Helotes Creek to eradicate the regrowth and to clear an ad-ditional section of Helotes Creek. Staff from the City of Grey Forest were particularly helpful in removing the felled stalks and trees from the site.
Last month, we returned again to Rancho Diana, where we are eradicating the regrowth from our efforts six years ago! This month we started a new project locating and flagging the invasive plants along the Salado Creek Greenway between Huebner Road and Highway 281 near Phil Hardberger Park. Next fall, the plants that we have identified will be eradicated by San Antonio Parks and Recreation Natural Areas staff.
What’s next? Planning is underway to begin eradication of invasives at the 12,000+ acre Government Can-yon State Natural Area in September. We will be eradicating invasive trees and plants along Government Canyon Creek, where more than 300 dinosaur tracks have recently been discovered!
To date, our dedicated volunteers have logged more than 4,300 volunteer hours valued at more than $100,000. Collectively, we have eradicated more than 37,000 invasive plants. Dedicated high school students, college students, master naturalists, retirees, and servicemen and servicewomen have assisted in our efforts. We have trained more than 114 new citizen scientists and have assisted the Headwaters Sanctuary, Cibolo Nature Center, the City of Hollywood Park, and Mitchell Lake Audubon Center with their eradication programs. Would you like to join us in the eradication of invasive plants? No prior experience is required, just a desire to join us in making a difference! Wear sturdy shoes, long-sleeved pants and shirts and gloves. Bring water. We have a supply of tools, but welcome anyone who brings their own. For details of exact location and directions, contact Lonnie at [email protected]. May schedule: Tuesdays 7:30 am to 9:30 am (VSH), Northwest San Antonio locations.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
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May 9, 2015 Saturday, 9 am 12 noon
Timberwood Park Pavilion
26631 Timberline Drive
San Antonio, TX 78260
RSVP by May 1, 2015 To: Angel Torres @ 210-467-6575 or
[email protected] Limit 35 - $25 per person
Make check payable to: Texas A&M AgriLife Mail To: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
3355 Cherry Ridge, Ste 212 San Antonio, TX 78230
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A Rain Barrel Workshop (AT)
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May 16, 2015 Saturday, 9 am 12 noon
City Hall Campus City of Fair Oaks Ranch 7286 Dietz Elkhorn Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015
RSVP by May 7, 2015 To: City Hall, 7286 Dietz Elkhorn,
Fair Oaks Ranch, TX 78015 210-698-0900
Limit 35 - $25 per person Make check payable to: Texas A&M AgriLife
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A Rain Barrel Workshop (AT)
May 23, 2015 Saturday, 10 am 1 pm
Rainbow Gardens
8516Bandera Rd
San Antonio, TX 78250
(210) 680-2394
A Rain Barrel Workshop
A rain barrel is a container that collects and stores water when you need it most. You conserve water and benefit your plants and garden!!
Make-and-take your own rain barrel in just a few hours by attending this workshop. Presented by
Troy Luepke, Texas A&M AgriLife Ext Svc, and Bexar County Master Gardener Rainwater Specialists.
RSVP with payment to Angel Torres by May 15, 2015 210-467-6575 or [email protected]
Limit 30 - $50 per person Make check payable to Texas A&M AgriLife
3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212 San Antonio, TX 78230
(AT)
