March-April 2010 Bexar Tracks Bexar Audubon Society

8/9/2019 March-April 2010 Bexar Tracks Bexar Audubon Society

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Bexar Audubon Societyis a chapter of the NationalAudubon Society. Its primarygoals are to promote speciesand habitat conservation andenvironmental education in thecommunity.Bexar TracksBexar TracksBexar TracksBexar Tracks

Volume XXVI, No. 10

For the latest news and updates, see www.bexaraudubon.org andwww.sa-naturecenter.org.Inside this issue:

Tales from the Wood

Basura Bash!

2

Solar Fest 3

Mitchell Lake 4

Community Events 5-7

Texas Brigades

Walk Across Texas

7

March-April 2010

Bexar Audubon Society Meeting

Thursday, March 11, 2010

From Wing Bars to Eye Rings:

The Basics of Bird IDJoin Naturalist and Environmental

Educator Craig Hensley for an eveningof birding basics.Whether you are abeginner or a moreseasoned birder,you'll learn how togo about figuringout who's whoamong our feath-ered friends. He'll cover the Seven Ba-sics of Identification and then provide

insights and clues on sharpening yourbird identification skills just in time for thespring migration. He'll even challengeyou with a fun Bird I.D. quiz to test whatyou've learned.

Craig Hensley is a long-time Naturalistand Environmental Educator. For nearly30 years he has brought people and thenatural world together, whether leadingmore than 50 birding trips to see theSandhill Cranes on the Platte River ofcentral Nebraska or watching the fallhawk migration along the North Shore ofLake Superior, to teaching innumerableclasses on birds, butterflies, wildflowersand many other natural history topics.Craig currently coordinates the day-to-day work of a child abuse agency inKerrville. Craig is a native of Iowa andclaims that the best of him is repre-sented in his two children, Jennifer, adoctor in Boston, and Noah, soon to bea engineering graduate student at theUniversity of Minnesota.

Bexar Audubon Society Meeting

Thursday, April 8, 2010

Plus Warbler Woods Field TripSunday, April 11, 2010

Presented by Susan & Don Schaezler

Join us for a program on Warbler Woods byowners Don and Susan Schaezler. This sanc-tuary is 124 acres of varied habitat near theconvergence of three ecological regions:South Texas Plains, Blackland Prairie, andEdwards Plateau located at the northwestcorner of Guadalupe County (just north ofSan Antonio heading towards New Braun-fels).

This place has quite a diverse plant com-munity (over 280 species) including woodlandtree species, in-teresting shrubs,and many wild-f l o w e r s a n dgrasses attractinga wide array ofwildlife. The prop-erty list includesa p p r o x i m a t e l y250 bird species,including 40 war-

blers. Westernand eastern birdsas well as birdsedging north orsouth visit. Thelist of butterfliesand dragonflies is growing. The Schaezlershave enhanced their habitat with ponds andfeeding stations. Near the house are waterfeatures, bird feeders, and a butterfly garden.Viewing blinds and benches are spread

The Basics of Bird ID

around the yard and theproperty.

The Schaezlers will givea presentation on theflora, fauna, geology, andarchaeology of this won-derful sanctuary. BexarAudubon will then have afollow-up field trip tothis great place on Sun-day, April 11

th with Don

leading the group to iden-

tify the plants and viewbirds and other wildlife onthe trails and with Susan

identifying birds aroundthe feeders/water featuresby the house.

Continued on page 3

Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary

March and April with BAS: Gone to the Birds!

Trinity University, Cowles Life Science Bldg., Room 149 (map on pg. 6)

Announcements at 6:45 PM, Program begins at 7 PM. Everyone Welcome!

White Crowned Sparrow

Warbler Woods, Photo courtesy Susan Schaezler


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Page 2 Bexar TracksMarch-April 2010

Basura Bash

River & Creek CleanupBexar Audubon is joining in the

Basura Bash River and Creek Cleanup

So, what are you doing on Saturdaymorning, March 27, 2010? Why not joinvolunteers city-wide who will be cleaningup and removing litter from the creekbeds and trees around the various SanAntonio area waterways?It used to be only the SanAntonio River, but overthe last few years weveadded Salado, Leon, andAlazan Creeks. Help outwhere you live or join upwith Bexar Audubon forthe cleanup of SaladoCreek between WalkerRanch and Hardberger (Voelker Ranch)parks. It only lasts 3-4 hours, and even ifyou just want to come by and pitch in foran hour or two, thats OK, too. Meet atthe Walker Ranch Park satellite parkinglot behind Sonic at West & Rhapsody.

Register and/or get more informationfor Basura Bash at www.basurabash.orgor 210.858.8520 and leave a message.

Tales From the WoodA Message from the BAS President, Tony Wood

Ive been away from much of the responsibility for Bexar Audubonssuccesses for a few years now. Ive spent a significant part of the last 5years in Iraq and Afghanistan. But now Im home and before I knew what

was happening Bexar Audubon asked me for more involvement. And Iam a real sucker for a good conservation movement with a practical andpragmatic approach. You may be, too. If so, Im asking you to supportthis active organization and to help us make it even more active, rele-vant, and successful.

Harry Noyes and Anita Anderson have really kept the organization run-ning over these last few years and with the support of local environ-mental legends like Susan Hughes and Patty Pasztor they have assuredthat the organization has maintained an active and visible role in thecommunity. Our board has diversified with just a little attrition and thereturn of active members like Greg Pasztor and Bill Hurley. They haveprovided new and important skills to the organization. And the most re-

cent appointment of Mary Kennedy to the Bexar Audubon EducationChair promises new energy in our outreach efforts.

Over the coming months the board of Bexar Audubon hopes to bringnew programs to San Antonio and to reinvigorate some of the old ones.For example, on February 25-26 our role in supporting the Farm & RangeForum will be rekindled.

All it takes is for a few of our less active members to become a littlemore participatory, to share their ideas for how to make conservation andnature awareness a bigger part of San Antonios quality of life, and toshare that dream and the willingness to see it through with our board. Ienvision a more robust set of future programs and with your support we

will see at least two field trips each year, a continuing SAEN lecture se-ries, and increasing participation in community conservation events. We just had our annual meeting at Mitchell Lake Audubon Center and thebirding walk afterwards was educational for all ages and all experiencelevels.

Watch the newsletter for more developments more programs, and yourfavorite cause. Whether you are a backyard birder, a desk jockey, or anavid outdoor naturalist, we can use your help. And I can promise you thatyour participation will be mutually beneficial and rewarding.

Brackenridge ParkMore Cleanup Opportunities!

Spending Easter weekend in Bracken-ridge Park: A San Antonio Family Tradi-tion! Camping, cook-outs and Eastermorning egg hunts have been enjoyed bygenerations. But the intensive use takes aheavy toll on the park. Last year alonemore than 10 tons of trash were removedfrom the park the Monday after Easter.Volunteers coordinated by the Bracken-ridge Park Conservancy will spearheadrecycling and garbage collection inBrackenridge Park on Saturday/Sunday,April 3 & 4. You can help! Join us Mon-day, April 5, at Brackenridge, 3700 N. St.Marys St., from 7:3011 AM. Check in atJoske Pavilion between 7:3010 AM. Volun-teers will receive clean-up supplies, includ-ing gloves, bags, and rakes. Refreshmentsavailable at 8 AM; the first 50 volunteerswill receive a free "Protect Our Park, Pro-tect Our River" t-shirt, while supplies last.

Come on out and lend a hand!

Bexar Audubon Society Programs and Field TripsMarch 11, 2010 Meeting at 6:45, Program at 7 PM: The Basics of

Bird ID, Trinity University, Cowles Life Science Bldg., Room 149

April 8, 2010 Meeting at 6:45, Program at 7 PM, Warbler WoodsSanctuary; Trinity University, Cowles Life Science Bldg., Room 149

April 11, 2010 Field Trip, 8 AMNoon; Warbler Woods Field Trip Call Patty Pasztor at 210 837.0577 or email [email protected] tosign up and get details. See April 8th program information on front pagefor more information on Warbler Woods and visit their website atwww.WarblerWoods.org. This trip was cancelled last year due to rain, sowe have rescheduled it. This should be a great spring migration!


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Solar Fest: The Festival That's Off the Grid!Each year on the first Saturday in May, Solar San Antonio fuses education and entertain-

ment to provide the community with a first-hand glimpse at available solar technologies andinnovations. Solar Fest allows attendees to enjoy live music, solar demonstrations, food,and fun under the live oaks of Maverick Park. We are seeking vendors in the following categories: Solar and Renew-

able Energy, Green Building, Sustainable Products, Hybrid & Electric Vehicles, Government & Non-Profit Programs,Eco-Art, Children's Activities, Cultural Performers, and Food/Drink Vendors. Participate in Solar Fest as an exhibitorand be part of the area's only 100% renewably powered event. The music stages, booths, and activities will all be har-nessing energy generated through solar energy and soy-based bio-diesels.

Solar San Antonio is also working on developing a prototype parking lot solar recharge station for electric cars, train-ing people to be solar installers, rebuilding its web site into a one-stop center for energy information, expanding its in-formation outreach through social media, and assisting the solar industry in the development of financing plans and thesolar marketplace.

We believe that solar energy is on the verge of a major expansion in San Antonio, and that this growth will only berealized with full participation from the community and strong leadership.

Where & When: Maverick Park (Broadway & 10th)San Antonio, Saturday, May 1, 2010

Run on the Sun 5K: 8 AM; Festival: 9 AM4 PMPlease contact Christine Chapa at 210.354.0236 [email protected] with any questions.

Young Birders Club

Do you like to look at, listen to and learn about birds?That makes you a Birder. Are you between the ages of 9and 14? That makes you a Young Birder. If you wouldlike to improve your birding and leadership skills alongwith other people about your age who are also interested

in birds = aYoung Birders Club.THEN JOIN THE CLUB!Friedrich Wilderness Park classroom

March 13, 122 PMApril 10, 810 AMMay 8, 810 AMJune 12, 810 AM

Bring binoculars if you have them. See www.sanaturalareas for directions to park. Suggested donation: $2/meeting. For more information call 210.564.6402.

Birdwatching Tournament

Youre invited to come join the biggest, longest, wildestbird-watching tournament in the United States!

Who: Birders of all ages and abilitiesWhat: The 14th Annual Great Texas Birding ClassicWhen: Varying tournaments for all ages, abilities and

Texas coastal regions, April 24May 2 (during springmigration!)Why: To have fun outside with friends and family and tosupport habitat conservation on the Texas coast. Winningteams get to select which projects are funded. To date,this event has donated $686,000 directly to on-the-groundhabitat conservation projects. Be the first team to registerand win a prize (registration book available online).Learnmore at www.birdingclassic.org.

Warbler Woods (continued from page 1)Warbler Woods is private property, but they welcome

guests (over 2,000 visitors a year!).Guests must make arrangementsbefore visiting. Learn more aboutthe property at WarblerWoods.org.

About our April presenters:Don SchaezlerDon is a professional engineer andcertified industrial hygienist. He has aPh.D. in environmental engineeringand nearly 40 years of professional

experience. His professional special-ties include occupational and envi-ronmental health assessments, in-door air quality, and engineering ofsolutions for water, waste, and airpollution. He practices his profes-sions at ETC Information Services,LLC

Susan SchaezlerSusan is an information specialist who founded ETC In-formation Services and Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary.Besides raising 4 sons, she is an avid bridge player andnature lover.

Yellow-breasted ChatPhoto: Susan Schaezler

CardinalPhoto: Susan Schaezler


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Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

About Mitchell LakeJust south of downtown SanAntonio, Mitchell Lake AudubonCenter is located on a 1200-acre natural area. This uniqueand beautiful bird haven con-sists of the 600-acre MitchellLake, 215 acres of wetlandsand ponds and 385 acres ofupland habitat. Audubon Texashas partnered with the SanAntonio Water System (SAWS)to showcase this wonderfulnatural area and welcomesnature enthusiasts, schoolchil-dren and families.

this is a great way to learnmore about our unique ref-uge. A fun way to support

MLAC!

April 17, 911:30 AMThe Wonderful World of Mon-a r c h s w i t hMonika Maeckle

Learn aboutthe lifecycleand migrationof monarchs as well as whatyou can do to create habitatfor them.

SARA Creek BookThe San Antonio River Authority (SARA) recently devel-

oped a handbook for residents of the San Antonio RiverBasin that promotes individual environmental stewardshipand appreciation of the San Antonio River and its tributar-ies. Intended for rural landowners and urban residentsthroughout the entire San Antonio River Basin, the book

focuses on how to modify everyday behaviors and prac-tices to improve water quality, minimize waste and reduceconsumption of natural resources. SARA developed this

manual to raise aware-ness of the commonlyunderestimated effectsof non-point source pol-lution on water quality

and the importance of healthy creeks in our ecosystem.The Creek Book covers many important and interestingtips, facts and topics:

An introduction to the concept of inter-connected wa-tersheds Typical characteristics of healthy and impaired creeks(specific to our basin) Tips for preventing pollution Proper disposal of hazardous waste Methods and benefits of wastewater treatment Preventing soil erosion and protecting stream flow Native plants and wildlife found in our basin Recycling information Natural alternatives to potentially harmful commercialproducts

The goal of this manual is to educate as many residentsof the basin as possible so that each person can contrib-ute to protecting and preserving our shared creeks forfuture generations. To receive your free copy of SARAsCreek Book, contact Kim Garcia at 210.302.3200.

Mitchell Lake

Audubon Center10750 Pleasanton Rd.

San Antonio TX 78221

210.628.1639

April 3, 9 AMNoonEvery spring we work toget MLAC Native PlantGardens ready for thegrowing season. You canhelp us with garden tasks

including pruning andmulching. Learn aboutthese great native anddrought tolerant plants andhow to use your new skillsin your home landscape.No experience necessary,this project is fundedthrough Toyotas TogetherGreen program

April 3, 1:303 PMWords for Birds

Poetry ProgramIn celebration of NationalPoetry Month, come joinSan Antonio poets forreadings that focus on na-ture. Free.

April 106th Annual MLAC

Birdathon FundraiserIf you enjoy birding andwant to support MLAC,

MLAC programs held on Sat-urdays unless otherwisenoted. Limited space, RSVPrequired for many programs.

Some programs have fees.Info/RSVP: [email protected], 210.628.1639.

March & AprilCompost: What is it? Wheredoes it come from? What do Ido with it? How do I getmore?March 6, 9 AMNoonBexar County Master Garden-ers will be at MLAC to answeryour questions about garden-

ing "Black Gold".

Free Family Program:Kids Birding 101

April 3, 911 AMGreat program for kids tolearn about bird identificationand habitat. Learn how to usebinoculars and take a hike tosee which winter residents wecan identify!

Birding ToursBirding tours are $5 perperson/non-members,$3/members; no reserva-tion necessary. Timesmay vary due to season,

please call to confirm. 2nd Tuesdays, 8 AM

2nd Sundays, 8 AM

3rd Sundays, 8 AM

4th Saturdays, 8 AM

mitchelllakeaudubon.org210.628.1639

Mitchell Lake has had a long and fascinating history. From its important role in the establishment of the early SpanishMissions to its current use as a premier birding and environmental education site, Mitchell Lake rates as one of BexarCountys most interesting places. In their book Mitchell Lake Wildlife Refuge: an Illustrated History, MLAC docentsDwight Henderson and Ruth Lofgren document this fascinating story. Available at the MLAC Nature Store for $6.00.


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Community Events

MarchBasic Birding Workshop (3 Parts)Saturdays: March 6, 13, 20, 8-11 AMCNC Auditorium; fee. Avid birdersand Master Naturalists Tom & PatsyInglet share tools, tips, and tech-niques for birding like a pro.Where/when to find birds, clues thatidentify them; information and fieldpractice needed to make the most ofyour birding experience. Classroom

instruction and guided field practice.Part 1: Optics, Size and SilhouetteMarch 6Part 2: Bird Anatomy, Color Pat-terns, Field Marks, Field GuidesMarch 13Part 3: Behavior and HabitatMarch 20

Rainwater Harvest WorkshopMarch 20, 9 AMNoonCNC auditorium and Kight installationGet technological information andpractical advice. Learn about designand materials from someone who hasdone it himself!

Boerne Birders/CNCMarch 27, 810 AMMeet at the CNC pavilion for springbird census. See the migrant & resi-dent birds of a natural area that in-cludes woodland, prairie, marsh andCibolo Creek. Info: Jerry at 210.710.3981 or Delmar at 830.230.5551.

Natural Landscape Design Class

March 27, 9 AM1 PMCNC Auditorium; fee. Judit Green,TPWD urban biologist, will focus onusing native & adapted plants. De-sign, installation, and maintenancetips, plus ideas about plants to incor-porate in your design. See some ofthese plants in the ground with CNC'snative landscape. Go home with a listof drought-tolerant plants attractive tohumans, butterflies and birds.

AprilMostly Native Plant SaleApril 3, 9 AM4 PMKendall County Fair Grounds; findnative and tried-andtrue hill countryplants for your landscape and gar-dens. Meet expert growers; learnfrom presentations & demonstrations.

Attracting Birds WorkshopPart 2: Managing for Game Birds &

Song BirdsApril 10, 9 AMNoonCNC auditorium and park; fee.Rufus Stephens, Texas Parks andWildlife biologist, will begin with a talkon how to manage different habitatsto provide food, cover and spaceneeded by Hill Country birds. Pro-gram includes time outside examin-ing native plants important to wildlife.

Spring Wildflower WalkFriday, April 16, 9 AMNoonLocation: Cavewater; meet at CNC

parking lot and carpool to site. Fee.Cavewater is a spectacular propertythat includes dry upland, shaded cliffand cypress-lined creek, a perfectplace to see great diversity of springwildflowers. Led by renowned TX Na-ture Conservancy botanist Bill Carr.

Rainwater Collection for the GardenApril 17, 9NoonCNC Auditorium; fee. Demonstrationon design, setup and use of a rainbarrel and its overflow. Rainfall

Catchment experts will be availableto answer your technical questions.

Birding by Ear Workshop/CNCApril 24, 710 AMFee; information at 830.230.5551 or210.710.3981. Earlier than usualstart time! Bird teachers Tom & PatsyInglet play bird songs and explainhow to use them to locate and iden-tify our Hill Country breeding birds.


CIBOLO NATURE CENTER

All listings are on Saturdays unless otherwise indicated

CNC: 140 City Park Dr., Boerne. For more information visitwww.cibolo.org/calendar. Pre-registration for workshops, 830.249.4616 [email protected].

Except where noted, workshops/seminars on Saturdays, varying fees.

MEDINA RIVER NATURAL AREA(MRNA)

15890 Highway 16 SouthSan Antonio TX 78264MRNA located approx. 4 milessouth of Loop 410 on SH 16 South

Reservations requested for all MRNAevents. Information or RSVP for anyevent in the MRNA call 210.624.2575.

SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAMS

Solar Cooking for SpringMarch 13, 911 AMWith Monika Salyer, Solar CookingInternational. Solar cooking is thesimplest, safest, most convenientway to cook food without consuming

fuels or heating up the kitchen. Manypeople choose to solar cook for thesereasons. For some in the world it is alife saving skill to have safe drinkingwater. Learn different methods andtypes of solar cookers. Make a minisolar cooker to take home.

Bugs, Bugs, and More BugsApril 10, 911 AMBug Lady Holly Camero invites you tolook into the world of insects withhissing cockroaches, ox bow beetles,grubworms and butterflies. Kidfriendly butterfly craft activity in-cluded.

Senior SerendipityWalk with us in NatureGuided Hikes with Staff2nd Wednesdays, 911AM

www.sanaturalareas.orgSuggested donation for each

program is $3/person or $5/family

Second SaturdayBeginners Walks

Join San Antonio Audubon Soci-ety on the second Saturday of themonth; start at 8 AM, meet at theJudson Nature Trails next to theAlamo Heights swimming pool, onViesca street. More information, call210.342.2073. Newbies Welcome!


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SAN ANTONIO NATURAL AREAS

For more information on listings below, visit www.sanaturalareas.org or www.bexaraudubon.org

Hardberger Park Events

Hardberger Park (formerly Voelcker

Ranch) is located at 12000 NW MilitaryHwy. For information on HardbergerPark events, 210.207.3284.

Pollinators:Bees, Bats and Butterflies

March 6, 911 AMExplore the various pollinators thathave a vital role in supplying so manyof the food and beverages we all enjoy. Free. Presenter: Paul Cox, re-nowned botanist and co-author of thebook, Texas Trees. Free.

Waters, Aquifers and ConservationApril 3, 9-11 AMLearn about water conservation andour aquifer. Enjoy a kid friendly activ-ity. Presenters: Texas Rain HarvestCatchment Systems. Free. Programwill be repeated; check sanaturalar-eas.org or call 210.207.3284.

Sponsored bySan Antonio NaturalAreas, sanaturalareas.org.

APRILMeeting Snakes!Friedrich Park Note Location!Presented bySouth Texas Herpeto-logical AssociationApril 10, 1011:30 AMEnjoy a beautiful morning in one ofSan Antonios Natural Areas whilelearning about non-venomous andvenomous snakes. Presented by theassociation and various scaly friends,get up close and personal with sev-eral snakes and learn about the hab-its and habitats of several of theseinteresting local reptiles.

2010 Nature Discovery SeriesTuesday, March 23, 6:307:30 PMMolly Keck presents

Ants in Your Plants"In the Friedrich Wilderness Park In-door Classroom. Limited space; call210.372.9124.

MARCHCalling All Kids!!!!(ages 8-12 years)Eisenhower Park19399 NW Military HwyMarch 13, 9 AMNoonThe PEAK, Promoting EnvironmentalAwareness in Kids, program is theresult of a partnership between theLeave No Trace Center for OutdoorEthics and REI (Recreation EquipmentIncorporated). It is designed to edu-cate children about the outdoors and

r e s p o n s i b l eenjoyment ofour sharedpublic lands.w w w . l n t . o r gWith the guid-ance of Leave

No Trace Master educators, learnproper hiking skills. Learn to pack for aday hike. Learn to enjoy and respectwildlife and fellow visitors. Have fun!!

Second Saturday ProgramsCo-sponsored by Bexar Audubon Society and City of San Antonio

www.sanaturalareas.org www.bexaraudubon.org

Cowles is just uphill from Laurie Auditorium &between Library and Chapman Graduate Center.Park by Laurie or in lots or on streets to the west.Handicapped parking across from Cowles. Enterfrom Oakmont or Rosewood. Call Patty for addi-tional directions, 210.824.1235. or see additional

map at bexaraudubon.org/map.jpg.

LaurieLibrary

Chapman

Cowles

March and April BAS Programs at Trinity University

Room 149, Cowles Life Science Building

TogetherGreenCommunity Gardening Day

Texas Monarch Monitoring Project Training

Friday/SaturdayApril 9-10 & September 24-259 to 4 Friday; 9 to noon SaturdayCibolo Nature Center AuditoriumCost $30, pre-registration required; call830.249.4616. Volunteers for TexasMonarch Watch, Cibolo Nature Center,and Texas Master Naturalists will presentspring and fall Monarch Monitoring Work-

shops in collaboration with Monarch Lar-val Monitoring Project, Monarch Watch,and Journey North. This workshop trainsteachers, youth leaders, citizen scien-tists, and park naturalists from through-out Texas to conduct monitoring activi-ties at their own local sites. The trainingwill enable participants to knowledgeablytag monarchs, monitor milkweed formonarch life stages, and collaborate withinternational monarch research.


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Bexar Audubon Society ContactsPresident: Tony Wood210.867.2363; [email protected] President: Anita Anderson210.533.8726; [email protected]: Caryl Swann210.653.2860; [email protected]: Susan Hughes210.532.2032; [email protected]: Bill Hurley210.823.1023, [email protected]: Greg Pasztor210.824.1235, [email protected] & At-Large: Harry Noyes210.490.3124; [email protected]/Outings: Patty Pasztor210.824.1235; [email protected] Chairperson: Mary [email protected]: Michele Wood210.492.4684, [email protected]


Earth Share of Texas raises money for environmental and conservation or-ganizations through workplace giving. If your employer participates in suchprograms, please ask them to add Earth Share to your giving options. By des-ignating the Audubon Foundation of Texas (AFT), Bexar Audubon Society canbenefit. BAS receives credit for our support and receives funding annuallyform AFT. For more information, call, email or log on: 800.GREENTX,[email protected], orwww.earthshare-texas.org.

The Texas Brigades is a wild-life-focused leadership develop-ment program for high school

youth (ages 13-17). There arefour different camps: BobwhiteBrigade, Buckskin Brigade,Feathered Forces, and BassBrigade. You will be introducedto habitat management, honeyour communication skills, anddevelop a land ethic. Top wild-life professionals and resourcemanagers serve as instructorsand mentors.

Camps are held on private

ranches and at environmentalcamps in different areas of thestate. In addition to learning

animal anatomy and behavior,botany, nutrition, habitat man-agement, population dynamics,

etc., you learn valuable leader-ship skills, write news releases,practice public speaking, andfind out how to handle radioand television interviews.Through these activities, youwill develop valuable life skillsthat will help you regardless ofyour goals.

If you are interested in biol-ogy, conservation, leadership,or just appreciate the outdoors,

consider applying to one ofthese camps. Find a career,meet new friends, and become

an ambassador for conservation.

See www.texasbrigades.org for applicationsand camp dates. Adults are encouraged to signup as "Covey Leaders"; stay for an hour, andyou'll be impressed; stay for a day, and you'll be

amazed, stay overnight, and you'll become anindentured servant to the Brigades.

Walk Across TexasSan Antonio Botanical Society

April 17, 9 AMNoonSan Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston

Take a walk across Texas at the San AntonioBotanical Garden, enjoying the beauty of springwildflowers right in the heart of San Antonio.Hike the loop trail system of the Texas Native

Trail, which winds through an 11-acre nativearea of the Botanical Garden, where you willexperience the diverse ecosystems of the HillCountry, East Texas Piney Woods and SouthTexas Plains. Enter the world of early Texas byvisiting the historic cabins and living historiansdressed in period clothing. Stroll around the one-acre lake, hear the sounds of the limestonespring and take your picture amidst the springflowers. Activities include birding activities andstorytelling, a Flying WILD activity station, and awalk on Plants for Attracting Birds. Also, just intime for spring planting, gardeners may pur-

chase plants made available by various plantsocieties. Admission: $7 for adults, $4 for chil-dren. For more information visit www.sabot.orgor call 210.829.5100.

Texas Brigades Seeking Youth & Adults

Wildlife Intensive Leadership Development

Bird Enthusiast Alert!The Natural Resources Defense Council

(NRDC) and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology havelaunched WeLoveBirds.org, an interactiveonline community for bird enthusiasts. WeLove-Birds.org offers a free and open social networkof people who are passionate about birds; ac-cess to information on birds and birding from aleading ornithology lab; and an opportunity tomake a positive difference for birds and theirhabitats.

WeLoveBirds.org will feature information onmore than 500 species of birds, bird news, noteson scientific discoveries, and an open platformfor bird enthusiasts of all levels to contribute theirown stories, photos, birding observations, ques-tions, and more.

- From the Cornell Lab of Ornithology


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Bexar Tracks is the official newsletter of the Bexar

Audubon Society, a Chapter of the National Audu-bon Society. The Chapters primary goals are topromote species and habitat conservation andenvironmental education in the community.Your membership includes National Audubon andBexar Audubon and subscriptions to both AudubonandBexar Tracks.

www.bexaraudubon.org

Membership and Support for Your Environmental Voice in Our Community

Bexar Audubon welcomes new members to join Audubon through the chapter. This brings 100 percent of the first years duesdirectly back to support local work. The same applies to gift memberships placed through the chapter. Your additional tax deducti-ble donation is greatly appreciated. Bexar Audubon receives only a few thousand dollars each year from National Audubon Soci-ety as dues share. The rest we must raise ourselves. Your help is needed, and your donations will be put to good use right herein South Central Texas to provide environmental news and education to the community, including the newsletter, programs, SanAntonio Environmental Network Issues Forum, Second Saturday programs, and other activities you may or may not hear about.Individual introductory memberships are $20; seniors and students join for $15. Please provide the following information for eachpersonal subscription or gift:

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address with Zip Code: _______________________________________________________________________

Phone w/Area Code: _________________________________ e-mail ________________________________________

Do you wish to opt out of other mailings by Audubon or those with whom it shares lists? ____ yes ____ noMake checks payable to Bexar Audubon Society and mail to the address above.Enclosed: $__________ for subscription(s) $_________ additional donationNOTE: Renewals should be sent directly to National Audubon Society.

NOTE: If you change address or cancel membership, you do NOT need to contact Bexar Audubon but MUST contact National Audubon (and wewill automatically get that change when we download labels). Save time and energy by mailing your change of address information to National Audu-

bon Society Membership Data Center, PO Box 52529, Boulder CO 80322-2529; phoning 800.274.4201; or e-mailing [email protected].

For the latest information on environ-mental events and happenings through-out the San Antonio community andsurround ing areas , check outwww.bexaraudubon.org andwww.sa-naturecenter.org

Non-ProfitOrganization

US Postage PaidSan Antonio TXPermit #1527

Bexar Audubon SocietyPO Box 6084

San Antonio TX 78209-0084

Bexar Tracks Mar-Apr 2010

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March-April 2010 Bexar Tracks Bexar Audubon Society