Maddin Prairie Preserve Annual Breeding Bird Survey and Field Days - May 19th and 20th, 2012

Kirsti Harms wrote:

“From Sat. May 19 to midday Sun. May 20, Pat Merkord and I will be at the preserve conducting the annual breeding bird survey. The preserve will be open for people to come out and visit and/or help with the survey.

I’m contacting folks who may have an interest in NPAT’s Maddin Prairie Preserve near Colorado City, TX.

See http://texasprairie.org/index.php/npat_prairies/location/maddin_prairie_preserve/

Contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call 512-296-9160 if you are interested.

thanks, and my apologies for the late notice (it’s been a hectic spring).”

Prairie Chapel Ranch and Simpson Prairie Field Trip - May 26th

***THE FIELD TRIP IS NOW FULL.  ANY RSVP REQUESTS WILL NOW GO ONTO A WAITING LIST IN CASE THERE ARE CANCELLATIONS***

***THE MEETING LOCATION HAS CHANGED TO THE CRAWFORD COFFEE STATION - SEE BELOW FOR NEW ADDRESS***

    NPAT is hosting a field trip to Prairie Chapel Ranch and Simpson Prairie near Crawford, TX!  We realize that this is short notice for such a great opportunity but we hope there are plenty of people that can make this tour with us!

    The field trip will be guided by Mike Williams, owner of the Simpson Prairie and restoration consultant for the Prairie Chapel Ranch.  The Prairie Chapel Ranch is President George W. Bush’s Texas getaway and was known as the “Western White House.” We will meet at the Crawford Coffee Station and will caravan from the coffee shop to Prairie Chapel Ranch for a guided tour.  After the tour, we will head back to the Crawford Coffee Station for lunch then to the Simpson Prairie, a prairie remnant owned by Mike Williams with a conservation easement held by NPAT.  Both locations showcase a widely diverse range of prairie vegetation and still retain the qualities of land untouched by a plow or bulldozer.  This is a unique chance to tour two locations that are generally not open to the public.  Please RSVP for this event as space is limited for attendees.  Contact Phillip Quast via email (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address)) or telephone (512-751-9265) to RSVP for this special event!

What: Tour of Prairie Chapel Ranch and Simpson Prairie
When: May 26th; meet in Crawford at 10:00am
Where: initial meeting location *UPDATED* - Crawford Coffee Station; 6659 North Lone Star Parkway Crawford, TX 76638
How: RSVP with Phillip Quast (.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address), 512-751-9265) to reserve a spot today!  For security measures, attendees need to bring personal identification in case it is needed by the ranch staff.

Elisabet Ney Museum History, Art and Nature Camp - June 2012

Explore history, art and nature at the century old studio of Elisabet Ney for a summer camp experience filled with learning and fun! Children will create clay projects, investigate creek science, practice pioneer skills and learn all about the history at the Ney.

Most activities are outdoors and are designed to help deepen your child’s awareness of and sensitivity to nature and the creative arts and to nurture your child’s connections to history. Please sign up soon as space is limited to 12 children per session.

*  What: Elisabet Ney Museum History, Art and Nature Camp

*  Who: Children ages 7-9

*  Where: Elisabet Ney Museum
          304 East 44th Street
          Austin, Texas 78751
          Tel: (512) 458-2255

*  When:  Session 1: Monday, June 4th-Friday, June 8th, 2012
          Session 2: Monday, June 11th-Friday, June 15th, 2012
          9:00 am to 12:00 pm

*  Cost: $100 per session

More info and some great pictures of last year’s camp can be found here: 

http://www.austintexas.gov/blog/elisabet-ney-museum-offers-history-art-and-nature-camp 

To register, contact the Austin Nature and Science Center at 974-3888 or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address). As noted, registration is limited. A Parent’s Guide to Camp, Program Summary and map will be mailed upon registration. 

For camp information contact Colin Haymes at (512) 458-2255.

Upcoming Events Hosted by the Bexar County Master Gardeners

May 17 (Thursday)- 2-4:30pm: UNDERSTANDING YOUR WILD NEIGHBORS - No matter where you live, you are surrounded by an array of wildlife often living in your backyard.  Luckily this doesn’t usually pose a problem, but occasionally there can be a conflict that arises when wildlife get too close for comfort.  This program will introduce you to some common urban wildlife and will provide you with some insight as to why certain urban species are possibly causing conflict and identifying the mysterious signs they leave behind. This program will be provided by Judit Green, Urban Wildlife Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.  Free to the public (spread the word!).  Space is limited, please RSVP to Molly at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).  It will be held at the Bexar County Extension Office, 3355 Cherry Ridge, Ste 208, SATX 78230

Houston NPAT Chapter Meeting - May 23, 2012

Here is the agenda for the May meeting for the Houston chapter of NPAT:

Guest Speaker - Mary Anne Weber, Education Director of Houston Audubon Society  will speak about grassland birds.

When: Wednesday May 23, 2012 [4th Wednesday of the month]; 6:30pm - 8:45pm
Where: Bayland Community Center, 6400 Bissonnet, Houston, TX 77074

Time: 6:30-7:00 Arrival/Socialize
          7:00-8:00 Speaker
          8:00-8:45 Meeting

“ESTABLISHMENT OF NEWLY SEEDED NATIVE PRAIRIES” - June 9th, 2012, Austin, TX

.(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) wrote:

“We are pleased to offer a presentation by George Cates of Native American Seed Company addressing native prairie maintenance issues.  The details of the presentation are below.  The event is open to the public, but we are announcing first to our organization members and friends.  If you are interested, please do not delay in reserving a spot as we expect to have a full house.  Also, feel free to circulate this information within your agency, organization, business or otherwise.  If you would like a flier for posting, just let us know.

“ESTABLISHMENT OF NEWLY SEEDED NATIVE PRAIRIES”

“The Seeds Have Sprouted – Now What?”

George Cates

Native American Seed Company

Junction, Texas

Saturday, June 9, 2012

1:30 – 2:30 PM

The Commons

Laura Bush Community Library

9411 W. Bee Caves Rd., Austin, TX 78733

Presented by

Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization

The Laura Bush Community Library

        Native prairie restoration requires much more than simply planting native grass and wildflower seeds.  A rigorous monitoring and maintenance program is essential, especially in the early stages, to create the best opportunity for success.  Based on his experience in planting, maintaining, and restoring native prairies as a part of his work with Native American Seed, Mr. Cates will emphasize the key steps required to establish a native prairie for the long term when it is held in the public trust.

        George Cates began interning for Native American Seed in 2002 and was hired full time after graduating Austin College in 2006 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. For the past decade, he has participated in and led many NAS prairie restorations utilizing seeds harvested across the many ecoregions of Texas. George also manages NAS farming and seed production operations in Junction, TX. He has a remarkable capacity for looking at problems as “challenges” to be met, and the kind of willingness to learn that is a priceless asset. He loves to teach and share what he has learned through his experiences.

        Native American Seed of Junction, Texas, is based at the center of nine ecoregions. The company’s mission is to help people restore the earth by offering a wide diversity of 100% locally adapted native species. Practical solutions for eco-logical land management and responsible beauty are goals that we can all achieve by working together using the best management practices available.

        Commons Ford Prairies Restoration Organization is a community organization which has developed a partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation Department to carry out its goal of implementing a native prairie restoration project at Commons Ford Park.  The organization has worked with other partners on the project including Austin Parks Foundation, Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Travis Audubon Society and Native Prairies Association of Texas and has received grants from Austin Parks Foundation, TogetherGreen (National Audubon Society/Toyota), Field Guides and Patagonia.

This event is open to the public.  Given the limited seating, registration is required.  To make a reservation, please contact Ed Fair at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).”

Guadalupe County Chapter NPSOT Meeting - May 15th

On Tuesday May 15, 2012 the guest speaker at the Guadalupe Chapter NPSOT meeting will be Liz Palfini, MS in Botany of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department will present a program about identifying native plants for landscape value.

Guadalupe County Chapter meets the second Tuesday of the month at The Marion Library Meeting Room, 500 Bulldog Lane, Marion, TX.

There will be a plant/seed exchange and a welcome time at 6:30pm followed by the program at 7:00pm. It is open to the public and we welcome visitors.

For more information about this event or the Guadalupe County Chapter of NPSOT check out their website HERE!

Guadalupe County Chapter NPSOT Meeting - June 12th

On Tuesday June 12, 2012, Jackie Poole of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and one of the authors of “RARE PLANTS OF TEXAS” will present “Native and Rare Plants of Central Texas.”

The Guadalupe County Chapter meets the second Tuesday of the Month at the Marion Library Meeting Room, 500 Bulldog Lane, Marion, TX 78124
There will be a plant/seed exchange and welcome at 6:30pm followed by the Program by Jackie Poole at 7:00pm. It is open to the public and visitors are welcome.
For

Boerne NPSOT May Meeting - May 1st

Last-minute information for the Boerne Chapter of NPSOT meeting tonight. 

Emily Weiner, Boerne NPSOT writes:

    “Our meetings are held the first Tuesday of each month (January-June and September - November) at the Cibolo Nature Center Auditorium at 140 City Park Rd in Boerne. Our meetings begin at 7pm and usually run until 8-8:30 depending on the topic and time for Q&A. We invite people to join us at 6:30 for socializing!

Our next meeting is Tuesday, May 1st. Cathy Downs, a Master Naturalist, will be discussing butterflies and their host plants!”

2012 Mueller Prairie and Garden Workshops - Austin, TX

2012 Landscaping, Gardening and Prairie Workshops
These workshops are a joint project of the Landscape Committee of the Mueller
Property Owners Association and Friends of the Mueller Prairie
All events are FREE and open to the public!

May 12, 9am – 10:30ish– Butterfly Walk & Talk.  Meet at the Wildflower Terrace Community Room, 3801 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX 78723 to see fantastic photography by Val Bugh, then walk the prairie to see and identify the latest lepodoptera visitors.  Discussion will focus on butterfly gardening for adult butterflies and providing habitat for the entire life cycle of local butterflies.
Our guest expert is Val Bugh, an entomologist, photographer, naturalist and frequent lecturer for The Wildflower Center, National Wildlife Federation, Native Plant Society of Texas and many others.  Her many guides to Butterflies, Moths and other Insects of Texas are available through Barnes & Noble (http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/butterflies-of-central-texas-valerie-g-bugh/1100004773; see also: http://www.austinbug.com/index.html, and http://mothphotographersgroup.msstate.edu/VGIndex.shtml). 

For more information contact David Boston at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

June 2, 9am-Noon – 3rd Annual Mueller Garden Walking Tour.  Join other avid small-space gardeners for a walking tour of nine Mueller gardens.  These pocket-sized landscapes make use of every square inch for flowers, fruit and vegetables.  Featured gardens include an ingenious access ramp beautifully-integrated into the front home landscape, several grass-free landscapes, and four gardens featured on Central Texas Gardener (www.klru.org/ctg  Nov. 5, 2011, and March 21, 2012).  All of the gardens feature native and adapted plants.  The gardeners will be on hand and happy to answer questions from visitors.
Maps will be available at Ella Wooten Park (on Antone Street between Pinckney and Mendez).  Volunteers to hand out maps and such are welcome!

For more information contact Helen Mason at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

July 28, 10-11am – Psycho Light & the Plants that Love It.  Guest speaker Linda Lehmusvirta is the producer of KLRU’s Central Texas Gardener and an Austin garden blogger.  In her own garden, Linda copes with the same tough lighting conditions that Mueller gardeners do:  Psycho Light.  Psycho Light exists when a garden gets shade most of the day with 2 to 4 hours of blazing sun, often at noon or late afternoon.  Although this is fatal to many plants, Linda has discovered a number of beautiful and tough adapted plants that flourish in this light.  Linda will also answer questions about container gardens that suffer from Psycho Light … like those on the balconies of the Wildflower Terrace, the Mosaic and the Greenway Lofts.  Linda’s talk will be illustrated with mouthwatering photos of her own East Austin garden.  Meet at the Wildflower Terrace Community Room, 3801 Berkman Drive, Austin, TX 78723.

For more information, contact Janelle Dozier at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

August 18, 11am-Noon – The Photography of Steven Schwartzman.  Steven Schwartzman is a nature photographer whose images have appeared in magazines like Texas Highways and Wildflower (a quarterly publication of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center).  He is the author of the folding field guide to central Texas wildflowers available in local stores and at http://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/wildflowers-of-central-texas-steven-schwartzman/1100004944.
Steven specializes in photographing species that are native to Texas, often taking close-ups of them as if he were making a portrait of a person.  In this presentation he’ll show images of some of the native plants he’s photographed at Mueller in the last few years, and perhaps some of the little creatures that live on and near those plants.  Participants are welcome to ask about his photographic techniques and of course the plants themselves.  In the meantime, you may wish to visit his daily nature photography blog at http://portraitsofwildflowers.wordpress.com.

For more information contact Bobby Gierisch at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

October 6, 5-7pm – Bird Talk, Walk and Viewing.  Meet at the picnic area on the east bank of the lake in the Southwest Greenway for a hands-on bird talk and walk combined with gardening for wildlife, and a conversation with outstanding guest speakers.  These include Jake McCumber, biologist and naturalist for Camp Mabry, a lifelong birder and naturalist, Audubon member and consultant to Mueller Prairie for habitat improvement; Meredith O’Rielly National Wildlife Federation Habitat Steward, Master Gardener, Organizer of numerous School Habitat gardens, guest speaker for Central Texas gardener and frequent Garden Blogger (see:http://www.greatstems.com/”> http://www.greatstems.com/; http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5dRmfvvhTCE; and http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIgiDDQ5LEw);  Adrian Johnson, Travis County Audubon Society, Master Naturalist/Master Gardener, and Amy Tsay, who holds a Masters in Wildlife Ecology and currently works as an Ecologist for Cox|McLain Environmental Consulting where she performs wildlife surveys and prepares environmental documents.
This is a family-friendly event, so bring your binoculars and folding chair, and enjoy some snacks while watching and learning about our fine feathered friends.

For more information, contact David Boston at .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

These workshops are a joint project of the Friends of the Mueller Prairie &
the Landscape Committee of the Mueller Property Owners Association
They are FREE and open to Everyone!

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