April 2011 by Evelyn Penrod

Events Volunteer Opportunities Education & Training

NEWS Alamo Area Chapter www.txmn.org/alamo Volume 15 No. 4

April, 2011

PRESIDENTâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;S MESSAGE By Liz Robbins

Please submit your hours now so they can be included in the quarterly report.

GET YOUR PARTY BOOTS ON

Board Meeting April 12 5:15 p.m. Agrilife Extension Classroom #208 General Meeting 7:008:00 p.m. Agrilife Extension Classroom #208 3355 Cherry Ridge San Antonio, TX 78232

for the Annual AAMN Spring Fling Prize Awarded to the Best Cowboy Outfit

President Liz Robbins srobbins@gvtc.com 830-336-2778

Friday, May 6, 2011 at Eisenhower Park from 5-8 P Cost: $10.00 per plate, dinner catered by Barbeque Station Beer and Wine provided by the AAMN Chapter RSVP to Nancy Brown by April 30

Vice-President Linda Gindler ljgindler@earthlink.net

The Hospitality Committee will need help with the following: a. Setting up and decorating from 3-5P b. Clean-up from 8-9P Approved for VSH Contact Nancy Brown at nan.bro@att.net to volunteer

Treasurer Jamie Daily jdaily8289@wildblue.net Secretary Barbara Harder dbjharder@sbcglobal.net

Bring your favorite Appetizer and/or Dessert for Sharing Immediate Past President Anton Hajek tonyhajek@yahoo.com

Please send your check, made out to AAMN C/O Nancy Brown 17203 Eagle Hollow Drive San Antonio, Texas 78248

PARTY

NEWS FROM THE BOARD COMMITTEES Projects to be reviewed for approval as a Master Naturalist activity must be submitted on the Submission for Activity Approval form. Forms can be obtained by contacting Pamela Ball, pball12@satx.rr.com, or from the AAMN website at: http://txmn.org/alamo/join-the-alamochapter/activity-approval-form/

PLEASE REPORT YOUR HOURS ! ACTIVATE YOUR 2011GOOGLE DOCS ACCOUNT TODAY Reporting hours is easy on Google Docs or with the EXCEL spreadsheet form that was developed for e-mail submission or for mailing in your hours. It is available online, go to http://txmn.org/alamo/chapter-business/forms/ and click AAMN Volunteer Hours Log .

Where to report your hours by mail or e-mail: Last names A-M: Wilt Shaw 104 Dove Meadow Boerne, TX 78006-4222

Last names N-Z Ling Yin Liu 4946 Dare Lane San Antonio, TX 78217

John Wolcott jwolcott@satx.rr.com & Roy Yarnold royyarnold@sbcglobal.net have not only volunteered to assist you with this effort but also serve as the clearing-house for information regarding reported hours, hours that have vanished and those that have gone unreported. ‗One of a kind‘ certification pins are awarded each year to those who achieve eight hours of advanced training and 40 hours of volunteer service. This year that pin is a Horned Lizard. Milestone dragonfly pins are also awarded for 250, 500, 1000, 2500, and 5000 VSH.

Web Calendar of Events By Frank Ballard If you‘ve browsed our website at www.txmn.org/alamo, you‘ve likely reviewed the calendar page and noticed that it contains all our activities, events, and more. Below is an overview of some of the calendar features. We‘ve recently changed the default view option to the Agenda view. The Agenda view is a continuous daily listing of activities and events in a condensed format. Click on a listed event or activity and the corresponding details will display. Additionally, you‘ll learn if the event or activity qualifies for Advanced Training (AT) or Volunteer Service Hours (VSH). We also list other events and activities that don‘t qualify for AT or VSH, but still may be of interest to chapter members. All AAMN events such as meetings, field trips, and social activities are marked with a green event flair. There are two additional calendar view options: Month and Week. View options are selected from tabs at the top right of the calendar. Just to the left of the tabs is a print icon. If you wish to print the calendar, click on the icon and follow the directions. The calendar is updated daily, and it offers another tool for planning your Master Naturalist activities. For comments or questions please contact Frank Ballard at 210-557-9596 or fm4459@sbcglobal.net.

MONTHLY MEETINGS April 12th Meeting At our April meeting, we will be ―goin‘ fishin‘ ― with John Prentice. A former fishery manager with Texas Parks and Wildlife, John will give his talk ―Fishes of the Texas Hill Country‖. Using living and dead specimens, he will help us identify different fish families and member species within each family. Come hear about diversity of fishes, some amazing physiology facts, humorous common naming, general ID techniques, and ways to group by body shape. It will be a very informative and entertaining class. Approved for Advanced Training *Please note that there is no meeting in May due to the Urban Wildlife Management and Planning Conference in Austin.*

PHOTOS PHOTOS PHOTOS

ancy Phillips is working on a project that will display all the wonderful things our members are doing out in the community. Send your photos, with captions when possible, to anrjp1@aol.com. Photos are also needed for the web & facebook.

Activities Information Chair Pam Ball pball12@satx.rr.com Community Outreach Lissa Martinez lisa@satx.rr.com Historian Nancy Phillips anrjp1@aol.com Hospitality Chair Nancy Brown nan.bro@att.net Membership & Pin Awards Chair John Wolcott jwolcott@satx.rr.com Hours Submission Wilt Shaw wshawjr888@aol.com Ling Yin Liu Ling.liu@sanantonio.gov Media & Technology Chair David Reichert reichert@satx.rr.com Newsletter Editor reichert@satx.rr.com Calendar Frank Ballard fm4459@sbcglobal.net Web Pages Evelyn Penrod epenrod@gvtc.com Marketing Info & Materials Milly Alejos mildred.alejos@sbcgloball.net Programs Chair Jessica Leslie jleslie01@hotmail.com Education & Training Chair Pam Ball

Update Your Contact Info CLICK HERE to update your contact information. Just fill in the form and click SUBMIT.

Vol. 15, No. 4—April, 2011

Plant Trees Alamo Tree Buds April Plantings 8-11am 4/2: LBJ Park Trailhead, 4/9: Stinson: 4/16: J Street, 4/23: Apache Creek, 4/30: Historic City Cemetery #3,

100 trees 50 trees 75 trees 100 trees 125 trees

Contact Meredith Ruiz at 210-207-8603 or Meredith.Ruiz@sanantonio.gov for more information or to volunteer. Approved for Volunteer Service Hours.

AAMN Documents Online At: AAMN Documents Access important chapter documents including bylaws and minutes online.

Hummer House Rescheduled for May, 14th

articipation is limited so get your reservation in now. This trip will be open to all AAMN members, their friends and families and to other members of the environmental community. E-mail Arless at arlessann@yahoo.com for more information. Approved for Advanced Training ——————————————————

Class 19 Cal Eichler 210-828-0833 Class 20 Suzanne Benavides & Palani Whiting Class 21 Nancy Brown nan.bro@att.net & Wendy Thornton Class 22 Linda Painter Darst donlindadarst@msn.com & Jamie Daily jdaily8289@wildblue.net Class 23 Steve Guerrant & Gary Trede gtrede@earthlink.net Class 24 John Wolcott jwolcott@satx.rr.com & Susan Hunnicutt schunnicut@aol.com Class 25 & State Representative Ron Tullius 210-739-2566 rvtullius@sbcglobal.net Class 26 Dwight Henderson 210-496-5934 dwight10@hotmail.com Class 27 David Reichert reichert@satx.rr.com & Evelyn Penrod epenrod@gvtc.com Class 28 Joe Novy novyja@gmail.com & Phil Minor minorpa@hotmail.com

Vol. 15, No. 4—April, 2011

Government Canyon State Natural Area

Medina River Natural Area Spring Bloomer Classes 2011

Hikes, Programs & Events - April 2011 For more information or to make a Reservation, call (210) 688-9055, ext 291, Entry Fees Apply, Dress Appropriately, Reservations Required

Flying Wild, 4/19 or 4/21, 9:30-11:30 Students will learn what bird banding is. Explore migratory routes of several birds and the hazards they encounter. Visually investigate local birds in the natural area by bird calls. Learn the use of binoculars. Make a bird activity included. All classes are appropriate for ages 7-11. A donation will be requested. Classes are limited to 15 participants. Please call 210-207-3106 or email Susan.Campbell@sanantonio.gov. To register and for more information. Approved for VSH if Assisting

April 3, 2011 - Golden-cheeked Warbler Hike Approved for AT Join Steve Hawkins, member of SA Audubon Bird Records Committee and Friends of Government Canyon Education Committee, on a hike to the Backcountry of Government Canyon SNA to see this species whose world-wide nesting grounds are found only in Texas. We will use the Joe Johnston Route as the core of the hike and may explore the Twin Oaks and/or Wildcat Canyon trails for Golden-cheeks depending on the interests and abilities of the group. Wear sturdy shoes, hat, sunscreen, and bring at least one liter of water per person; 8:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Group size limited; participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian; no pets please. Meet at the rainwater collection towers.

Friedrich Park Nature Walk April 2, 10:00-12:00 noon In an area that lacks much surface water, the invention of the windmill to draw water from an aquifer was a blessing. On this spring hike, we will enjoy the fresh vegetation and visit the windmill at Friedrich Park. You‘ll get a chance to try our new working model of a windmill pump! It may be warm so don‘t forget to bring water to drink! Donations will be requested. Approved for Advanced Training

Eisenhower Park Second Saturday Program - Meeting Snakes April 9, 10:00-12:00 noon Enjoy a beautiful morning while learing about snakes. The program, presented by the South Texas Herpetological Association and various scaly friends, will allow those attending to get up close and personal with several snakes as they learn about the habits and habitats of several of these interesting local reptiles. ! Donations will be requested. Approved for Advanced Training For reservations or information, Call (210) 3729124 or e-mail peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov.

J Street Park Family Day Have you attended a few tree plantings events? Are you interested in helping educate others about the importance of park stewardship? Education volunteers are needed to assist with the Family Day Volunteer Event on April 16 from 8-11am at J Street Park. The event will feature a craft activity, hands on tree planting, and a reading of ―The Lorax‖ for a group of 5-10 year olds. If you are interested, please call 207-8603 or email Meredith.Ruiz@sanantonio.gov for more information. Please note: A successful background check will be required for all education volunteers. Deadline to s i g n u p i s A p r i l 6 . Approved for VSH 4

April 9, 2011 - Hike the Canyon VSH if Assisting Join the Friends of Government Canyon and the Sierra Club for a jointly-led guided hike. Length of hike will range from 4 to 7 miles depending on the group. Open to ages 13 and over; minors must be accompanied by an adult; group size limited to the first 12 people; no pets please; Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower; 8:00 am – Noon; April 10, 2011 - A Stroll Through The Flowers Approved for AT Discover Texas Wildflowers! Join us as we go in search of wildflowers and other native plants on a short exploratory hike. 1:00 - 4:00 P.M. Hike will be low-to-moderate in intensity. Open to ages 8 and up; participants under 18 must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. All participants must be able to walk over rocky ground for short to moderate distances. Sorry, no picking flowers allowed; no pets please; photography welcome! April 16, 2011 — Explore the Canyon Approved for VSH is assisting Knowledgeable guides discuss the flora, fauna, natural and cultural history of this awesome natural area on this exploration. Length of walk and interpretive topic will vary, depending on the group. Open to all ages; group size limited to the first 12 people; Natural Area entry fees apply. Meet at the Visitors Center by the rainwater harvesting tower. April 23, 2011 Thrill-A-Minute: The Native Plants of the Canyon with Bill Carr Approved for Advanced Training Join Nature Conservancy of Texas Botanist Bill Carr, one of the foremost authorities on the native plants of Central Texas, for a stroll around the natural area. Starting at 9a.m. we will be looking at anything and everything of interest -- from trees and shrubs down to grasses and sedges (and probably even some insects, amphibians and reptiles). Program, including hike, will be 3 to 4 hours long, depending on interests. Open to ages 14 and older; participants under 18 must be accompanied by their parent or guardian. All participants must be able to hike over broken, rocky terrain with some changes in elevation.

The next meeting of the Native Plant Society of Texas will feature botanical artist and illustrator Lotus McElfish on her approach to documenting Hill Country native plants – including rare and endangered species – in her artwork, which will be on display at the meeting. Tuesday, April 26, 2011, at Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway. Native plant and seed exchange at 6:30 pm, followed by speaker at 7:00 pm. Free and open to the public. www.npsot.org/sanantonio Vol. 15, No. 4—April, 2011

Urban Wildlife Conference Your Assistance is Needed We have had an active month, with 12 awards, including a 1000 hour pin for Eva Fromme and the first Dragon Fly for the current class, Nancy Thoss in #28. If you need any assistance with data entry or have questions, don‘t hesitate to email or call me. If I have failed to recognize an award, please let me know. Person Patsy Kuentz Carma Lewis Nancy Thoss Stan Dresik

Class 27 27 28 27

Awards Dragon Fly Dragon Fly Dragon Fly Dragon Fly

Barbara Harder Dwight Henderson J. W. Pieper Cherry Pedrick Jim Pedrick David Reichert Ron Tullius

25 26 13 26 26 27 25

Horned Toad Horned Toad Horned Toad Horned Toad Horned Toad Horned Toad Horned Toad

The following AAMN members earned longevity awards: Nancy Klepper 23 250 hours Mary Homan 26 250 hours David Reichert 27 250 hours Eva Fromme 19 1000 hours

The International Urban Wildlife Management & Planning Conference is fast approaching. The conference, which is scheduled for May 22—May 25, 2011 at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Austin, intends to bring urban planners, architects, wildlife biologists, researchers, educators, and municipalities together to share innovative strategies to plan and design urban communities that provide natural open green space that mutually benefits people and wildlife. Master Naturalists planning to attend the conference can receive a dramatic discount ($100 off the regular fee) if they are willing to work parts of the conference. However there are a limited number of slots available. Job duties may include staffing the registration table, helping with audio-visual equipment during talks, helping with field trips, or assisting with various other duties. If you are interested in working the conference please contact Judit Green at Judit.Green@tpwd.state.tx.us or 210-688-6444. Information about the conference can be obtained at www.urbanwildlife2011.org. Another way to help—please share our website with others who could benefit by attending this conference. These may include private, city, county, and state staff members that are involved with various aspects of city planning. And finally, I‘d like to recognize the seven chapters that helped to raise over $8,000 for the conference: Alamo Area, North Texas, Cross Timbers, Trans Pecos, Gulf Coast, Capital Area, and Elm Forks! Heartfelt thanks for your support!!!

John Wolcott, Membership Chair jwolcott@satx,.rr.com or (210) 497-4365.

Training for monarch butterfly monitors at Cibolo Nature Center on April 13, 14 & 15 Monarch Monitoring Workshop: Monarch butterfly experts will train volunteers to mark migrating monarch butterflies with paper tags and examine milkweed for monarch larvae to aid scientists as part of the Monarch Larval Monitoring Project, Monarch Watch and Journey North. The three-day workshop will instruct teachers, youth leaders, citizen scientists and park naturalists across the state to monitor monarch butterflies at their local sites. The World Wildlife Fund listed the monarch as among its ―10 to Watch in 2010‖ species that are at greater risk than ever before. 1 to 5 p.m. Wednesday, April 13; from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Thursday, April 14; and from 9 a.m. to noon Friday, April 15. Cibolo Nature Center auditorium, 140 City Park Road, Boerne, Texas 78006 $30 per person; pre-registration is required by calling (830) 249-4616. The training is sponsored by the Cibolo Nature Center, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service National Wildlife Refuge System, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, Monarch Joint Venture, the Boerne Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and Texas Master Naturalists. Workshops on topics including monarch biology and life cycles, current research, conservation issues, the Monarch Joint Venture, the Monarch Larval Monitoring Project, monarch tagging, milkweed re-introduction and the important role that Texas plays in monarch conservation will be presented by experts from the sponsoring organizations. Probably the best known of all North American butterflies, the monarch butterfly is famous for its fall and spring migrations between Canada and Mexico. Due to continuing loss of the monarch‘s habitat, its migration is considered an endangered biological phenomenon. The World Wildlife Fund listed the monarch as among its ―10 to Watch in 2010‖ species that are at greater risk than ever before because of habitat loss, poaching and climate change-related threats. The Cibolo Nature Center in Boerne is located on 162 acres of natural lands at Boerne City Park off Highway 46 just west of the Kendall County Fairgrounds. The Cibolo Nature Center‘s mission is conservation of natural resources through education and stewardship. Learn more at www.cibolo.org. Approved for Advanced Training Vol. 15, No. 4—April, 2011

Hot Tub Naturalist April 2011 by Anton Hajek If it is April in San Antonio it is FIESTA! And a time to party. Of course first Friday in May we have our annual pachanga. A good time to hang out with each other. I encourage all to show up. Most nights an owl glides by looking for a tasty mouse. It is very dry out, meaning less seeds, and less mice, less coyotes. The lawn had cracks but my wife does mow. February still has me amazed, The month started prolonged subfreezing weather and a rare snow ending in a 91 degree afternoon. March brought blooms and the perigee moon, the closest to us in years. And the 175 th anniversary of the fall of the Alamo! I was there at dawn, A spacecraft is orbiting Mercury having flown 4.5 billion miles making 15 trips around the sun to achieve enough speed to catch up with this fast and unexplored planet. A fifteen minute burn de-acceleeraed the craft by 1,929mph to enter orbit. I hate it when I have to give up speed. But it is the first craft to orbit Mercury!

Invasive Plants Advanced Training Opportunity Become a Citizen Scientist with the Texas Invaders and learn how to identify, eradicate, control, and manage invasive species that threaten many of our most precious native flora and fauna … Date: Saturday, April 2 Time: 8:15 am – 4:00 pm Place: Mabee Library Auditorium, University of the Incarnate Word, SAT More about the program: Training includes classroom instruction and field experience in the Headwaters Sanctuary along the San Antonio River. At the completion of the session participants will be certified as Texas Invaders Citizen Scientists. Ongoing identification and eradication opportunities are available in Bexar and surrounding counties, including at the Headwaters! To register (or for more information): contact Lonnie Shockley at lonnieshockley@satx.rr.com for registration materials. Space is limited. Advance registration required. Sponsors: Balcones Invaders Satellite of the Texas Invaders & Headwaters Coalition, Inc., Approved for AT/VSH .

Work days: Tuesdays, April 5,12,19,26. Volunteers meet outside the gate at Rancho Diana at 7:30am and conclude at 9:30 or 10:00. Contact Lonnie Shockley at lonnieshockley@satx.rr.com by 6:00pm the day before. Approved for Volunteer Service Hours Headwaters Workday April 29th, 2:00-5:00p.m. Meet at main trailhead Approved for Volunteer Service Hours 6

How Well Do You Know Your Texas Native Trails? The San Antonio Botanical Garden is currently sponsoring an activity to increase interest in and knowledge about the Texas Native Trails. All Master Naturalists are invited to participate. Each month (February, March, April) five questions about one of the Texas Native Trails will be found in the AAMN newsletter. The answers to the questions can be found by reading the interpretive signs along the appropriate trail. The deadline for submission of answers is the 21st of each month. Send your answers (just the answers--in numerical sequence) to Sasha Kodet, <sasha.kodet@sanantonio.gov> OR drop off your answers in the red box behind the front desk at the Carriage House entrance. Be sure to include your name and contact information with your answers. You may also pick up answer sheets (with questions) at the front desk of the Carriage House. From all entries with all correct answers, one name will be drawn to receive one of the following: a gift certificate for the SABG Gift Shop (February), free passes to the SABG (March), an annual membership to the San Antonio Botanical Garden (April). [SABG staff members and current MN guides for the Native Trails are NOT eligible to participate.] The April contest questions for the South Texas Plains Trail: 1. The flexible stems of this plant yield a red dye. 2. This tree is widely grown for its aromatic oil used in perfumes. 3.This tree‘s fruit yields a black stain, used to dye animal hides. 4.This thorny plant adjusts to desert conditions by having photosynsesis in green thorns and twigs. 5. The root bark of this purple flower-bearing evergreen makes a soap that does not fade colors in wool. March Contest Winner: The Texas Native Trails Master Naturalist of the Month for March is Billie Murrell. Correct answers were: 1) Chile Pequin 2) Chinquapin Oak 3) Lindheimer Hackberry 4) Texas Snowbells 5) Texas White Ash Spring plant walks along the Texas Native Trails Saturday, April 9 – South Texas Plains Trail The tour begins at 10 a.m. and lasts approximately 1.5 hours. FREE Participants should meet at the walkway across from Gertie‘s Garden. Approved for Advanced Training Guide Training at the Botanical Garden Mondays, April 25 – May 23 The San Antonio Botanical Garden is seeking master naturalists who would like training to become Water Saver Guides, Texas Native Trail Guides, Bird Walk Guides, Terrarium Guides, Garden Guides, and Garden Rangers. Classes, along with shadowing and mentoring with trained guides, will prepare you to lead visitors through the garden and trails to enrich the educational experiences of our visitors and school children. When you feel ready, you are expected to commit to leading several tours each year and/or working interpretive tables at special events. Monday training sessions will increase your knowledge of the San Antonio Botanical Garden and enhance your knowledge of plants, native plants, ethnobotany, eco-regions, and ecology. Classes are free. For more information and to reserve a training slot call or write Cindy Sims, SABG volunteer coordinator, at 207-3261 or cindy.sims@sanantonio.gov. Approved for Advanced Training. Vol. 15, No. 4—April, 2011

City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department Natural Areas April Stewardship Activities By Jayne Neal The official arrival of spring has brought not only blooms and buds on some spectacular plants like the yellow and red buckeyes (Aesculus pavia) and the redbuds (Cercis canadensis var. texensis) but it has also brought the endangered Golden-cheeked warblers (Dendroica chyrsoparia) and the beautiful tiger swallowtail butterflies (Papilio glaucus). Springtime is marvelous in the Natural Areas, despite the lack of rainfall. So get out and see nature in all its glory. In April, we will continue with restoration activities, focusing on exotic species removal at various parks and natural areas. This work is extremely important as it helps maintain biodiversity in the natural areas. We will also be doing a plant identification and vegetation survey review the last Thursday of this month as a refresher course before we start collecting vegetation data at Scenic Canyon next month. No experience is needed. We will furnish tools, but if you have work gloves, please bring them (ours are all size large). Please bring water and dress appropriately. Please note the three different locations this month. See below. If you have any questions, please contact Jayne Neal (210-3729124, jayne.neal@sanantonio.gov) or Wendy Leonard (210-372 -9124, wendy.leonard@sanantonio.gov). Thurs. April 7th and April 14th 8:30am-12:30pm. Invasive species removal at Medina River Natural Area. Meet at parking lot in the park located at 15890 Hwy 16 South. We provide tools but please bring your own gloves if you have them. Thurs. April 21th 8:30am-12:30pm Exotic species removal on the Salado Creek Greenway and Phil Hardberger Park. Meet in the parking lot off of 1021 Voelcker Ln. To get there, go north on Blanco Rd, north of Wurzbach Pkwy. Take a left on Longfield and then a left on Old Blanco Rd. The road will make a sharp right and turn into Voelcker Ln. Follow this until you reach a parking lot on the left hand side. We provide tools but please bring your own gloves if you have them.

River Walk Garden Workday Second Friday of every month: 9 a.m.—1 p.m. Volunteers are needed to cut, trim, and plant at the San Antonio Riverwalk Garden. Bring cutting tools such as shears, rakes, and clippers and also gloves and water for this workday. This is an AAMN project at the corner of Aubrey and Old Guilbeau on the Riverwalk. Lan Eng (830) 980-2300 or lanbceng@gmail.com Approved for Volunteer Service Hours

In cooperation with the San Antonio River Authority, Alamo Area Master Naturalists lead public tours of the San Antonio River Mission Reach. These tours are held on the 3rd Saturday of each month at 10 a.m. and 11 a.m. The next Saturday tour is on April 16th. Approved for AT/VSH REWIND is winding into high gear. Through a grant from TPWD, the San Antonio River Authority has developed a riparian ecosystem restoration project for high school students. The AAMN chapter has made a commitment to support SARA in this project by providing guided tours of a section of the Mission Reach, phase 1 to these students. Master naturalists explain features of the river restoration, discuss riparian habitats, and identify birds, grasses, wildflowers and other natural features. Additional project dates include May 5, 13, 16, 18. Project activities take place at Roosevelt Park. Approved for Volunteer Service Hours

Thurs. April 28th 8:30am-11:30am Advanced training at Scenic Canyon. Will focus on plant ID, compass and GPS training, and a review of veg transect data collection protocols. Meet at Grey Moss Inn, 19010 Scenic Loop Rd. We park at Grey Moss Inn and work across the street at Scenic CanyonNatural Area.

Wendy Gordon of TPWD is looking to locate data that might be used as an indicator of climate change in Texas. It is quite possible that groups, associations, networks, or even individuals have local records, diaries, photographs, etc. that could be analyzed for this purpose—anything from someone‘s notes of when a particular butterfly species has shown up in their yard or a particular plant has leafed out is appreciated.

Approved for Volunteer Service Hours.

Wendy Gordon, PhD, Program Leader, Nongame & Rare Species, TPWD, 4200 Smith School Road, Austin, TX 78744 (512) 389-8741

Vol. 15, No. 4—April, 2011