April 2016 Hays County Echo

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO APRIL 2016

INSIDE: Sustainable living practices from solar power, to recycling, to repurposing

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HAYS COUNTY

ECHO is published monthly by

Barton Publications, Inc

113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © April 2016.

Publisher

Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor

Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White

Graphics Assistant Christine Thorpe

Contributing Writers Chris Reid

Moses Leos III

Paige Lambert Distribution

Suzanne Hallam Marketing

H

aving grown up in the mid 1990s, I remember our country’s conscious effort to propel the mantra of reduce, reuse and recycle.

Protecting our environment and ensuring future generations enjoy the beauty that is our elegant blue marble was paramount.

Thanks to the advances in technology, we as a society have taken even greater strides since then toward not only living by the “three Rs,” but also a much more sustainable lifestyle.

As we celebrate the 46th anniversary of Earth Day this month, we at the Hays County Echo take a look at how our corner of the world keeps environmentally conscious.

Our feature story by Paige Lambert spotlights Manchaca resident Doug Moreland, who has implemented green features such as a rainwater catchment system and solar panels to make his own home self-sustaining.

Inside

We also shed some light on how solar panel technology works, with the help of a local installation company.

Columnist Chris Reid focuses on the troubling decline of pollinators such as bees, butterflies and hummingbirds, while also giving gardeners tips on attracting them to their yards this spring.

And finally, we take a glance at Texas Disposal Systems in Creedmoor and its reuse and recycling initiatives.

With the weather improving and wildflowers blooming, I encourage readers to not only take advantage of the great outdoors, but also takes strides toward protecting it.

We’d also like to take a moment to point out that we incorrectly reported that Jonas Jones as the owner of the Gray Gardens farm in Buda. Former Buda Mayor Billy Gray currently owns Gray Gardens. We apologize for the error.

Thanks for reading, Moses Leos III, editor

Touring TDS.................................................................................5-6 Texas Disposal Systems recycles and repurposes

They’ve Got the Power...............................................................7-8 Buda solar company makes the most of our hottest natural resource

Livin’ Life by the Drop..............................................................9-10 Musician Doug Moreland builds rainwater system

Tracy Mack

Central Texas Events..............................................................12-14

Suzanne Hallam

Pollinators in Peril..................................................................16-17

Jim Darby

Paula Pulley

Pamela Patino For advertising information, please contact our sales

department at 512–268–7862.

Top picks for events and festivals

Planting Texas natives that attract beneficial pollinators

5 Hacks for Greener, Happier Living........................................... 18 Studies show that earth-friendly choices make people happier

Service Directory......................................................................... 19 Find service professionals in your area

page 3 page 3

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Touring TDS

by Moses Leos III

A

mid the piles of refuse scattered on a 2,000 acre plot of land in Creedmoor, Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) works to keep things as green as possible.

By sorting product that comes in, TDS attempts to divert items that can be recycled or reused from ending up in the trash.

“That’s our philosophy … It’s about diverting from the landfill for beneficial reuse,” Stacy Schmitt, TDS director of marketing and communications, said.

“For us, it’s about diversion. How can we divert and keep as much out of the landfill as possible? That’s doing the right thing environmentally for us.”

The diversion process begins when refuse enters the front gates. Items such as appliances and lumber brought by residents are assessed by hand and are sorted accordingly.

Items such as plastic bottles, newspaper and cardboard go through the Ma-

terials Recycling Facility (MRF), which sorts product through an automated system on a production line. Items are sorted by weight and type of material.

Schmitt said the human element is at the end of the line, as workers check what is sorted.

“We sort and separate 25 tons (of recycled material) per hour,” Schmitt said. “That’s how much is coming through here.”

Once items are sorted, TDS goes to work on reusing them. It’s part of two ways TDS recycles, which features open loop recycling, where a new item is made, or closed loop, where items are recycled into the same product.

Items such as appliances can be fixed or refurbished and moved to a citizens’ resale area, which allows others to purchase them. “Plain lumber,” which is free of nails, can end TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS, next page

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TEXAS DISPOSAL SYSTEMS, from previous page

up being turned into compost, which is then sold to consumers. Concrete is processed down to powder, which is sold to companies to use for road base or bridges.

Aluminum cans are crushed into square bales and sold to companies, which then create new cans. Glass is processed to remove sharp edges and turned into decorative xeriscaping product, or used on roads as a dirt suppressant.

“We reuse everything you can think of,” Schmitt said.

In addition, TDS can store commodities, such as plastic bottles and aluminum cans, on its property if it’s “not at the right price at the right time.”

“We’re balanced in good times, but sustainable in tough times,” Schmitt said. She added the company is balaced because of the “footprint we sit on” and the integrated services of

VISION

composter, recycler and as a landfill.

“It’s not just about recycling for us,” she said. “We’re kind of different than a standard landfill.”

TDS also works to educate the public on recycling methods.

Schmitt said the company reaches out

to school students “at a young age” to teach how to sort items for recycling.

They also provide schools mulch and compost for class gardens and projects at schools as well.

“It’s the right thing to do, to give back to the community we serve,” Schmitt said.

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They’ve got the power

by Moses Leos III

H

aving grown up around electricians, Eric and Derrick Hoffman knew at an early age what their calling was.

But when they studied sustainability at Texas State University, the two realized they would focus on harnessing the power of the sun.

That energy source is “proven”, Eric Hoffman said, and that’s why they opened their solar panel installation business, HE Solar LLC in Buda – to give residents an option that really works.

“It’s outlasted wind power

and hydroelectricity,” Eric Hoffman said. “It’s proven itself because it’s a small scale renewable energy for the residential market.”

According to Eric Hoffman, the use of solar panels is a “tried and true way” for homeowners to produce energy.

He said a solar panel system could also take a “big chunk” out of a homeowner’s electricity bill, depending on the size and type of their installation.

Hoffman said solar panel installations can run anywhere from $20,000 to upward of $60,000.

How solar panels work, according to Hoffman, is by taking energy output from the sun and collecting the energy in a silicone wafer. The SOLAR POWER, 8

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SOLAR POWER, from 7

wafer, when exposed to light, causes a current to flow through it.

Hoffman said the current produced by solar panels, called direct current (DC), goes through an inverter, which transfers it to alternating current (AC), which is the energy current delivered to U.S. homes by electric companies.

But the current produced by solar panels, which is measured at 1,000 watts per meter squared, isn’t enough for an entire home.

“Solar production follows the sun’s exposure,” he said. “It’s not a fully reliable current.”

To offset that issue, solar panel companies either tie solar panel systems to an existing power grid, or install large battery storage units to collect enough electricity for use.

A gridtied system uses collected solar power first before tapping into a utility system grid.

Due to a slightly higher voltage created by the inverter, any excess flow would go back into the utility system’s grid, and in turn, to neighbors.

He said off-grid systems are common in rural areas, where residents are miles from the nearest power poles.

Hoffman said his company works grid-tied, which works in tandem with a utility company’s grid, and off-grid, which features large battery storage tanks for continuous use.

While the cost of a system is initially steep, Hoffman said there is a return on investment “years down the line.”

Hoffman said most solar panel units have a 25-year warranty.

“You’re paying up front for energy instead of buying it from utility companies,” Hoffman said. “Solar panels have a return on investment that’s proven by offsetting energy costs. You have a power plant on your roof.”

Hays County currently does not have a rebate program for solar panel installation. A 30 percent federal tax credit is available through the federal govern-

ment for solar panel installations.

In 2015, Pedernales Electric Cooperative (PEC), which is the electric utility provider for almost all of Hays County, implemented a “System Interconnection” service. It was done to take advantage of solar panel, wind energy and turbine technology.

The service, according to PEC’s website, uses net metering, which routes power through a meter which measures PEC electricity a customer receives. The meter then subtracts the amount of electricity exported by the sustainable equipment.

Prices for solar panels, Hoffman said, is “reliably stable” and hasn’t moved much. With the streamlining technology, he said it could help consumers make the investment.

“On a global scale, as energy storage comes along, people can have de-centralized power for their house,” he said.

“It’s great for the country to be self-sustainable and reliant.”

For the city of Buda, the use of solar panels is expected soon to power its new Parks Maintenance Building.

With the implementation of a $20,000 system, the city estimates saving roughly $1,000 in electricity costs per year.

While the return on investment will take time, Buda Mayor Todd Ruge said it was a “great idea.”

“Not only that, but it lessens our carbon footprint,” Ruge said.

The city is also exploring options of installing solar panels in its new city hall and police department facility.

Ruge said the city could in the future encourage residential developments to consider sustainable options such as solar panels and xeriscaping.

According to Ruge, residents would be more inclined to consider installing solar panels as the technology becomes more cost effective.

“With any technology, the older the technology is, the cheaper it becomes,” Ruge said.

In 2015, PEC, implemented a “System Interconnection” service. It was done to take advantage of solar panel, wind energy and turbine technology.

page 8 u april | 2016

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Call Suzanne at 512-268-7862 to subscribe today.

Livin’ life by the drop

Rainwater systems flourish in Texas by

Doug Moreland stands near his 500 gallon rainwater tank. Rainwater systems have allowed families like the Morelands to restrict their well use while helping water conservation efforts in the Hill Country. (photos by Paige Lambert and David White)

Paige Lambert

Doug Moreland, of Manchaca, checked the rainwater pipes that led to a five-gallon water jug.

The almost full jug marked hundreds of gallons of rainwater the Moreland family has conserved just from their roof.

The use of rainwater for drinking, irrigation and conservation has been a growing trend for decades, said Alan Rossing, owner of Lakota Water Company.

When he started his rainwater business in 2000, Hays County had more rainwater related businesses than the rest of the United States, Rossing said.

“Now it’s to the point where we are booked 12 months in advance,” Rossing said. “The whole green movement really helped build momentum.”

He said there are now about 1,600 rainwater businesses in Texas and 2,600 in the United States.

The rainwater industry has exploded because the systems and installation practices are safer and more uniform, he said.

Chris MaxwellGaines, Texas Rainwater Collection Association president, said the organization is trying to create a certification program with the RAINWATER COLLECTION, 10

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RAINWATER COLLECTION, from previous page

Texas Department of Agriculture for installers.

“There are a lot of gray areas installers have to know, so we want the public to know they are legitimate,” Maxwell-Gaines said. “We want to let them know this profession is professional.”

The industry’s growth is largely a reflection of Central Texans wanting alternatives to well water, Rossing said.

He said many of his customers built homes connected to well water only to have their systems fail within four years. One customer drilled a well three times and ended up spending $20,000 to no avail, he said.

“I hear stories of people paying $25,000 for a well and if they don’t hit water they have to pay that again,” Rossing said. “It happens because we are in a constant drought and so many people are pulling out water.”

A rainwater system for a family of four can cost $21,000 to $32,000 with about $250 in annual maintenance, depending on the house, he said.

Rossing said Hays County residents also get a property tax exemption for their system.

The price of well drilling has easily reached the same price tag as rainwater collection and will continue to increase as less groundwater is available, said Karen Ford of the Hill Country Alliance.

“Folks are forging ahead in being independent of utility because the cost of water is going up,” Ford said. “There is really no guarantee of groundwater.”

Ford said she has seen more people and even neighborhoods use rainwater just for irrigation. Residents save money if it is only used for irrigation since unfiltered, or gray water, can be used on plants.

Suzy Moreland, Doug’s wife, said the gray water has helped her plants recover from the well water they would use before.

“The groundwater always left this white residue, which is the calcium in the water,” Suzy said. “But when you use the rainwater, it makes the plant

page 10 u april | 2016

Two solar panels help distill the rainwater into a drinkable quality.

The solar panel system can distill 10 gallons of water on a sunny day. (photos by Paige Lambert and David White)

grow cleaner and better.”

On a sunny day, the system easily collects ten gallons of water, Doug said. The system is able to stock up enough water to see them through winter or cloudy seasons, and has never run dry, he said.

In only a year, Doug can instantly feel the difference of drinking distilled rainwater versus well or city water. The Moreland family uses two solar panels to distill the rainwater which connects to five gallon jugs.

“The hard water is what we’ve learned affects joints, eyesight, and anything fluid in your body,” Doug

said. “We are just trying to drink the cleanest, purist water possible.”

Suzy said installing a potable rainwater system is not for everyone, however. Before the system was installed, the couple conducted extensive research and has to perform regular maintenance on the system.

If a home is in a city’s limits, the rainwater system also has to be connected to utility as back up and is held to higher purification standards, Maxwell-Gaines said.

“Once you start factoring in everything it gets really complicated,” Maxwell-Gaines said. “But I’ve seen people swap out small systems just for the better quality of water.”

While the pros, cons and installation of rainwater systems are a lot to comprehend, more organizations are trying to provide education about this

alternative water source, Ford said.

Hill Country Alliance is on its seventh year of hosting the Rainwater Revival, which serves as an educational and networking hub for rainwater enthusiasts.

Rossing said his company has also installed commercial sized systems for businesses and some schools in San Antonio. During installations, his company usually shows students the system and educates them about rainwater.

“There’s a lot of people my age who are put off by rainwater systems,” Rossing said. “It’s great that they are actually teaching young students about rainwater.”

Suzy said the couple’s next step is to get completely off the grid with a windmill. She said she hopes more people will take the next step in water conservation, whether it’s for potable water or just irrigation.

“You can’t overwhelm yourself by trying to do it all at once,” Suzy said. “You have to kind of change the mind-set of your typical American lifestyle.”

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KENT BUTLER

SAVE THE DATE!

SUMMIT Toward a Regional Plan for the Hill Country FRIDAY, APRIL 22ND 2016 8:30 A.M. - 4:00 P.M. Hosted at the:

Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Road 12 Wimberley, Texas 78678

www.KentButlerSummit.org

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Central Texas Festivals & Events April 1-3 Swing on the Square San Marcos Formerly the Texas Natural and Western Swing Festival, the festival features Western Swing acts, and a variety of other styles of music that are the roots of western swing, including blues, 40s jazz, big band swing and country. This is a free event in downtown San Marcos. Visit www.smtxswingfest.com for more information.

page 12 u april | 2016

Stroll along a shaded path to more than 475 booths filled with a wide variety of arts, crafts, antiques, gift items, clothing and more. Also enjoy barbecue and treats with live music under the pavilion. Lions Field, 601 F.M. 2325. www.shopmarketdays.com 512-847-2201

April 2 15th Annual Youthfest San Marcos This annual family festival includes live entertainment, art activities, face painting and free games. The event runs from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park.

Concerts for a Cause - Kyle Down South Railhouse in Kyle will host the second season of Concerts for a Cause. April’s concert will be held April 2 from 5-8 p.m., feature music by Lucas Cook and benefits Hays County ECI Homespun, a program for families with children with disabilities and developmental delays. Concerts for a Cause is a way to raise awareness of and raise money for some of the local charities that work to make thiscounty an even better place to live. Visit kyleconcerts.com for more information.

Hays Rebel 5K - Mountain City

See solution, page 18

Wimberley Market Days

The 2nd annual Hays Rebel Run 5K takes place in the scenic surroundings of Mountain City on Saturday, April 2.

The race starts at the west end of city hall and continues throughout the city, ending back at city hall. At the finish there will be a post race festive with entertainment. Visit www.tinyurl. com/2016HaysRebelRun or contact Thomas Brown at twbrown72@gmail. com for more information.

First Saturday Birding Hike Central Texas Interested in birding hikes? From water fowl to woodpeckers to hawks to songbirds - you never know which feathered friends will be spotted. This new monthly event features hikes guided by Stephen Ramirez, a local photographer and unicycle enthusiast.

Location varies each month and cycles through greenspaces, preserves and riverside parks. For more information and to receive location notifications contact Stephen@birdsiview.org.

April 7 KSMB Spring Concert Series San Marcos Spend some time at San Marcos Plaza Park on Thursdays in April for the Keep San Marcos Beautiful Concert Series. The series will kick off April 7 with Henry and the Invisibles.

Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Come early to find the perfect spot and enjoy the preconcert activities that start at 6:30 p.m.

First Thursday - Downtown Buda, Dripping Springs Numerous local businesses will stay open late on March 3 from 5-8 p.m. to give locals a chance to shop downtown Buda. Visit homegrown shops and restaurants for specials, giveaways and live music.

April 7-9 Hays County Fair, Music & Crawfish Fest - Kyle Central Texas Speedway will host the inaugural fair and festival featuring live music, carnival rides, games, go-kart rentals and crawfish.

Admission is free. Visit www. centraltexasspeedway.com for a schedule and more information.

April 9 Kyle Market Days Come out to Historic City Square Park in Kyle to kick off the 2016 season of Market Days. This month’s theme is “Backyard Fun” and partners with HEB Plus! Kyle. Enjoy local vendors, arts & crafts, farm to market items, live music and more.

The event is held from 9 a.m. - 1 p.m.

BBQ Battle - Wimberley Join the Wimberley Merchants Association for a BBQ Battle and a little taste of heaven April 9. Come out for great prizes and even better barbecue. Contestants will be throughout town and live music will be at several locations. Visit www. wimberleymerchants.com for more information or to register.

Art Squared Art Market San Marcos The San Marcos square will host its monthly art market featuring paintings, sculptures, jewelry, crafts, live music and more. The market is held the second Saturday of the month March through December from 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

Second Saturday Guided Hikes at Blue Hole - Wimberley Blue Hole Regional Park’s guided hikes are offered free to the public every second Saturday of the month, 9 - 10 a.m. Included in the hike

is interesting information about the history of the park and its sustainable development concepts, information on the Cypress Creek watershed, and fun facts about native plants and animals.

Butterfly Festival

Second Saturday Gallery Trail Wimberley More than a dozen galleries offer wine, snacks and art displays from 4-7 p.m. at this monthly gallery trail.

See local artwork and spend the day in beautiful Wimberley.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra Wimberley The Starlight Symphony Orchestra presents “Our Circles: Work and School” as part of its Classical Young Artist Series. The concert will be held April 10 at 4 p.m. at Wimberley First Baptist Church at 15951 Winters Mill Parkway, Wimberley, TX.

April 9-10

April 14-17

New Braunfels Train Show

Old Settler’s Music Festival Driftwood

Head to New Braunfels for a family-friendly train show at the Civic Center on Seguin Avenue on Saturday, April 9 from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, April 10 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Visit www.NBRRM.org for more information.

April 10

This annual event features Americana, acoustic jazz and blues, bluegrass, old-time local faves and other artists from around the world.

Also enjoy arts and crafts, camping, food and libations. The event is held at Salt Lick Pavilion and Camp Ben McCulloch in Driftwood. See more at www.oldsettlersmusicfest.org.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra Dripping Springs

April 15-16

The Starlight Symphony Orchestra presents “Our Circles: Work and School” as part of its Classical Young Artist Series. The concert will be held April 9, 2016 at 7 p.m. at Dripping Springs High School at 940 Hwy 290, Dripping Springs, TX.

Hill Country Wildflower Festival - Dripping Springs

April 14 KSMB Spring Concert Series San Marcos The Refrains & Fire in the Pines will perform at this free outdoor concert at San Marcos Plaza Park. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Come early to find the perfect spot and enjoy the pre-concert activities that start at 6:30 p.m.

Celebrate wildflowers at this 5th annual festival at Dripping Springs Ranch Park The event will be held from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Sunday. Browse arts and crafts, plants, herbs, apparel, handmade items and more. Visit www.TexasMarketGuide.com for more information.

April 16 Butterfly Festival - Wimberley The annual butterfly festival will be held at EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens on Saturday, April 16

from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Come out for live butterfly releases every thirty minutes, nature activities, games and more. Free admission but donations are appreciated.

26th Annual Pie Social Wimberley The 26th annual Wimberley Pie Social will be held Saturday, April 16 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Winters-Wimberley House near the Wimberley Community Center at the intersection of Ranch Road 12 and River Road. Free admission. Enjoy a Best Pie contest, pie auction, live music and more. Visit www.wimwic. org/pie-social for entry forms.

Mutt Strutt - San Marcos Mutt Strutt is a one mile walk followed by a festive day of fun for dogs and humans including raffles, a silent auction and a dog costume contest. The event will be held from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park.

Fly In or Drive In Plane and Car Show - San Marcos See vintage planes, cars, live music and more at the San Marcos Regional Airport. Free entry for spectators. The event lasts from 12:30-3:30 p.m.

CALENDAR OF EVENTS, next page

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CALENDAR OF EVENTS, from previous page

72° Festival - San Marcos

Spring Fling to Your Feet 5K & Kids’ Dash - Manchaca

This music, culture and education festival is free and open to the public. Festivities kick off on Friday, April 29 at 8 p.m., there will be a screening of Yakona with a live score at San Marcos Plaza Park. Saturday’s event will run 11 a.m.-10 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park. This is the culminating event for the Keep San Marcos Beautiful concert series. The 72° festival is a place to celebrate and share our diversity and heritage, and build new bonds that cross ethnic and economic devisions.

Environmental and local non-profit booths will be set up on the grounds to educate attendees about water conservation, floods, drought, pollution and river ecology.

Manchaca United Methodist Church will host a fun spring benefit event on April 16 starting at 7:30 a.m. to raise funds that will help community schoolchildren. The inaugural Spring Fling to Your Feet 5K & Kids’ Dash will take place at Manchaca Elementary School, 12120 Manchaca Road, across the street from the church. Visit www.

ManchacaUMC.org/5K-Run for more details.

River Bassin Tournament San Marcos The River Bassin Tournament is a catchphoto-release tournament series for paddlepowered anglers who enjoy wild waters.

The River Bassin Trail is designed to give anglers of all skill levels a chance to compete in a family friendly environment on the nation’s wild river waters and bring attention back to the rivers and and beauty they hold. This year the event will be held at TG Canoes & Kayaks (402 Pecan Park Dr., San Marcos, TX 78666).

Spectators are welcome.

April 17 TXST Spring Triathlon San Marcos Swim in Spring Lake! The Texas State Sprint Triathlon is great for a everyone from first timers to veterans.

Distances: 500 meter swim, 12 mile bike, 5k run. The race starts at 8:30 a.m. See txstatetriathlon.webs.com/ txst-sprint for more information.

April 21 KSMB Spring Concert Series San Marcos Hell Camino & Alex Ruiz will perform at this free show at San Marcos Plaza Park. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Come early to find the perfect spot and enjoy the pre-concert activities that start at 6:30 p.m.

page 14 u april | 2016

Dripping Springs Founders Day Festival

April 22-24 Founders Day Festival Dripping Springs The 29th annual Dripping Springs Founders Day be held in downtown Dripping Springs April 22-24 The three-day celebration kicks off with the grand parade and includes free music and entertainment on two stages, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, street dances, cook-off competitions and over 150 arts and crafts booths and business vendors. This annual festival honors and celebrates the founding of the Dripping Springs community in 1850 by the Moss, Wallace, and Pound families. See a schedule at www. cityofdrippingsprings.com.

April 23-24

Wimberley Arts Fest The Wimberley Arts Fest 2016 will be held at Blue Hole Park in Wimberley on Saturday, April 23 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and Sunday, April 24 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Come out and see 75 juried local artists, enjoy live music, and eat great fod. Visit www.

WimberleyArtsFest.com for more information.

April 28 KSMB Spring Concert Series – San Marcos Whistle & Fish and HalleyAnna Finlay will perform at this free show at San Marcos Plaza Park. Music starts at 7:30 p.m. Come early to find the perfect spot and enjoy the preconcert activities that start at 6:30 p.m.

Saxet Gun Show Dripping Springs

April 29-30

This Dripping Springs gun show is held at Ranch Park and hosted by Saxet Trade Shows of Texas.Visit www. saxetshows.com for information.

MR Fest - San Marcos

Buda Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races The wieners are back! See the dogs wiggle their way to the finish line and enjoy a best-dressed dog contest, barbecue cook-off, a bake-off, a washers tournament and arts-andcrafts booths. See http://budalions. com/ for more information.

Conceived as a one-day music event in 2008, MR Fest has since grown into an annual, weekendlong showcase of local music, art and comedy hosted at numerous venues in and around downtown San Marcos. See the schedule online at ktsw.txstate.edu/mrfest.html

April 29-May 1 Wine and Art Weekend San Marcos Head to San Marcos square for this three-day experience in local fare, wine and the best art in the region. Wine walkers can enjoy wine Friday night, Saturday will have Art Squared which showcases the best of local art. Visit smtxwinewalk. splashthat.com for more information.

Wings Over the Hills Nature Festival - Fredericksburg A celebration of natural flight saluting the unique wildlife features of the Texas Hill Country and offering educational and entertainment opportunities for the whole family. The annual event is held at the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Park in Fredericksburg.

Visit www.wingsoverthehills.org for a schedule.

April 30-May 1 Heritage Home Tour San Marcos The annual Heritage Home Tour will be held in conjunction with the SMTX Wine and Art Walk. The tours will run April 30 and May 1 and will feature selected historic buildings and residences as well as homes with interesting features,architecture or settings. Learn more at www. heritagesanmarcos.org/heritagehome-tour.

5th AnnuAl

April 16-17, 2016

Art, Crafts, Gifts, Jewelry, Gourmet Food Delights, Plants and Herbs, Repurposed Apparel, Texas Hand Made Items, Home Decor, Yard Art, Folk Art, Pottery, Real Wildflower Gifts and More.

10-5 p.m. Saturday 11-4 p.m. Sunday

Visit TexasMarketGuide.com for more info! • 888.225.3427 0% INTEREST FOR 90 DAYS

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220 Main Street . Buda, Texas 78610 www.BudaDental.com

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page 15

Almond Verbena

By Christine Reid

P

Pollinators in Peril

page 16 u april | 2016

Blanket Flower

ollinators are in big trouble.

While the act of pollination, conveying pollen to the stigma of a flower, is something even young children can understand, figuring out how to handle the challenges facing Nature’s workers isn’t so easy. Most of us have heard about sharp drops in honey bee populations in recent years and nature groups provide updates on how the Monarch butterflies are faring but other pollinators also need our attention.

Recent reports have shown a disturbing decline in many varieties of butterflies, bees and other pollinators all over the world.

National and state agencies as well as non-profit organizations are sounding the alarm over the problems that pollinators, especially native ones, are facing.

While honey bees are known for pollinating agricultural crops, native bees of many kinds actually do most of the pollinating in Texas.

These bees include the fuzzy bumble bee, of course, as well as leaf cutter bees, mason bees, mining bees, squash bees and sunflower bees, to mention just a few. Other native pollinators are birds, bats, butterflies, moths, wasps, beetles, flies and more. While they certainly work the food crops along with the honey bees, native pollinators also visit plants which produce fruit and seed that entire ecosystems rely on.

There are a lot of critters out there and, just like humans, they need food.

Most studies point to a few main reasons behind pollinator decline: habitat loss or fragmentation, diseases, pesticide use and invasive species. Commercial and residential development push out many native birds and insects or else make ‘islands’ of plantings that don’t provide the connected areas that wildlife need. Diseases brought in by invasive plant and animal species can be devastating to certain populations. In addition, pesticide and herbicide use in industrial agriculture as well as backyard gardens can be toxic to many birds and insects in both the short and long term. An extreme example of what can happen when native pollinators are absent involves specialty pear and apple orchards in southwest China. In recent years, farmers of these high-value crops, and their workers, had to painstakingly hand pollinate each blossom because the wild bee population was wiped out by excessive pesticide use and loss of natural habitat.

There are some encouraging signs. Reports in the early part of 2016 revealed that the Monarch butterfly population significantly increased from previous years, though the butterflies still need to be closely monitored. And, while most of us aren’t wildlife experts, there are steps that homeowners can take to help pollinators. In

When installing plants, use native or adapted flowers, trees and shrubs that will provide pollen and nectar.

fact, several organizations devoted to nature and wildlife have campaigns on their websites that encourage and inspire everyone to make backyards as well as public gardens pollinator-friendly.

To both attract and keep pollinators hanging around your garden, you need to provide food, water and shelter, all in an environment that is chemical-free. That sounds basic enough but there are some critical details that can make your backyard a haven for birds, bees, butterflies and other pollinators.

When installing plants, use native or adapted flowers, trees and shrubs that will provide pollen and nectar. Put in not only a diversity of plants, in order to appeal to as many pollinators as possible, but also have groups of five or more plants (or let plants grow and form a wide swath) to make it easier for the pollinators to target. Along with having tree snags and rocks, leaving large clumps of native grasses in the garden can give butterflies and other insects protection from windy weather. Besides the usual spring bloomers, also choose plants that produce flowers and fruit in the other seasons as well. When possible, allow crops such as broccoli, basil, cilantro, etc., to form flowers and go to seed, which will attract pollinators.

Always provide a clean source of water in bird baths, shallow containers,

fountains or ponds. Be sure to put small rocks in containers of water so that the bees and butterflies can sit and drink.

Remember to keep the containers filled in the summer.

Another important way to help pollinators such as bees is to give them places to form nests. While some bees make nests in logs and other dead wood, most native bees form nests in the ground. To help them, keep some areas of ground bare and uncultivated in your garden. A few native bees, such as bumblebees, live in small colonies, but most wild bees are solitary and don’t defend their nesting site.

Finally, avoiding the use of pesticides in your garden is one of the single best things you can do for pollinators. After all, pesticides often end up killing more beneficial insects than the pests you were going after in the first place. A healthy, organically managed landscape with a diversity of wildlife will provide natural predators for the few ‘bad guys’ out there.

So, unless you would really like to walk around your garden someday with a pot of pollen and a paintbrush, maybe now is the time to step up for the hardworking pollinators.

Any questions? Send an email to reidsnursery@gmail.com or call (512) 398-6011. Enjoy your garden!

Cenizo

FAVORITE BUTTERFLY NECTAR AND HOST PLANTS

Asters Almond Verbena Cenizo Coral vine Coreopsis Dill Fennel Gregg’s Blue Mistflower Grasses Milkweeds Parsley Passion vine Salvia Sunflowers Zinnias

HUMMINGBIRD MAGNETS

Anacacho Orchid tree Cenizo Coral Honeysuckle Coral vine Crossvine Desert Willow Esperanza Flame Acanthus Mexican Buckeye Salvia Turk’s Cap

BEE PLANTS

Almond Verbena Anise Hyssop Bee Balm Brazos Penstemon Cenizo Coral vine Fruit trees Kidneywood Lavender Lemon Balm Rosemary Salvia Sunflowers Wisteria vine Wildflowers

19th Annual Buda Lions Country Fair and Wiener Dog Races Buda City Park (204 San Antonio Road) April 23 & 24, 2016 • 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

$5 General Admission

Kids 12 years and under get in FREE

FREE parking at Cabela’s and FREE bus ride to the park Complete details at www.budalions.com

Event sponsored by

The Buda Lions Club

Wiener Dog Races Saturday 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m. & Sunday 10:00 a.m. with finals Sunday at 3:00 p.m.

NEW THIS YEAR Mixed Breed Dachshund Races Saturday 11:30 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. & Sunday at 11:30 a.m. with finals Sunday at 1:30 p.m.

Other Happenings during the weekend: BBQ Cook-Off (Saturday), Arts & Craft Booths, Food, Kid Games includes Bouncy Houses, Petting Zoo and Fish Pond, Live Music, The Buda Bee and Bake-Off (Sunday)

page 17

5 hacks for greener, happier living

by Family

Features©

W

hether you take shorter showers, reduce food waste or make eco-minded choices at the grocery store, adopting one simple habit can make a difference in protecting Earth’s natural resources. These simple, renewable lifestyle changes may even affect your personal mindset.

According to findings from a scientific study and survey commissioned by Tetra Pak, adopting simple renewable lifestyle habits can help people go from feeling glum to good. According to the survey, a majority of people (70 percent) feel happier when they make choices that help preserve natural resources. This study comes on the heels of the world’s first social experiment in renewability, conducted by three esteemed academic experts in habit and behavioral science, which uncovered how renewable lifestyle choices – habits that help preserve natural resources – influence levels of happiness.

“We believe that even simple lifestyle

behaviors have the power to make a big impact, on both a personal and global scale,” said Elisabeth Comere, director of environment and government affairs for Tetra Pak. “The combined benefit of the small actions we take, from taking shorter showers to choosing products in renewable packaging – made of natural resources that can be replenished over time – can benefit the world around us while making us happier.”

Adopting one of these simple renewable habits can help preserve the planet’s resources while fast-tracking levels of happiness: 1. Conserve resources, including water.

The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that cutting your shower by just one minute will save two and a half gallons of water. Over time, that savings adds up: 75 gallons per month and nearly 1,000 gallons over the course of a year.

2. Choose products in renewable packaging. Choosing food and beverage products in renewable packaging

is a natural extension of environmentally friendly habits, such as recycling or composting. From milk and soup to water and juice, you can find food products packaged in cartons - primarily made from paper, a renewable resource from growing forests.

3. Buy only what you can consume. At the grocery store, it’s easy to overshop, especially if you’re hungry.

Buy only what you need to reduce waste and seek groceries that are considered renewable, such as fruits and vegetables, and carton-packed food and beverages in packages made from renewable materials.

Carton-packed foods last longer, are easy to store and have a relatively low environmental footprint.

4. Use re-usable containers. These days, hectic lifestyles are the norm and that often means meals and beverages on the go. When possible, rely on re-usable drink and food containers instead of disposable ones.

5. Whenever you can, bike or walk instead of driving. According to data compiled by National Geographic, it takes nearly 13 gallons of water to produce each gallon of gasoline.

Using alternative modes of transportation and taking care to combine errands, car pool and use public transportation help cut water and energy demands.

FARMERS® Debbie Thames Insurance Agency AUTO • HOME • LIFE BOAT • HEALTH 251 N. FM 1626 #2C • Buda, TX 78610 Office: (512) 312-1917 • Fax: 312-0688 Email: dvthames@austin.rr.com Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm Your Business & Referrals Are Appreciated

Texas Lehigh Sudoku Solution, from page 12

To learn more about how making simple, renewable lifestyle changes can help boost happiness or to take the Habits of Happiness quiz to assess your personal happiness level, visit tetrapak. com/us/renewable-living.

PrePlanning • aftercare Program • cremation • traditional ServiceS • new Building

How

Can

We

Help

Compassionate Care Hospice of Central Texas FM 2770 & Kohler’s Crossing • 1715 Kirby, Kyle, TX 78640 in Plum Creek

512-268-8200 H www.HarrellFuneralHomes.com

page 18 u april | 2016

Your Home Town Hospice Team

102 WONDER WORLD DR., STE. 307 • SAN MARCOS, TX 78666 • 512-393-6003

Hays County Echo Service Directory AIR CONDITIONING A&E Air Conditioning & Heating $500 off complete system. Free furnace special. Call for details.

512–312–9535 www.ae4cool.com

AIM A/C and Heating Service

Hays Technical Services Want help selecting the best value?

Office systems not maintained?

Did your kids or employees leave your computer useless? mike@haystech.com

CONCRETE WORK XEVEX Concrete Services

Free estimates for replacements.

Service, sales, installs, duct cleaning.

Locally owned and operated.

Licensed, bonded, insured and registered.

512–312–9080 www.AIM4AC.com

Free estimates! Bonded & insured.

Foundations, driveways, patios, repairs, staining, removal, Bobcat services.

512–312–4214 www.xevexllc.com

APC Service, LLC

Steel Horse Constructors

Electrical, A/C, heating Commercial and residential.

Free service call with repair.

512–295–4023 www.APCServicePros.com

NEMEC Heating and Air Proudly serving Central Texas.

Residential, commercial and after hours available. chris@nemecheatingandair.com 512–312–9081 512–789–5132

AUTOMOTIVE AMM Collision Center Three great locations!

Kyle: 21681 IH–35, 262–1013 Austin: 11740 Manchaca Rd., 292–1060 Dripping Springs: 3990 Hwy 290, 512–894–3888

Buda Automotive You know us... by our reputation!

Full service car & truck repair.

601 S. Loop 4 in Buda 512–295–2832

COMPUTER SERVICE A Computer Werks Business, residential or commercial.

Adware, spyware, malware, installations. Service, software, hardware and custom builds.

512–694–1746 www.acomputerwerks.com

Serving Hays County and surrounding areas. Painting, remodels, carpentry, trim work, special design and more.

Free estimate. References available.

Call Jim ‘Blu’ Cooke at 512–781– 2911 or steelhorseconstructors@ gmail.com.

ELECTRICAL SERVICE Keen Electrical Service Commercial, industrial, residential.

Licensed/insured, TECL #26308.

J.. Craig Keen, owner/master electrician. keenzone7@att.net.

512–653–1125

GLASS SERVICE Berry Glass Company Commercial and Residential Contract glazing, storefronts, insulated glass, furniture tops, tempered glass and mirrors. Framed & frameless tub & shower enclosure.

5360 Industrial Way Dr., Buda, TX 78610 512–312–2767

HOME REPAIR The Handyman Can No job too small – all your home improvement needs. Painting, pressure washing, fencing, electrical, flooring, landscaping, roofing, decks, tile and more.

Call Jon at 512–496–1243.

LANDSCAPING 3 Reyes Bobcat Services Landscaping, roadways pads, culverts, lot clearing, Haul-Offs, wood chipping. Call Paco Reyes at 512-738-0593

LEGAL SERVICES John A. Hall

Attorney and Counselors At Law Business law, wills, trust, probate, family law, divorce, custody, consumer law, deceptive trade, property law, landlord–tenant law, personal, injury, DWI, criminal defense, debt defense, general civil litigation.

130 Hall Professional Center Kyle, TX. 512–268–6425

PAINTING Alex’s Painting Residential & commercial painting, texturing, sheetrock repair, wallpaper removal, popcorn texture removal, wood replacement, power washing.

Clean and neat professionals, fully insured, on time & dependable.

Family owned & operated.

Satisfaction guaranteed, excellent references.

512–470–3953

PEST CONTROL Burnett Pest & Lawn Services Call Dale Burnett or Ken Graff at 512-912-6696, burnettspestcontrol.com

LP Pest Solutions Finding solutions for all your pest control needs. Family owned and operated. Call David Pritchard at (512) 922-4577, lppestsolutions@ gmail.com.

PET SITTING Just Like Home Pet Care Where your pet is family. Serving Kyle, Buda and surrounding areas.

512-376-1200 or email JustLikeHomePet@aol.com

PLUMBING Prince Plumbing Company Residential repair, remodeling, water heaters, sewer maintenance, slab & gas leak repair. 20 years experience, family owned and operated.

512–312–0710

POOL SERVICE G&S Pool and Spa Service Serving South Austin, Dripping Springs, Driftwood, Kyle and Buda since 1994.

512–326–4695 www.gspoolspa.com

High Tide Pool Service Over 10 years cleaning and maintaining pools. Drain & cleans pressure washing, full service repairs, replastering. Free estimates, call Keith Miller at (512) 965-3465.

REMODELING Tri–County Construction Let us make your dreams a reality!

Specializing in custom remodeling and insurance repairs since 1984.

Fully insured. 512–282–6224

Wild West Remodeling No job too small or too big!

Kitchen/bath remodels, painting, tile, siding, decks, trim, door & window replacements, drywall repair, electrical and plumbing.

Curtis Dorsett, 512–402–4704

ROOFING Area Roofing Company Serving Hays County Residential & Commercial Free estimates. Insurance claims welcome.

Ron Johnson, owner 512–312–5050

SEPTIC SERVICES All American Wastewater Solutions, LLC Septic problems... Let us help!

Locally serving our community since 1982. Septic repair and installation specialist, septic tank pumping and servicing, aerobic system servicing and more. Commercial and residential. www.allsepticcheck.com, 512–282–3889.

Sellman Enterprises, Inc. Septic plumbing, cleaning, repairs Commercial & Residential Serving the Hays Metro area, including Travis, Blanco, Bastrop, Williamson & surrounding counties.

512–312–0002 www.SellmanSepticServices.com

TREE SERVICES Lees Trees Firewood, pruning, tree removal, chipping, planting, cedar posts, bulk mulch. Free assessments & estimates. Affordable oak wilt treatment. Schedule ball moss treatment for March. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 858-4018, leestrees@vownet.net

WINDOW TREATMENTS Made in the Shade Custom window treatments at affordable prices. Graber, Hunter Douglas, Norman and more. Blinds, shades, draperies and shutters.

Low prices with lifetime guarantees and fast professional installation.

Call 512-847-8970, www. madeintheshadeofwimberley.com

Dependable Windows Cleaning Service Residential window cleaning is our specialty. References available, free estimates, bonded & insured, locally owned and operated. Cleaning windows since 1976. Call (512) 657-7130 or visit us online at www. dependablewindowcleaningservice. com

page 19

NO INITIATION FEE Offered through April 30th...

NO INITIATION FEE

for the first 100 NEW Fitness and Tennis Members!

Take advantage of our Special Construction Pricing, as initiation fees for Fitness and Tennis Memberships will increase effective May 1st as follows:

r a l l o D n Millio ation Renov

e Art h t f o e t a • New St nter e C s s e rille n G Fit & r a ends B g e L w e roup •N G y r a t n ime • Compl lasses Fitness C Follow us on Facebook www.facebook.com/onioncreekclub

May 1 – May 31 June 1 – June 30 July 1 – July 31 Effective August 1:

$500 Initiation fee to join $650 Initiation fee to join $750 Initiation fee to join $1,000 Initiation fee to join

To learn more about our membership opportunities, please contact Marcia Rindfleisch, Membership Director at 512-383-2028 or via email at marciar@onioncreekclub.com

Golf Memberships are also available!