April 2017 Hays County Echo

IN THIS ISSUE.... STORMCHASERS | WILDFLOWERS | APRIL EVENTS

HAYS COUNTY

ECHO APRIL 2017

FREE PUBLICATION

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U.S. Postage Paid Barton Publications

HAYS COUNTY

Dripping Springs resident Ryan Hearne turned his fear into curiosity as he started chasing storms in 2015. Read his story on page 6. (photo courtesy of Ryan Hearne)

ECHO is published monthly by Barton Publications, Inc 113 W. Center St., Kyle, TX Contents © April 2017.

Publisher Cyndy Slovak–Barton Editor Moses Leos III Graphics Director David White Graphic Designer Christine Thorpe Contributing Writers Moses Leos III Chris Reid Contributing Photographers Moses Leos III Distribution David White Marketing Tracy Mack Jim Darby For advertising information, please contact our sales department at 512–268–7862.

See the Hays County Echo online for free at www.HaysFreePress.com

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EDITOR’S NOTE S pring is here and it’s arrived in full force in Central Texas.

No matter where you go, travelers are bound to see our beautiful state wildflower along many a state highway.

And while the wildflower season is here a little earlier than expected, due in part to a milder winter, its beauty is unmatched.

In this month’s Hays County Echo, we feature wildflowers and where you can go find them. A handy list gives you a chance to not only go and find wildflowers to view, but also to escape in one of our state’s majestic state and national parks.

With spring also comes the prospect of severe storms.

Professional storm chasers, such as one Hays County resident we highlight in this month’s Echo, are the eyes and ears on the ground that help keep us safe.

April is also when many across the globe celebrate Earth Day. We provide some insight into environmental

awareness and some helpful tips and tricks to stay green.

Are you looking to get your thumb green for the first time? Columnist Christine Reid gives some helpful tips for the first time gardener.

Whether you’re preparing to plant your inaugural garden, or just interested in going to take some family photos in the wildflowers, the Hays County Echo has you covered.

So breathe deeply, exhale and enjoy this wonderful place we call our planet.

Thanks for reading.

Moses Leos III Editor

In this issue...

Welcome, Wildflowers Places to go for bluebonnet photos.................................. 4

A whirlwind adventure Area resident shares experience as a stormchaser........... 6-8

Taking care of Mother Earth 47th annual Earth Day April 22..............................................10

Apri 22 l

Gardening for Beginners......................................... 12 Central Texas Festivals and Events.....................14 Service Directory........................................................ 15

page 2 u april | 2017

It’s bluebonnet season again! Watch out for snakes.

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Welcome, wildflowers W

ith spring in full bloom, rows of native wildflowers dot the Texas Hill Country landscape. Of course, the urge is there to stop along a Central Texas highway to snap a few photos. Here’s a list of places where wildflowers are not only present, but also in a location that is safe and away from heavy traffic and watch out for snakes!

BUDA

Buda City Park

Buda Dog Park

KYLE

Gregg Clarke Park Lake Kyle Park

Steeplechase Park

Claiborne Kyle Log House Five Mile Dam Park

SAN MARCOS

DRIPPING SPRINGS Dripping Springs Ranch Park Charro Ranch Park Pedernales State Park Hamilton Pool nature trail

WIMBERLEY Jacob’s Well natural area Blue Hole Regional Park

BLANCO

Spring Lake Preserve

Blanco State Park

Ringtail Ridge Natural Area

AUSTIN

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Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Meadows Center

Schulle Canyon Natural Area

page 4 u april | 2017

photos by Moses Leos III

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page 5

A whirlwind adventure

Area resident shares experience as a stormchaser

By Moses Leos III

S

evere weather was once the stuff of nightmares when Dripping Springs resident Ryan Hearne was growing

up.

Such was the case one night in 2010 when a hail-producing storm forced him to the confines of his mother’s closet.

But intrigue about the magnitude of the storm made him overcome his fear – and his future was formed.

“It made me curious about everything that was going on,” Hearne said. “It sparked me because of the immense power I saw and it made me want to learn more about it.”

Over the next few years, Hearne delved deeper into his fascination with severe weather. Eventually, and maybe a bit ironically, the kid who was once scared of weather is, at 18 years old, one of the youngest paid professional tornado storm chasers in the area.

But for Hearne, becoming a storm chaser provides a much deeper responsibility that goes far beyond a simple adrenaline rush.

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“We have a huge role in the weather service. We are the eyes on the ground,” Hearne said. “Radar only tells a small story. In the end, tornado reports have to have eyewitnesses. That’s where storm chasers come in.”

Origins with weather

Hearne said interest in weather has gone as far back as when he was six years old. He said his parents knew about his interest because it was all he talked about when he was younger.

In 2010, Hearne began to research weather and how it’s formed. In middle school, he began to analyze storms more extensively using a website called MetEd, which allowed him to take quizzes on weather related information.

By the time he was in 7th grade, Hearne was National Weather Service severe weather spotter certified. The certification is earned after going through a two to three-hour online course and exam on how to spot storms and the science behind meteorology.

There are three levels of certification

photos courtesy of Ryan Hearne Hearne and his associates use radar technology and meteorology to track storms throughout the region.

ranging from basic to elite, which equates to college-level meteorology knowledge.

Hearne said it took him six years to obtain elite status.

By 2014, Hearne began to research storm chasing and maps of the state.

The next year, Hearne and a friend began to plan their very first chase.

The first rodeo

But Hearne quickly learned how unprepared he was – to the point that he characterizes his first storm chasing attempt as a “nightmare”.

Both Hearne and his friend

traveled to Waco to wait out a storm that had begun forming near Stephenville.

Hearne had access to radar to help chase the storm, but soon realized data is a storm chaser’s best friend.

It didn’t take long for Hearne to run out of data and, subsequently, radar.

“Radar is the most important part of storm chasing,” Hearne said. “If you don’t have radar, you’re flying blind.”

Despite anxieties, Hearne and his friend continued on and eventually traveled toward Stephenville. In Stephenville, Hearne met up and talked with a group of storm chasers.

He eventually traveled with them

photo by Moses Leos III Ryan Hearne’s car is specially equipped to be able to withstand the high winds and hail he experiences.

and soon saw the storm come over a field that “almost looked like an (alien) mothership.”

The group rapidly changed direction, almost hitting each other in the process, to chase a tornado that touched down near Stephenville, Hearne said.

He followed and eventually witnessed an enhanced Fujita (EF) 3 tornado.

“It’s hard to explain the feeling (of seeing a tornado) because your adrenaline is so high,” Hearne said.

The dangers of the business

Since then, Hearne has chased numerous storms and has seen at least five tornadoes in the process.

Only in the past two years has Hearne put more time to a craft that takes “thousands of hours” to perfect and work with.

“We have a huge role in the weather service.

We are the eyes on the ground ... Radar only tells a small story.

In the end, tornado reports have to have eyewitnesses. That’s where storm chasers come in.”

Ryan Hearne, stormchaser

It’s also an expensive craft, he said.

Hearne has retrofitted his red Dodge Dart with hail guards, a “necessary” item, and a “Meso Dome,” which is a

STORMCHASER, page 8

photo courtesy of Ryan Hearne

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STORMCHASER, from page 7 360-degree camera that allows him to record and live stream the action. Not included is the cost of gas, hotels, food and other items during the course of a chase.

Hearne is currently part of a group called SVL Media, which records footage from chases and sells it to television media.

But Hearne said the profession isn’t as dangerous as many believe. It all depends on the experience level of the chaser.

As an experienced chaser, Hearne spends at least two weeks planning his chases, which involves looking at numerous prediction models.

A tornado’s slow trajectory once on the ground is also easy for experienced

page 8 u april | 2017

storm chasers to follow.

But weather also has a knack for being rather unpredictable. As such, weather related dangers, such as hail larger than softballs, high winds and cloud-toground lightning, are common.

“This isn’t something you can learn in a year. There are people who have been chasing for 30-plus years and they still don’t have a grasp on this” Hearne said.

Not-so-obvious dangers include hydroplaning off the road, flat tires, engine failure and other drivers.

Helping is a tight-knit community of fellow storm chasers hailing from around the world that is connected through the bond of metorology.

“When you’re out there chasing, you put your judgments aside,” he said.

“The only thing that matters is that storm.”

photos courtesy of Ryan Hearne Despite the capricious nature of weather, Hearne and other stormchasers are able to track and find storm events with models and radar systems.

Browse & buy photos from local events at

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page 9

Taking care of Mother Earth 47th annual Earth Day April 22

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In 1970, Senator Gaylord Nelson created Earth Day after massive environmental protests were held throughout the United States. By the end of that year, the first Earth Day had led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the passage of the Clean Air, Clean Water, and Endangered Species Acts. In 2009, the United Nations declared April 22 as International Mother Earth Day. Every year, citizens use this day to celebrate and nurture the rivers, trees and air that surround us.

Learn more and see ways to celebrate at www.epa.gov/earthday and earthday.org.

“When the well's dry, we know the worth of water.”

—Benjamin Franklin, Poor Richard's Almanac

Ways to celebrate Earth Day 2017 PLANT A TREE, SUCCULENT, VEGETABLE OR HERBS

PICK UP LITTER AROUND YOUR COMMUNITY

MAKE SEED BOMBS

VISIT YOUR LOCAL FARMERS MARKETS

TAKE A HIKE AT A LOCAL NATURAL AREA

POWER DOWN

Planting trees is proven to improve air quality, absorb odors and cool temperatures. Not sure where to start?

See page 12 for some basic local gardening tips.

Buda, Kyle, San Marcos, Dripping Springs and Wimberley all have weekly farmers markets at least through October.

Buying local is proven to benefit both the environment and the economy.

page 10 u april | 2017

See trash, pick it up. It’s easy! April 8 is the Don’t Mess With Texas Trash-Off, the state’s largest annual clean-up effort. See www.ontmesswithtexas.org for information.

Five Mile Dam, Buda City Park and other natural areas are (almost) always available for an afternoon outside. Other natural areas can be found at www. smgreenbelt.org

A basic seed bomb is easy to make and can be an easy way to encourage natural growth. Combine clay, compost, water and local seeds, let it dry and give it a throw. Find further instructions online.

Save some of that energy for Mother Nature. Turn off the lights, computers and TVs and head outside. Don’t forget to check for leaky faucets and old air filters as well. Consider composting your kitchen waste to save energy from the garbage disposal.

Apri 22 l WALK OR RIDE YOUR BIKE

It’s not always easy in Hays County, but try to commute without your car for a day. Give some of our local bike trails a chance, set up a carpool system, or even just check your vehicle emissions to see if they’re up to par.

START RECYCLING...

Or continue to reduce, reuse and recycle.

Recycling is an easy habit to form and instill in the people around you. Familiarize yourself with what is and isn’t recyclable, including batteries and electronics, by checking online at wm.com.

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page 11

Gardening for Beginners

by Christine Reid

W

hy not start your first garden right now? The weather is still mild, there are chances of spring rains and it’s your best opportunity to get the warm weather crops planted, such as beans, cantaloupe, cucumber, eggplant, tomatoes, squash, okra and peppers. While the idea of growing food and flowers for the first time might seem overwhelming, the good news is there’s lots of help out there. Gardeners not only love growing plants, they’re also generous about sharing their knowledge, because that’s most likely how they got started.

Learning from other’s mistakes can save you lots of time and help you avoid the “I just can’t garden!” tantrum you may feel like throwing after yet another plant bites the dust. Like anything else worth doing, successful gardening just requires a little preparation.

Suzi Fields of San Marcos is one of those growers who enjoys sharing her gardening tips and experience. “I’m all about trying to help people grow their own food,” she said recently. That was the motivation behind the blog she designed at ediblesanmarcos. wordpress.com which has many articles, guides and resources dedicated to helping Central Texas gardeners. Fields makes teas and personal care products for her company, Suzi’s Naturals, and grows many of the necessary ingredients in her home garden.

Fields recommends that beginning gardeners study their growing area before MALABAR doing anything else. “The SPINACH very first thing is to look at your garden and see where the sun and shade are,” she said. Also, be conscious of ly like, such as tomatoes or peppers, and where to put walkways, Fields pointed go from there. Four feet square would be out, as you want to make the garden fullarge enough to accommodate several ly accessible. Whenever possible, plant plants. As you gain confidence and your herbs and vegetables close to the house, skill level increases, you can expand the so that they’re easier to harvest and use garden in the next growing season. in cooking. Make sure you have a source Fields, along with other experienced of water nearby and that there are sunny gardeners, firmly believes in getting the areas available, as most food crops resoil tested before starting a new project quire six to eight hours of full sun a day to in an unused area. She had hers done thrive. at Texas Plant and Soil Lab in Edinburg A frequently heard piece of advice is to (texasplantandsoillab.com). Once you start small. First time gardeners “get disknow what the soil needs, it’s time for couraged if the garden’s too big,” Fields the real fun: preparing the bed. Loosen explained. Pick a few things that you real- the soil at least 6 to 10 inches deep with

page 12 u april | 2017

photos by Chris Reid

Suzi Fields of San Marcos uses her organically grown herbs in tea blends, soaps and shampoos.

hand tools or with a tiller. Clear the planting area of weeds and mix in any necessary soil amendments. Keep in mind that most soils benefit from added compost, which improves drainage and water retention and also adds nutrition.

Except for those living in the Hill Country, Fields doesn’t recommend gardening in raised beds. They dry out, she said, and using cinder blocks or rocks to form the structure retains too much heat. If you must garden in a raised bed, make the frame from untreated wood or metal.

Some crops are best direct seeded, such as beans, cantaloupe, squash and okra. Others, such as peppers, eggplant, tomatoes and most herbs do best as transplants. Read up on what and when to plant and go from there. Most important--grow what you and your family enjoy eating.

Using organic products is not only a good idea when growing food, it also means your garden will be able to attract

and keep pollinators like birds, bees, butterflies and other beneficial garden helpers around. These natural predators will feast on pests like aphids, mites, caterpillars and more.

Finally, maintaining a compost pile and using mulch are two of the best gardening habits you can practice. As mentioned earlier, compost helps the garden in several ways by adding nutrition and organic matter to the soil. And mulch, be it shredded cedar, leaves, straw or bark, is one of the easiest and least expensive ways to retain water and keep plants and soil cool in the summer heat. According to Fields, using anything less than four inches of mulch around established plants won’t work as well.

Referring to the advice related here and the gardening information on the Edible San Marcos blog, she said, “These are the small tips that can make a huge difference in your garden.” So, when it comes to growing things, start small and ‘grow’ large!

From One Gardener to Another Local growers weigh in with gardening advice You need to grow your 3 soil; the plants are just the byproduct of that effort. Always

Catch pests like 3 cucumber beetles or grasshoppers in a dish of

protect your soil, whether it’s with intensive plant canopies, mulches, cover crops, tarps or cardboard. Do your best to not have it exposed for too long. Late summer, prune the heck out of your pepper plants and eggplants and you’ll have a brand new crop till the first freeze.

soapy water. In the early morning, when the beetles are easier to catch, hold the dish under the plants and knock the insects in. Go after grasshoppers at night, when they’re slower. Feed to the chickens.

Alisin Genfan of Genfan Family Farm, Martindale

Derek Emadi of Emadi Acres Farm, Lockhart

Prepping the soil is the 3 most important thing you can do. Work in compost and

Don’t plant tomatoes 3 before mid-March, unless you’re willing to take a chance

keep the soil soft. I use the tiller and also hand till. And get a soil test done--it can make all the difference in your produce yield.

of losing them to a freeze. Use organic products because you’re eating this, after all!

Consider the space that a full grown plant takes. Start small with your garden.

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I love using cattle panels 3 in the garden! I cut them into four-feet sections and

hinge them at the top so that I can tent them over tomatoes. That way, it there’s a cold snap, I can easily cover them. You can also put them around trees for protection, use them to make a compost bin and install the uncut ones down the middle of the garden bed to make a structure for climbing peas and beans. Since we have such changeable spring weather, hedge your bets by planting half your tomato crop early and holding the other half in the greenhouse, where they can be potted up as they grow, ready to go into the garden when threats of frost are gone.

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Central Texas Festivals and Events

BUDA WIENER DOG RACES

April 1

Wimberley Market Days Come celebrate Easter at Wimberley Market Days Saturday April 1 from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. rain or shine. Listen to live music on three stages from 11:00 a.m. through 2 p.m. This free event is located at Lions Field on RR 2325 Wimberley with ample parking in three lots. For more information see the Market Days web site at www.shopmarketdays.com or follow us on Facebook at facebook.com/ wimberleymarketdays.

April 7-9

Swing on the Square: A Western Heritage Swing Festival This annual San Marcos festival held on the downtown square is a family favorite. Formerly the Texas Natural and Western Swing Festival, the 25th annual event celebrates the official music of Texas with Western Swing acts from the likes of the Yellow Rose Band, the Mikki Daniel Band, the Texan Playboys, Al Dressen’s Super Swing Revue and more. This familyfriendly festival will include free live music, art and farmers markets, kids’ activities, street dance competition, and Brew Hop craft beer tour. See smtxswingfest.com for information and a schedule.

April 8-9

April 15

April 22

For this performance of the Classical Young Artists series, the two winners of the 2016 Young Artist Solo Competition, violinists Lillian Sun and Sophia Ayer, will perform. Performances will be April 8 at Akins High School in Austin at 7 p.m. and April 9 at the First Baptist Church of Wimberley at 4 p.m. See www. starlightsymphony.org for more information.

Starlight Symphony Orchestra is a regional community orchestra whose performances are always free.

Hop to Buda Sportsplex for an egg-citing egg hunt April 15 from 9-11:30 a.m. At this free event, kids will make a dash towards the hunting ground to try and collect as many eggs and treats that can be found. Following the egg hunt, there will be more activities and fun for the whole family.

The Radha Madhav Dharn Green Team will host its third annual Earth Day April 22 from 1-3 p.m. at 400 Barsana Road in Austin. Celebrate the Earth with petting zoos, ladybug release, seed balls and more.

See Facebook.com/Ecogenius2016 for more.

Mutt Strutt

Butterfly Festival

Starlight Symphony Orchestra

April 8

April 12

City Square Park in Kyle will host the first Market Day of the year on Aril 8 from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Market Days runs April through September and features local vendors, produce, live music and more.

April’s theme will be “backyard fun” and partners with H-E-B.

The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is bringing back the Easter Eggstravaganza by popular demand. Come out to GreggClarke Park on Wednesday, April 12 from 5-8 p.m. for this egg-cellent event, including free carnival games, inflatables, food vendors, age-specific egg hunts, and the Easter Bunny will be on-site for pictures.

Kyle Market Days

page 14 u april | 2017

Easter Eggstravaganza

Easter Egg Hunt

Mutt Strutt is a one-mile walk followed by a festive day of fun for dogs and humans. Events include dog races, pet contests, arts and crafts, food and prizes. The event will be held 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. at San Marcos Plaza Park.

April 21-23

Founders Day Festival Head to downtown Dripping Springs for the 30th annual celebration of the founding of the Dripping Springs community. The celebration kicks off with the Grand Parade and includes live music, the Mighty Thomas Carnival, food, street dances, cook-offs and more.

Earth Day Celebration

This free festival at the EmilyAnn Theatre and Gardens in Wimberley includes a live release of butterflies throughout the day, a commemorative Air Force flyover, butterfly art, entertainment, concessions, games and more. Events run from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.

April 29-30

Wiener Dog Races Come out to Buda City Park to see the fastest pups around. Events include wiener dog races, pet parades, cook-offs, live music and more. See budalions.com for a schedule or to register your racer.

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Central Garage, LLC

Complete Auto Repair, Monday-Friday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.

20 Hwy. 290 West, Dripping Springs 512-894-4114 or 512-858-4252

COMPUTER SERVICE Hays Technical Services

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DIRT Rick-Rob Trucking

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

LANDSCAPING/LAWN CARE Daniel Stone & Landscaping Supplies

We deliver. Grass: St. Augustine, Buffalo, Bermuda, Tifway. Chopped rock, patio rock, flagstone, drystack, gravel, river rock, mulch, sand and loam. 12015 Hwy 290 W, Cedar Valley, Austin. 512-288-8488.

Martinez Lawn and Tree Service Mowing, weed eating, edging, light tree trimming. Competitive pricing.

Call martinez for a free quote: 512667-5401

Lawn Service

Call Jesse Reyna at 512-788-2180 or email apa6207@sbcglobal.net Offering competitive pricing and superior service in the Manchaca, Buda, and Kyle area since 2010.

Taking care of all lawn needs so you can play. Mowing, trimming, edging, debris removal, flower bed maintenance

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

LOCKSMITH AALCO Locksmiths

Auto, home, business. Established 1985, License B11969.

512-443-3444, lockmedic.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

SHOE REPAIR Austin Shoe Hospital The world’s largest shoe repair company, offering quality shoe and boot repair as well as purse and luggage repair. 10 locations in Central Texas including: Highway 290 and Nutty brown Road, (512) 827-3398; Highway 290 West in Oak Hill, (512) 288-6386; Bee Cave in Lakeway, (512) 263-4630.

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 April. Call Marcus Lees at (512) 8584018, 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

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