alamo area chapter news - texas master naturalist2017/11/08 · more than 550 texas master...
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Alamo Area Chapter NewsNovember 2017txmn.org/alamo
EvEnts, voluntEEr opportunitiEs, Education, and training
Volume 21, Issue 11
AAmN BoArd meetINg November 14 at 5:30 pm
AgriLife Extension3355 Cherry RidgeClassroom 208
Voting for officers begins at 6:45 pm. See “President’s Message” for positions and nominees.
offIcers
PresidentMartha [email protected]
Vice-PresidentAubrey [email protected]
TreasurerNancy [email protected]
SecretaryStan [email protected]
Immediate Past PresidentLiz [email protected]
President’s MessageGreetings Fellow Volunteers! This wonderful Fall weather is quite energizing as was the TMN Annual Meeting this past weekend in the beautiful city of Corpus Christi where the red carpet was really rolled out for us! There were 23 members from our Chapter who spent our weekend engaged in many, meaningful and different learning experiences and being recognized and honored on the occasion of our 20th Anniversary Celebration! We also learned that the recertification pin for 2018 will be the Ocelot! At the Conference breakfast, our speaker was Mike Tewes, from Texas A&M Kingsville who spoke about efforts to protect the dwindling Texas population of this beautiful animal.
I hope everyone has made plans to attend our own 20th Anniversary Celebration which is rapidly approaching: When: November 5, 2017, from 11:30 am until 3:30 pm
Where: Joshua Springs Park and ReserveTo purchase meal tickets, please visit our website (txmn.org/alamo) and use the links found there.There are many nature-related activities available so be sure to read the invitation and come prepared!!
Everyone is invited to attend Graduation Ceremonies for Class 41 which will be held Saturday, November 11, 2017 at Eisenhower Park—19399 NW Military Highway. The actual ceremony will begin at 11:15 am with lunch to follow.
Voting for officers for 2018 will be held at our General Meeting, November 14, 2018 beginning at 6:45 pm. The nominees are President: Martha Cray; Vice-President: Donald Ewers; Treasurer: Jeanette Geiman; Secretary: Stan Drezek. Nominations will be accepted from the floor.
HAPPY VOLUNTEERING!!!
commIttees
State RepresentativeGary [email protected]
Activities InformationPam Ball, [email protected]
Community OutreachVACANT
Historian/ArchivistKeeley [email protected]
HospitalityCamille Gong, [email protected]
MembershipNancy Thoss, [email protected]
Media & TechnologyEvelyn Penrod, [email protected]
WebPat [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
ProgramsJoedy Yglesias, Director
Education and TrainingJeanette Geiman, [email protected]
New Class RepresentativeJoe [email protected]
Pins and Awards
Congratulations to all our pin recipients! Pins will be mailed out.
Initial Certification DragonflyLisa Trapp 39
2017 Recertification – Ridley Sea TurtleSusan Altgelt 37Pam Ball 18Tom Brotherman 29Karen Cabral 39Lynda Chew 37Erik Extrell 36Josie Gonzales 13Howard Homan 26Lynn Richards 27Karen Stevenson 40
250 Hours DragonflyPam McMillie 38
500 Hours DragonflySharon Johnson 32
1000 Hours DragonflyDonald Ewers 31Jeanette Geiman 37Susan McDevitt 31Jennifer Sorenson 33
Newsletter PoliciesWe try to publish all material we receive, but space is limited in each month’s newsletter. Long articles may be published on the website instead of the newsletter. Event notices must go through Pam Ball; and only the Activities Information Committee is authorized to declare whether an event is approved for Advanced Training or Volunteer Service Hours. Deadline for submissions is the 25th of each month.
clAss represeNtAtIVes
Class 26Dwight [email protected] [email protected]
Class 27Evelyn [email protected]
Class 28VACANT
Class 29Tom [email protected]
Class 30Randy [email protected] De [email protected]
Class 31Camille [email protected]
Class 32VACANT
Class 33VACANT
Class 34Chuck [email protected]
clAss represeNtAtIVes
Class 35April [email protected]
Class 36VACANT
Class 37Debra [email protected] [email protected]
Class 38Joe [email protected]
Class 39Jessica [email protected]
Class 40Karen [email protected] [email protected]
Class 41Michael [email protected]
Kimya [email protected]
Highlights from the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting
At the Annual Meeting, Martha Cray issued the fundraising challenge for the TMN Endowment.
Then Alamo Area Master Naturalist was presented this cake in honor of our 20th Anniversary.
Field Notes from the Annual Meeting
By Karen Stevenson, AAMN40
Silvery clouds skated across the sky, tall heads of ripened bluestem swayed in the soft breezes, and a caracara perched in a snag adjacent to the four-lane as I drove the I-37 corridor from San Antonio to the Coastal Bend on October 20. These were good omens, I thought, for the days ahead. I was on my way to Corpus Christi for the 18th Annual Meeting of the Texas Master Naturalists. Members of our chapter’s executive team and other Alamo Area Master Naturalists would be there too, but I’m a new Master Naturalist (AAMN 40/Spring 2017), and this was my first annual meeting. With my hiking shoes and binoculars, I packed field guides and curiosity and
wondered if the time and energy would be worth it. It was. Every moment, from the first meeting with other Master Naturalists on October 20 to the meeting’s close on October 22, far exceeded anything I imagined.
More than 550 Texas Master Naturalists from more than 40 chapters across the state attended the meeting. The Alamo Area Chapter was represented by 21 certified Master Naturalists. (AAMN40 classmates Pamela Lewis, Cathi Pettersen, and Joedy Yglesias were there too. I see Joedy often, but hadn’t seen Cathi or Pam since graduation.) While the Gulf shimmered under bright skies and pelicans skimmed the water, we indulged in field trips, classes, and workshops.
The myriad reasons we became Master Naturalists were reflected in our selections: some explored the Nueces River delta and assessed water quality, others deepened their storytelling and photography skills, studied sea turtles, parasites, and worms, or refreshed botanical and field observation skills, and a few ventured into organizational, advocacy, and conservation issues. (We had more than 115 course options.) We took copious notes, made new friends, and shared resources, references, and ideas. We came home invigorated by optimism and volunteerism, and inspired by our TMN community.
Several of us have already saved October 26 to 28, 2018 for the Texas Master Naturalist 2018 Annual Meeting in Georgetown. Think about it too, won’t you? Stay tuned to the listserv and the AAMN Facebook pages for more information. We’d love to see you there.
Along the Nueces River delta with Texas Water Specialist and AAMN40 class member Joedy Yglesias. Photo by Joedy Yglesias.
AMN40 and Texas Water Specialist Joedy Yglesias compares his hand to a great blue heron’s track. Photo by Joedy Yglesias.
This was my first TMN convention and it was beyond my expectations. So many exciting classes, the field trips were awesome. The accommodations and hotel staff were top notch. It was a relaxing, exciting, educational, and super-fun weekend. So looking forward to next year.
–Pamela Lewis, AAMN 40
SAVE THE DATE!!!Sunday, November 5th, 2017
11:30 AM – 3:30 PMAll past and present Alamo Area Master Naturalists, their families, and friends
are cordially invited to attend the Founding Chapter’s
20th Anniversary Celebration.
The event will be held under the Grand Pavilion at the beautiful
Joshua Springs Park and Preserve.There will be activities for all ages: bring your hiking shoes – several marked trails with informational signs; cart in your canoes and kayaks – there’s a watercraft launch; sling your birding binoculars around your neck – three bird blinds; fishing poles welcome – two fishing docks; children will love the large play area – soft surface and climbing frames; share your Master Naturalist adven-tures in the Story Booth – capture your memories for posterity; furry friends can tag along … OK … just dogs … two spacious dog parks, one with an agility course! YES … there’s something for every-
one!
Bring your own picnic or you can purchase a meal ticket for a Hungry Horse catered meal. We are charging a nominal fee so that we can get an accurate head count for the catered lunch. This will be a BYOC event – Bring Your Own Can (no bottles please!) for those who wish to imbibe alcoholic beverages. ***The deadline for buying a ticket is October 27***
You can purchase your tickets with cash, check or via PayPal.
Adults (16 yo+) $5; Tweens & Teens (11-15 yo) $3; Children (5-10 yo) $1.
For tickets and more information, please check the AAMN website!
https://txmn.org/alamo/
November Training and Volunteer Events
Headwaters Texas Arbor Day Series: A Walk with John Muir into the Wild of the Headwaters (AT)Sat, November 4, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
University of the Incarnate Word“The natural inherited wildness in our blood runs true on its glorious course as invincible and unstoppable as stars.” John Muir When John Muir arrived by ship off the coast of California, his great desire was to go “any place that’s wild.” Muir was a botanist, naturalist, geologist, leader in establishing the National Parks and the founder of the Sierra Club. Most of all, he was a bearer of the good tidings of the beauty and mystery of creation. This reflective walk will look at the trees, the plants, and the sacred spaces of the headwaters through the inspiring lens of the writings of John Muir who always invites us to “come and see.” Retreat leader, author, and Muir enthusiast, Sylvia Maddox, M.T.S., will conduct the walk. The program is limited to 12. RESERVE A SPACE: [email protected] ; INFO: 210-828-2224 x 280.
Crownridge Canyon: Discover Ethnobotany (AT)Sat, November 4, 9:30 am – 12:00 pm
Crownridge Canyon Natural Area, 7222 Luskey Blvd, San Antonio, TXEthnobotany looks at the cultural and historical uses of plants. Not long ago, indigenous people and early settlers had to find their resources in the plants and animals that surrounded them. Join Patty Pasztor in a hands-on exploration of natural fibers, foods, and medicinal uses of the plants in South Texas. This workshop begins with a one hour hike along the trails of Crownridge Canyon Natural Area followed by a hands-on component, and concludes with a wild edible snack. RSVP required. Visit fosana.org to reserve your spot. To participate, email [email protected], or call 210-207-3782. Recommended ages 10 and up.
SABOT: Texas Arbor Day (TR)Sat, November 4, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXTree adoption, tree activities and more. For more information, contact Emma Trester-Wilson at [email protected] or 210-536-1413.
Arbor Day 2017: Day of Service for Tree (RM)Sat, November 4, 7:45 am – 8:45 am
Villa Coronado Park, 11030 Ruidosa, San Antonio, TXThe Alamo Forest Partnership and tree hugging Master Naturalists Lissa Martinez and Tom Brotherman invite you to be a Team Leader for a 100 Tree planting in commemoration of Arbor Day 2017. The holes will be dug beforehand by Parks staff and equipment, so you do not have to worry about all that hard labor. Just make sure that the trees get planted right side up, not too deep, and such details. If you have questions, contact Lissa Martinez at [email protected]. Or just volunteer with Meredith Tilley as noted below. Tell her you are a Master Naturalist, please, and can be a Team Leader. Contact Ms. Meredith Tilley to add your name as a Team Leader to Volunteer Roster: 210-207-8603, [email protected] Extras: There will be Tacos & Coffee More Extras: There will be a tree to take home for volunteers.
Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve Monthly Public Tours (AT)Sat, November 4, 9:00 am – 11:30 am
NW corner of Judson Road and NE Loop 1604, San Antonio, TXJoin Green Spaces Alliance for a nature tour on the 1-mile out-and-back trail to see the rescue bee hives, bird blind, stock pond, pollinator meadow, wildlife, and sharing with you why we conserve land. Each month brings something new to see! Learn more about Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve here. Bring your friends and family! Please reserve your spot below – we limit our group sizes to 25, to ensure everyone can participate/hear/see on the narrow trail during the nature tour. We offer these tours free-of-charge, to be accessible for all. We sincerely appreciate your donation to support Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve. Contact: Shannon Blackburn, Administrative Assistant – [email protected]. 210-222-8430, ext 304 Bulverde Oaks Nature Preserve is located at the NW corner of Judson Road and NE Loop 1604 — headed north on Judson road, continue underneath Loop 1604. The property will be on your left. Look for cars parked on the side of the road. If you reach the gated quarry entrance, you’ve gone too far!
Headwaters Texas Arbor Day Series: Walking with Aldo Leopold (AT)Sat, November 4, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
University of the Incarnate WordConsidered the father of wildlife ecology, Aldo Leopold called for an ethical and sustainable relationship between people and the environment. The Headwaters at Incarnate Word is an example of Leopold’s “land ethic” philosophy—a protected place that is an urban wildlife sanctuary and a sanctuary for humans to connect with nature and themselves. Explore the refuge through a walk focused on the social and ecological legacy of Aldo Leopold, scientist and philosopher. Alex Scott Antram, environmental anthropologist and Executive Director, Headwaters at Incarnate Word will lead the walk. The program is limited to 12. RESERVE A SPACE: [email protected] ; INFO: 210-828-2224 x 280.
Headwaters Environmental Film Series: A Fierce Green Fire—The Battle for a Living Planet (AT)Mon, November 6, 3:30 pm – 4:23 pm
The Village at Incarnate Word, 4707 Broadway, San Antonio, TX“A visually stunning survey of the environmental movement, from early battles to save American wilderness to international campaigns to save the health of human societies and the biosphere. Broad in scope and fast moving, A Fierce Green Fire introduces many of the leaders (both famous and little-known) who have shaped the struggle. This film is worthy of admiration, and has obviously been a major effort by the filmmakers. It will inspire the next generation of activists.” —Dr. Richard Tucker, Professor of Natural Resources and Environment, University of Michigan and author of Insatiable Appetite: The United States and Ecological Degradation of the Tropical World. Run time: 53 min For information, contact Pam Ball at 210-828-2224 x 280.
November Training and Volunteer Events
Balcones Satellite of the Texas Invaders: Invasive Plant Eradication (RM)Tue, November 7th, 14th, 21st, & 28th, 8:30 am – 11:30 am
Medina River Natural Area, 15890 Highway 16, San AntonioFor the month of November, we will continue eradication activities at Medina River Natural Area located at 15890 Highway 16 South in San Antonio. No prior experience is required. Equipment and materials needed for invasive control will be provided, but if you have favorite loppers, hatchets, saws, etc. bring them. Parking available in lot next to staff building. If this is your first visit to Medina River Natural Area, please allow extra transportation time so that we can begin promptly at 8:30 am. Wear attire suitable for working in rough terrain and brushy areas with stickery plants, loose rocks, and assorted critters large and small. Waterproof or work boots, gloves, hat, long-sleeved shirts and long pants are strongly recommended. Snake leggings are helpful for going through the brush. Water is essential and insect repellent is likely to be needed. For questions, contact George Ozuna at (210-669-9935) or by email [email protected] or Olivia Tapia at (210-315-4707). To be added to the weekly email list, contact Olivia Tapia at [email protected]. Those on the list will receive notification of cancellation for severe weather conditions.
Native Plant Society of Texas, Boerne Chapter: Invasive Plants - Stop the Spread (AT)Tue, November 7, 7:00 pm – 8:00 pm
Cibolo Nature Center & Farm Auditorium, 140 Coty Park Road, Boerne, TXCheryl Hamilton will describe the most challenging invasive plants found in the Edward’s Plateau. Presentation begins at 7 pm, but everyone is invited to socialize at 6:30! Questions? or for details: Please contact Emily Weiner, NPSOT - Boerne Chapter at meetup.com/Boerne-Native-Plant-Society-of-Texas/ or [email protected] or 210-259-7009
November Training and Volunteer Events
Headwaters Educator Skills & Workshops: Growing Up WILD (AT)Wed, November 8, 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm
University of the Incarnate WordLearn how to build on young children’s sense of wonder about nature and invite them to explore wildlife and the world around them! Activities are designed for 3-7 year olds and are correlated to the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) Standards, the Head Start Domains, and the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills Standards (TEKS). Registration includes materials, snacks, and a special guided tour of the Blue Hole, head of the San Antonio River. Registration fee is $28. The program awards 3 CEUs. For additional information and to register, please call 210-828-2224 x 232.
Growing Up Wild: Turkeys are Terrific! (ages 4-7) (AT)Thu, November 9, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
Friedrich Wilderness Park, 21395 Milsa Drive, San Antonio, TXLearn about turkeys through stories, songs, and hands-on fun! Growing Up Wild builds on a child’s sense of wonder about nature and invites them to explore wildlife and the world around them. Activities are designed to provide an early foundation and appreciation of nature. To participate, email [email protected], or call 210-207-3782.
SABOT Native Plant Walk (AT)Fri, November 10, 10:00 am – 11:00 am
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXExplore our 11-acre Texas Native Trail with a Master Naturalist. Walk is free to members or with paid admission, but registration is required. For registration, copy the following link to your browser: http://www.sabot.org/walks/ Meet at at the Carriage House.
SABOT: Family Flashlight Night (TR)Fri, November 10, 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXCamping scene, star gazing, bat information, night time pollinators. For information, contact Emma Trester-Wilson at [email protected] or 210-536-1413.
Headwaters Invasive Plant Workshop (AT)Sat, November 11, 9:00 am – 11:00 am
University of the Incarnate WordInvasive plants are wreaking havoc on native habitats worldwide. This workshop include the reasons why invasive plants are a problem and the identification of the Top 20 Invasive Species in Greater San Antonio. The workshop will discuss eradication and management strategies and the restoration of landscapes using native plant alternatives. A plant walk to identify invasive plants is included. The program is limited to 12. This program will be conducted by Cheryl Hamilton, an Alamo Area Master Naturalist, a member of The Boerne and San Antonio Chapters of the Native Plant Society of Texas, and co-founder of the Balcones Chapter of the Invaders of Texas. The Balcones Chapter has eradicated more than 55,000 invasive plants since 2010. In 2011, Cheryl received the Outstanding Citizen Scientist Award from the Texas Invasive Plants and Pest Council (TIPPC) and the NPSOT President’s Award of Excellence. RESERVE A SPACE: [email protected] ; INFO: 210-828-2224 x 280.
Mitchell Lake Birding Tour (AT)Sun, November 12, 8:00 am – 10:00 am
Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, 10750 Pleasanton Road, San Antonio, TXMonthly Birding Tours. No reservation necessary. Birding tour fee: $5 for non-members; $3 for members For more information, email us at [email protected] or call 210-628-1639.
Headwaters History Series: Yanaguana and the Archaeology of the San Antonio Headwaters (AT)Sat, November 18, 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
University of the Incarnate WordFor thousands of years before Spanish settlement, Native Americans pilgrimaged to the headwaters of the San Antonio River to meet, trade, and celebrate the sacred Blue Hole spring. Join us for a walk to learn about the archaeology of this region, and how the first peoples of San Antonio utilized the Headwaters in everyday and spiritual life. Alex Scott Antram, Executive Director, Headwaters at Incarnate Word will lead the walk. The class is limited to 12. RESERVE A SPACE: [email protected]; INFO: 210-828-2224 x 280.
Headwaters First Peoples and Sacred Lands Series: The Spirit Among the Great Oaks (AT)Sun, November 19, 2:00 pm – 4:00 pm
University of the Incarnate Word Based on traditional Native American storytelling and the archaeology of the Olmos Basin, this walk is a time to reflect on and restore our connection to the ancient heritage of the Headwaters Sanctuary. Video or audio recording is not permitted. The walk is limited to 12. Donald Ewers, UIW alumnus (’80 BA, ’85 MA), retired faculty member, and Texas Master Naturalist will be guiding participants on these walks from a perspective acquired through a BA in Native American Studies, five years studying and working with Navajo weavers, and forty-four years’ experience exploring what has become the Headwaters Sanctuary. RESERVE A SPACE: [email protected]; INFO: 210-828-2224 x 280.
SABOT Lunch and Learn Series: Monarch Butterflies - Pollinator Poster Child (AT)Thu, November 30, 11:30 am – 1:00 pm
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXInstructor: Cathy Downs, Monarch Watch and Monarch Larval Monitoring Project Wondering about the hype around the Monarch Butterfly and pollinator protection? Learn about Monarch biology, Monarch populations and reasons for their decline in this fascinating lecture. To register: https://goo.gl/Fo5xnv. Sponsored by SAWS. Fee: $15 ($13.50 members. Bring your lunch.
SABOT Photography in Spanish: Introduccion a la Composicion a la Fotografia de Naturaleza (AT)Sun, November 12, 1:00 pm – 4:00 pm
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXUnete a la fotografa profesional Maru Lee para una introduccion a la fotografia de naturaleza. Esta clase sera mas extensa y cubrira las lecciones de uso de los horizontes, regla de terceros, diferentes modos a usar en la camara, luz, angulos y uso de tripoide. Para esta clase se requerira camara regular o profesional, no camara de telefono. Lecciones seran practicadas en el Jardin. https://goo.gl/pCSJSe. Fee: $40 ($36 members)
EcoCentro: Worm Bin Workshop (AT)Wed, November 15, 6:30 pm – 8:00 pm
William R. Sinkin Eco Centro, 1802 N. Main Street, San Antonio, TXThis workshop will demonstrate how to construct a worm bin to start vermicomposting – a type of composting that uses worms to help create healthier soil. For registration, visit: facebook.com/pg/EcoCentro1/events/
SABOT Water Saver Walk (AT)Thu, November 16, 10:00 am – 11:30 am
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TXExplore our WaterSaver Gardens with a Master Naturalist. Learn the characteristics of different drought tolerant landscapes, including Cottage, Hill Country, Manicure Xeriscape, and Spanish style. Come see what’s in bloom! Meet in the Carriage House. Walk is free to members or with paid admission, but registration is required. For registration, copy the following link to your browser: https://goo.gl/9p8w2i
Botanical Garden Bird Walks (AT)Sat, November 18, 9:00 am – 10:30 am
San Antonio Botanical Garden, 555 Funston Pl, San Antonio, TXJoin experts for guided tours of the San Antonio Botanical Gardens! Pre-registration necessary for some walks. These tours are all outdoors, so please dress appropriately for the weather. Meet at the Gertie’s Garden (just outside of the Carriage House). These tours are FREE with admission.
November Training and Volunteer Events
*for AT
*for AT
Like Us! Facebook.com/Ecocentro1/events
More info: [email protected] Phone: (210) 486-1874
Speaker: Sara Nichols Executive Director, State of Texas Alliance for Recycling (STAR) The State of Texas Alliance for Recycling is the go-to state recycling organization for industry professionals and local governments across Texas. You'll learn about: Why recycling is an important economic driver for Texas How recycling really works Big trends in the recycling industry What Texas communities are doing to increase recycling
and materials management Come prepared to learn, ask questions, AND celebrate America Recycles Day!
November 15, 2017 6 p
William R. Sinkin 1802 N. Main
Register at ecocentro.eventbrite.com.
America Recycles Day Presentation Free & Open to the Public
*for VSH