guadalupe chapter february 2019 texas master naturalist · 2019-12-17 · guadalupe master...
TRANSCRIPT
Guadalupe Master Naturalists Monthly Program and Meeting
Date: Monday, February 25, 2019Time: 6:30 - Social Time: Bring your favorite treat to share. Drinks will be provided. Earn volunteer time by assisting in the pre-meeting room set-up and/or helping with the after meeting clean-up! Please contact Tonya Harker and volunteer to help with the refreshments. Contact her at [email protected] or 210-860-8608.
7:00 Program: Jessica Alderson, Urban Biologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife, will speak on the management of urban deer populations. The duties of an "urban biologist" include providing opportunities for urban residents to reconnect with the natural systems, presenting educational programs for adults and students on a variety of habitat/wildlife issues, serving as technical advisors on multi-agency conservation planning initiatives, and assisting landowners with habitat restoration or enhancements.
Location: AgriLife Extention, 210 E. Live Oak, Seguin, TX
Nature Education – Discover Refresher Training
Date: Tuesday, April 16, 2019Time: TBDLocation: Schertz Public Library, 798 Schertz Pkwy, Schertz, TX
Description: Volunteer training covering four Discover programs: What’s Swimming; A Bug’s World; Early Texans; Clues and Traces.
Contact: Nancy Masterson, [email protected] or 830-305-9104
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Guadalupe Chapter Texas Master Naturalist
Vol. 6, Issue 2
February 2019
Mission. To develop a corps of well-informed volunteers to provide education, outreach, and service dedicated to the beneficial management of natural resources and natural areas within their communities for the State of Texas.
MEETINGS
Walk With a Naturalist
Date: Tuesday, February 5, 2019Time: 9:00 – 10:00 AMLocation: Park West Splash Pad
Description: While leading adults along the trail of Park West, you will introduce the Master Naturalist program to participants. Share with them the activities we perform at Park West and what we do as naturalists. Encourage them to attend our meeting and consider joining our new class. This is a promotional effort to share the Master Naturalist mission with adults and spark their interest in our program.
February Leaders: Clara Mae Marcotte - 5th Nancy Masterson - 12th
Daryl Styblo - 19th Chris Dyess - 26th Note: Leaders are needed for April 2, 9 and 30. Please contact Nancy to sign up to lead a walk.
Discover What’s Flying
Saturday, February 9, 10:00 AM, Crescent Bend Nature ParkMonday, February 11, 2:00 and 4:00 PM, Seguin Public Library
Description: The 1 hour program will provide free "fun'oculars," to study shapes, sizes and colors of birds.
Leaders: The leader will be Nancy Masterson. Naturalists at Crescent Bend are Mark deKiewiet, Gayle Temple, Janet Magee and Laverne McKenney. Naturalists at Seguin Library are Kate Schnautz, Pam Turner, Liz Romero, and Janet Magee.
Forest Health
Date: Wednesdays, February 13 and 27, 2019Time: 9:00 – 11:30 AMLocation: Park West Outdoor Classroom, across from soccer field
Description: Help improve the native biodiversity of Park West by removing invasive plants that alter the natural ecosystem. Wear long sleeves and pants, hat, closed-toe shoes and work gloves. Bring drinking water and tools [lopping shears, small saws, rakes]
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NATURE EDUCATION
Insect Expo Training Sessions
Date: Thursday, February 21, 2019Time: 9:00 – 11:00 AM or 1:00 – 3:00 PMLocation: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service (Comal County,)325 Resource Dr., New Braunfels
Description: Insect Expo Training provides an oversight to each table’s objective, description, and requirements to help you be prepared for the Expo. Sign-up online at https://txmg.org/comal/event/insect-expo-training-submission/
Contact: Mary Helen Phillips, (830)964-4212, [email protected] up
Insect Expo
Date: February 25 and 26, 2019Time: 8:30 AM – 1:30 PMLocation: McKenna Events Center, 801 W. San Antonio St., New Braunfels
Description: Insect EXPO is designed to be a fun interactive learning experience for students and an opportunity for “hands on” learning. Students will have as much time as they want to explore and learn from each topic. We want students to ask questions and learn by experiencing these activities. These are our future botanists, entomologists, environmental and conservation advocates, professors, teachers, and agricultural leaders.
Insect Expo will reach about 2,000 kiddos in two days. Some of the booths/activities are definitely more up the alley of a Master Naturalist, so we appreciate their expertise. Volunteers from Master Naturalist and Master Gardener Chapters from several counties are coming to assist. The event will be held in Comal County, so their MGs are hosting it, which is why the sign up for volunteers is through their website. I really encourage people to watch the YouTube Video, https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lOHCBjpL_dc because it shows exactly what the event looks like and hopefully will garner some additional interest from those who are on the fence.
For more information on booths and to sign up, please visit: https://txmg.org/comal/projects/insect- expo/
Molly Keck, Integrated Pest Management Program SpecialistBoard Certified Entomologist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service, Bexar County 3355 Cherry Ridge, Suite 212San Antonio, TX [email protected]
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Pollinator Plant Survey
Below is a link to a Qualtrix survey for individuals interested in bees and pollinators. We are asking Texas and Oklahoma Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners for feedback about the top plants for pollinators in their gardens and assessing who might be interested in participating in a pollinator count this summer (exact details of which we will provide later.)
I know there is a lot of collective wisdom out there on what plants are serving as highly attractive nectar sources for pollinators; if we get a good response it should give us a good starting list of potential pollinator plants we can look at this summer. Ultimately the goal of this project is to develop a field tested list of some of the best Texas/Oklahoma landscape plants available and suitable for recommending to the public.
https://agrilife.az1.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5vU8wEnfSTo8rAx
I hope you will be interested in being part of the project this summer and that maybe we can set up some projects in Extension gardens as well.
Michael Merchant, PhD, BCE, Professor and Extension Urban Entomologist Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service 17360 Coit Rd | Dallas, Texas 75252-6599 972-952-9204 | [email protected]
Chapter Citizen Science Projects/Contacts
1. Park West: 7. Maintenance AssistanceA. Nature Trail – Chris Dyess A. Neasloney WMA – Craig WagnerB. Invasive Plant Removal – Chris Dyess B. Palmetto SP – Craig Sagebiel
2. Frog Watch – Tom Hardaway 8. Bird Blinds A. Crescent Bend3. Butterflies: B. Warbler Woods
A. Monarch Monitoring – Liz RomeroB. Pollinator Garden – Pam Turner 9. Bluebird Trail
4. Stream Team / Water Quality Monitoring -
5. BioBlitz:A. Crescent BendB. Park WestC. SOLCD. Walnut Creek Park
6. Stream Biological Surveys – Tom HardawayA. Walnut CreekB. Cibolo Creek
C. Geronimo Creek
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CITIZEN SCIENCE
Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center
Dates/Times/Schools:February 7 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM McQueeney Elementary 4th grade
February 15 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Vogel Elementary February 19 8:30 AM – 12:00 PM Vogel Elementary
Description: OBJECTIVES: Have fun catching fish while learning about fish species living in the pond at the Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center, and their habitat.
Help kids learn how to bait a hook, pull in a fish and remove from the line. This is catch and release only, using modified cane poles. Average day is 8:30 - 12, there would be 3 or 4 rotations of kids, with 16-20 kids per group. They would be fishing in a pond off a dock.
As fish are caught take time for photos and to allow students to identify and observe species caught, pointing out distinguishing characteristics of a particular fish, and allowing students to touch fish in order to learn differences in species. Point out the differences in habitat in the pond such protected areas close to shore and under the pier, the darker and deeper water, and shallow areas that provide opportunity for predation.
Importance of Fishing quote from TPWD “Today, kids rarely get, or make, time to enjoy the outdoors and the fresh air that comes with it. Fishing will help them appreciate nature and understand it, they also end up learning the importance of nature preservation. Finally, they can have actual fun that doesn’t involve gadgets and live a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.”
Contact: Michelle Darnell at [email protected] or text 210.601.8957
Texas Commission of Environmental Quality Grant / Seguin Outdoor Learning Center
Michelle Darnell is seeking volunteers to lead school children in various activities. Please see the attached PDF titled TCEQ grant at SOLC for program information, dates and times.
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VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES
Texas Watershed Stewards Workshop Date: Tuesday, February 05, 2019 Time: 1:00 – 5:00 PM Location: Old Mill Resort Event Center located at 1554 Gruene Rd, New Braunfels, TX
Description: This free, 4-hour program is designed to help area residents, business owners, agricultural producers, and community leaders to learn how to improve and protect their most valuable resource--the water that flows in area creeks and rivers! · Come hear about ways that homeowners and landowners can protect water quality in urban and rural areas · Learn about local, state, and national water quality issues, laws and regulations relating to water quality, and local efforts to protect and improve water in area creeks and rivers · The program is free, and light refreshments will be served
To learn more about it, or to pre-register, go to https://tws.tamu.edu/workshops/registration/ Please contact me with any questions, and I look forward to seeing you there!
Thank you,
Ward Ling
Geronimo and Alligator Creeks Watershed Coordinator/Mill Creek Watershed Coordinator Texas A&M AgriLife Extension 354C Heep Center, 2474 TAMU College Station, TX 77843 Office: 979-845-6980 Cell: 979-255-1819
Guadalupe Co. Native Plant Society – Chapter Meeting
Date: Tuesday, February 12, 2019Time: 6:30 – Refreshments 7:00 – Program:
Description: Our good friend, Craig Hensley, will return to remind us of the beauty and importance of our native butterflies and the joy and responsibility of caring for them. Craig is now Wildlife Biologist for Comal and Kendall counties with Texas Parks and Wildlife. He is a life-long naturalist and educator, having shared his love and passion for the natural world with people from Minnesota and Nebraska to Texas and beyond.
Craig holds a masters degree in zoology and animal biology, and is deservedly proud of his field research in the breeding biology of Eastern Bluebirds and Red Wing Blackbirds in response to the periodic emergence of cicadas, among many, many other experiences and accomplishments.
Location: St. John’s Lutheran Church, FM 465, Marion, TX
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ADVANCED TRAINING
Mentor Training for Spring 2019 - Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning Center
Date: Week of February 11 – 16, 2019Time: 9:00 AM – 4:00 PMLocation: Seguin Outdoor Learning Center
Description: A week of training activities that will equip you to teach children at the Learning Center. To see the various training modules planned, go to the copy of the schedule attached to the newsletter email.
We are super excited to see everyone and are looking forward to a great week of bringing minds together. We’ll do our best to stick to the schedule, but please be mindful that life in the outdoors sometimes dictates changes. A few notes for training…
•Be sure to pack a lunch each day and bring a refillable water bottle to keep yourselves fueled and hydrated. Friday will be our appreciation luncheon, so no need to pack lunch. Michelle has offered to bring taco soup during one day of staff training, and we’ll be sure to keep you updated when that’ll be happening. We’ll also have snacks, tea and coffee to curb those mid-morning and afternoon hungry monsters.•Please wear or bring weather and activity appropriate clothing-we never know when Lenny will march us outside in a blindfold! •Please bring a notebook to take notes during classes or to jot down questions or thoughts.•Please come Monday morning with your favorite nature poem or literary excerpt. Please bring your favorite nature quote on Tuesday morning.•BMT stands for Bringing Minds Together and this is a technique to help your program group focus, energize and process their experience. We’ll begin and end each day with a quick BMT to prepare for and review the day.
Please let me know if you have any questions. Please feel welcome to share this agenda with other folks who may be interested in learning more about mentoring programs at The Seguin Outdoor Learning Center. Thank you all so much for sharing your time and talents and we look forward to seeing you soon! Contact: Kelley Davis, Education Coordinator, Irma Lewis Seguin Outdoor Learning [email protected] E. Hwy 90 Seguin, TX 78155
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Saturday, March 16, 2019
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Explore Texas Wildflowers! 9 AM – Noon
Schertz Civic Center 1400 Schertz Parkway, Schertz, TX
Journey beyond bluebonnets to learn about the common and rare wildflowers of Texas!
Common Less Common Uncommon
Indian Blanket Gaillardia pulchella Corydalis curvisiliqua Galactia canescens
Hoary milkpeaCurvepod
Hear Michael Eason, author of Wildflowers of Texas, a Timber Press field guide. Mr. Eason heads the rare plant conservation department at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. Previously he worked for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, where he managed the Millennium Seed Bank Project.
Admission
$20 before March 1, $25 at the door Purchase online at www.npsot.org/wp/guadalupe
Or mail a check by March 1st to: NPSOT
8908 Bent Brook Dr., Garden Ridge, TX 78266.
Information: 210-289-9997
A Project of the Guadalupe Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
16 th Annual Prescribed Burn Workshop / Neasloney WMA
Date: Friday, February 8, 2019Time: 8:30 AM to approximately 4:00 PM [if we cab burn]Location: M.O. Neasloney WMA, 20700 State Hwy 80 North – approximately 2 miles north of Belmont, between Belmont and Luling (look for the brown and yellow sign).
Description: This workshop is designed to give landowners and managers a basic understanding of the use and application of prescribed burning to manage for quail, white-tailed deer, other wildlife species and livestock management. Presentations topics will include: Historical perspectives on fire, the role of fire in vegetation management, fire weather and safety, fire line preparation, suppression equipment, smoke management, planning the burn.
What to Bring: Your lunch/drinks, leather gloves, leather boots, cotton outerwear
Cost? Free
Please RSVP to Trent Teinert by 5pm Thursday, February 7th, 2018 via email at [email protected] or by phone at 830-203-0896.
The Training Class Committee met on January 28 and completed some of the necessary plans for the class which starts August 13. Student applications are ready for distribution as well as an advertising flier. Both documents are attached to this newsletter email message.
Every Chapter member is part of the recruiting team! Please join with the committee by spreading the word. Please print copies of the application and flier to distribute. Without the infusion of new members, our Chapter programs will not prosper.
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Fall Training Class
NEW Volunteer Opportunities Calendar on Chapter Website
Our Chapter website has a new feature – a calendar where you can access information about various volunteer and Advanced Training opportunities! Please investigate the calendar to see how simple it will be to get the information you need. Go to this link https://txmn.org/guadalupe/calendar/ to locate the new calendar!
Your Calendar Coordinators,Sharon Frels - Chapter additions/opportunities [meetings, education, training events, etc..]Michelle Darnell - Opportunities from outside our chapter
Calendar Page Sample!
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Park West Storyby Chris Dyess
Four years ago a group of Guadalupe Master Naturalists embarked on a project to improve the health of the forest at Park West, the new park Seguin had purchased. We cut, sprayed, and removed exotic invasive plants and trees, allowing native seedlings to receive light and grow. Since that time, the progeny of some ligustrum, aka privet, and a few other exotics have sprouted and grown. Wednesday the Park West Healthy Forest crew revisited the original acre where we cut and sprayed those seedlings plus a few trees missed in the original clearing. Take a walk on the mile trail loop. At the pavilion where the old Hoermann house stood take a moment to appreciate the difference between the healthy forest we cleared, with its variety of plant species and ages and the surrounding forest with mostly a monoculture of ligustrum.
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By Chris Dyess
Remember the overwhelming amount of information you received when you took the Master Naturalist class? Do you hear other GMN’s talking about programs that you had no idea existed? Some of us old-timers were recently reminded of how we felt after graduating the class with tons of scientific knowledge, but lacking in knowledge of the organization. We’d like to rectify that missing knowledge. Watch for short articles in the GMN Newsletter. This month let me introduce a service from the TMN State Office. Many of us have signed up for an email service called List Serve that forwards emails from Mary Pearl Meuth, our liaison to the state organization, or from other TMN’s around the state. The emails alert other TMN’s to advanced training opportunities, volunteer opportunities, or just general information of interest to TMN’s.The service is free. Emails note TMN in the subject line so that even if you don’t know the sender you know it came for TMN. Some recent emails I received gave info about nature programs at the Witte Museum-even offering a discount for TMN’s, alerted us to a grant program chapters could apply for, notified me of various advanced training opportunities at Cibolo Nature Center.
To sign up for List Serve go to https://txmn.org/staying-connected/sign-up-for-tmn-listserv/ and follow the easy instruction on the page. It’s easy to get in the know!!
If you haven’t paid your dues, please mail:
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$25.00 Treasurer Larry White
134 Indian Trail, Seguin, TX 78155
Please send announcements and news items for distribution in the newsletter to Marilyn Anderson, [email protected].
Deadline for next issue – Friday, March 1 for the March 3 edition.
It’s a NEW YEAR and our hours start fresh. Remember to submit your AT and Volunteer hours!
The Texas Master Naturalist program is sponsored by the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and
Texas Parks and Wildlife
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