November 14 Tree and Plant Sale at the San Marcos Nature Center
The Texas State Horticulture Club and the master gardeners and naturalists are holding a plant sale and tree sale at the Nature Center on Riverside across from Herbert's Taco Hut on Nov. 14, from 9 am - 3 pm. Call 393-8448 for more information.
November 14 Viewing of All The Pretty Horses
Join the Hill Country Conservancy and come on down to the scenic Storm Ranch on November 14th at 6:00 pm (viewing starts at 7:00 pm) to enjoy a special presentation of the film All The Pretty Horses! The Rolling Roadshow is a mobile version of the Alamo Drafthouse that will allow us to view the film in the open air at the ranch.
November 16 Proposals Due
Deadline for the county parks bond money proposals.
November 17 San Marcos Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Meeting
Grant Harris Building, 5:30 pm
November 17 Hays County Strategic Plan Public Input
The on-line survey has closed, but you can still voice your input on on the first Hays County Strategic Plan on November 17 at the San Marcos Police Dept. 6:30 p.m. Read an earlier article for more information.
November 18 Hays County Habitat Conservation Plan
Click here for more information.
November 18 SMGA Board Meeting
At the San Marcos Nature Center, 5:30-7:00. Members welcome!
Oh My Little Hummingbird, Let's Talk Gift Ideas
Looking for that gift for someone who has everything. We've got a couple ideas for you? How about an SMGA membership? Or a box of our lovely Naturescapes greeting cards. They are available on the front page of the SMGA website and have been very well received. Already in a second printing.But some of you may need an item that is more directly connected to the living planet. Well here is our second suggestion: give them something that will put them eye to eye with Trochilidae.
Thanks for the idea Tom W.
It's Never Too Soon To Click a Pic
The 2009 photo exhibit just came down and was by all opinions a great show. Thanks again to all those who clicked a pic.
Support Conservation Education
Looking for an easy way to get involved? Our education/outreach committee meets once a month for about an hour and is looking for someone to take notes at our meetings, then type them up for distribution via email to committee members. Get to know SMGA and help the folks who maintain our website, send out these newsletters, and generally try to keep the San Marcos community aware of what's going on with local conservation and stewardship efforts.
Email Ann at alliance@smgreenbelt.org to learn more about this opportunity.
Email Ann at alliance@smgreenbelt.org to learn more about this opportunity.
HCP Meeting Nov 18: What is an HCP anyway?
This will be a helpful meeting to learn about Hays County Habitat Conservation Plans (HCP) and get an update of the process. Click here for a previous SMGA article to get some background information on the HCP.
The meeting will also give the public an opportunity to comment on the Final Draft RHCP (dated September 28, 2009) and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS, dated October 14, 2009). These documents are available on the HCP Documents page and at the San Marcos Public Library. The deadline for written comments on the documents has been extended until February 1, 2010.
View the published notice here.
NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING
Hays County will conduct a public hearing to discuss the County's application for a Endangered Species Act incidental take permit and possible adoption of the RHCP and related items.
TIME: 5:00-8:00 pm
DATE: Wednesday, November 18, 2009
LOCATION: San Marcos Activity Center (501 E. Hopkins Road, San Marcos)
The meeting will also give the public an opportunity to comment on the Final Draft RHCP (dated September 28, 2009) and a Draft Environmental Impact Statement (EIS, dated October 14, 2009). These documents are available on the HCP Documents page and at the San Marcos Public Library. The deadline for written comments on the documents has been extended until February 1, 2010.
It's not Aquarena but Ringtail Ridge!
Ringtail Ridge (off Ranch Road 12)
Bloodpits Trail October 24, 2009
A white-tailed buck and doe greeted me as I arrived at the trail head of Ringtail Ridge. Took the Bloodpits trail and immediately noticed the large number of American snout nose butterflies and dragonflies present. Does this mean there's water?
Also saw cloudless sulfurs and numerous hairstreaks. They're excited about a foxwood with white flowers. And some Monarch butterflies and bees attracted to the velvetleaf mallow plant with it's yellow flowers. Lantana are drawing their share of butterflies.
The bloodpits, or ponds, have standing water and are nourishing a yellow sunflower. The water is attracting dragonflies and blue damsels. I watched a dragonfly crush a damsel fly. Mosquitoes are also plentiful with the standing water. It's pretty amazing to see all this standing water after the summer drought. The scenery could almost be mistaken for a corner of Spring Lake with all the activity flying above it.
The downside of all this rain is the erosion that has occurred on the ADA trail (gravel 1/2 mile path). At a couple places the rain washed out the gravel and left the black liner showing. The trail crew has their work cut-out for them as the mountain bike trails are overgrown in a couple areas. Not a bad thing but requiring some maintenance.Wanna help?
A field, where we planted some wildflowers a year-and-a-half ago, is now overgrown with the Bermuda grass that we worked hard to remove. Can't buck nature.
A lot of people were out taking advantage of the weather and beautiful trails. A group of four hikers, a jogger and a mountain biker. If you plan on getting close to nature and taking some of the single-track trails (which are beautiful) don't forget the bug spray as the mosquitoes are hungry.
Now would be a good time to take advantage of the trails whether you're a hiker, jogger or biker. The weather won't get better and the views are simply amazing!
Enjoy!
-- Lance Jones
Bloodpits Trail October 24, 2009
A white-tailed buck and doe greeted me as I arrived at the trail head of Ringtail Ridge. Took the Bloodpits trail and immediately noticed the large number of American snout nose butterflies and dragonflies present. Does this mean there's water?Also saw cloudless sulfurs and numerous hairstreaks. They're excited about a foxwood with white flowers. And some Monarch butterflies and bees attracted to the velvetleaf mallow plant with it's yellow flowers. Lantana are drawing their share of butterflies.
The bloodpits, or ponds, have standing water and are nourishing a yellow sunflower. The water is attracting dragonflies and blue damsels. I watched a dragonfly crush a damsel fly. Mosquitoes are also plentiful with the standing water. It's pretty amazing to see all this standing water after the summer drought. The scenery could almost be mistaken for a corner of Spring Lake with all the activity flying above it.
The downside of all this rain is the erosion that has occurred on the ADA trail (gravel 1/2 mile path). At a couple places the rain washed out the gravel and left the black liner showing. The trail crew has their work cut-out for them as the mountain bike trails are overgrown in a couple areas. Not a bad thing but requiring some maintenance.Wanna help?
A field, where we planted some wildflowers a year-and-a-half ago, is now overgrown with the Bermuda grass that we worked hard to remove. Can't buck nature.
A lot of people were out taking advantage of the weather and beautiful trails. A group of four hikers, a jogger and a mountain biker. If you plan on getting close to nature and taking some of the single-track trails (which are beautiful) don't forget the bug spray as the mosquitoes are hungry.Now would be a good time to take advantage of the trails whether you're a hiker, jogger or biker. The weather won't get better and the views are simply amazing!
Enjoy!
-- Lance Jones
Hays County Strategic Plan Survey
Below is information on the Hays County Strategic Plan. Please go to the website below and attend one of the public meetings to voice your support for parks and natural areas in Hays county.
Hays County residents now have more opportunities to shape the future of their county by offering opinions and insights during the development of the county's Strategic Policy Plan, either through completing an online survey or participating in a public meeting, or both.
Quality of life in Hays County, water quality and quantity, delivery of health care and transportation services, and the need for parks and recreation are some of the key issues that will demand a coordinated, well-thought-out plan as governmental agencies keep up with the rapid growth in Hays County. The plan will help myriad entities in the county work together to find solutions, avoid duplication of effort and provide a seamless delivery of services to residents.
The plan is being developed in conjunction with city leaders as well as with a variety of stakeholder groups, such as
school districts, senior citizens, health care providers, conservationists, developers and business owners and individual
citizens. Planners with Hays County, the Lower Colorado River Authority, Pedernales Electric Co-op and Bluebonnet Electric Co-op are assisting by organizing meetings and compiling results under the direction of a multi-faceted steering committee.
Residents can assist by filling out a survey available on the Hays County Web site at http://www.co.hays.tx.us or
directly at http://www.surveymonkey.com/s.aspx?sm=AcDfT3x7o5RtcaugcYAmwQ_3d_3d.
The public is invited to discuss their concerns and ideas from 6:30 to 9 p.m.:
November 10 at the Wimberley Community Center, 14068 RR 12, Wimberley
November 12 at Chapa Middle School, 3311 Dacy Lane, Kyle
November 17 at the San Marcos Police Department, 630 E. Hopkins St., San Marcos
November 19 at Dripping Springs City Hall, 511 Mercer St., Dripping Springs
You're Invited! Discover Texas State Oct. 31
Join Texas State Saturday, October 31 to learn more about the recent successes of Texas State students, faculty and staff during Discover Texas State, the university's premier open house. Enjoy a day on the beautiful campus as they roll out the red carpet for alumni and friends with tours, lectures, hands-on demonstrations, exhibits and other activities – something for everyone.
Discover what makes Texas State "The Rising Star of Texas" with an exclusive peek into world-class academic programs, cultural centers and ever-expanding initiatives that reflect our mission: being a student-centered institution dedicated to excellence in serving the educational needs of Texas and the world beyond.
Below is some information on a few sessions that may be of interest to members of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. For more information, or to RSVP online visit http://www.ua.txstate.edu/discoverSM.html. All events are open to the public—no charge.
River Systems Institute
Texas State's institute is at the forefront of water research, preservation and interpretation of the remarkable aquatic system that surrounds us from director Andrew Sansom, one of Texas' leading conservationists.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride(s)
For more than 60 years, riding the glass-bottom boats at Aquarena Center has demonstrated the importance of water to more Texans than any other setting.
Freeman Ranch Tour
Visit Texas State's 4,200-acre working ranch that has served as a unique educational resource since 1985 as an operational platform for teaching, research, and outreach activities associated with the university and other learning partners of the region.
Discover what makes Texas State "The Rising Star of Texas" with an exclusive peek into world-class academic programs, cultural centers and ever-expanding initiatives that reflect our mission: being a student-centered institution dedicated to excellence in serving the educational needs of Texas and the world beyond.
Below is some information on a few sessions that may be of interest to members of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. For more information, or to RSVP online visit http://www.ua.txstate.edu/discoverSM.html. All events are open to the public—no charge.
River Systems Institute
Texas State's institute is at the forefront of water research, preservation and interpretation of the remarkable aquatic system that surrounds us from director Andrew Sansom, one of Texas' leading conservationists.
Glass Bottom Boat Ride(s)
For more than 60 years, riding the glass-bottom boats at Aquarena Center has demonstrated the importance of water to more Texans than any other setting.
Freeman Ranch Tour
Visit Texas State's 4,200-acre working ranch that has served as a unique educational resource since 1985 as an operational platform for teaching, research, and outreach activities associated with the university and other learning partners of the region.
Best Time All Year To Get Out and Hike!
Upper Purgatory Creek (Dante's Trail) October 18, 2009
If you haven't gotten out and hiked a trail this week you're missing some of the best views (and weather) all year. It is so green it's almost overgrown in places. Starting at the trail head at the end of Franklin St. allows you a peek at the progress being made on the Wonderworld Extension. New fencing at the trail head signals future improvements to one of the most dramatic trails in San Marcos.
The 10-minute hike to Grandma's Oak is a bare indicator of the flora and insects thriving along the trail. Birds are generally early morning or evening but now appear in greater numbers because of the water. There's actually standing water in this oak trunk from rain almost a week earlier and, if you walk the distance, more standing water (and mosquitoes) in Purgatory Creek below the bluffs.
If you haven't gotten out and hiked a trail this week you're missing some of the best views (and weather) all year. It is so green it's almost overgrown in places. Starting at the trail head at the end of Franklin St. allows you a peek at the progress being made on the Wonderworld Extension. New fencing at the trail head signals future improvements to one of the most dramatic trails in San Marcos.
The 10-minute hike to Grandma's Oak is a bare indicator of the flora and insects thriving along the trail. Birds are generally early morning or evening but now appear in greater numbers because of the water. There's actually standing water in this oak trunk from rain almost a week earlier and, if you walk the distance, more standing water (and mosquitoes) in Purgatory Creek below the bluffs.
There's an amazing overlook of approximately 80 feet followed by a meadow with all manner of late summer flowers with their attendant bees, butterflies and myriad other flying insects. Following the trail along the creek provides a view of impressive limestone bluffs with Turk's cap growing along the feeder streams. The trail opens up again at the dam next to Hernandez Intermediate School. You can hike or bike the trail past the dam, but you'll have to turnaround and re-trace your steps for a hike of approximately five miles.
Get out and enjoy!
-- Lance Jones
Hays Co. Parks & Open Space Advisory Board : Funds Available, Shooting Range, Next Meeting
One of the primary ideas behind placing a bond vote before Hays County voters for more parks and open space in 2007 was the idea that we could begin purchasing prime habitat for endangered species. Through a program established by the US Fish and Wildlife Service, Hays County, with the commitment of voters, could secure additional resources to create large unfragmented tracts of land suitable for habitat.
In order to create additional incentives the plan will allow developers who are displacing original habitat to "buy" habitat in the designated tract to offset the impact of the development. Below is the article about the call for parcels of land suitable for habitat, along with a couple other updates.
San Marcos Daily Record Hays County Seeks a Few Good Acres
Newstreamz Feds Resist Shooting Range on Habitat
The next scheduled meeting of the Hays Co. Parks and Open Space Advisory Board is November 4, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the San Marcos Activity Center.
SMGA is keeping a close eye and ear on the goings-on and as always, will keep everyone up-to-date.
In order to create additional incentives the plan will allow developers who are displacing original habitat to "buy" habitat in the designated tract to offset the impact of the development. Below is the article about the call for parcels of land suitable for habitat, along with a couple other updates.
San Marcos Daily Record Hays County Seeks a Few Good Acres
To qualify for consideration, the property must contain at least 250 acres - and preferably 500 acres or more -- of endangered species habitat that will address the goals of the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan (http://www.hayscountyhcp.com), which focuses on habitat suitable for support of the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo. Additional acreage for those priorities listed above will also be taken into account in the evaluation. For this solicitation, the county will consider any property that furthers the Regional Habitat Conservation Plan, but the ideal property would provide for multiple uses among those priorities enumerated above.For further information, visit http://www.co.hays.tx.us/ (click on Quick Links) Request for Proposals/Park Bond Funds. Proposals are due November 16.
Newstreamz Feds Resist Shooting Range on Habitat
The next scheduled meeting of the Hays Co. Parks and Open Space Advisory Board is November 4, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the San Marcos Activity Center.
SMGA is keeping a close eye and ear on the goings-on and as always, will keep everyone up-to-date.
Hays County Greenprint Update
SMGA participated in the Envision Central Texas Natural Infrastructure Committee in early October to hear about the Hays County Greenprint. Lots of finishing work has been going on, and the Hays County Greenprint is almost ready to be rolled out. We're very excited to help put this vision into action. Look for more in upcoming newsletters.
For more information, read our previous articles and visit the ECT website.
http://smgreenbelt.blogspot.com/2009/07/greenprint-progress-will-help-hays-co.html
http://smgreenbelt.blogspot.com/2009/05/loop-for-13-april-2009.html
http://envisioncentraltexas.org
For more information, read our previous articles and visit the ECT website.
http://smgreenbelt.blogspot.com/2009/07/greenprint-progress-will-help-hays-co.html
http://smgreenbelt.blogspot.com/2009/05/loop-for-13-april-2009.html
http://envisioncentraltexas.org
New and Rescheduled Hikes
Due to rain and mud, we've had to cancel or postpone quite a few hikes lately. We're in the process of scheduling new hikes. Thankfully we have two great opportunities this week and it looks like the weather will cooperate. Hope to see you on the trail soon.
Kids in Prospect Park - Rescheduled
Friday, October 16, 10:00-11:30 AM
Hike Blanco Shoals
Saturday, October 17, 8:30-11:00 am
Our goal as always will be to enjoy a morning autumn hike along the mighty Blanco River. But in addition we will be looking for ideas on how to better care for this dynamic space.
Workday Upper Purgatory
Saturday, October 24, 8:30-11:00 am
We will finish cleaning up the ranch junk left from the Bobcat Build event this past spring. There isn't too much left but it is one of those niggling details that spoils the otherwise wilderness experience near the overlook of Purgatory. The National Association of Environmental Professionals chapter on the Texas State campus will be joining in. They are an amazing group of motivated individuals who have a variety of professional career paths but who have a clear understanding of the value of our living planet.
For more events, click here or email alliance@smgreenbelt.org.
Kids in Prospect Park - Rescheduled
Friday, October 16, 10:00-11:30 AM
Hike Blanco Shoals
Saturday, October 17, 8:30-11:00 am
Our goal as always will be to enjoy a morning autumn hike along the mighty Blanco River. But in addition we will be looking for ideas on how to better care for this dynamic space.
Workday Upper Purgatory
Saturday, October 24, 8:30-11:00 am
We will finish cleaning up the ranch junk left from the Bobcat Build event this past spring. There isn't too much left but it is one of those niggling details that spoils the otherwise wilderness experience near the overlook of Purgatory. The National Association of Environmental Professionals chapter on the Texas State campus will be joining in. They are an amazing group of motivated individuals who have a variety of professional career paths but who have a clear understanding of the value of our living planet.
For more events, click here or email alliance@smgreenbelt.org.
The Yard, Yosemite, and Our Connection with Creation
Swan Pond by Carol Watson
2009 Naturescapes Award of Merit
Susan Smith's piece in the "Answers to Go" section of the San Marcos Daily Record about a quote in the May edition of "Oprah" magazine may have caught your attention. The quote was from Susan Hanson's book "Icons of Loss and Grace: Moments from the Natural World" and the quote is included at the end of this article with a handful of others. Susan teaches at Texas State and lives in San Marcos. SMGA has assisted with the honors class she teaches, Nature and the Quest for Meaning, by leading a hike through Purgatory Creek. And, her students later participated in the Bobcat Build clean up near the overlook.
Susan's essays are poetic and read like a combination diary and daily prayer book, like a travelogue through selected hill country sets and a naturalist's notebook. She can connect you to our earth with a few words of contemplation from her busy backyard or from under water during a near drowning experience while paddling down the San Marcos River. The readers in our area can savor every vignette, every mood or sensation evoked by our shared landscape. What a great find!
While reading Susan's book, you may recall some of the language in the Ken Burns "docu-story, "National Parks: America's Best Idea." The series treats us to an engaging hike through the history of the National Parks. Television is a great medium for the telling this story as the imagery of those grand places, Yosemite, Yellowstone, Tetons, Grand Canyon, Great Smokey Mountains (and many others), helps us comprehend the grandeur of these places. The images of painters and early photographers, as was noted in our recent Naturescapes reception, are what helped convince the people in Washington and down home across America that these amazing places were worth keeping and protecting in perpetuity.
Burns' story is replete with the people who experienced the profound joy and wonder of America's unique landscape and the story of those who had to convince presidents, members of congress and cabinet members that conservation was a good idea. Rockefeller helped a good bit as did many landowners, clubs and Americans of all descriptions from across the land, some of whom would never get to see our amazing places.
The contrast between Susan's personal, intimate scale with a landscape all of us see from our windows and the majesty of our great parks as portrayed in the Ken Burns series may seem disparate. But there is a strong sentiment in each depiction that binds them in a common understanding: our living earth can give us all the succor we need, from simple sensory pleasure to wisdom for our age. And, we must take the time to live within it and keep it.
From the essay "Homecoming":
More and more, I realize, I turn to this natural world not just for beauty and solace, not just for pleasure and peace, but for the wisdom that I need to live. It teaches me things in a language I can hear and understand.In the piece titled "Simple Pleasures" she ends with:
In short, forget to pay attention to the world, and what you end up with is a machine, cutting a swath through what is beautiful, alive, and green.From "Naming Day" in a place where she reflects on a winter day near the end of the year about her place, her time.
...I am here my weary mind tells me, to be surrounded by things I cannot understand, by creatures I can glimpse but not possess. I am here to watch the leaves decay, to listen to the river utter sounds thta have no meanding for my ears. I am here to be gawked at by the birds, to be seen as the interloper that I am...
...Sitting under the cypress trees draped with Spanish moss, I will realize at last that it is ritual I've sought, some act to bring this old year, this old life to a close. And so, gathering twigs and leaves from atop the weathered rock, I will send them flying, one by one, into the current, naming them as they go. Deadlines, fears, anxieties of all kinds-taking the shape of cypress leaves, of bits of bark of grass, they will drift on the flowing water, will be weightlessly borne away.
Here to name what I am not, i will sit on this bank and watch as wave after wave spills over the polished rock. Here to forget, to remember that my life is more than any total of it parts, I will let the river wrap around me like the songs of birds. I will feel its sound wash over me like grace.The Sound of Water
So, you tell yourself without alarm, this is what it's like to drown.
Stunned that everything could come to such a sudden end-no warning, no premonitions, no time to be afraid-you think of your daughter, of what she will do when she hears. And then it stops. Your reverie is broken by a gasp. Pushed to the surface, you take a breath, cough, and fling your body hard against the toppled tree. It is all you can do, but it is not enough.Some notes from John Muir:
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul.
God has cared for these trees, saved them from drought, disease, avalanches, and a thousand tempests and floods. But he cannot save them from fools.
When we try to pick out anything by itself, we find it hitched to everything else in the universe....t.o.d.
Congratulations Dianne!
San Marcos River Foundation's Dianne Wassenich was appointed to the Basin and Bay Area Stakeholders Committee (BBASC) for the Guadalupe, San Antonio, Mission, and Aransas Rivers and Mission, Copano, Aransas and San Antonio Bays. Whew - what a name! She is one of three people representing the public interest.
Dianne was nominated by GBRA. Stakeholders will start meeting late in October. They will begin by appointing a science team to gather the information necessary to determine exactly what river flow to set as the goal in order for the water to reach the bays and serve the needs of wildlife and people who depend on the river. To lean more about this bay/basin process visit Texas Water Matters, a website run by the National Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club.
We can't think of anyone else better to serve. Congratulations Dianne!
Dianne was nominated by GBRA. Stakeholders will start meeting late in October. They will begin by appointing a science team to gather the information necessary to determine exactly what river flow to set as the goal in order for the water to reach the bays and serve the needs of wildlife and people who depend on the river. To lean more about this bay/basin process visit Texas Water Matters, a website run by the National Wildlife Federation and the Sierra Club.
We can't think of anyone else better to serve. Congratulations Dianne!
Fall Harvest Plant Sale
Fall Harvest Plant Sale
at the San Marcos Nature Center
430 Riverside Dr.
Saturday, October 17, 9 am-4 pm
Check out the native plant sale, gardening tips, arts and crafts vendors, and activities for the kids. Don't forget that native plants are much more suited to our recent crazy weather.Free of charge (food and plants available for purchase).
For more information, contact the SM Nature Center at 512-393-8448.
Rescheduled - Kids in Prospect Park
Due to possible severe weather and muddy trail conditions, we've rescheduled this hike to Friday, October 16 from 10-11:30 am.
For more information click here or email Maggie at alliance@smgreenbelt.org.
For more information click here or email Maggie at alliance@smgreenbelt.org.
Spring Lake Hike and Moonlit Social Hour Cancelled
It is not easy making this decision. Two cancellations in one weekend.
It looks like the weather will be cloudy but not rainy judging by weather satellite and radar. The weather service however still believes rain showers are likely through this evening. It seems we will not see much of a moonrise this evening.
But the main problem is that trail conditions are very sloppy and hikers damage tread and risk injury in such conditions. We will have someone posted at the parking lot at 5 pm to let people know the situation. I hope we can work out another hike date for Spring Lake and get it posted soon.
Grateful for Rain, Todd Derkacz
It looks like the weather will be cloudy but not rainy judging by weather satellite and radar. The weather service however still believes rain showers are likely through this evening. It seems we will not see much of a moonrise this evening.
But the main problem is that trail conditions are very sloppy and hikers damage tread and risk injury in such conditions. We will have someone posted at the parking lot at 5 pm to let people know the situation. I hope we can work out another hike date for Spring Lake and get it posted soon.
Grateful for Rain, Todd Derkacz
Trail Work cancelled for Saturday, Oct 3
We thought the weather might hold but sprinkles are beginning downtown, radar looks iffy and it just feels like it will pour any minute.
Check our calendar for the next opportunity and thanks for checking in
Check our calendar for the next opportunity and thanks for checking in
Naturescapes: Success
The Fifth Annual Naturescapes event was better than ever. We had great photographs submitted this year, and you must really be busy if you haven't gone down to the Activity Center to check them out. Before the awards presentation, the Crystal Creek Boys enlivened the atmosphere with acoustic magic, while Linda and helpers Leah and Hayat cranked out mucho munchies. Top all that off with a silent auction and some awesome greeting cards featuring 10 of the photographs from last year, and it's the makings for a good time.
The presentation this year opened with some remarks by SMGA president Todd Derkacz noting how paintings and photographs have played a key role in the conservation of parks and natural areas since the idea first gained public attention early in our nation's history. The winners were then announced and the festivities continued. Some pics from Lance Jones will say more than words:
Awards of Excellence went to Larry Alford, Shannon Brotherton, Winifred Simon and Kenneth Jones.
Awards of Merit went to were given to Winifred Simon, Raena Wharton, Herb Smith, Carol Serur, Jane Guerin, Larry Alford.
Great crowd in attendance applauding our judge Greg Lasley (right photo) and two of our winners Carol Watson and Paul Keese who could not be present.
Thanks to all the volunteer members of SMGA, Hill Country Photography Club, The Arts Council and to the staffers at Parks and Recreation who make it possible.
The presentation this year opened with some remarks by SMGA president Todd Derkacz noting how paintings and photographs have played a key role in the conservation of parks and natural areas since the idea first gained public attention early in our nation's history. The winners were then announced and the festivities continued. Some pics from Lance Jones will say more than words:
Awards of Excellence went to Larry Alford, Shannon Brotherton, Winifred Simon and Kenneth Jones.
Awards of Merit went to were given to Winifred Simon, Raena Wharton, Herb Smith, Carol Serur, Jane Guerin, Larry Alford.
Great crowd in attendance applauding our judge Greg Lasley (right photo) and two of our winners Carol Watson and Paul Keese who could not be present.Thanks to all the volunteer members of SMGA, Hill Country Photography Club, The Arts Council and to the staffers at Parks and Recreation who make it possible.
2009 Naturescapes Winners
Best in Show
Herb Smith
Blue Winter Morning
Blanco River
Best in San Marcos Area
Paul Keese
Roses for Mother
Spring Lake Preserve
Awards of Excellence
Kenneth Jones,We Have Touchdown!, San Marcos - Aquarena Springs
Shannon Brotherton, Messing with My Head, San Marcos River
Larry Alford, Autumn Along the Blanco, Blanco River
Winifred Simon, Infrared Tree with Clouds, Red Hawk Road in Wimberley
Awards of Merit
Carol Serur, The New Bridge, San Marcos
Carol Watson, Zebra Caterpiller, Wimberley
Carol Watson, Swan Pond, Driftwood
Herb Smith, Cypress Creek Below Black Log Crossing, Cypress Creek in Wimberley
Jane Guerin, Green Heron, San Marcos
Jane Guerin, Knees Reflected in the Pedernales, Northwest Hays County
Kenneth Jones, Time to Strut, Wimberley
Raena Wharton, Should I Shave?, Northeast of Wimberley
Raena Wharton, Shy Sunflower #2, Northeast of Wimberley
Winifred Simon, Green & White, Red Hawk Road in Wimberley
Winifred Simon, Face to Face, Red Hawk Road in Wimberley
Share the Beauty of Hays County
Have you purchased your holiday cards yet? Need cards to give as gifts or send to friends and family? Would you like to support a good, and local, cause? Why not purchase a set of SMGA Naturescapes cards. For only $14 (shipping & handling extra), you get 10 different Naturescapes photos with envelopes and in a box with a delicate bow. Support SMGA and share the beauty of Hays county with those you love. Email alliance@smgreenbelt.org for information.
Silent Auction Success!
Thanks to participants in our silent auction, which raised over $1,000 for SMGA's ongoing projects!
Fortunately for those of you who were unable to attend, we have a few items left for sale click here. To bid, call 754-9321 or email alliance@smgreenbelt.org.
Also, thanks so much to the following for donating items to the SMGA silent auction.
Fortunately for those of you who were unable to attend, we have a few items left for sale click here. To bid, call 754-9321 or email alliance@smgreenbelt.org.
Also, thanks so much to the following for donating items to the SMGA silent auction.
| Healing Hands Therapeutic Massage Anna & Mark Boling Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance Carol Serur Root Cellar Cafe & Gallery Phoenix Rising Bakery Campus Guide of San Marcos Cypress Sun Jewelry Garden Ville Herb Smith BookLab II Whole Earth Provision Co. TG Canoes & Kayaks Andrew Sansom | Skot Phrea Art & Jewelry Ann Jensen Conley Carwash Crystal Creek Boys San Marcos Nature Center Kurt Johnson Jo on the Go Elizabeth Robertson Grins Restaurant Stephen Derkacz Sink Creek Day Spa Camille Phillips Vaughn Thayer |
Save the Date: Spring Lake Hike & Hughson Hike
Spring Lake Hike and a Moonlit Social Hour
Sunday, October 4, 5:00- 8:30 PM
This hike will take us up to the crown of the hill and a quick check of the pond to see how it came through the dry spell. Afterward we will enjoy some light refreshments at Aquarena Center.
We will meet at the Texas Rivers Center parking lot and walk in from there. The TRC is the home of the River Systems Institute and is located in the old hotel of the Aquarena Springs resort now called the Aquarena Center. The entrance is located where Aquarena Springs Drive meets the railroad tracks in San Marcos.
We will walk in and make our way to the pond via the crown to find out if there is any standing water. For the first time in a long time that pond went dry and it has been the watering hole for wood ducks and mountain lions and just about any other bird, reptile or mammal that needs a drink now and then.
As always sturdy closed shoes are good idea. We recommend long pants as well and bring your own water for the hike. We will provide the bug spray and directions.
Afterward we’ll meet up just inside the Aquarena Center campus to await the ‘arisal’ of the full moon. We will provide some ice, a few sodas, some corn chips, pretzels and some dips. You are welcome to bring some other snacks as you wish and adult beverage. This is just a relaxing social hour to cap off a hike and chit chat with other members and visitors. We will clean up after ourselves as part of our agreement with the Aquarena Center. As is our inclination, we will ‘leave no trace.’
Sunset is at 7:13 p.m. with twilight ending around 7:40. The moon will rise at 7:17 p.m. It looks like we may have some cloud cover with mild temperatures. We will cancel if there is a chance of significant foul weather. We will post that to the blog an hour and half before the event if that is likely.
Hike Hughson Property
Saturday, October 10, 8:00-10:00 AM
This tour is hosted by Jane Hughson and Terry Blackwell who live in a unique situation near the northern end of Spring Lake Preserve.
Jane Hughson has been a long time member of the League of Women Voters and is offering to host a hike for both LWV members and SMGA members.
Most long time residents know there are flood control dams above the San Marcos River but few people know where they are or realize that one is next to the city limits just beyond the edge of Spring Lake Preserve on Sink Creek. The Hughson Hike scheduled for Saturday, October 10th will give SMGA members a chance to see the dam from a commanding view point above the portion of the Sink Creek watershed that directly feeds the headwaters of the San Marcos River.
But the Hughson property is more than that. It has been managed by Jane’s husband Terry Blackwell under the provisions of the Texas wildlife management program. SMGA is hoping that the City of San Marcos and other partners will bring this into conservation to expand Spring Lake Preserve and further ensure clean water for the River and the Aquifer. In addition their property could serve as a link in a greenbelt that would circumvent the city and provide excellent benefits to nature and residents.
The hike will go from hilltop prominence to bottomland areas. It is a must to have sturdy, closed shoes and we strongly advise long sleeves and long pants. SMGA will provide bug repellent, natural and un-natural varieties, should it be necessary. It would also be a good idea to bring some binoculars, identification books, camera, walking stick or whatever tools support the interests you enjoy in our natural areas.
You can find the gate to their property at the intersection of North L.B.J. and Camaro Way
The temporary gate code for the morning of the hike is 9 3 2 1
For information on more hikes, click here.
Sunday, October 4, 5:00- 8:30 PM
This hike will take us up to the crown of the hill and a quick check of the pond to see how it came through the dry spell. Afterward we will enjoy some light refreshments at Aquarena Center.
We will meet at the Texas Rivers Center parking lot and walk in from there. The TRC is the home of the River Systems Institute and is located in the old hotel of the Aquarena Springs resort now called the Aquarena Center. The entrance is located where Aquarena Springs Drive meets the railroad tracks in San Marcos.
We will walk in and make our way to the pond via the crown to find out if there is any standing water. For the first time in a long time that pond went dry and it has been the watering hole for wood ducks and mountain lions and just about any other bird, reptile or mammal that needs a drink now and then.
As always sturdy closed shoes are good idea. We recommend long pants as well and bring your own water for the hike. We will provide the bug spray and directions.
Afterward we’ll meet up just inside the Aquarena Center campus to await the ‘arisal’ of the full moon. We will provide some ice, a few sodas, some corn chips, pretzels and some dips. You are welcome to bring some other snacks as you wish and adult beverage. This is just a relaxing social hour to cap off a hike and chit chat with other members and visitors. We will clean up after ourselves as part of our agreement with the Aquarena Center. As is our inclination, we will ‘leave no trace.’
Sunset is at 7:13 p.m. with twilight ending around 7:40. The moon will rise at 7:17 p.m. It looks like we may have some cloud cover with mild temperatures. We will cancel if there is a chance of significant foul weather. We will post that to the blog an hour and half before the event if that is likely.
Hike Hughson Property
Saturday, October 10, 8:00-10:00 AM
This tour is hosted by Jane Hughson and Terry Blackwell who live in a unique situation near the northern end of Spring Lake Preserve.
Jane Hughson has been a long time member of the League of Women Voters and is offering to host a hike for both LWV members and SMGA members.
Most long time residents know there are flood control dams above the San Marcos River but few people know where they are or realize that one is next to the city limits just beyond the edge of Spring Lake Preserve on Sink Creek. The Hughson Hike scheduled for Saturday, October 10th will give SMGA members a chance to see the dam from a commanding view point above the portion of the Sink Creek watershed that directly feeds the headwaters of the San Marcos River.
But the Hughson property is more than that. It has been managed by Jane’s husband Terry Blackwell under the provisions of the Texas wildlife management program. SMGA is hoping that the City of San Marcos and other partners will bring this into conservation to expand Spring Lake Preserve and further ensure clean water for the River and the Aquifer. In addition their property could serve as a link in a greenbelt that would circumvent the city and provide excellent benefits to nature and residents.
The hike will go from hilltop prominence to bottomland areas. It is a must to have sturdy, closed shoes and we strongly advise long sleeves and long pants. SMGA will provide bug repellent, natural and un-natural varieties, should it be necessary. It would also be a good idea to bring some binoculars, identification books, camera, walking stick or whatever tools support the interests you enjoy in our natural areas.
You can find the gate to their property at the intersection of North L.B.J. and Camaro Way
The temporary gate code for the morning of the hike is 9 3 2 1
For information on more hikes, click here.
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