Support the Greenways at the Code SMTX Workshops Today

Please attend the CodeSMTX workshops, Thursday, August 20,  from 2-4 pm or 6-8 pm at the SM Activity Center. Share your support for connected open spaces. Grab a comment card and say that open space noted in the preferred scenario map MUST be represented and supported in the Neighborhood Character Plans and in the Codes. These open spaces are along floodplains and serve as connections across the city. You can also send comments to planning_info@sanmarcostx.gov.

View the Preferred Scenario Map (pdf)
Learn more about Zoning for Character
Learn more about CodeSMTX

If you have any questions, feel free to contact us at smgreenbelt@gmail.com.

Sunrise Birding at Spring Lake Natural Area

  A large group of 19 early-risers met at the parking area on Lime Kiln Road to start their mile-long search. The golden glow of sunrise soon gave way to warm temperatures and higher humidity levels on this first day of August. With no rain for a month the grasses were starting to brown but the stock pond remained full and inviting to numerous dragon-flies and other aquatic insects.
  The birding group probably saw as many butterflies as birds on this outing. Among the sightings were Queen, Gulf Fritillary, Common Mestra and many, many Zebra Heliconians.

At the stock pond near the Lime Kiln Road trail head.

  The monthly hikes are led by Stephen Ramirez and Colton Robbins, who provides the birding list below. Contact Stephen@BirdsIView.org to be notified of future birding hikes.
  Following the hike, several of the members enjoyed breakfast at Chepo's on Old Ranch Road 12.  -LJ
22 Bird Species Sighted

Great Blue Heron  1
Red-shouldered Hawk  1
Killdeer  1
Inca Dove  1
White-winged Dove  8
Mourning Dove  10
Yellow-billed Cuckoo  2
Chimney Swift  4
White-eyed Vireo  3
Barn Swallow  4
Cliff Swallow  5
Carolina Chickadee  1
Black-crested Titmouse  5
Carolina Wren  2
Bewick's Wren  3
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher  1
Northern Mockingbird  3
European Starling  4
Summer Tanager  1
Northern Cardinal  2
Brown-headed Cowbird  1
Lesser Goldfinch  6

Sierra Club tackles Spring Lake Natural Area

Mary Seaborne points out the group's location and route.

Ten members of the Sierra Club Austin met on Sunday, August 2nd, to hike the Spring Lake natural area. Starting at the Meadows Center the group hiked up and over the hill taking in the viewshed at the top.
Then it was birding and butterfly viewing as the group hiked four miles through shade and sun on nine of the 11 trails that wind through the 251 acres.
A swim at Sewell Park to cool off was followed by lunch at Herbert's on Riverside Drive.  -LJ

Eagle Scout builds a new kiosk with a little help from friends and family

Max Murdoch and fellow scouts work at finishing the roof

Ever wonder who builds those kiosks at the trail heads to the natural areas?  They provide shade and a gateway to the great outdoors. Displays with a trail map and park rules serve to provide important information, often doggie bags and a trash can are part of the entrance.
Several of the kiosks were built by Eagle Scout candidates like the one going up at the N. LBJ entrance to the Spring Lake natural area.  Max Murdoch is building the newest kiosk with 15 members of Troop 18 and support from their moms and dads.  They've been working the past two weekends to finish the project under the direction of Scott Burton, Troop Master.
The project is a collaboration with the City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department. -LJ