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FIELD JOURNALMeeting

April 29th6:30 p.m.Austin Nature and Science Center

Nicholas Lowie, is a fantastic storyteller, and he will give us pointers on leading groups and keeping their attention etc.

CAMN Board MeetingCAMN Board Meetings are held on the first Thursday of odd numbered months at: 6:45 p.m. at the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin, 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 204, Austin, TX 78757.

Volunteer and Advanced Training OpportunitiesVisit the CAMN website at www.camn.org and log in to the CAMN Volunteer Calendar to start fulfilling those volunteer hours.

*© 2009 Timpanogos Storytelling Festival

C a p i t a l A r e a M a s t e r N a t u r a l i s t s 2 0 0 9

This spectacular “blue marble” image is the most detailed true-color image of the entire Earth to date. Using a collection of satellite-based observations, scientists and visualizers stitched together months of observations of the land surface, oceans, sea ice, and clouds into a seamless, true-color mosaic of every square kilometer (.386 square mile) of our planet. Much of the information contained in this image came from a single remote-sensing device-NASAʼs Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer, or MODIS. Flying over 700 km above the Earth onboard the Terra satellite, MODIS provides an integrated tool for observing a variety of terrestrial, oceanic, and atmospheric features of the Earth. The land and coastal ocean portions of these images are based on surface observations collected from June through September 2001 and combined, or composited, every eight days to compensate for clouds that

might block the sensorʼs view of the surface on any single day. Two different types of ocean data were used in these images: shallow water true color data, and global ocean color (or chlorophyll) data. Topographic shading is based on the GTOPO 30 elevation dataset compiled by the U.S. Geological Surveyʼs EROS Data Center. MODIS observations of polar sea ice were combined with observations of Antarctica made by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administrationʼs AVHRR sensor—the Advanced Very High Resolution Radiometer. The cloud image is a composite of two days of imagery collected in visible light wavelengths and a third day of thermal infra-red imagery over the poles. Global city lights, derived from 9 months of observations from the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program, are superimposed on a darkened land surface map. (NASA)

Happy Earth Day April 22, 2009 NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Image by Reto Stockli

( Love your Mother ---- VOLUNTEER)

*

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Field Prep: by Jim and Lynne Weber

Cat TracksOf the 36 species of wild cats in the world, 7 species roam North America, and only 2 range widely in the state of Texas. In the desert mountain ranges of West Texas, the dense brush lands of the Rio Grande Valley, and parts of the Edward's Plateau in Central Texas, the mountain lion is the top predator. Preferring heavily wooded uplands and bottomland forests, as well as the rocky limestone regions of the Edward's Plateau, the bobcat is present throughout Texas.

A large, long-tailed, unspotted cat, the mountain lion has a lithe, muscular body covered in short, tawny fur with darker markings on the face, ears, and tip of the tail. Also known as the cougar or puma, mountain lions can run up to 43 mph, leap 20 feet from a standing position, and jump a distance of 16 vertical feet! Unlike other big cats, they cannot roar, but they do purr like their close relative, the house cat. They can grow up to eight feet long, weigh up to 150 pounds, and can kill prey to up seven times their body weight. Their diet consists chiefly of large and small mammals, and although mainly solitary, they will come together to mate.

A medium-sized cat with a spotted and barred gray to reddish brown coat, black-tufted ears, and a stubby tail, the bobcat inhabits more of North America than any other wild native feline. With its flexible body measuring up to three feet long and weighing up to 30 pounds, it also depends on surprise to ambush and kills its prey. It prefers to eat a wide variety of small mammals and is more of a generalist predator than its

relative the mountain lion. While the bobcat is highly adaptable and in most areas has learned to cope with the inroads of human settlement, both the bobcat and the mountain lion face threats due to hunting by humans as well as from habitat loss and fragmentation. Little has been learned about these wild cats due to their stealth and mainly nocturnal habits, and while fairly common, they leave little evidence of their presence. Often the only evidence that presents itself is a set of tracks.

While the front tracks of felines (such as mountain lions and bobcats) and canines (such as coyotes and foxes) are larger than the hind tracks, there are some key differences that can aid in proper identification. Cat tracks do not usually have claw marks as their claws are retractable, and only show when they are pouncing or running. In terms of their palm pad, cats have three lobes on the hind edge and two lobes on the leading edge, where dogs have two lobes on the hind edge and one lobe on the leading edge. Lastly, the two front middle toe pads of a cat are not aligned as they are in a dog track, and the positioning of the leading toe pad can help you identify a left from a right foot. If the toe that is furthest forward is on the right, the track is made by the left foot, and if it is on the left, the track is made by the right foot. Needless to say, the tracks of a mountain lion are generally larger than that of a bobcat (roughly 3-4 inches wide versus 2-3 inches wide). However, a large bobcat can splay its foot over 3 inches, and in those rarer cases the size of the palm

pad is used to determine which feline left the tracks.

While you may never actually see a mountain lion or bobcat in Central Texas, you can be sure these magnificent animals are present. Tracks and signs are everywhere, and if you spend the time to study them, they can tell you much about the secret lives of these elusive felines!

Canine tracks

Left front feline track

Send your nature-related questions to naturewatch@austin.rr.com and we’ll do our best to answer them.

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Field Report complied by Beck Runte

And Congratulations Go Out To . . . The Capital Area Chapter of the Texas Mater Naturalist wish to acknowledge and congratulate members who achieved a milestone or who were certified or re-certified in 2008. Without the continuing participation from our members, we would not have such a productive and lively chapter. We salute your commitment and thank you for your dedication.

Bronze

Charlene FarrisLaura SouthwickMarilyn Kircus

Bill KempMiriam Vaughn

Jim WeberTheresa Pella

Liz WellsDavid Dunlap

Kim BaconLynne Weber

Simonetta A. RodriguezKirstine Thorne

Ann CliftVernon Berger

Christine McCulloch

Silver

Christine McCullochRosemary Langston

Beck RunteCathy Nordstrom

John BarrMargaret HillPeggy Murphy

Christine Powell

Gold

Sue WisemanMelissa MacDougall

Sue AndersonKim BaconStuart BaileyJohn M. BarrJill BauerAnne BellomyVernon BergerDebbie BlackburnGloria BraggJulie BollmanBrenna BrockJill CarpenterBarbara CoutantSonia CrawfordAnne DonovanPaul DrownDavid DunlapCharlene FarrisRyan FlemingDaniel HaugNick HentschelMargaret HillMarianna HobbsBev Hoffman

Al Janelle Bill KempMarilyn KircusLee KuckJason LamzaRosemary LangstonKim LanzillottiDiane LapierreMelissa MacDougallKeith MarsChris MaseyKathy McCormackChristine McCullochPatricia McGeeNorman McGinnisDale McQuinnPeggy MurphyJean NanceRollo K. NewsomLinda NowlinAlina OdomJack OdomJulia OsgoodTeresa O’Shaughnessy

Shelly Palmer-FettigTheresa PellaJeri PorterChrisitine PowellDenise PrendergastMary Helen QuinnJulia RagsdaleRose Ann ReeserDena RobertsSimonetta RodriguezVirginia RoseBeck RunteSally ScottJoan SinghJohn H. SmithLaura SouthwickWinnie SpitzEric StagerAnn SyptakKirstine ThorneJane F. TillmanRomona UrbanekMiriam VaughnBrooke Vaughn

Jim WeberLynne WeberLiz WellsJessica WilsonSue WisemanNancy WoolleyKenneth Zaslow

Certified or Re-certified for 2008

KEEP UP THE GREAT

WORK!!!

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Field work: Texas Nature Tracker

Capital Area Master Naturalist Texas Amphibian Watch Partnership

AMPHIBIAN MONITORING AT RIATA POND

by Kathleen Mc Cormack

Several Capital Area Master Naturalists were engaged in TPWD’s Texas Amphibian Watch (TAW) AdoptaFrogPond program at Riata Pond in North Austin in 2008. Generally on the second Saturday night of every month, up to five CAMNers have gathered at dusk to listen for frog and toad calls. The maximum roundtrip miles and travel hours for these volunteers in any month was 130 and four, respectively.

Six frog and toad species have been documented at Riata Pond so far – Rio Grande leopard frog (Rana berlandieri), bullfrog (Rana catesbeiana), Gulf Coast toad (Bufo nebulifer), green tree frog (Hyla cinerea), gray tree frog (Hyla chrysocelus), and cliff chirping frog (Syrrhophus marnockii). Noticeably absent at Riata Pond, however, has been the northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans). Central Texas has been in a drought for over a year, but this manmade storm water retention pond has not gone dry; so although we haven’t had high Call Index Values, we’ve been surprised and pleased with the level of anuran activity. Since our monitoring location is in a semi urban setting, we’ve also had the opportunity, on several occasions, to be TAW ambassadors to the folks using the hike and bike path surrounding the pond.

Our group also monitored a manmade, circulating, three-tier, in-ground water feature at a nearby homeowner property one night in May 2008 and documented one additional species, Great Plains narrowmouth toad (Gastrophryne

olivacea).We plan to continue this monitoring program at a different wetland next year, but Riata Pond has been a good learning experience for everyone involved.

Bullfrog in typical aquatic habitat. taken from Wikipedia

Green tree frog (Hyla Cinerea) Wikipedia / Eran Kilpatrick

American Bullfrog (Arana catesbeiana)

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AMPHIBIAN MONITORING AT HORNSBY BEND

by Julia Osgood

Since June I have led groups of Capital Area Master Naturalists to conduct amphibian monitoring at the pond off Platt Lane at Hornsby Bend. Prior to that time Roger Myers led groups there. He sent his results to Lee Ann Linam, TNT biologist, before he moved away. The pond is well away from human activity.

In these last few months we have heard the following species: Rio Grande leopard frog (Rana berlandieri), Gulf Coast toad (Bufo nebulifer), green tree frog (Hyla cinerea), and northern cricket frog (Acris crepitans). The green tree frogs are almost deafening, while the Rio Grande leopard frogs usually give us a Call Index Value of 12. The cricket frogs stop and start in loud bursts, rising to a crescendo and then falling silent, repeating this pattern over the hour that we monitor. We haven’t heard the Gulf Coast toads in the last three months, but they were in abundance in the spring with a Call Index Value of 3.

Rio Grande Leopard Frog (Rana berlandieri) Juvenile, Williamson county, Texas photo by Gary Nafis

Gulf Coast Toad (Rana Nebulifer) Adult male, Bastrop County, Texas photo by Gary Nafis

As gardeners we all know how important pollinators are but did you know they are in serious danger of disappearing? Habitat loss, pesticide use and disease have taken a heavy toll on the creatures that pollinate our flowers and edible crops. We can help just by making our yards pollinator friendly. This is often just an easy task like leaving an small area unmulched so solitary bees can build their nests, or leaving a weedy area as a refuge for pollinators to shelter. If we all created our owe small wildlife area we could help immensely with a very dire situation.

A volunteer organization called www.polinator.org is in the process of creation free “Pollinator Friendly Planting Guides.” The one for our area isn’t ready yet but just type in your zip code and they will email it to you as soon as it is ready.

To learn more go to http://www.pollinator.org/ or talk to our own Kim Bacon.

You Can Help — Save Our Pollinators Now

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Field Work: Christine Powell

From Silent Night to Silent SpringRachel Carson’s Silent Spring marked the beginning of the ecological movement with its warning that DDT was eliminating many of the birds that provided song to the spring. In a recent lecture at UT Austin, Dr. Tyrone Hayes warned of a threat to America’s amphibians that may lead to silent summer nights. He points out the risks of a chemical called Atrazine, which is among our most heavily used herbicides. Although it kills broad-leafed dicotyledon weeds, it does not as strongly affect many monocotyledons like grasses and grains. For example, it can be used in a “weed and feed” product for St. Augustine, zoysia, and carpet grass, but will harm Bermuda and fescue. Nearly 80 million pounds a year is used in the United States each year, 86% on corn and 10% on grain sorghum. Atrazine ranks second among agricultural chemicals used in Texas (exceeded only by the herbicide 2,4-D), with 3 million pounds a year. It is in particularly heavy use in the blacklands from Austin north towards the

Metroplex, because corn and sorghum are such common crops in this area. Interestingly, although Atrazine is produced by a Swiss company, the chemical is not approved for use in Europe.

Dr. Hayes conducted studies on Atrazine that indicated a link between the chemical and reproductive irregularities in frogs. To be fair, a number of other studies have questioned this link and the Environmental Protection Agency has made a finding that Atrazine poses no risk of amphibian gonadal deformation. It appears that there is a certain amount of apple to orange comparison going on here. The EPA is relying on laboratory studies that focus on the effect of Atrazine alone, while Dr. Hayes is conducting studies that measure the effects of Atrazine in combination with other agricultural chemicals in the environment. He believes that these combinations cause “fight or flight” stress reactions in

amphibians, disturbing the hormonal balance, and causing the production of estrogen in male frogs when they should be making testosterone. This, in turn, causes their testes to function abnormally, even converting them to ovaries in some cases. Some tadpoles never reach maturity, while others have delayed maturation (which in nature can mean that the pond dries up before the frogs become adults). Those that do survive are often rather small, making them easier prey, and have compromised immune systems, making them subject to parasites. All this cuts sharply into reproduction rates and population, he claims.

One interesting study has been conducted on the Salinas River in California, in the valley where most of America’s lettuce and many other vegetables are grown. The river upstream from the agricultural areas has very low Atrazine levels, while the water downstream is runoff with high levels of Atrazine in combination with

Map showing distribution of atrazine-use by state. Atrazine use by crop is also shown. Map courtesy of (USGS).

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other agricultural chemicals. As Dr. Hayes predicted, the frogs downstream show greater stress than those upstream; their growth is noticeably slowed and stunted. This is significant

for us in Central Texas, since there are significant levels of Atrazine in the surface waters and aquifers of the San Gabriel-Little River system in Bell, Williamson, and Milam Counties. Strenuous efforts have been made by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Natural Resource Conservation Service and the Texas AgriLife Extension Service to convince farmers to change their practices to prevent Atrazine-laden runoff. Unfortunately, it can take 20 years for Atrazine to breakdown once it is “in the wild.”

What level is excessive is a matter of some dispute. The EPA limit for Atrazine in drinking water is 3 parts per million (some lakes in Texas have reached 5 ppm), but Dr. Hayes claims that gonadal malformation can be found in frogs developing in waters with as little as 0.1 ppm. He raises the

obvious question of whether a chemical that can cause hormonal irregularities in frogs might not have similar effects in people. Indeed, Hayes cites studies showing lower sperm counts and elevated prostate cancer rates in men exposed to high levels of Atrazine. What is particularly disturbing in animal studies is that some of the effects may reflect chromosomal damage that will affect future

generations even after the Atrazine is gone from the environment.

This is certainly a potential problem that Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists, and others who are concerned about the environment should keep in mind. Those of us who live near corn or grain sorghum fields should make particular efforts to keep informed, since about 75% of these fields in the United States are treated with Atrazine. Hayes estimates that this increases yields by 1.2% over other means of weed control, which can already increase yields by 30-50%. The additional productivity may be worth the risks… or maybe not.

GET TO KNOW THE NATIVESWould you like to learn more about plants while volunteering? Well here is your chance. This is a wonderful

opportunity and having done this in the past myself it was a wonderful experience. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center will again be performing vegetation surveys in its on-site Research Area studies, where plots are burned or mowed at different times of the year to examine the effects on plant communities. This will be the first opportunity for volunteers to work on spring surveys since 2006. We are looking forward to examining the ecological condition resulting from the latest round of burning and mowing, coupled with an extreme drought.

 Since there has been a gap in our survey schedule, we are trying to rebuild the volunteer base. Participants will learn to identify herbaceous and woody plants, and estimate the percentages of different species of plants occurring in the research plots. Every experience level is welcome. The surveys will be conducted in small teams, with staff members nearby at all times. New participants in the surveys will attend one four-hour training class, and commit to work at least two four-hour field sessions. Training is optional for those who have volunteered in the past.

 Training is available on any day between Wednesday, April 15 and Saturday April 18. Training on Wednesday or Friday will be from 2 till 6pm, on Thursday or Saturday from 9am till 1pm. Surveys will begin on Tuesday, April 21 and continue Tuesdays through Saturdays until completed, usually about three weeks. Volunteers can choose to work on morning (9am to 1 pm) or afternoon (2 to 6 pm) shifts, or work all day.

 For more information, or to sign up for one of the training sessions, contact Holly Zafian at hzafian@wildflower.org or call (512) 232-0109.

The Barton Springs Salamander is one of two species of amphibians already protected from atrazine as a result of lawsuits.

Common Groundsel (Senecio vulgaris), one of more than 80 atrazine-resistant "superweeds" that have evolved in response to atrazine use. Common groundsel is the most common weed in the world. It

is poisonous and can cause permanent liver damage, resulting in death, if eaten.

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Field Sighting: by kathy McCormick

Bird Survey: Travis Audubon SocietyNine Travis Audubon Society (TAS) members enjoyed a weekend of birding in Junction, Texas on February 14 – 15, 2009. We were joined by two local birders, Elaine Councill and Rhandy Helton, and we very much appreciated their company and assistance in exploring their birding hotspots and locating their specialty birds.

We visited the Texas Tech campus, Flatrock Road river crossing, County Airport, wastewater treatment facility, Easter Pageant Hill, City Park (both county side and city side of the river), and South Llano River State Park. In addition to the four wonderful blinds at the latter location, we had a pleasant open-air bus ride through the turkey roost area where we saw a juvenile Red-shouldered Hawk, a porcupine roost complete with pellets, and

armadillos. Many thanks to Nancy Johnson for opening the Texas Tech gate for us early on Saturday morning, and to Jayson May for guiding us on the bus tour at the State Park. The Chamber of Commerce goody bags were also a nice surprise.

My records indicate that we observed 63 species, including all three kingfishers and all three phoebes, as well as a good collection of waterfowl and sparrows. Details are below:

* Pied-billed Grebe * Double-crested Cormorant * Great Blue Heron * Great Egret * Black Vulture * Turkey Vulture * Wood Duck (BVD = Better View

Desired) * Gadwall * Northern Shoveler * Northern Pintail * American Green-winged Teal * Redhead * Ring-necked Duck * Lesser Scaup * Osprey * Red-shouldered Hawk * Red-tailed Hawk * American Kestrel * Wild Turkey * American Coot * Killdeer * Spotted Sandpiper * Wilson’s Snipe * White-winged Dove * Mourning Dove * Inca Dove (HO = Heard Only) * Great Horned Owl (BVD) * Ringed Kingfisher * Belted Kingfisher (HO) * Green Kingfisher * Golden-fronted Woodpecker * Ladder-backed Woodpecker * Black Phoebe * Eastern Phoebe * Say’s Phoebe * White-eyed Vireo (HO) * Carolina Chickadee * Black-crested Titmouse * Canyon Wren (BVD) * Carolina Wren * Bewick’s Wren * Ruby-crowned Kinglet * Eastern Bluebird * Northern Mockingbird * Cedar Waxwing (BVD) * Yellow-rumped (Myrtle) Warbler * Canyon Towhee * Spotted Towhee

WOOD DUCKS Image by Dave Menke/USFWS

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* Rufous-crowned Sparrow * Chipping Sparrow * Vesper Sparrow * Black-throated Sparrow * Savannah Sparrow * Song Sparrow * Lincoln’s Sparrow * White-crowned Sparrow * Dark-eyed (Slate-colored) Junco * Northern Cardinal * meadowlark, species (probably Western) * House Finch * Pine Siskin * American Goldfinch * House Sparrow

Please consider visiting the Junction area again in the spring when you’ll be treated to many colorful flycatchers, vireos, warblers, and orioles. Happy birding !

Cedar waxwing www.wikipedia

Great Horned Owl www.nps.gov

Canyon Wren www.bird-friends.com

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Field Training: Around the State

OpportunitiesThe North Texas Chapter is hosting a one day conference on May 16, 2009 in Seagoville.

"The conference will focus on the monitoring and management of the Blackland Prairies and other ecosystems and what role the Texas Master Naturalist and teachers can play in the conservation of these natural resources."

You can visit the website for more information:

http://ntmn.org/RegionalConference/

TMN members may receive Advanced Training hours (pending your chapter's approval) and teachers can receive Continuing Education Units for this event.

Class size is limited so register early.

Thanks for your help in spreading the word and we hope to see many of you in May.

Julie Collins

Public Relations

North Texas Chapter

This from the Tierra Grande Chapter:This event may be of interest to the naturalist enthusiast and may serve as Advanced Training to the few chapters in this region of the state.

Sauceda at Big Bend Ranch State Park Fiesta-- Details can be found at: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/big_bend_ranch/fiesta/

Heidi Moltz of the Texas Stream Team announces the water monitoring training classes will be held over the next few months in San Marcos. To be placed on the waiting list for the next available class, please contact Heidi at hm1079@txstate.edu.

Digital Photography for Biologists and Nature Scientists

A Professional WorkshopApril 13-15, 2009

presented by Brain K. Loflin for more info contact:

bklofline@austin.rr.comwww.thenatureconnection.com

or call 512-743-7009

Some Dates to Mark on your calendar:

Mid June 2009-- Fall Training applications, dates and information

dueinto state office for inclusion into the

statewide news release.

October 23-25th, 2009 -- Texas Master Naturalist Statewide AnnualMeeting & Advanced Training, Mo

Ranch, Hunt Texas.

October 22-24, 2010 -- T bar M Ranch Resort in New Braunfels

October 21-23, 2011 -- Mo Ranch, Hunt, Texas (tentative location,

contract not yet confirmed)

October 26-28, 2012 -- Camp Allen, Navasota, Texas (being hosted by

theCinco Tierra Chapter as they

celebrate their 5th Anniversary this year)

Texas Mussel and Amphibian Watch Workshop

Monday April 6, 2009 - Texas Freshwater FisheriesCenter, 5550 FM 2495, Athens, TX 75752

Learn how to identify freshwater mussels, frogs and toads in your local area and participate in scientific research. Sponsored by the Texas Freshwater FisheriesCenter, Athens, Texas. Texas Mussel and Amphibian Watch workshop will beheld on Monday, April 6, 9:00AM until 9:00PM with a dinner break. SBECand TEEAC credit available for educators. Registration required. Fee$20.00. Fee includes workshop materials and Texas Amphibian Watch Guideto the Calls of Frogs and Toads in Texas audio CD. To register and formore information, please contact Zoe Ann Stinchcomb, Education Director,Texas Freshwater Fisheries Center at (903) 670-2238 orZoeann.stinchcomb@tpwd.state.tx.us

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Margaret Campbell Bamberger passed away quietly in her sleep this morning, Friday, March 6, 2009. Early Wednesday, shortly after completing an exhausting month of cancer treatments, she fell asleep, never to awaken. A green burial will soon take place on the ranch that she loved so well. Attendance will be limited to immediate family and the ranch family.

Margaret was born December 13, 1938 in New Orleans. Over her seventy years, she was twice a wife, three times a mother, once a laboratory technician, repeatedly a crusader in environmental causes, periodically an artist shown and published, occasionally a writer, routinely an educator, and always a warm and generous friend to too many people to count.

She met and married J. David Bamberger in the early 1990s, and became an equal partner in the ongoing creation of the Bamberger Ranch Preserve as we know it today. She is credited with creating the ranch's educational programs and giving the ranch its credibility as an educational institution. The ranch became a routine destination for everything from groups of elementary school students, to university researchers. She won national awards for conservation, and had university awards, and even a middle-school greenhouse, dedicated to her. It was her idea to add the observation room to the design of "Bamberger's Folly", the largest artificial bat roost and observation facility ever

created. With David's son, she named the structure, and in doing so officially added a new word to the English language: "chiroptorium".

She is survived by her husband J. David, sister Mary Greene of Paris, France, daughters Margie Crisp and Frances Sharp, son Chris Campbell, and numerous grandchildren as

well as the thousands of people she touched over a richly-lived lifetime.Margaret Bamberger was not merely a good person, but a person who did good. Thus her loss is felt doubly. There is, nonetheless, consolation to be found in the quality of her work - it is too good to be lost with her. The education programs she set in motion will be continued and grown by the dedicated members of the current ranch family, and those who will, in time, follow them. Margaret's impact will thereby be felt for generations to come, like the ever expanding ripples from a pebble dropped into cool, clean waters.If you'd like to help Margaret's legacy live on, the family suggests contributions be made to the Margaret Bamberger

Education Fund which she established in 2007. Donations can be mailed to:

Bamberger Ranch Preserve2341 Blue Ridge Drive Johnson City, TX 78636.

Field Notes: by Christine powell

Margaret Campbell Bamberger

Reproduced from http://brp-journal.blogspot.com/2009/03/margaret-bamberger-1938-2009.html Go to http://www.bambergerranch.org/ for more information about the Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve and information on all the wonderful opportunities they have.

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Field Trip: By bill Todd

Botany Class 2009 Enjoy this photo journal from the 2009 botany class at the Wildflower Center. 

 

Friday, May 29, 2009

Presented in Celeste, Texas, this one day workshop covers a variety of restorations topics. At a cost of $5, you can’t miss if this is your interest.

Please RSVP by May 22, 2009 to (903) 455-6212 ext. 3Or for more information, contact Jeff Goodwin at )9030 874-5131 x3

Certified Professional in Rangeland Management CEU’S Offered.

Native Prairie Restoration WorkshopSponsored by:

Texas Parks & Wildlife

Native Prairies Association of Texas

the samuel roberts Noble Foundation

GLCI

The Nature Conservancy

Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis) and Prairie verbena (Glandularia bipinnatifida

Eve's necklace (Sophora affinis)

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Flo Oxley talking to 2009 CAMN class about symbiotic relationship between Texas bluebonnets (Lupinus texensis), nitrogen-fixing bacteria and Texas paintbrush (Castilleja indivisa)

White-lined Sphinx Moth (Hyla lineata) nectaring on Yellow columbine (Aquilegia hinckleyana)

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Our day began with speaker Mary Jo Galindo, Ph.D. Principal Investigator for SWCA, Environmental Consultants here in Austin. She spoke at length about the heritage of indigenous peoples of central Texas known as the Paleoindian wanderers from 12,000 years ago... their hunting and gathering lifestyles and artifact collections. The Gault site here in Texas is supposed to have more information (yet to be released) on Clovis cultures than any other site, world wide. The thing I remember most about the talk is that so many of the sites are being lost to development. Some sites call in an archaeologist before developing, but even then they are under time pressure and the remains that are excavated are often numbered and sit in the basement of some university waiting to be investigated further. Meanwhile many of the sites are sitting under overpasses and malls. Some land owners set up "Buy and Dig" operations selling off their "rightful" property.

The texture of the desert is dangerously beautiful and after today's class even more profound. We were at West Cave Preserve, about an hour outside Austin, just past Hamilton Pool for our class on Saturday...the class I'd been waiting for from the beginning!

This unique spot of land is managed by John Ahrns, a true naturalist in the most pure sense of the word. You are not allowed to just peruse the hiking trails but must be led, on a walk/talk by the man who has watched over this land from when it was a trashed-out parking lot to the pristine state it's in today. You stay on the trails and not a leaf is overturned. You have the opportunity to see nature at work being led by a seasoned guru who contemplates the meaning of every day, season and lifespan of the forest life.

A handmade basket of tools...the part of the class I'd been dyeing to take was the Fiber Arts...the lost craft of the

indigenous people here in central Texas. It appeals to my doop-decorating nature and the inner fiber artist in me that stood shyly watching the old German ladies at the park crochet until I got the nerve to ask in my broken German...blumen? I was seven and have been crocheting, macrame-ing and weaving ever since...I wanted to learn to cord. And we did!

Our instructor, Charlene Farris (above) a fellow MN who has a fascination with all things fiber explaining how the idea of a basket may have come from investigating birds nests, along with the need to carry more than your hands could hold.

It looks like a toasted tortilla (above), but this is a purse made out of prickly-pear. They've also been found at archaeological sites with fish inside...great for poaching!

We made sandals out of sorrel fronds after carefully removing the spines...they

had been soaked in water for 48 hours prior to insure pliability.

Here Charlene is mashing Red Yucca fronds that had been boiled and soaked to soften the fibers for easy separation. The smell was fresh and had a slightly citrus-asparagus aroma that made my mouth water. Cord, rock and fiber...yea! The essential part of a sandal...the thong! It was surprisingly easy!

Our next mini-course was with David Croft, Master Naturalist on Flintknapping (from the German word knap, meaning to break) and the use of the atlatl. Here he's showing us the beautiful Georgetown Blue Flint...part of what made central Texas "rich" before the black gold. There are only 3 sites in the world where flint can be found.

Field Trip: By Cheryl Goveia

CAMN 2009 at West Cave Preserve

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Flintknapping is a beautiful precise art form...it was amazing to watch him predict the wave of the force on the rock upon impact. The above shot is his example stone...seeing the form in the rock requires a lot more work than the simplicity implied.

John demonstrated the full body force necessary for the refining work on the blade, known as pressure flaking...the break always happens from the bottom. The tool used is an Ishi Stick so named for the last wild Indian in California who shared his knowledge with anthropologists of the day.

Demonstrating the posture for atlatl propelling; the world record for distance with the atlatl is over 300 yards...I think this should be an Olympic event! The atlatl was used in the Middle Paleoindian Age from about 8800-6000BP. John learned the craft of flintknapping from his teacher at Wild Basin Preserve, classes are ongoing.

John Ahrns, West Cave Preserve Manager covered the history of the preserve and volunteer opportunities before leading us on a walk to the cave. He's the archetypal grandfather I never had...needless to say,

I was on his heels soaking up the wisdom and patience like a child.

It was beautiful but nippy, around 55 degrees...not bad for February.

Male "Spice wood" flower (above), used by pioneers as a substitute for Allspice.

It's a delightful walk and I had no idea what was coming. John explained how he had brought his children with him while

he build the trails...ah my fantasy childhood!

A cool and quiet cathedral. If you're still you can hear the rocks seep. In wet years this is a waterfall...hard to imagine.

We're looking at all the oyster fossils in the wall...back when central Texas was beach property...or under the sea.

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So many kinds of moss and ferns and there's the drip...dripping water.

The walk back was all up hill, and when we hit the flats the sun was playing on the meadow and it seemed about 20 degrees hotter...probably the hike.

Over the years John has collected Mesquite stump to make a natural fence.

Our final speaker was Matt Warnock Turner (above), author of Remarkable Plants of Texas...a book all you gardeners must own! Matt is an entertaining speaker with a strong sense of story. He's the son of a botanist who holds a degree in creative writing and enjoys learning about his surroundings through the thread of a story. He's a gifted teacher and his enthusiasm made it impossible to not hang on his every word...in fact I

went back to hear him speak at the monthly meeting and was thrilled to learn even more about some of our natives and how we've survived and thrived because of them. I also have to say something about the gorgeous architecture of the facility...it's stunning and...they don't do weddings!

Delicate blooming lichen.

Agarita "little-sours" blossoms previously used for ringworm and as an aniseptic eyewash.

Closely related to the prickly pear is the Christmas Cactus or tasajillo, it's super mean in the wild but can be eaten in a pinch.

After we'd taken a hike with Matt and learned about several plants and how they were used we had a chance to try some old time Texas treats...Agarita jelly, Napolitos, and cookies made out of Mesquite bean flour...looks like scat, tastes sort of like ginger and sawdust...not unpleasant though!

My favorite class so far...as illustrated by the prickly pear:) There are many volunteer opportunities at WestCave and they also have star parties though they're booked through April, so get on out there!

All images and text are the © property of Cheryl Goveia and cannot be used without her permission.

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I was tired of driving sixty miles round trip and aside from the fact that gasoline was flirting with $4 a gallon last summer, I thought it was time to do some volunteering in Williamson County, particularly the Georgetown area. Why not afford the children here in Georgetown the opportunity that children in the Highland Lakes area and East Austin have. That's how FUN WITH NATURE IN THE PARK was born.

On July 17, forty-five children participated in a program, BATS AT McNEILL BRIDGE. I gave a twenty minute presentation and then Master Naturalists Sally Scott and Dale McQuin assisted with the echolocation game and the making of bat masks.

On August 14, another forty-five children participated in a program on WINTER VISITORS TO OUR BACKYARDS. I gave a presentation on migration, and then half the group played the Migration Game while Master Naturalist member, Rosemary Langston, gave a program on how birds will be attracted by the type of seed that is made available. A discussion of the birds' beaks and how that relates to the type of seed that will attract different birds was made. At the end of her presentation, the groups switched and heard the presentation or played the game.

Unfortunately, the drought posed problems for the pond at Berry Springs and I have delayed the start of the POND COMMUNITY 'til Spring due to the rehab work on the pond that was underway. Macroinvertebrates, aquatic plants, reptiles and amphibians, raptors, butterflies, dragonflies and mammals are just some of the topics that are planned. There will also be native plant walks and I have prepared a booklet of the most commonly found native plants for the children.

I have asked Susan Blackledge, Park Manager, to apprise the Scout troops that camp at Berry Springs of the opportunity for nature presentations and activities. Information has also been sent to Georgetown Recreation Center. Rivery Park with its pond and also Bootys Park will also be excellent venues for activities.

Anyone interested in volunteering with this program, please contact me at coutant@suddenlink.net

I'm sure many of you have a park nearby with children who would love to learn more about nature. Let's get them back outside to enjoy the outdoors again. They are the ones who will be stewards of our planet when we are gone. Let's leave it in good and caring hands.

by Barbara Coutant

APRIL OPEN HOUSE AT BRIGHT LEAF PARK!

April 25th 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Camn members will be leading children's activities.

Visit the Pet Snakes of Mary Ann Woolley, create rock art, explore soil components, make bug fingerprint bookmarks, learn about butterflies and caterpillars.

Guided hikes offered of different lengths: short, medium and long.

REFRESHMENTS PROVIDED

Tee shirts and hats for purchase.

Bright Leaf is located one block west of Mesa and 2222. Turn onto Creek Mountain Drive, follow it to Old Bull Creek Road and the entrance to this hidden jewel of Austin is on your left.

This 217 beautiful acres is crossed by a "dry creek" which is mostly wet.

For more information contact Sally Scott <sallylscott@sbcglobal.net> or 453-2289.

See you on the trails.

Nature Smart Family Day

Good Clean Fun

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President: Barbara CoutantVice-President: Lynne WeberPast President: Sue WisemanTreasurer: Linda NowlinAdministrative Secretary: Beck RunteRecording Secretary: Jim WeberAt-Large Board Members: Stuart Bailey,Rose Ann ReeserAdvisory Board Members: Kelly Bender, Clark Hancock, Jackie McFadden, Melissa MacDougall

Board of Directors

According to the CAMN By-Laws, our Board of Directors consists of the Officers and the Chair of each Committee.

If you have concerns you wish the Board to consider, please contact one of the Board members via email or show up at a Board Meeting.

CAMN Board Meetings are held on the first Thursday of odd numbered months at: 6:45 p.m. at the Academy of Oriental Medicine at Austin, 2700 W. Anderson Lane, Suite 204, Austin, TX 78757.

Got info for the Field Journal?

Send info, photos and articles for publication in the Field Journal to:camnnews@gmail.com. Deadline for submission is the 27th of each month.

Officers CommitteesAdministrative Contact: Beck Runte Maintains database of students and alumni, including names, addresses, class attendance, volunteer hours earned, and advanced training completed.

By-Laws Contact: Tim Scoggins Develops the organizational by-laws.

Communications Web page: Christine Powell Field Journal: Dena RobertsPress releases: Kelly Bender Responsible for the Internet web page and press releases.

Curriculum Contact: Theresa Pella Develops the CAMN curriculum, as well as plans the lectures, activities and field trips for each class.

Advanced Training Contact: Joan SinghPlans, coordinates, and approves advanced training opportunities.

Program Contact: Sally ScottPlans, and coordinates,meeting programs.

Food & Fun Contact: Jason Lamza Facilitates the social aspects of CAMN including the Certification Ceremonies and holiday celebrations.

Volunteer Opportunities Contact: Julia Osgood Develops criteria to determine whether volunteer opportunities may be counted for CAMN credit. Reviews, approves, and publicizes opportunities.

Ad Hoc Education Partners: Jeri Porter, Jessica Wilson , Simonetta Rodriguez, Lynda Blakeslee, Marilyn KircusSeeks and applies for grants to boost our outreach efforts.

Outreach CommitteeContact: Stuart Bailey Promotes CAMN

NatureSmart Family CommitteeContact: Peggy A. Murphy, Simonetta Rodriguez Promotes CAMN

Field Trips CommitteeContact: Joan Singh. Plans and co-ordinates Field Trips

Sponsors/PartnersMission Statement

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.

Members of CAMN are dedicated to the conservation, preservation, and restoration of our natural resources. To that end, we encourage and support trained Master Naturalist volunteers in Austin and Travis County in providing community programs and projects that increase appreciation of our natural environment and promote, protect, and preserve native flora and fauna.

Austin Nature and Science Center

Texas Parks and Wildlife

Texas Cooperative Extension

Lower Colorado River Authority

Austin Sierra Club

The Nature Conservancy of Texas

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Hornsby Bend Center for Environmental Research

Bat Conservation International

Native Plant Society of Texas

Travis Audubon Society