Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge – Bridges to Birding
by Cathy Houston
Members from Highland Lakes, Goodwater and Capitol Area Master Naturalist Chapters, along with Friends of Balcones volunteers, participated in Bridges to Birding Field Trips at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Reserve in March. Third through fifth grade students learned about birds by participating in activities at Doeskin Ranch. These activities included bird calls, habitats, migration, nesting, how to use a field guide, how to use binoculars and a lesson on the basic biology of birds. Students were also able to participate in a short hike. The students all seemed to have a great time enjoying being outside and learning about nature. All of the field trips are greeted by Goldie the Golden Cheeked Warbler upon their arrival at Doeskin Ranch. Several additional field trips are scheduled in April and May.
Photos were taken by Stephanie Jones from BCNWR and Paula Richards.
Jerry Stacy Awarded 10,000 Volunteer Hour Milestone
Jerry Stacy’s dedication to volunteer service is truly remarkable. His journey began in 2006 when he joined the Highland Lakes Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist Program. By 2014, he had already accumulated 4,000 volunteer service hours, a feat achieved by only four other members. His commitment didn’t stop there. In 2016, he reached the 5,000-hour mark.
As of March 2024, Jerry has amassed an impressive 10,057 volunteer service hours and 683 advanced training hours. This achievement earned him an emerald-studded dragonfly pin, making him the first member of the Highland Lakes Chapter to reach the 10,000-hour volunteer milestone.
Jerry’s path to this milestone was paved with diversity. He led interpretive hikes at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery, emphasizing edible plants. He also contributed to outreach education and maintained trails and pollinator gardens at the hatchery. Jerry played a crucial role in building the Wildlife Viewing Stations at Inks Lake State Park and Granite Shoals, and his expertise has been sought by other organizations for similar projects.
Jerry’s volunteer efforts extend to several other locations, including Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge, Blanco State Park, and Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center. His activities range from Wood Duck Box monitoring and LCRA water quality monitoring to conducting surveys of Quillwort, Quail, and Golden-cheeked Warblers. He also works with the Land Management Assistance Program team, providing landowners with assessments of their property’s plant life and land management goals. Furthermore, Jerry leads and trains for Fishing Events and the Great Outdoor Project and Hatchery Outdoor Project for local school children.
If you find yourself at one of these events or parks, you’ll likely see Jerry, hard at work. And who knows? He might just be working towards his next milestone: 15,000 volunteer service hours.
New Class of 2024 – Longhorn Cavern Tour
Photos by Al Lillis
Board of Directors – 2024
Photo by Mary Lott
New Arbor and Work Day at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery
Many thanks to Friend’s members Jerry & Bill for installing a rustic cedar arbor in the Pollinator garden. We’ll have it finished off & growing vines this spring! Linda O’Nan
Great crew turned to prune & mulch around the Hatchery Ed Bldg—makes overwhelming tasks doable with Friends like this! (Sherry weeding & didn’t stop for pic, Kaye got a headstart Sunday) Some were staying to help George paint archery stands later. Many thanks to our volunteers—voted best in county!!
Granite Shoals Wildlife Viewing Station – Rehab
The City of Granite Shoals and Highland Lakes Chapter of the Master Naturalists Program entered into a partnership to create the Granite Shoals Wildlife Viewing Station, Quarry Park, at 2221 Phillips Ranch Road in 2017. The Highland Lakes Chapter has maintained the Wildlife Viewing station and bird feeders through the years. Last year, the Wildlife Viewing Station was vandalized and the City of Granite Shoals agreed to pay for materials to make repairs. Jerry Stacy and Fredi Frankie worked on and completed repairs this week. Repairs included repairing two doors, replacing glass and restoring the bird display. Recent rains brought the pond to a decent level for visiting.