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Last Bird Survey with Sherry Bixler

Our last bird survey with Sherry Bixler at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery was held to honor her and celebrate her and the wonderful memories we have.

For many years, Sherry has led the bird surveys at the Fish Hatchery and for our chapter, sharing her knowledge, enthusiasm, and love of birds with all of us. She is a kind and generous teacher and guide who has inspired and encouraged so many along the way.

We are grateful for the many years of dedication, friendship, and birding adventures Sherry has shared with us. It was a wonderful way to celebrate her and recognize all that she has contributed to our birding community.

Photos by Julie Jary

September Awards and Pins

Photos by Julie Jary

Sherry Bixler receiving her 4,000 Volunteer Service Hours pin. Presented by Al Lillis

Larry Secrest receiving his 1,000 Volunteer Service Hours pin. Presented by Al Lillis

Susan Neams receiving her 500 Volunteer Service Hours pin. Al Lillis presenting

Dee Hardiman, Diane Hunter and Julia McComas receiving their 250 Volunteer Service Hours pin. Cassie Oberhaus not pictured. Al Lillis presenting.

2026 Recertification – Vicki Adcock, Reed Armstrong, Bill Blevin, Kathleen Branch ****, Becky Breazeale, Karen Brents, Ray Buchanan, Pam Butler, Lyn Davis, Jill Goff, Dee Hardiman, Meghan James, Kim Jungkind, Beth Lillis, Blinda McClelland, Cassie Oberhaus, Krista Paul, Keff Rhodes ****, Kristen Rodgers, Mark Stracke, Terry Stracke, Lisa Stripay, Bill Tarver ****, Becki Vavrek, George Vavrek, Jane Watson, and Mike Zarella****. Some members not picture

Grytch Smoot received his Initial Certification – photo will follow

Trail Trackers at Inks Lake State Park

By Karen Stewart 

Trail Trackers is a new volunteer program at Inks Lake State Park.  Trail Trackers are volunteers who staff hiking trailheads to provide information, assistance, and safety support for campers and hikers in the park. Similar programs exist at other parks, including Trailhead Advisors at Government Canyon and “Beat the Heat” Trail Safety Volunteers at Enchanted Rock.

After completing training and on-the-job instruction, Trail Trackers check out a backpack, radio, and supplies from the ILSP office. Each backpack contains a first aid kit, a binder with safety information and emergency contacts, trail maps, educational materials, and insect tattoos for children. The kits also include ice packs stored in the park freezer.

The goal of the program is for volunteers to be the first point of contact for visitors needing minor first aid, dog water, park information, or updates on trail and weather conditions. Volunteers also help educate visitors about common park hazards and safety concerns.

At Devil’s Waterhole, for example, the rocks can be slippery and steeply slanted, often catching swimmers and campers off guard. Many visitors head out on trails without proper shoes, enough water, sunscreen, or hats to protect themselves from the heat. Dog owners may also underestimate how hot the trails and rocks can become for their pets.

Trail Trackers provide information about heat safety for dogs, snakes, local geology, trail conditions, and park maps to help visitors stay safe and informed.  Shifts are 2 hours primarily on the weekends or holidays.   To volunteer contact Karen at [email protected] 

Scout Fishing Event at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery

What an incredible day at the local hatchery!

Scouts, along with their families, had an unforgettable time casting lines, sharing laughs, and reeling in some HUGE catfish! There’s nothing quite like watching young anglers light up with excitement as they land a big catch, especially when it’s surrounded by the encouragement of family and friends.

Days like these are about so much more than fishing—they’re about building confidence, creating lifelong memories, learning new skills, and strengthening the bonds that make Scouting so special.

A big thank you to everyone who came out and helped make this event such a success. We can’t wait for the next adventure!

Photos by Gary Sullivan

The World of Discovery Trunks

By  Paula Richards and Becky Breazeale

Throughout the year, HLMN supports environmental education activities for over 2,000 children across our four-county area. These are hosted at various parks such as Inks Lake and Blanco State Parks, libraries, schools, property owner associations, and special venues such as Bamberger Preserve and Candlelight Ranch. With more than fifteen discovery trunks and presentations covering a variety of nature topics, HLMN strives to connect children and adults with the beauty of our hill country.

The programs are designed to be interactive and to encourage the participants to take action to be good stewards of our environment.  Activities enhance and reinforce core science objectives with topics such as insects, birds, mammals, pollinators, vertebrates, watersheds and other topics. Topics for property owners’ associations range from the importance of using native plants, to bee keeping, and dark sky initiatives.

The trunks are containers for the materials that are used for various nature learning stations.  They are used to education children and adults, to train volunteers in the teaching of these stations, and to give us mobility with topics, expanding our capacity and capabilities as an organization.

The trunks contain a collection of materials and artifacts that enable you to teach specific topics or concepts. The collections contain:

• Directions for the volunteers
• Supporting Materials
• Typically designed to be used in the classroom (inside or outside)
• Aligned with TEKS objectives

Full descriptions of the Discovery Trunk Lessons and Check Out procedures can be found at Groups io @ [email protected] | Files or Discovery Trunks

Graduation Day – Congratulations New Class Members

Photo by Jim Branch