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AT24-002 Hybrid Hill Country Chapter Meeting and Advanced Training, Kerrville

Name: AT24-002 Hybrid Hill Country Chapter Meeting and Advanced Training, Kerrville
Start: 2024-04-22T18:30:00-05:00
End: 2024-04-22T20:00:00-05:00
Location: Guadalupe Basin Natural Resources Center (GBNRC)

April 22 @ 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM

Event Series (See All)

Free

Event/Webinar Title: Hill Country Chapter Meeting and Advanced Training

AT-VMS: AT: Hill Country Chapter Meeting (usually 1 hour, Enter AT#, Class Title as posted, and Presenter)
Comments: AT24-002 Hybrid, Hill Country Chapter Meeting: see title below, Kerrville, Presenter: see below (AT=1h)

Hybrid Event Date: 4th Monday of each month (except May when it will be the 3rd Monday)
Hybrid Event Time: 6:30p-8:00p

Meeting repeats with different AT topic each month: 2/26, 3/25, 4/22, 5/20, 6/24, 7/22, 8/26, 9/23, 10/28, 11/25
A 30-minute chapter business meeting begins at 6:30 PM. (Service hours=.5h)
The Advanced Training session runs from 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM.

Webinar/Event Summary:
The presentation/Advanced Training will follow a brief business meeting.

January 22 – Archeology of the Hill Country, Presenters: Wade Parsons, Coleen Parsons
Archaeology of the Hill Country with a focus on field awareness and legal ethics for the non specialist.
The Parsons have worked predominantly for federal land management agencies during their 30 year career, covering a variety of cultural regions and natural environments across 12 western states.

February 26 – Capturing the Awe, Presenter: Terry Hibbits Acclaimed biologist and photographer Terry Hibbitts will share his techniques and strategies for photographing small creatures in the field, with a focus on butterflies, dragonflies, damselflies, moths, and beetles. Terry Hibbitts is a retired Biology teacher of 34 years who has been documenting wildlife through photography since his youth. Hibbitts is a co-author of the essential reference book Texas Amphibians: A Field Guide.

March 25 – The Eclipse, Presenter: Kim Arvidsson, Schreiner Professor

It’s almost eclipse time for the second time! Dr. Arvidsson will explain why eclipses occur and how rare they are. He will present what to pay attention to regarding the upcoming total solar eclipse, including eclipse viewing safety.

About Dr. Arvidsson: Dr. Arvidsson has been with Schreiner University for over ten years and is currently the Director of the Schreiner University Loftis Observatory as well as an Associate Professor of Physics and Astronomy. Dr. Arvidsson received his PhD in astrophysics from Iowa State University. Dr. Arvidsson has presented to the Dynamic Learning Institute and is a TexS presenter (Schreiner’s version of TED

April 22 – Journaling, Presenter: Nancy Huffman

Join us on Earth Day for an inspirational talk about nature journaling by renowned Hill Country artist and journalist, Nancy Huffman. Nature journaling is a centuries-old deliberative practice of focusing and clarifying observations about nature. The practice strengthens naturalist observation skills and memory and also fosters curiosity and appreciation for the natural world.

About Nancy Huffman: Nancy Huffman became a member of the Coastal Prairie Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists in 2014 and a member of Hill Country Chapter in 2018. Nancy has served as the President of the Kerrville Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas for two
years. Nancy has taught journaling for many years, including to the training class for the Lost Pines Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists, and Friends of the Fredericksburg Nature Center. Prior to moving to Hunt, Nancy taught art Katy, Texas high schools. More information about Nancy Huffman and her work can be found at https://www.nancyhuffman.com/

May 20 – Reptiles of the Texas Hill Country, Presenter: Dr. Chris Distel

This talk is for lizard lovers, turtle types, and anyone who is just curious about reptiles. Dr. Distel and team will provide a refresher on basic reptile biology, then explore the diversity of our beautiful and fascinating Hill Country reptiles. The talk will also cover environmental threats faced by reptiles in the Hill Country and some steps needed to protect them from further harm.

Dr. Chris Distel is a Professor of Biology and a Field Station Director at Schreiner University. Dr. Distel’s work covers ecotoxicology, invasive species, water issues, science education, and other areas. Dr. Distel’s science and community services includes serving on the Editorial Board for the Journal of Herpetology, the Board of the South-Central Chapter of the Society for Environmental Toxicology and Chemistry, and the Board of Directors of Riverside Nature Center. Dr. Distel received his BA in Biology from Hiram College, MS in Biological Sciences from Eastern Kentucky University, and his PhD in Zoology from Miami University. Dr. Distel will be joined by two Schreiner University biology majors and Field Station interns.

June 24 – Landscaping for Birds, Presenter: Rufus Stephens. Rufus Stephens, biologiest, is a retired Texas Parks and Wildlife Dept. District leader for the 25 county Edwards Plateau Wildlife District.

After years of working with landowners, land managers, naturalists, county officials, and others about wildlife management and land stewardship for birds in the Texas Hill County, biologist W. Rufus Stephens and educator Jan Wrede teamed up to write a practical guidebook on how to improve habitat for birds on both small and large properties throughout the Hill Country. Copies of the updated book “Attracting Birds in the Texas Hill Country” will be available.

July 22 – Texas Waters, Presenter: Deb Youngblood, Master Naturalist and Texas Waters Specialist

Description: Are you concerned for our Hill Country waters and looking for a way to help? Do you have a passion for a river, lake, or stream? Then you may be a fantastic candidate for the Texas Waters Specialist program. This program, sponsored by the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, trains volunteers who want to contribute to the beneficial management of aquatic resources & aquatic habitats within our Texas communities. https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/water-education/texaswatersprogram/texaswatersspecialist

Texas Waters Specialist — Texas Parks & Wildlife Department

tpwd.texas.gov

The curriculum covers aquatic habitats, karst geology, stream dynamics, and water conservation and is intended to support citizen science, water advocacy, and related volunteer activities. Deb Youngblood will explain how to get involved with the program, the training, and the various ways the Texas Waters Specialists are involved in water conservation and preservation efforts.

I encourage you to share this invitation with your non-TMN friends. There is no prerequisite for the program – a person need not have completed any Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, or other program. Any member of the public is welcome to take the training as a way to meet like-minded people and launch their volunteer work for Texas waters. Individuals who have completed a Master Naturalist or Master Gardener training program will find that the curriculum enriches their teaching and learning experiences.

About Our Speaker: Deb Youngblood is a long-time volunteer with the Hill Country Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. Deb shares, “I have always been interested in nature and learning. I share these interests with my grandchildren and others. I have found that TMN is a good fit for me because I can continue to learn and share what I learn. I enjoy photography, working with native plants, and learning how to identify butterflies, birds, and bugs. I love water and my goal each year on my birthday is to swim in a spring-fed pool. I am a Texas Waters Specialist because I hope to contribute to the preservation of Texas rivers.”

Aug 26 –
Sept 23 – Chapter Projects, Presenter: David Drake, HCTMN Projects Director

We are giving our project leaders the floor this month. David Drake will set the stage with an explanation of the basics, such as how to get involved in projects, how to get a new project approved, and navigating the project calendar on the website. David’s presentation will be followed by a series of 5 minute presentations (with photos) by projects leads. Each project lead will describe the project and the volunteer work involved as well as impacts and goals. The number and variety of projects we have underway is awesome. You may be surprised at what your fellow volunteers are working on!

Oct 28 – Regenerative Agriculture, Presenter: Taylor Collins, Roam Ranch

Nov 25 – LMAP and PGARP

Presenter:
See above

Location:
GUADALUPE BASIN NATURAL RESOURCES CENTER (GBNRC) Auditorium
125 Lehmann Dr. Suite 100
Kerrville, Texas 78028

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEsd-mtrj4jGtxFYzNkQoId0FVA05cYJyEF

Contact Information:
Alice King
[email protected]

Organization Website:
https://txmn.org/hillcountry/

Sponsoring Organization:
Hill Country Chapter, TMN