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

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
Aug 26 –
Sept 23 –
Oct 28 –
Nov 25 –

Presenter:
See above

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

Register:
To join via Zoom please pre-register using this link

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

Contact Information:
Alice King
vicepresident@hillcountrytmn.org

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

Sponsoring Organization:
Hill Country Chapter, TMN