November 2020 Presentation on Restoring Native Texas Agaves for Endangered Pollinating Bats https://txmn.org/tierra/files/2020/12/11-20-20-Texas-Master-Naturalists-presentation-November-2020.pdf
Lights Out!
Light pollution harms birds, but you can help! Lights Out alerts for Dallas and Houston and CSU statewide lights out alerts tell you when to act.
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Every spring and fall, billions of birds migrate through the US, mostly under the cover of darkness. This mass movement of birds must contend with a dramatically increasing but still largely unrecognized threat: light pollution.
Light attracts and disorients these migrating birds, confusing and exhausting them as well as making them vulnerable to collisions with buildings, not to mention other urban threats like cats and toxins. An estimated 365 – 988 million birds die in collisions with buildings annually, including a number of species of high conservation concern. The BirdCast team joins a growing international Lights Out efforts already underway, including in over 30 cities in North America, in proposing and implementing a simple solution: turning off unnecessary lighting during critical migration periods.
Turning off lights dramatically reduces hazards from attraction to and disorientation by light, allowing birds to safely proceed with their migratory journeys. And further, Lights Out does more than save birds, it saves energy and money! The Environmental Protection Agency highlights energy as the largest operating expense for commercial buildings. Reducing energy use by shutting off lights for migration season makes environmental sense and fiscal sense.
Lights Out is a win-win for birds and cities, and the people who love both.
Source: https://birdcast.info/lights-out/
| Lighting Assessment Volunteer Training Manual V2 R3 |
Wanda, Vicki, Tyler, Janice, and Bill Met with Ellen on 5/15 at the interpretive center, DMSP, to start the process to obtain Dark Skies Certification for the park.
Vegetative Propagation by Softwood and Semi-hardwood Cutting Workshop Cancelled
I wish we could have had our class but I hope this handout will encourage you to try to make some cuttings. Special thanks for Tim Roberts and Petei Guth for editing and helpful suggestions. If something isn’t clear, let me know. Stay safe and I hope to see you soon.
Karen Little
Sul Ross State University
Click on the link below for the cuttings class handout.
Vegetative Propagation by Softwood and Semi-hardwood Cutting Workshop
Big Bend Conservation Book Club met on Thursday, February 27 at 6:00pm at Front Street Books Twenty people joined a Big Bend Ranch State Park Ranger at Front Street Books in Alpine to discuss the book and conservation theory in the Big Bend. This quarter’s Big Bend Conservation Book Club selection is Path of the Puma: The Remarkable Resilience of the Mountain Lion by Jim Williams. Great book!
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Is My Yard Light Killing Birds?
On Saturday, February 22, in partnership with the Borderlands Research Institute, Tierra Grande proudly presented an educational program by writer, conservationist, and educator Kay Charter, founder and Executive Director of Saving Birds Through Habitat in Omena, Michigan (www.savingbirds.org). 34 people attended the popular lecture, including several members of the Native Plant Society of Texas.
Ms. Charter spoke about the modern perils that threaten to decimate our native bird populations, not only by habitat fragmentation but also by pesticides and light trespass. “Currently, people are up in arms about Roundup™ – which, I believe, used correctly, is safe. It is also necessary for restoring ecosystems that have alien species. We have used it – and still use it – to control autumn olive which would otherwise take over the entire property. It must be used judiciously, of course. But those same people do not understand the risk of insecticides to the degree that they use them everywhere. It is a big part of the problem for our birds – especially swallows, swifts and shorebirds. Ponds, lakes and wetlands are sprayed for mosquitoes, and birds that ingest any mosquitoes that have been sprayed but have not died can be poisoned. Shorebirds ingest insecticides when they clean feathers after walking in water where insecticides have been sprayed. Worse, these same birds (as well as bats) eat a LOT of mosquitoes so that even the loss of mosquitoes leads to reduced food base for those birds and bats. Many people have large ‘envelopes’ of insecticides sprayed around their homes. Some gated communities have been spraying for spiders for decades. Today there are no birds in those communities, even though similar neighborhoods do. Perhaps even worse, they are inundated with spiders. Of course, they are; they have killed the things that eat spiders. If we want to bring back our birds, we must work to restore ecosystems, and accept every creature that lives within that ecosystem.”
Ms. Charter also generously donated several copies of two important books by Douglas W. Tallamy, Ph.D.: Bringing Nature Home and the newly-published Nature’s Best Hope. Offering these books to Tierra Grande members at a significant discount from their retail price generated $200 for the Chapter.
Tierra Grande is grateful to Ms. Charter for sharing her considerable expertise, and for supporting our members and our Chapter. We also wish to express our gratitude to the Borderlands Research Institute and Sul Ross State University for hosting our event.
Copies of Ms. Charter’s brochure “Lights, Leaves, Bugs, and Birds” are available from Ellen Weinacht at <tierragrandetmn@gmail.com>
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Davis Mountains Preserve
We dropped the last load of firewood for the season at the Food Pantry today and it’s the biggest yet! Out of all 5 deliveries we had only 1 injury, but otherwise had a blast (sorry Mike G).
Thank you to Mark and Beth who spent hours splitting the wood between deliveries so we could make quick work loading and unloading, and THANKS to all of you who helped us on the volunteer workdays:
Garrick, Mike Gray, Bill Armstrong, Deirdre, Mike Latta, Scott, Royce, Susan and Judy for helping to keep our residents warm!
2020 Open Preserve Days
- March 13-15
- April 11
- May 16
- July 10-12
- August 7-9
- October 9-11
- November 14
- December 4-6
Tara M. Poloskey
West Texas Education and Outreach Coordinator
tara.poloskey@tnc.org
+1 432.426.2390 (o)
+1 432.386.3493 (c)
Ellen and Lou in El Paso
Ellen and Lou in El Paso learning how to create a burrowing owl village. A village is planned for Sandia. Members of the Trans-Pecos Mast Nats and TPWD burrowing owl expert, Lois Bain have agreed to travel to our area to train members in construction.
Tierra Grande Chapter Communications Committee
Rozolen Stanford
Director of Communications Committee
Website and Calendar
Anne Adkins
Newsletter and Email Communications
Laura Gold
Editor and Database Management
Faith Gay
FaceBook Administration
Isabel Jones
Committee Member
January Dark Skies Extrava-Galaxy
Tierra Grande Master Naturalists and defenders of the night sky gathered January 18 and 19 for a fun weekend of practical education and advanced training led by Bill Wren of the McDonald Observatory.
Participants will received 8 hours of high-level Advanced Training on Dark Skies issues:
– The impact of poor lighting on human health and wildlife
– Dramatic and frightening decreases in insect and animal populations
– The host of human ailments attributable to too much bad lighting
– The impact of light on our enjoyment of the night sky
– Recognizing the difference between good and poor light fixtures and practices”
– City and county lighting ordinances
– How to detect violations
– How to advocate effectively for adoption and enforcement
– How to highlight the cost efficiency of good vs. bad lighting
– How to reach the public (preparation for the April 25 Dark Skies Festival)
– Special dark skies demos and telescope viewing just for us!
The TG dark sky initiative consists of several priority projects for the chapter: planning and implementation of the upcoming Texas Dark Skies Festival at the McDonald Observatory on April 25 as well as rendering extensive technical assistance and project management services in partnership with the Davis Mountains State Park and McDonald Observatory in the development of an International Dark Sky Association designation. Additionally, trainees learned how to identify noncompliant light-polluting fixtures and identified strategies for local engagement toward improved community outcomes.
Following several hours of hands-on classroom training in physics, ecology, and policy and a delicious meal at the Astronomer’s Lodge, about two dozen participants were treated to our very own star party under a dazzlingly dark sky with Mr. Wren at the helm of the telescope and laser pointer. Bill is a long time advocate and champion of preserving not only the efficacy of the world-class research done by the University of Texas at the observatory but is known more and more as a leader in working with all types of stakeholders, including industry, to maintain and restore the incredibly rare natural resource we have here in our corner of the continent.
Some trainees spent the night at the lodge, perched atop Mount Locke at about 6800 feet recounting past Tierra Grande adventures and follies. They were treated to a beautiful sunrise on a cold January morning. A few more hours were spent in the classroom on Sunday going over regional policy considerations as well as practical demonstrations and plans to further public education and outreach about dark skies.
A short PBS video providing a glimpse of the subject matter covered: https://www.pbs.org/video/why-we-are-losing-the-night-sky-w2va28/
The Tierra Grande Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists would like to thank Bill Wren as well as Janice Moss-Wren, Katie Kizziar, and the University of Texas for their generous support of our continuing education. We look forward to working together to conserve and enhance this precious resource.
We are saddened to learn of the passing of our good friend and supporter Patt Sims.
She was a charter member of our friends group, Compadres Del Rancho Grande, and the Tierra Grande Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists. For many years, Patt taught science at Presidio High School where she instilled an appreciation of the natural world and the importance of conservation practices in her students. In 2008 she was named Texas Conservation Teacher of the Year. She worked tirelessly to protect and advocate for her beloved Chihuahuan Desert and her impact will be felt for generations to come. Vaya con Dios, Mrs. Sims.
It Was a Blast!!
After a delicious breakfast provided by some of our most talented cooks, [YAY, HOORAY, JUMP FOR JOY!], attendees enjoyed fellowship with friends and hiking the Davis Mountains Preserve.
Tara Polosky added extra sunshine to the gathering by expressing gratitude for the many ways in which Tierra Grande members support the Preserve, including the donation of four propane tanks to mark the occasion.
Deirdre Hisler introduced an exciting youth program for our consideration as an educational outreach opportunity.
ArtWalk 11/22 & 23
It was a lovely day tending the Art Walk info tables on Saturday 11/23/19. Cool but not cold and the sun was slow to climb over the hill to warm the streets. Wind was calm so we didn’t need rocks to hold things down on the tables.
Nancy Foxworthy brought a nice supply for the table! Thank you for being the keeper of table paraphernalia. Someone else brought the horned toad sculpture.
Several people stopped to visit and talk. Some were alumni! By the time I left at 1PM, three people had signed up to receive Texas Master Naturalist information, some had overlapping interests in Native Plant Society, Sierra club and TGMN.
Big Huge Thank You Hotel Ritchey for the use of the porch and access to amenities and cookies fresh from the oven!
December 7, Balmorhea Town Hall Meeting On Groundwater
Thanks to everyone who attended the Balmorhea Town Hall on Groundwater on December 7th. Dr. Lewis Land of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute, Rebecca Smyth of UT Bureau of Economic Geology, and Dr. Ron Green of Southwest Research Institute all gave updates on their research efforts to better understand the groundwater and spring systems of the Balmorhea area. Greg Perrin, the general manager of the Reeves County Groundwater Conservation District discussed their efforts to implement new rules, register wells, and other initiatives to monitor groundwater in the county. There is a lot more to learn about the region’s hydrology to ensure that the springs are protected. With more science and knowledge of our water resources, we can make better decisions on the sustainable management of water. Each of the speakers indicated that access to wells and other water features to study and monitor is paramount to furthering their research. The researchers implored landowners to help them by allowing access to areas beneficial to their studies.
J.D. Newson
Tierra Grande, Class of 2019
Executive Director
Big Bend Conservation Alliance
(click on image to enlarge)
It was a nice first half of the day for me, I hope the second half went well too.
PS, Pink Flamingos on bike is along the wall of the Mercado and the Butterfly Bikes were all around the Art-Walk. They are fun to watch. Laura Gold
Nancy Foxworthy, Roy Saffel, Laura Gold, Bob Rice.
Tierra Grande T shirt artwork by Tom Curry.
Nancy Foxworthy, Roy Saffel, Laura Gold, Bob Rice.
Betty Gaddis Yndo & Laura Gold. Betty (mom of Pam) and instrumental in making Murphy Street what it is today.
11/16/19
Prior to Tierra Grande’s general membership meeting. Members gathered for the quarterly Adopt A Highway two mile clean up along SH 118 north of Alpine. The weather was a little brisk but the turn out and enthusiasm was good. Thank you all and thank you Laura Gold for the images. Y’all are the best!
Click on Link for the LitterPickers
—>>>LitterPickers, AdoptAHighway<<<—
Scott May
Cheryl, Bob, Richard, John
Road Crew
Bill has a bone to pick
Bob Rice
Dennis and Roz
Ellen, Lisa, Guy, Cheryl
11/16/19
Tierra Grande members attending yesterdays chapter meeting voted on a nature themed bumper sticker for 2020. “Will Work For Nature” was the clear winner. Tierra Grande Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists serves the great Big Bend Region.
Our Mission: 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 for the State of Texas.
Dave Mainz, Tierra Grande Chapter Charter Member.
Nancy Foxworthy
Other members attending our chapter meeting, thank you all!
Madge Lindsay
Bob Martin
George Pitlik
Rosemary Dennis
Art Dennis
Lori Munro
Deb Manley
DJ Sanders
Wand Olszewski, Superintendent Davis Mountains State Park
Barbara Curry
Isabel Jones, Tierra Grande Chapter Secretary
11/14/19
A huge shout out to our very own Tierra Grande member Madge Lindsey.
The ABA Betty Petersen Award for Conservation and Community
This newest ABA Award was established by the ABA Board in 2013. It honors those who, like the late Betty Petersen, have made great strides in expanding diversifying and strengthening the birding community and those who have worked to build a support network for conservation. It recognizes that major contributions are often made by those who work behind the scenes, organizing and facilitating progress. While conservation is a key element, the focus here is less on ornithology and more on the skill of supporting and connecting people, reinforcing the fabric of our bird conservation community.
(click on image to enlarge)
11/15/19
Tierra Grande Chapter Members were to participate in a recent field trip to a Apache Corporation water treatment facility. Due to inclimate weather the field trip was cancelled but Apache generously conducted a training session at the “Bar” in Balmorhea. It was organized by Ellen Weinacht who attended along with Tierra Grande Members: Denis Foley, Cheryl Trotter, JD Newsom, Richard Sokol, Rozolen Stanford, and Laurel Coniglio.
Apache personnel participating were Bobby Swetnam; Water Resources Superintendent, Castlen Kennedy; Public Affairs Vice President and John Blake; Health, Safety, Environmental Specialist.
A detailed field trip report by Denis Foley provides excellent information on Apache best practices. It is worth the read.
A good time was had by all! Thank you Ellen and Apache Corporation
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Apache brought a scale model water treatment facility to the meeting.
Click below to see our new Tierra Grande members, officers and instructors during their training weekend held at the Nature Conservancy, Davis Mountains Preserve.
Laurel Class of 2019 learns plate tectonics taught by Blaine Hall geology field trip, Big Bend Ranch State Park.
McIvor Center Class & Instructors
While in session the 2019 class attended weekend sessions at Davis Mountains State Park, Balmorhea State Park, The Nature Conservancy, Davis Mountains Preserve, Elephant Mountain Wildlife Management Area, and Big Bend Ranch State Park. Topics covered included but not limited to interpretation, forest ecology, herpetology, ornithology, botany, hydrology, geology, soils, range management and archaeology. Instructors from Sul Ross State University, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and from our own rank and file master naturalists.