It’s Only Fair
Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Mimi Cavender and Jane Dunham
A Hays County Master Naturalist Project Fair was presented on Sunday, August 11, at the San Marcos Public Library. Project Coordinators and team members staffed exhibit tables with photos, videos, stickers, and samples of educational materials we use when taking our project to the public.
Organizing, launching, and sustaining a project—an application of volunteer work to achieve a specific goal within the mission of Texas Master Naturalist™—is no easy task. But over the quarter-century lifetime of the Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist here in central Texas’ Hill Country, the organization has actively sought out the need for our well-informed volunteers’ work and has designed volunteer projects to meet that need. So it’s only fair we show them off.
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
This fall’s Project Fair was organized by HCMN Director of Volunteer Service Projects, Dixie Camp, by whose count in August 2024 our Hays County Master Naturalists “have 63 projects across Hays County, with some extending into adjacent counties.” Let’s look at some of them.
Hays County Birding Project - Project 1306: Help us create a sustainable birding environment in Hays County. Volunteers will assist with the management of natural resources to make our county a premier destination for birders. Presenters: Pauly Litrell and Larry Calvert. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Research Rangers - Project 1903: Help develop resources and assist with data collection to enable children and families to participate in citizen science activities as part of the Minding the Hill Country Project. We need volunteers passionate about science and education! Presenters: Carolyn Jess, Kristy Daniel, and Jill Zipperer. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
San Marcos River Foundation – Project 407: Improve local habitats by removing invasive plants and maintaining native plant beds. Volunteers also assist with river clean-ups, trail construction, and environmental education.
Volunteering for Nature in San Marcos – Project 2302: Engage in year-round projects to improve the natural environment of San Marcos, benefiting the entire community. Presenter: Jo Korthals.
Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Light Pollution Education and Outreach – Project 1108: Join us in the fight against light pollution! Volunteers are needed to educate the public, staff outreach tables at local events, organize star parties, and help with Texas Night Sky Festivals. If you’re passionate about preserving our night skies, we need your help! Presenters: Janet Holland, Soll Sussman, and Cindy Luongo Cassidy. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Kyle Parks and Recreation – Project 2102: Make a difference in underrepresented areas of Hays County by volunteering with us! We’re looking for volunteers to help with education, outreach, and the creation of a new hiking trail connecting to the Emerald Crown Trail. Be part of creating a wildflower and pollinator area that will benefit the entire community. Presenter: Lauralee Harris. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Wimberley Outdoor Educators - Project 809: Share your love for nature with the next generation! Volunteers are needed to coordinate with schools and lead students on educational trips to Wimberley sites, where they’ll learn about native plants, water conservation, fossils, and more. Presenter: Laura Steffy. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Patsy Glenn Refuge Wimberley - Project 418: Help us develop wildlife habitats, build trails, and engage in educational outreach at Wimberley’s birding center. Your volunteer efforts will help maintain a sanctuary for birds and a learning space for the community. Presenter: Jamie Petit. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center - Project 406: Join our mission to conserve native plants and create sustainable landscapes! Volunteers are essential to our efforts in research, education, consulting, and outreach programs. Help us improve water quality, provide wildlife habitats, and enhance human health and happiness. Presenter: Susan Neill. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Habitat Enhancing Land Management (HELM) – Project 806: Become a HELM volunteer and assist the community by conducting site visits to identify plants, trees, and geological features. Volunteers also provide recommendations for restoration, preservation, erosion control, and invasive species removal. Presenters: Doray Lendacky and Christine Middleton. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Canyon Gorge - Project 704: Passionate about geology and biology? Volunteer as a docent at Canyon Gorge, where you’ll guide tours, discuss the Guadalupe River, Canyon Dam, and more. You can also participate in habitat restoration, trail maintenance, and educational activities for fifth graders. Presenter: Jamie Kinscherff. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Wimberley Village Library Nature Garden - Project 1307: Help us beautify the Wimberley Village Library with native plants! We need volunteers to plan, plant, and maintain garden beds, as well as educate the public on creating beautiful spaces with small plots of land. Presenters: Dell Hood and Gerin Hood. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Hays County Managed Parks - Project 603: Join our team of volunteers at Hays County Managed Parks, including Jacob’s Well, Five Mile Dam Park, and Sentinel Peak Preserve. Opportunities include maintaining trails, removing invasive species, serving as docents, and engaging in conservation projects. Presenters: Katie Peltier and Deborah Estes. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Blanco Watershed Quality Monitoring – Project 802: Help protect our water resources by volunteering to monitor water quality in the Hays County watershed. We use approved Texas Stream Team methods, and your efforts will contribute to keeping our water clean and safe. Presenter: John Moore. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Blue Hole Park – Project 604: Help us develop wildlife habitats, build trails, and engage in educational outreach at Wimberley’s birding center. Your volunteer efforts will help maintain a sanctuary for birds and a learning space for the community. Presenter Jamie Petit. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
John Knox Ranch – Project 1001: Make a lasting impact on wildlife and the environment by volunteering at John Knox Ranch. We’re looking for volunteers to help with habitat redevelopment, invasive species removal, trail maintenance, and environmental education for children.
Travis Audubon Chaetura Canyon – Project 130: Preserve a vital bird sanctuary by supporting conservation efforts, research, and education on avian species, contributing to the protection of local wildlife. Presenters: Janet Holland, Steve Janda, and Tina Adkins. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Beautiful Hays County Activity and Coloring Book - Project 2301: Volunteer your creativity and education skills to help develop a third grade level activity and coloring book focused on the beauty of Hays County. Your work will contribute to educational resources available online. Presenter: Melinda Seib and Robin Perry. Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
San Marcos Discovery Center – Project 406: Support the community by maintaining native plant beds, planting and caring for trees, and removing invasive species. Volunteers can also lead workshops on habitat conservation. Opportunities are available Monday through Friday.
San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance - Project 424: Help protect natural areas in San Marcos by volunteering with the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. Opportunities include conservation, stewardship, education, and supporting passive recreation in these valuable spaces.
Austin Water Quality Protection Wildlands – Project 426: Contribute to water and wildlife conservation through habitat restoration, tree planting, and invasive species removal. Volunteers also monitor wildlife and vegetation, supporting conservation education for the public. Presenter: Dick McBride. Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Dripping Springs Ranch Park – Project 1902: Enhance community education by maintaining the Bird Viewing Station and assisting with nature programs. Volunteers also help with trail maintenance and native plantings, supporting the park’s conservation efforts.
Project FeederWatch – Project 1110: Help track bird populations by participating in a citizen science survey at community sites. This data supports Cornell’s research on bird distribution and trends. Presenter: Tina Adkins. Photo: courtesy Bob Adkins
Texas Master Naturalist State Meeting – Project 401-CB: Support the annual state meeting by assisting with logistics and ensuring a successful event that enhances volunteer training and community impact. Contact: Bob Adkins at pres@haysmn.org Photo: courtesy Bob Adkins
Bluebird Nestbox Monitoring - Project 702: Assist in the construction, placement, and monitoring of nesting boxes to support the local bluebird population. Your efforts will help ensure the successful raising of bluebird nestlings.
The Hays Humm - Project 401-CB: Enjoy photography and have a computer or tablet? Need volunteer hours? Join the Hays Humm Team and help us tell our story! This monthly online magazine by our MN chapter is accessible at beautifulhayscounty.org. To contribute, contact Betsy Cross at news@haysmn.org—your impact will be meaningful! Presenters: Betsy Cross, Mimi Cavender, and Jane Dunham. Photo: courtesy Jo Korthals
The Hays Humm
“Our Project Coordinators work very hard and long hours in managing project activities and volunteer teams. In addition, we ask that they create and provide displays to keep members informed of volunteer opportunities as well as to educate the public about our volunteer services.”—Dixie Camp, Director of Volunteer Service Projects Photo: courtesy Mimi Cavender
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Photo: courtesy Jane Dunham
Master Naturalists protect native species and habitats. We open eyes to the sheer beauty, the interconnectedness, of our natural world. And we do this with unmatched camaraderie. Intrigued? But not yet a Master Naturalist? Join us!