The Hays Humm - February 2021
The Hays Humm
Award Winning Online Magazine - February 2021
Tom Jones - Betsy Cross - Constance Quigley - Mimi Cavender - Steve Wilder
Betsy Cross and Tom Jones
For the past three years, we’ve had a feature in The Hays Humm called “Meet Your Master Naturalist.” In keeping with that tradition, we thought it would be fun to kick off this year by introducing you to the individuals who comprise the 2021 HCMN Board. So, after a bit of probing and prodding (you know who you are), we enthusiastically bring you the photos and bios of each of the volunteers currently serving in a Board role!
You may find some interesting little-known facts within these brief bios, as did I, even for the folks I’ve had the privilege to know during this time. I also discovered a similar theme running through the responses. Unquestionably, in response to “What are you most proud of,” the common thread is “the wonderful people” of this Chapter:
It’s our membership that makes this Chapter the success it is; the many hours of volunteer service each member provides despite very busy lives; the enthusiasm and dedication to our community; our longevity, sustainability, collegiality, and partnership; HCMNs are energetic, creative, and passionate; the care and concern the members show for each other; the smart, talented, witty members; I am proud to be a member and work with such wonderful people.
You also might be surprised that it takes such a comprehensive group of people to keep things running smoothly, but believe me, I’ve been attending their Board meetings for the last few years, and it takes a lot of work behind the scenes that most of us never get the chance to see.
As you read through the bios of these volunteer leaders, keep the following in mind:
Board meetings are open to all. Anyone can attend a Board meeting, it’s especially easy now with the Zoom sessions.
Our Chapter operates under a set of formal bylaws and protocols. We are not an independent, stand-alone organization. Rather, we are a branch of a statewide organization. The state organization is “driving the bus,” and as such, we operate under the bylaws and protocols mandated by the State. It is the Board’s role to ensure our compliance and keep us in good standing to continue our important work.
We can educate, but we cannot advocate. We must remain faithful to the mission of TMN, channeling our knowledge and enthusiasm to “…provide education, outreach, and service….” If you have any doubt that an activity or approach is in conflict with TMN’s Standards of Conduct or Code of Ethics, contact a Board member and raise the question for clarification.
Become a Board member…we need more people to be interested in the administrative functions of the Chapter. If you, or someone you know, would be a good fit for one of the Board positions, reach out to a Board member to learn more about it. Make a referral or express your interest. Board activities qualify as volunteer hours. And when any one individual has a challenge fulfilling their role, there are 20 people willing to pitch in and help!
Leadership in our Master Naturalist program comes from within the Chapter and is inspired by the heart of the membership. The experiences and talents of the membership of HCMN are reflected in the work of the Board, because the Board and the membership are One. It’s hard to get to know everyone in an organization the size of HCMN, and it’s particularly difficult for most of us during this time of restricted face-to-face interaction. So take this opportunity to find out more about these folks and their roles, reach out if you are interested, make an inquiry and hopefully identify a role that might fit your own skills and ambitions.
Betsy Cross
Susan Neill, President
Background: I grew up in Houston but, as I like to say, did my due diligence and spent some time in Illinois and New York, then came back to Texas, winding up in the Austin / Dripping Springs area. I did my undergraduate work at the University of Texas and my graduate work at the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana. I have a Ph.D. in microbiology and spent most of my career with the Texas Department of State Health Services in the laboratory. After retirement, the first thing I wanted to do was become involved in the Master Naturalist Program and am thrilled to be a part of it!
Graduation Class: 2014 seems like a lifetime ago! That is when I graduated from the HCMN class, a member of the Monarchs.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: I quickly found that I truly loved Westcave Preserve and serving as a docent there. It has been a tremendous experience to share the views and sounds of the amazing grotto with people from around the world.
Chapter Role: I am currently President of the organization and have previously served on the Training Committee and as the Training Coordinator.
Most Proud Of: The members of this chapter are what make the chapter so special. Everyone’s dedication, commitment, and knowledge are truly exceptional, and even more so, their willingness to help and share with one another. It is our members who make this chapter the success that it is.
Bob Adkins, Vice President
Background: My background is in electrical engineering and management. I spent 38+ years in the semiconductor industry working for Motorola/Freescale/NXP. My wife Tina and I have lived on our ten-acre slice of northern Hays County for a bit over thirty years and have raised our three children here.
Graduation Class: We were excited to finally get involved in the Master Naturalist program once I retired and are part of the 2019 Texas Horned Lizard class.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: I’ve enjoyed all that I’ve done so far. Hard to pick a favorite. I’m looking forward to volunteering in more of them once things get back to normal.
Chapter Role: I’m happy to be taking on the VP role for the chapter. One of the duties is to find speakers for the monthly chapter meetings. If you have any speaker recommendations or topic suggestions, please pass them on. You can reach me at vp@haysmn.org
Most Proud Of: Our class structure and camaraderie has been incredible. One of the many things I like about the Texas Master Naturalist program is the broad array of interest areas that it covers.
Tracy Mock, Secretary
Background: I'm originally from Austin, but I've lived in San Marcos and worked for McCoy's Building Supply for the past 23 years. I have two kids: my daughter is a Trinity graduate, and my son is currently attending the University of Montana. In my spare time I like to read, and I sing in a couple of local bands. Over the past year, I've started trying to learn to play guitar.
Graduation Class: Class of 2011, Painted Buntings
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite project right now is probably Sessom Park, because it's a rather small property, and our work there has really transformed the land in a short period of time.
Chapter Role: I've been Chapter Secretary since January 2013, and prior to that I served on the Training Committee (Food) for one year.
Most Proud Of: Our large group of dedicated volunteers, who stay actively engaged.
Larry Calvert, Treasurer
Background: I grew up north of Chicago as a city boy. I graduated in engineering from Mississippi State University. After graduation I spent my career in the chemical industry working in all phases of manufacturing at all locations and retired from corporate management. A growing interest in the environment ultimately led my wife Linda and me to Wimberley. We bought enough property to allow us to make many improvements that support erosion control, native species, and wildlife. Also, I’m always working a significant DIY project somewhere around our place — currently adding a room to our house.
Graduation Class: Falcons in 2006.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: Developing the Hays County-wide Birding Station network and building more birding stations in the network.
Chapter Role: In 2008 I was Co-Director of Training. 2009-2011 Treasurer. 2012 President. And 2013- present Treasurer. I really like working with the Board.
Most Proud Of: I am most proud of the really positive contribution HCMNs make to Hays County and its residents. We make a great deal of difference! I am very proud to be a Master Naturalist!
Mary O'Hara, New Class Training Director
Background: Originally from the Mitten State — Michigan. I finally grew weary of shoveling snow and got myself to Texas! As a licensed respiratory therapist, I've spent my career in healthcare, helping others breathe easier. The best air is outdoors!
Graduation Class: I have proudly been a Texas Master Naturalist for five years, graduating in 2015 as a Cypress! That was the year a mighty flood scoured our beloved riparian banks of the Blanco and San Marcos rivers, snapping off huge ancient cypress trees like they were toothpicks.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite MN activity is too hard to narrow down to one or even two. I haven't missed a State Meeting since graduation, and attending that event is something I eagerly anticipate every year!
Chapter Role: My current role is to mint future MNs as the New Class Training Director. I previously served three years as Site Visit Coordinator and one year as VP.
Most Proud Of: I love that our chapter is 20+ years young and ever evolving to strengthen our dedication to protect nature. Without hesitation, I will tell anyone — two or four-legged — about our HCMN program; just ask!
Bruce Cannon, Advanced Training Director
Background: After practicing intellectual property law for about 12 years, I transitioned into being a stay-at-home dad for my three kids, all under the age of seven.
Graduation Class: Member of the 2019 Texas Horned Lizard Training Class.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite HCMN activity varies depending on the season and is currently plant and spider identification on iNaturalist.
Chapter Role: I am the HCMN Advanced Training Director — the person responsible for finding/approving AT opportunities and then approving submitted AT hours in VMS. I'm also in charge of the chapter’s calendars for AT, Projects, and Events.
Most Proud Of: I am most proud of the many hours of volunteer service each member provides despite very busy lives.
Art Arizpe, Communications Director
Background: My professional background is in electrical engineering. I have extensive experience in all phases of semiconductor product development. I have been the project leader and designer of many advanced microprocessors and network controllers. I am employed full-time.
Graduation Class: I became a Texas Master Naturalist in 2007, the Madrones.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite HCMN volunteer activity is any outdoor work along Onion Creek. This includes working on the Austin Water Quality Protection Lands and YMCA Camp Moody.
Chapter Role: I currently serve as the Chapter Communications Director. I was previously President from 2013 through 2015, Volunteer Projects Coordinator from 2011 through 2012 , and Newsletter Editor from 2009 through 2012.
Most Proud Of: The thing about our Chapter I am most proud of is our enthusiasm and dedication to our community. I am truly honored to work with such a great group of folks.
Jane Dunham, Membership Director & VMS Administrator
Background: I developed a love of nature in grade school, when a conservationist came to our class on a regular basis to educate us about Nature. My life’s work was directing international student offices at universities, a job that has left me with a large number of international friends and a love of travel. When we retired to Austin after a few years in Europe, we bought a weekend house in Wimberley, and I started learning about the work of Hays MN. Our youngest son and his family now live in that house, so moving close by in Wimberley was an obvious decision. I have a collection of antique cameras as well as several cameras I currently use. I enjoy working with computers. I am an avid reader and lead three book clubs.
Graduation Class: Prickly Pears, 2010.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: Maintaining the database and achievement awards for the chapter.
Chapter Role: I am the Membership Director and the lead VMS Administrator. I am responsible for approving hours submitted for volunteer service by all members except those in the training class; Patty Duhon is responsible for those.
Most Proud Of: I am continually amazed at the photographic skill of many of our members and the fascinating information about Nature that they impart through their photos and videos.
Paula Glover, Chapter Outreach Chairman
Background: I am a fifth generation Texan who, in my adult life, lived many places in and out of Texas. I worked for 25 years as a Social Worker, primarily serving the elderly. When it came to retiring, my husband Fred and I settled north of Canyon Lake in 2013. The area was sparse when we first bought the land in 2001, but it has quickly filled in with houses, schools, and widened roads. We enjoy RVing and doing volunteer work, so when I was seeking a new volunteer activity as a New Year’s resolution in 2016, I looked into the Master Gardener program and found the Master Naturalists. Perfect!
Graduation Class: I graduated in 2016 as a Raven.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: I have dabbled in many of the project activities — archaeology digs, trail cleaning, vegetation studies, reseeding and tree planting, educational programs, and bird counts, to name a few. Each new activity I try becomes a favorite; that is what makes the Hays County Master Naturalists an extraordinary chapter — our having the encouragement to pick and choose our passion and make an impact.
Chapter Role: I immediately joined the Training Committee, not only to help launch the next generations of Master Naturalists, but to become a part of a joyful troupe. In 2018, I volunteered to be the Chapter Outreach Chairman, promoting the chapter to the public and recruiting new classes.
Most Proud Of: I can now be a part of keeping this special place in Texas special for more generations of Texans to come.
Chris Middleton, Co-Chair of Outreach
Background: As a child, I was more likely found in a tree rather than on the ground. Most of my adult life was spent behind a desk working at the forefront of emerging communications technology. So retirement has been an opportunity to renew my love for nature. When not participating in MN activities, I spend lots of time working on my own five acres, walking my dog at Blue Hole, swimming in the summer time, and doing yoga to stay fit. And when I need to rest, I research my ancestors, a process that has also taught me a lot about history.
Graduation Class: Prickly Pears, 2010.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: Acting as a Treefolks supervisor on Trees for the Blanco planting days.
Chapter Role: I am the Co-Chair of Outreach responsible for community education.
Most Proud Of: Given the difficulties of the past year, I’m most proud of how the chapter has adapted and kept many of its projects going.
Dixie Camp, Director of Volunteer Service Projects & TMN State Representative
Background: Social Worker with Child Protective Services, Foster and Adoptive Parents, People with Disabilities, Civil Rights, Genetics. I'm also involved in choral singing, playing alto sax, bee keeping, gardening, HC Master Gardener Association CEU committee, HC Child Protective Service Board member.
Graduation Class: Dragonfly 2004.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: Promoting the chapter.
Chapter Role: Current: Director of Volunteer Service Projects and TMN State Representative. Previous: Training Committee, Membership Committee, Vice President & Program Chair, and President.
Most Proud Of: Our longevity, sustainability, collegiality, and partnerships.
Beth Ramey, Past President & Willett Committee Chair
Background: I have worked in the building supply industry for over 40 years, the last 22 years as a corporate trainer.
Graduation Class: Falcons class of 2006.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite volunteer activity is content authoring and chapter marketing efforts. I have worked on creating four of our informational brochures and have plans for several others. I also assisted with implementation of BeautifulHaysCounty.org.
Chapter Role: I have served on the Board of Directors since 2008 in a variety of roles: Past President, Willett Committee Chair, and Outreach Committee Content Author.
Most Proud Of: I am most proud of the dedication and commitment I see in so many of our members. HCMN volunteers are an energetic, creative, and impassioned bunch!
Gordon Linam, HCMN Chapter Advisor, TPWD
Background: I was born and raised in Victoria, Texas. My high school mascot was a stingray, so it was inevitable that one day I would be working with fish. I earned a B.S. degree in Wildlife and Fisheries Science from Texas A&M University and a M.S. degree from New Mexico State University (thesis work on zooplankton productivity). My first job out of college was aquatic plant management for the Florida Freshwater Fish and Game Commission. After a short stint there, I returned to Texas to help develop the River Studies Program for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, where I have been employed ever since. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, fishing and hunting, maintaining my salt water aquarium, traveling (prior to Covid), and am very active in my church, where I serve on the board and worship team.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: I enjoy interacting with volunteers who assist our biologists with the processing of benthic macroinvertebrate and fish samples in our lab.
Chapter Role: Chapter Advisor from TPWD
Most Proud Of: The care and concern the members show each other.
Cindy Hobson, HCMN Chapter Advisor, TPWD
Background: I have worked for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department as an aquatic biologist for over 30 years. I moved to San Marcos in 1993 and raised two children there. When not pulling up underwater weeds or cutting down invasive trees, I enjoy singing at First Baptist Church or with the San Marcos Community Chorus.
Graduation Class: I became a Master Naturalist in 2018 (yay, Foxes!).
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: My favorite volunteer activity is habitat management with the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance Trail Crew. I also enjoy the opportunity to dive in Spring Lake as part of AquaCorps, the volunteer divers that manage underwater vegetation at the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment.
Chapter Role: Moving to Chapter Adviser for TPWD.
Most Proud Of: I am proud of the smart, talented, and witty members of Hays County Master Naturalists! Joining HCMN was one of the best decisions I've ever made!
Tom Jones, Webmaster & Co-Editor Hays Humm
Background: I had two careers, each one lasting about 20 years. After graduating from UT, I was a consulting Geologist specializing in water related environmental impact studies. The other was as a Project Manager with GE, working global locations. I retired in 2017 to Wimberley and spend my time on MN related activities and hanging out at hill country wineries. Becoming webmaster was something I never considered. In 2018 Betsy and I met with the Board Committee to pitch our vision of a web-based Newsletter. The Board agreed to our request and asked if I would become the webmaster to create a new Chapter website. I said "yes" even though I had no idea how to do it. And that was the beginning of me being webmaster.
Graduation Class: 2017 Nighthawks.
My Favorite Volunteer Activity: Leading tours at Jacob's Well Natural Area and Westcave Preserve, talking geology.
Chapter Role: Newsletter Co-Editor, Webmaster.
Most Proud Of: HCMN have left their mark on Hays County over the past 20 years. I am proud to be a member and work with such wonderful people.
Betsy Cross, Co-Editor Hays Humm
Background: I grew up in the country, 75 miles north of Abilene, TX. I've always been a scientist at heart and have worked in healthcare my whole life. I have a BS in Medical Technology (Midwestern State U, Wichita Falls) and an MBA with a concentration in Heath Organization Management (Texas Tech U). For the last 25 years I've worked in healthcare information technology, helping healthcare organizations and providers adopt technology solutions.
Graduation Class: 2017 Nighthawks
Favorite Volunteer Activity: Every activity turns into a favorite. I started out as a docent at the Jacob's Well Nature Center, then noticed that no one was monitoring their bird boxes, so took that up in the summer of 2017. I have not missed a weekend since then (February through August). I have learned so much from walking that property and documenting its flora and fauna. I also love the work of researching and interviewing folks for the Hays Humm. It's such a privilege to learn about people in our Chapter and to share their knowledge and talents in the newsletter.
Chapter Role: Co-Editor of the Hays Humm
Most Proud Of: In my opinion one of the greatest assets of our Chapter is the quality of the training program and the incredible energy and dedication of the people on that team.
It was mid-December and the Hays County COVID numbers were increasing. I was staying home, and not participating in my favorite outdoor volunteer activities. Then an email arrived from Dick McBride asking for volunteers to plant 100 trees along the San Marcos River. I signed up but was worried about the risk with working as part of an outdoor group. But I have worked earlier projects with Dick and have always felt safe. San Marcos is on my volunteer to-do list and has been for many months. Living in Wimberley, I sometimes find it hard to drive the 25 miles to San Marcos, especially with the many volunteer opportunities closer to home. However, most of my free time is spent behind a computer working on the upcoming Hays Humm edition. I wanted to get outside for a couple of hours and hopefully write an article to highlight this project and the leadership Dick McBride provides for the San Marcos community. This decision was a good one.
The project location was on the San Marcos River Foundation (SMRF) management lands adjacent to the I-35 highway access road. I arrived at 8 a.m. and was a bit surprised by the large turnout of SMRF and HCMN volunteers. I estimate the total attendance was 16. Because the work was spread out over the extended planting area, social distancing was not an issue. There were trees to plant, mulch to apply and a cage to install. Two-person teams paired up and went to work. Throughout my 2 hours of labor, I managed to do almost every task at least once.
Many of the volunteers were associated with the San Marcos River Foundation, including our own Dick McBride, who is currently Vice President. Dick provided a good summary of what was accomplished: “I think we ended up with a good start to our mini-forest. It has a long way to “grow” and some harsh summers ahead.”
As a member of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance, SMRF works with a coalition of over 50 community, environmental, business, and neighborhood organizations stretching from Del Rio to Austin to protect and preserve the aquifer, its springs and the hill country watersheds that sustain it. For the past decade, SMRF has served on the steering committee of the Habitat Conservation Plan and has prepared a plan with the entire aquifer region to keep the springs flowing. The plan is being implemented now, encouraging water conservation, leasing and storing water in the aquifer for future use, and paying regional farmers to forego water intensive crops during droughts.
The River Foundation supports clean-ups all year long, including the mammoth Great Texas River Clean Up, held the first Saturday in March held in conjunction with the City of San Marcos. Canoe and diving clubs from all over Texas, civic groups, student organizations, and the public participate in this massive clean up, from the headwaters to the confluence of the Guadalupe, a stretch of 90 miles.
Keep San Marcos Beautiful is also conducting a month long clean up every Fall, as well as monthly Hot Spot Clean-Ups, on the first Saturday of every month. The River Foundation is also able to help smaller groups with needed clean-ups during the summer months, when heavy recreational use leaves behind lots of trash along the banks.
Dick McBride, vice president of the San Marcos River Foundation, says he primarily works to maintain the organization's property located on the East Side Preserve of the San Marcos River. For 35 years the San Marcos River Foundation has functioned as a network of environmental activists committed to preserving the unique and delicate ecosystem of the San Marcos River. Recognized as one of the most biologically diverse waterways in the U.S., the San Marcos River is a fascinating environment, home to aquatic wildlife and endangered species. Originally established as a group of motivated individuals committed to protecting local waterways, the San Marcos River Foundation has expanded into an organization that has tackled a flow of projects, such as wastewater treatment permits, volunteer initiatives, and the removal of invasive species.
reference: The University Star, 11/13/20 - Brianna Benitez, Life & Arts Editor
Special thanks to Scenic Texas for providing the trees and approaching us in the first place!!
Virginia Condie - Executive Director, San Marcos River Foundation
About Scenic Texas: Scenic Texas emerged from the visionary leadership of Texas’ own Lady Bird Johnson, who began the scenic movement during her husband’s presidency. The First Lady’s vision was to make America the Beautiful a reality. Mrs. Johnson understood that beauty was more than aesthetics. “Beautification means our total concern for the physical and human quality we pass on to our children and the future.”
Riskin’ Siskins?
Mimi Cavender
Internet newsfeeds scared us enough this winter before freaking out bird lovers with news of Salmonella infection in Pine Siskins! Oh, noooooo, those pretty little striped grey and yellow finches we’ve seen everywhere? You’re reading this in our February 2021 issue, when this winter’s surge in Pine Siskin deaths from the bacterium Salmonella enterica Typhimurium has already hit hardest in northwestern United States and Canada. But Central Texas backyards have had small flocks of them flutter-clouding our Nyjer and cracked sunflower seed feeders like it’s their last meal — and for some of them it is. Here and there a listless puffed up bird doesn’t resist being taken by hand, and in thirty years’ observation there have been exactly zero reports of a single little puffy surviving the night. Scattered reports of dead Siskin bodies on the ground near feeders have circulated ominously. The late 1990s, 2007, and 2013 all saw a similar scare. Is there a danger to our other wild birds? To us?
Before we panic, let’s notice that there are two natural phenomena at work here simultaneously:
Salmonella is a common bacterium. It’s carried in animal fecal matter and can infect most animals when ingested. It can contaminate foods we eat as well as the feeder seeds birds eat and water we provide for them. Most of us can shake Salmonella infection after a few days of severe intestinal symptoms. But certain of Central Texas’ wild birds in the finch family — the Pine Siskin, American Goldfinch, Lesser Goldfinch, Purple Finch, even the Northern Cardinal — are fatally susceptible. When infected birds show up in increased numbers in our yards, their feces fall on and under feeders and birdbaths. This makes regular cleaning of feeders and water features and raking/covering of soils under our feeders always important.
When already infected birds migrate farther and in unusually greater numbers (an irruption) for whatever reason — wildfires, colder-than-usual weather, drought, or food shortage such as with the Siskin’s favored Canadian boreal conifer seeds — they can bring Salmonella with them. Before they die in our yards, they've left bacterial load on/under the feeders and in water sources, potentially infecting other birds in the area. Pine Siskins, the most susceptible, are currently heavily infected and dying this year in unusual numbers in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and British Columbia. They’re irrupting as far south as Gulf coastal Texas and have been sighted in Bermuda! For us who love their high soft musical twitter, their grey and yellow flash in the canopy, this year’s higher likelihood of infection is more heartbreaking then scary. What to do?
This one dead below an emptied birdbath this morning and two more sick ones nearby. As their swallowing is compromised by the bacterium’s hardening their crop, do they seek water before they die? Photo by Mimi Cavender.
Another fluttery earth-bound casualty this morning. It’s still trying to eat, but weakness is taking a toll. Photo by Mimi Cavender.
Photo by Betsy Cross
We have three recourses, all better than doing nothing and risking bacterial spread to other small seed-eating birds:
Ten percent bleach-wash feeders and birdbaths, return them immediately and watch for sick/dead birds; they’ll be puffed up and listless or already dead on the ground.
Bleach-wash feeders and birdbaths, wait for 14 days, and watch to see no sick/dead birds before returning them. Might it be worth depriving birds of supplementary food so as not to risk their life?
Disinfect feeders and birdbaths and wait until late March or when all sightings of Pine Siskins in our area have ended. A hard choice, isn’t it, during a frozen winter like this one, when we give birds calories and they give us pure joy?
But wait. There’s a fourth recourse — the nuclear option: Don’t feed birds at all. Ever.
Some folks point out that food for seed eaters is available naturally in the landscape, especially in winter, conveniently just when contaminated Siskins may be on the move. We’re thinking, Yes, but the joy?
Eva Frost, Hays Master Naturalist (2014 Monarchs Class) and one of our go-to bird folks had this report for us on Wednesday, January 27: “I have two sites that I watch for Project Feeder Watch. One is my home west of Dripping Springs, and most years I don’t have Siskins, but this year I have two coming around. At work, which may be a mile away by way of crow, there are at least 62 and more coming each day. So far, no sick or dead birds. We keep feeders full and add socks of nyjer in dry weather. [Damp nyjer molds easily.] We had an irruption a few years back. It was really wild. They were after each other!"
Photos by Betsy Cross
Whatever our choice to address a possible Salmonella surge in visiting Pine Siskins, regular cleaning of our feeders and water features year round will keep us and all our backyard birds healthy. And joyful.
By the way, did you know: “This year's irruption is so strong, in fact, that Pine Siskins have also been recorded migrating at night — something highly unusual for the species and that has only been observed once before, during the last major irruption a decade ago.” — Andrew Del-Colle, Site Director and Editor, in Audubon Magazine, October 23, 2020
Here are five fascinating links:
https://www.audubon.org/news/-pine-siskin-finch-irruption-fall-2020
Tiny Songbirds Are Dying Due to Salmonella from Baths and Feeders | Science Times
Salmonella believed to be killing Pine Siskins in Coquitlam - Tri-City News
https://news.cornell.edu/stories/1998/03/songbird-salmonella-tracked-cornell
Chapter News
Happy 3rd Anniversary
Betsy and I published our first HCMN Newsletter in February 2018. We had just graduated from the Nighthawks Training Class and did not know what content was needed to build a Newsletter. I reviewed Newsletters from Chapters across the State and the USA. I selected the TMN Indian Trail Chapter newsletter as my guide.
Eastern Bluebird - January 17
Photo by Betsy Cross
Thank You Contributors
The HCMN Board
Mimi Cavender
Eva Frost
Lance Jones
Dick McBride
Susan Neill
Constance Quigley
Rebekah Rylander
Steve Wilder
Indian Trail Chapter
San Marcos River Foundation
Happy New Year! What a year we have just lived. On a recent call with our state leadership, Mary Peal Meuth and Michelle Haggerty said their word of the year was pivot. Many of us probably share that sentiment. Early in the year everything changed, and we were constantly pivoting through the year to find new ways to accomplish our goals, both personal and as part of the Master Naturalist program.
I want to thank all of you for your continuing commitment to service and the goals of our organization. You all displayed determination, creativeness, and flexibility throughout the year. You did not lose that commitment during the period in which no activities away from our homes were allowed. Although our activities are still limited, we look forward to the new year. I am truly hopeful that we will once again be pivoting this year. However, my hope is that we continue to slowly open up more of our activities as the year goes on and actually reach the point that we can have chapter meetings in person and be able to participate in events reaching out to our communities.
In spite of all the challenges in 2020, we had 86 members recertify as of late January, members donated over 12,000 hours of volunteer time, and we had 24 members graduate in the 2020 class. Once again, thank you!
The few cases in which I have been able to see and talk with some of you in person have been phenomenal. It is encouraging to hear the continued enthusiasm in your voices and see it in your eyes. Zoom has been a great way for us to stay in touch, but it does not replace actually seeing one another in person.
We also know, each of you has faced and continue to face your own challenges during this pandemic. If you find you need help, please do not hesitate to reach out to one another, to me, or to any member of the Board. We are truly a family and are here for one another.
In the meantime, please continue to use safe practices in all you do. As the situation allows, start watching for more volunteer opportunities. Remember, the state program is hosting another Virtual Volunteer Fair on February 3 & 4, 2021 (2021 Virtual Volunteer Fair – February 3rd & 4th, 2021 (tamu.edu)). This will emphasize opportunities that can be done from home or with significant social distancing. Yes, time spent watching this live or the video will count as volunteer time, so this can help you start accruing your time for the year!
One piece of news, our chapter advisor from Texas Parks & Wildlife, Gordon Linam, has announced his plan to retire in the May time frame. We will miss him and all of the support that he provided our chapter. He was the recipient of the Chapter Advisor Award presented at the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting in 2017. The good news is that he has worked with Texas Parks & Wildlife to identify his successor as our advisor. It will be Cindy Hobson, one of our own! We welcome Cindy as our new advisor in addition to being a valued member. She will be working alongside Gordon until his retirement. Please see additional information on both Gordon and Cindy in our board biographies in this newsletter.
I miss all of you, appreciate your hard work, and look forward to seeing you in person later in the year.
The Escarpment Black Cherry Tree
My Arboreal Soulmate
by Constance Quigley
It seems appropriate for this month of Valentine’s Day that I should confess my love. I am smitten with the escarpment black cherry tree (Prunus serotina var. eximia). I remember the first time I spotted one of them through the canopy of Ashe juniper. It was early spring and I noticed the white flowers waving from afar. I went into the woods and had my first glimpse of that marbled bark, those graceful branches, those glossy green leaves, and those racemes of white flowers dangling from above. I was instantly in love. I had found my arboreal soulmate. Every time I see one of these trees I get a little thrill.
The escarpment black cherry tree
I’ve since found fifteen of these beauties on my seven acres, and I visit each one regularly to shoot the breeze and check on its condition. I’ve noticed several interesting characteristics about them. They are always surrounded by Ashe juniper and typically within a few feet of a live oak tree. I believe this is because they prefer the slightly acidic soils produced under junipers, and the canopy of juniper and live oak also protects saplings from damage caused by wind and trampling. The juniper mottes likely supply beneficial mycorrhizal fungi and moisture to the cherry trees as well. The trees tend to follow “paths” down the slope of my property. I have located several of them by simply walking a straight line down the hillside from one tree, which leads me to believe there may be fractures in the karst limestone along these lines.
They tend to be either single or double-trunked, and sometimes mysteriously one side of the tree will completely die, leaving the healthy half to continue growing for years without issue. One of my trees experienced this two years ago, so we cut down the dead part and used it for firewood. It was a sad time for me, as I am emotionally attached to these trees, but the fragrance of that wood was truly wonderful. The wood is also a very attractive dark reddish brown. You can see it in the various snags that also dot the property, as the deer tend to scrape off the gray bark to reveal the core wood. Cherry trees are not long-lived, but given the right conditions, they seem to sustain their population. I have not found any very young saplings yet, but the trees and snags on my property range from 10 – 40 feet in height and are of varying ages.
Like many beautiful things, the escarpment black cherry also harbors some danger. Its twigs and leaves contain prussic acid, which can be fatal to humans and livestock. This explains why the deer don’t browse this tree and why its bed of fallen leaves is typically undisturbed. The fruits are highly desirable to birds, however. I rarely find any fruit on the trees by the end of summer.
Prunus serotina var. eximia is endemic to the Edwards Plateau, found only in a few counties in Central Texas, and even more reason to treasure this tree. It attracts me year-round, with silvery naked branches in the winter months, followed by white lacy flowers in the spring, and tiny drupes of fruit among the dark green leaves in the summer. The leaves turn a golden yellow in the fall, providing a lovely contrast to the bark and really making the trees stand out in the woods. Everything about this tree makes me adore it and want to share its allure with others, so I ask: What’s not to love about the escarpment black cherry tree? Happy Valentine’s Day!
Betsy Cross and I presented "Are Chapter Newsletters Relevant in the Age of Social Media?" at the Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting last year. The presentation highlighted our success and challenges during transition from the traditional newsletter PDF format to an online webpage. One of our key messages was an offer to assist other TMN Chapters considering a similar change. The presentation was attended by 109 viewers including Madeline Kelly with the Indian Trail Chapter. Madeline sent this request to the HCMN. "I am with Indian Trail Master Naturalist in Waxahachie and work with our newsletter team. We watched your program on the State Conference and I would like to speak to one of your presenters to learn more about how you do the newsletter online."
Zoom meeting with HCMN and Indian Trail newsletter teams
Betsy and I contacted Madeline and set up a Zoom meeting to introduce ourselves. We shared with their team how we made the move online and the difficulties we encountered. Using the December 2020 newsletter to highlight how Squarespace works, we showed examples of our layout and design. Our good experience with Squarespace allows us to improve the newsletter each month. The Indian Trail team wanted to know how we handled the workload and team management that come with a monthly newsletter. The first meeting was followed by a second Zoom call in January. During the January call Indian Trail team members Matthew Bacon and Jim West explained that this is a big decision for them and included a lot of discussion. Their decision was to continue evaluating moving online but not to use Squarespace. We wished them the best of luck and let them know we will be here if they need our help down the road.
One More Thing
One additional collaboration led to Indian Trail recommending Walt Davis as a good speaker for our Chapter Meeting. Walt is a retired museum director who spent more than a decade building wildlife dioramas for the Dallas Museum of Natural History before becoming director of the Panhandle Plains Historical Museum in Canyon. Betsy has communicated Walt’s contact information to Bob Adkins to follow up. Hopefully we will get a chance to hear Walt later this year.
INDIAN TRAIL CHAPTER
Madeline Kelley: Indian Trail MN Chapter Newsletter Co-editor
Indian Trail Master Naturalists has a membership of about 95 people who live mostly in and around the Waxahachie area. Many have land and animals such as goats, cows, etc. They participate and support several natural areas including Ellis County Rural Heritage Farm, Mockingbird Park in Midlothian, Bullard Park, Kachina Prairie, and several citizen science projects. There is more information on their website. Indian Trail publishes their newsletter every 3 months
View Indian Trail December 2020 Newsletter: LINK
While exploring an unrelated topic, I came across these striking images of “Leaf Art”. I was intrigued. I found information on the artist, who carves the delicate leaf sculptures as therapy for his ADHD condition. That led to the discovery that examples of his art were being used as illustrations for a campaign for a group called Plant-for-the-Planet. An investigation into that group led to an amazing story of children taking it upon themselves to combat climate change that threatens the world they will inherit.
The Plant-for-the-Planet children's and youth initiative was launched in January 2007. At that time, nine-year-old Felix Finkbeiner gave a presentation about the climate crisis. He outlined a vision in which children could plant one million trees in every country on earth in order to balance the CO2 on their own. In the years that followed, Plant-for-the-Planet evolved into a worldwide movement: approximately 88,000 children in 74 countries are currently pursuing this goal. They consider themselves a world citizen initiative that promotes climate justice. The goal is to reduce CO2 emissions to zero. To accomplish this, the children and youth want mankind to plant a trillion trees worldwide. Why plant trees? Trees store carbon dioxide. Trees can replace concrete in building. Trees create jobs.
Felix and friends make their presentation to the U.N.
“Now we children save the world” is the motto of Plant-for-the-Planet. They developed climate justice academies, and now children teach other children to become Climate Justice Ambassadors. This has one crucial advantage: children actually listen more closely to their peers than to adults. So far, with the help of many adults, Plant-for-the-Planet youth have already planted more than 13 billion trees in 193 countries. These children teach and empower others to become Climate Justice Ambassadors.
In the early stages, the growing group decided that if they were to act as government leaders who had to make decisions at the next climate summit, they would need to have a plan to safeguard their future. On July 1, 2010, they presented this “3-Point-Plan” at 133 embassies in Berlin, together with a request to the government leaders to disclose what they themselves wanted to do to solve the climate crisis and thereby protect the children’s future. In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on February 2, 2011, the children from Plant-for-the-Planet presented their plan:
Plant a trillion trees. As additional carbon reservoirs,1 trillion trees will bind another 10 billion tons CO2 every year. A trillion trees sounds like a lot, but it is possible: starting 1978, the Chinese government planted more than 60 billion trees as part of the “Great Green Wall”. That is 1.6 million trees per year.
Leave the fossil fuels in the ground. The technology for a CO2-free future has existed for a long time. Mankind must reduce the CO2 emissions to zero by 2050. That means no more burning coal, oil, or natural gas. Reduce the greenhouse gas emissions from agriculture. Reduce the use of CO2 intensive materials such as cement.
Use climate justice to put poverty in the museum. In order to limit further warming to the pledged 2°C, only 420 billion tons more CO2 can be emitted by 2050. 420 divided by 33 years makes 12.7 billion tons CO2 per year. This must be fairly divided among the world population: everyone receives the same, namely 1.5 tons CO2 per person per year. Whoever wants more must pay. This principle of climate justice ensures that poverty is put in a museum.
In 2011, the United Nations Environment Programme (UN Environment) handed over the long-established Billion Tree Campaign, along with the official world tree counter, to Plant-for-the-Planet.
Ocelots live and can sometimes be seen at the Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge in the Lower Rio Grande Valley
Plant-for-the-Planet partners with other organizations all over the world to reforest degraded ecological areas and protect ecosystems and the flora and fauna that flourish there. That includes one site in Texas. The Lower Rio Grande Valley is the fertile delta for the Rio Grande River, combining climate, vegetation and wildlife to create an ecosystem that supports a diversity of wildlife and plants, including threatened and endangered species, and creates one of America’s biodiversity hotspots. The ecosystem’s future depends on thornforests, which have been so aggressively cleared for agriculture and development that less than 10 percent of the original forest remains.
Since 1997, American Forests has supported the planting of more than 2 million trees over 4,266 acres in the region. American Forests has partnered with Salesforce to reforest the La Sal del Rey tract of the South Texas Refuge Complex by planting 20,000 trees in the Fall of 2020 and Spring of 2021. This tract was identified as one of the highest priorities primarily due to its importance to connecting corridors for the endangered ocelot. Thornforests draw millions of birdwatchers each year to view spectacular hawk migrations and tropical birds like green jays and Altamira orioles. In 2014, ecotourism generated more than $340 million in the Lower Rio Grande Valley.
Yucatan girl with megaphone
On its own plantation on the Yucatán Peninsula, Plant-for-the-Planet proves it is possible to grow efficiently and cheaply on a large scale. Three million healthy trees are now growing into forests on a once degraded area of the Yucatán Peninsula in Mexico. On March 8th 2015, Plant-for-the-Planet planted the first tree on a completely deforested area acquired by the Plant-for-the-Planet Foundation. When the workers later planted the millionth tree, Plant-for-the-Planet made a promise: "We will take care of every tree we have planted and plant a million trees more each year than the year before," explained Felix Finkbeiner.
Today, more than 100 workers plant an average of 5,500 seedlings per day. A new tree is added every 15 seconds.
Plant-for-the-Planet has not focused its efforts on the United States because the establishment of a national organization would be extremely taxing on their resources. They have focused their efforts on what they call the “Global South”, where they feel they can have a greater impact for a fraction of the cost. For reasons of climate justice and global equity, tree planting is a long-term investment in equitable development. In the Global South, trees grow faster in tropical conditions, binding carbon faster, and tree varieties suited to tropical conditions have the ability to bind five times more carbon than the average tree. Forestry management (and later wood processing) creates jobs and prosperity – needed in the Global South. Large tracts of land that were forested in the past have been deforested and lie unused, and resources (plants, materials, machinery, personnel, land, etc.) are cheaper and therefore are a significantly more effective investment. Nevertheless, Plant-for-the-Planet encourages and supports all tree planting activities that are socio-ecologically and economically sustainable and contribute to the global goal of planting a trillion trees by 2030 and help to mitigate the effects of the climate crisis.
There have been local efforts in the United States that help Plant-for-the-Planet toward their goal, with individual workshops and clubs, but are not supervised or supported by the foundation. These groups have undertaken 33 Academies for Climate Justice, and provide a future opportunity for growth. If you’d like to know more about Plant-for-the-Planet, there are many resources for you to explore.
Highly recommended 5-minute video
https://www.trilliontreecampaign.org/
https://blog.plant-for-the-planet.org
HCMN Lance Jones and Rebekah Rylander, Doctoral Candidate Texas State University
“Our group had several great birds this year. By far the most exciting was an adult Bald Eagle that flew low overhead, giving us fantastic looks. We also had a White-tailed Hawk and a flock of Lark Buntings, both rare for our area.” — Colton Robbins
The annual Christmas Bird Count (CBC) in San Marcos took place December 20th. Forty-six individuals, including 9 HCMNs and 1 HCMN Trainee, fanned out across the city in 16 groups to identify, count and record the different bird species seen on that one day. The 7.5-mile radius around the city was divided into eight zones. Some individuals worked sun-up to sun-down and others a partial day. Most survey zones were led by local experts who graduated with Wildlife Ecology degrees (B.S., Master’s, and Ph.Ds.) from Texas State University, making this CBC unique due to the “homegrown” leaders.
Rebekah Rylander organized the teams and tabulated their sightings as she has done for all five years of our participation, which is in its 121st year with the National Audubon Society.
The six natural areas owned by the City of San Marcos, as well as Freeman Ranch, Spring Lake, numerous private properties (with permission of the landowners), and the courthouse square were all part of the count which stands at 130 for the day. Large groups of birds included the American Robin [459], Common Grackle [529], Great-tailed Grackle [766], Cedar Waxwing [793] and Black Vulture [505].
“The best bird for my section was a female Mountain Bluebird, and the other rare species for the circle were Rufous Hummingbird, Clay-colored Sparrow, White-tipped Dove, Eastern Towhee, Peregrine Falcon, Long-billed Dowitcher, and Greater White-fronted Goose. All together we observed 130 species.” — Stephen Ramirez, HCMN 2015 Class of Cypresses
The National Audubon Society organizes the annual event and stated on their website, “From December 14 through January 5 each year, tens of thousands of volunteers throughout the Americas brave snow, wind, or rain, and take part in the effort. Audubon and other organizations use data collected in this long-running wildlife census to assess the health of bird populations and to help guide conservation action. The long-term perspective is vital for conservationists. It informs strategies to protect birds and their habitat and helps identify environmental issues with implications for people as well.”
Though the pandemic altered many ways in which people participate in activities, we are grateful that the citizens of San Marcos were willing to rally to safely census birds this year. This data is indispensable and will contribute to greenspace management in the future.
Participating MNs included: Lynne Schaffer, Doray Lendacky, Susan Evans, Cindy Hobson, Sonia Duran (current training class member), Carolina Duncan, Lance Jones, Jo Korthals, Stephen Ramirez, and Dick McBride.
