In every organization, there are people who exemplify the group’s best self. They not only do the work, they personify the mission statement, find quiet joy, and stir others to share it.

It’s all one water. And across Central Texas we’re all on top of it.

World Migratory Bird Day…celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas…

I never knew about some of the harder-to-see stuff until I pulled off the highway and stopped to “smell the flowers.”

I hear them as I’m walking the trails, but they’re often hard to spot in the canopy.

I have a love/hate relationship with the squirrels on our property. In March, it was all love as I noticed a fox squirrel with something in its mouth. Upon closer inspection, it was not nesting material as I initially thought.

It’s out! And it’s fabulous. It’s the Beautiful Hays County Activity and Coloring Book. Intended for outreach and education, this Activity and Coloring Book is a project of the Willett Foundation Grant to the Hays County Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalist™ program.

Love them or hate them, insects and spiders are vital to the health of our Texas Hill Country ecosystems. Why should we care?

It was new. Mysterious. It intrigued me right off the nature trail and, along swirls of scented wood, spiraled me into its center. Safe inside, I felt delight and something primordial.

April showers brought some lovely spring flowers…

DarkSky Texas in April 2023 announced its new name along with a new initiative intended to reach more Texans about ways to improve outdoor lighting to benefit ourselves, the economy, and nature.

The 2023 Naturescapes Photography Contest, cosponsored by the Hays County Master Naturalist Chapter, is now accepting entries! The entry deadline is June 26th.

The Hays County Chapter of Texas Master Naturalist™ held its annual Reunion on April 29, 2023. It was a day for the Chapter’s self-celebration, project networking, trail walks, relaxation, good food, stargazing, a sleepover, and renewed friendships all around.

It was a gray afternoon last week when I visited Warbler Woods Bird Sanctuary for the first time. Not the ideal time of day for birding. But I still saw a variety of birds and hundreds of butterflies in this beautiful landscape.

Sure, everyone uses maps to navigate, but did you know they can help us fight erosion, determine which plants will have the most chance of success, and even identify possible patches of oak wilt?

Folks still call it “Patsy Glen” for short. On a spring day in Wimberley, Texas, we pack a sandwich and binoculars and head for a secluded patch of forest tumbling downhill behind a supermarket and the Community Center.

Our HELM team participated in an onsite workshop focused on managing invasive vegetation and aggressive native species, on brush management, and on grasses, mulching, seeding, and erosion. We are excited to share that knowledge with Hays County landowners.

Project FeederWatch is an easy, fun way of learning about birds that you can do right from your backyard. Or with a friend! 

All life can evolve and thrive if there is cooperation and community.

Our April cover photo of Pinky, and other photos of the iconic Golden-cheeked Warbler, were taken by Hays County Master Naturalist Tom Hausler.