Balcones Canyonlands Chapter
Our presenter, Asher Elbein, is a freelance journalist, fiction-writer, and artist based in Austin, Texas. His work covers paleontology, natural history, and culture for outlets like The New York Times, Texas Monthly, Audubon, Texas Observer, and Scientific American (click any to see a list of …more
Guinea paper wasps, Polistes exclamans, are one of the more common paper wasps seen in Texas. They are reddish brown wasps with yellow markings, about ¾ inch in length with smoky wings. Antennae are tipped with orangish-yellow. The base of the abdomen where it joins …more
On Saturday, March 23, biologist, Scott Rowin, of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (BCNWR), will give our chapter a presentation on groundbreaking research conducted on the migration and overwintering grounds of the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. This study involved capturing the warbler in mistnets and …more
This is a rare chance to meet over 10 local non-profits who work to preserve and enhance central Texas’ environmental vibrancy. Meet the people to lead the organizations, learn what they do, and find volunteer opportunities that support your passion. DetailsDate: Jan 20Time: 9:30 – …more
So, I packed my bags, jumped into the car, and headed south to attend the TXMN annual conference in McAllen. It’s only 350 miles, so I was there in no time; I just had to pay attention to the numerous Highway Patrol vehicles that proliferated …more
Tarantulas, also known as baboon spiders in Africa or hairy spiders in South America, arethe largest spiders in the world. They can be found on every continent exceptAntarctica. Tarantulas have two body regions, eight legs, and hairy bodies. Tarantulasthat are found in North and South …more
One of the many perks of being a regular volunteer with the Travis CountyBalcones Canyonland Preserve is that you occasionally get invited onunexpected adventures. One morning, fellow TXMN Jannelle Imken and Iwere helping Becky Woodward, BCP Volunteer Coordinator, and Jeremy Hull,BCP Community Liaison, collect seeds …more
The day’s highlight was undoubtedly the 30-minute glass-bottom boat ride, which proved to be a window into the aquatic wonders that thrive beneath the surface of Spring Lake. Members marveled at the clear waters revealing a vibrant underwater world and a tapestry of aquatic life …more
On a hot and humid Saturday morning on June 17, about 20 intrepid native plant enthusiasts gathered at Concordia University for a nature walk led by Dr. Mary Kay Johnston, an Associate Professor at Concordia University and co-chair of its Biology & Environmental Science & …more
I’ve been volunteering for a couple of years most weeks at the Vireo Preserve nearmy house, restoring native plants to create habitat attractive to the black-cappedvireo. Those vireos disappeared from the area in 1987, but this year at least onereturned after wintering between Acapulco and …more
