Balcones Canyonlands Chapter
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
“Mothing at Snowden” on April 15 was a first-of-its-kind event for BCP Master Naturalists.30 moth enthusiasts gathered in the dark to spot what would be attracted to several whitescreens strategically lit throughout the property, aided by one moth expert who hasidentified 650 different moths in …more
The 14-acre Laguna Gloria site is an urban oasis providing aunique art-in-nature setting. Laguna Gloria houses the historic1916 Driscoll Villa with a formal garden as well as natural areasalong the lake. Members of the chapter enjoyed an ‘insiders’ walkof the ground with Liz Brewer, the …more
Finding the right place to volunteer as a Texas Master Naturalist trainee can be a daunting task. You know you need to complete your 40 hours of volunteer work for certification, you want to follow your interests, and you want to feel like you are …more
In June of 1996, the idea and plans for a group of volunteers to support the initiatives of the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department was created. Nineteen people started a program called the Natural Initiatives Program, and their first class graduated in 1997 with …more