BEXAR

AUDUBON
SOCIETY
SAN ANTONIO, TX
Volume XXIII, No. 1 First Place, 2000 & 2002!
National Audubon Society
January 2005 newsletter contest — large
chapter division

Come to both the program and the related field trip (see below)!

The Edwards Aquifer:

A hydrogeological and biological primer
Thursday, January 13, 2005, Chapter Meeting
6:30 p.m. — Social Time; 7:00 p.m. — Program
Free and open to the public — Cowles Life Sciences Building - Room 149 - Trinity University ***NEW LOCATION***
Southwest corner of Hwy 281 and Hildebrand, Take Stadium Drive exit from Hwy 281— see map on back page
Our first program of the new year will be held at a origin and implications of its unique fauna.
***new location***, but at the regular second Thursday Our presenter, Dr. George Veni, is an internationally
day (January 13th) and time (6:30 p.m. social time, 7:00 recognized hydrogeologist specializing in caves and karst
p.m. presentation time). We are very fortunate to have as terrains. He received his Master’s degree from Western
our speaker San Antonio’s local expert on caves and Kentucky University in 1985 and his Ph.D. from the
limestone aquifers, Dr. George Veni. Pennsylvania State University in 1994. Since 1987 he has
The Edwards (Balcones Fault Zone) Aquifer of south- owned and served as principal investigator of George Veni
central Texas is among the world’s most complex and and Associates here in San Antonio. Much of his work has
politically embroiled groundwater systems. The karstic been in central Texas, but he has also conducted extensive
nature of the aquifer adds significantly to the complexity, karst research throughout the United States and in several
and the underground space it comprises provides habitat other countries. He has published and presented over 100
for rare and endangered ecosystems. This 45-minute papers and four books on hydrogeology, biology, and
presentation will outline how the aquifer “works” and the environmental management in karst terrains.
Sunday, January 16, 2005, Field Trip

Explore the Edwards Aquifer

Join us on Sunday, January 16th, at noon. This trip
will give field examples of issues, features, and fauna
discussed in the program. The trip will depart promptly
from the parking lot of the Incarnate Word University
natatorium (swimming pool center, see map on back page)
at noon and visit the San Antonio Spring for an overview
of the aquifer while people enjoy lunch (BYO-food and
drink). From there everyone will carpool to Brackenridge
Park where issues related to Edwards Aquifer groundwater
pumping will be discussed. Afterwards, we will head north
to Boerne and Cibolo Creek, an example of a stream that
normally goes dry as you go downstream because it loses
its water to recharge the Edwards Aquifer. Issues on
defining the aquifer's boundaries will also be discussed
here. Lastly, everyone will drive to Cave Without A Name
to look at examples of smaller but important recharge
features, then follow them and their water underground
down to the water table via the cave's walk-in entrance
and well-lit trails (an entry fee will be charged: $9/adult,
$5/child). Everyone will be back at Incarnate Word by
around 5:30 p.m. Bring your camera, a flash, and gear
appropriate to the weather. The trip will not be canceled
due to rain. That will be a good chance to watch recharge
in action!
Directions (see map on back page): From Hildebrand
turn north at the light into Incarnate Word University, go
left and follow the road around, crossing the bridge to the
Natatorium. Drive to the back of the Natatorium and park
near the picnic tables. Please reserve your spot on the field
trip, call 210-824-1235 or email pasztor@ix.netcom.com
 BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY TALES FROM THE WOOD
Chapter of the National Audubon Society Not Missing … But a Call to Action.
P. O. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209 Bexar Audubon Society is an organization with significant position and political
210-822-4503 voice on the environmental and conservation issues facing central and south Texas.
As a result, we have an organizational responsibility to this region and I think we've
GOALS
The Chapter’s primary goals are been doing a pretty good job in meeting that obligation so far. We are leaders….not
to promote species and habitat followers or joiners. Historically our organization has exercised our responsibility
conservation and environmental education to the community with considerable forethought. We have assessed our issues,
in the community. assured significant and balanced dialog in the community, and carefully developed
strategies to address our chosen causes.
OFFICERS We, as an organization, are very much like a well rehearsed choir. When we
President Tony Wood ....... (tonywood@sbcglobal.net) 493-4684
Vice Pres. Harry Noyes ..... (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com) . 490-3124 speak as individuals we each offer our own unique perspectives. As an organization
Treasurer Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .............. 344-6128
Secretary Caryl Swann .... (cjswann1@earthlink.net) . 653-2860 though, we unite our voices, harmonize, allow for an occasional well rehearsed
solo, and generally create a sound that is pleasing to us all. BAS offers us the
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dean Bibles ......................... (dbibles@aol.com) ............ 698-9264 opportunity to join our voices with so many others whenever the time is right. This
Susan Hughes ....................... (susan@wordwright.com) .. 532-2332
Joe Orr ......................... (josephorr@aol.com) ......... 377-0621
is how Bexar Audubon Society successfully contributes to the overall improvement
of the environment and quality of life in our area.
COMMITTEE CHAIRS It is therefore with considerable humility and concern that I have accepted the
Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .............. 344-6128
Birdathon Marge Lumpe ... (birdwatcher@msn.com) ... 545-1822 position as president of Bexar Audubon Society for the next two years. I feel humility
Conserv. Harry Noyes ..... (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com) . 490-3124
Program Patty Pasztor ... (pasztor@ix.netcom.com) . 824-1235 because I am fairly confident that I will be a wholly inadequate successor to our
Memb. ...................................................................... available
Publicity Harry Noyes ..... (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com) . 490-3124
most recent President, Susan Hughes. She has given so much to our organization
SAEN Coord. ...................................................................... available
Bexar Tracks Content editor ............................................... available
and to the community, and I know that I will be unable to equal her awesome
Editors Jill Sondeen ..... (jls2003@gvtc.com) .. 830-980-3277 contributions of time and influence. Our saving grace is that Susan will continue to
Mailing Blair Richter..(barkisrichter@sbcglobal.net) . 832-0522
be an active member of the BAS board.
My concern comes from the fact that over much of this first year you have
Bexar Tracks is your newsletter. asked me to be the president in absentia. Professional obligations have shifted in a
We welcome your contributions.
way that I could not have foreseen when I first allowed my name to be considered.[Ed.
Printed with soy ink on
recycled paper. Note. Tony has a temporary commitment overseas.] You have asked me to serve
Visit Bexar Audubon’s anyway and have assured me that our organization will hold true to our historic
roles and responsibilities. I am confident that the foundation upon which we are
Web Site:
built will support our continued growth in membership and influence, even with
http://www.BexarAudubon.org
Up -to-date environmental events and my absence, so I have accepted.
calendar can be found here Still, the issues that face our community will continue to be the central theme
— check often for news! of our organizational growth and influence. Resource conservation, protection, and
management, population growth and urban sprawl, water for our people and other
Visit San Antonio Environmental essential consumers, public and private lands management and range and ranch
Network’s Web Site: management, wildlife management, education, eco-tourism, environmental
http://www.sa-naturecenter.org stewardship, and many other issues face us today. BAS must continue to be the
Suggestions and contributions are welcome. voices who insist, like a well practiced choir, that our elected leaders address these
Please contact Harry Noyes at
issues now. We must continue to insist that they recognize themselves to be the
harrynoyes@satx.rr.com
stewards (with us) of our common future. We must continue to be the teachers, and
we must influence all of the other teachers, who shape the environmental consciences
of today's youth.
Over the coming two years BAS will undergo a few changes…but not many.
The first and most obvious will be a change of meeting place. We hope to promote
more involvement of the academic community in BAS and will therefore begin
scheduling our meetings at Trinity University. We hope to foster continued local
partnerships between BAS and our community by continuing to organize and partner
in the San Antonio Environmental Network SAEN. We would also like to promote
a more robust working relationship with the community by becoming further involved
with the development of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, continuing our relationships
2005 Officers (left to right): Tony Wood,
with SAWS, SARA, the Edwards Aquifer Authority, and by developing working
Pres., Betty Minyard, Treas., Caryl Swann, relationships with members of the corporate and military community.
Sec., Harry Noyes, Vice Pres. -Tony Wood

January 2005 2 Bexar Tracks

 LOCAL EVENTS
SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAM Dec. 9 Recap
Jan. 8, 7:30-9:30 pm Holiday Party Fun
by Peggy Spring

WINTER SKIES
EISENHOWER PARK
PRESENTED BY THE SAN ANTONIO ASTRONOMICAL ASSOC.
Are the stars at night really big and bright in Texas? Ever seen the ‘man in the moon’?
The City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation Natural Areas and the Bexar Audubon Todd Walker, Greg Pasztor and Tony Wood
Society invite you to satisfy your curiosity about these and other night sky questions. This
program, facilitated by the San Antonio Astronomical Association (their web site is at
www.sanantonioastronomy.org), is designed to give people with little knowledge of
astronomy an opportunity to view features of the winter sky through telescopes operated
by their knowledgeable owners.
For this event, it is recommended that participants observe a few suggestions: * The
use of white light is highly discouraged. Please bring flashlights with red bulbs or covered
with red cellophane. Cellophane may be provided if you do not have your own. * Children
are welcome but must be attended at all times. * No smoking or insect repellant near
telescopes - the smoke and sprays can damage the expensive optics of the telescope. * Ruth Lofgren (l) leads the way to the food
Please ask permission before touching telescopes - they are very expensive! * Reservations
are recommended for this event. Please call Natural Areas 210-698-1057. This will insure
your spot at this event. Walk-ins will be accepted on a limited basis. There is a suggested
individual donation of $3.00 per individual or $5.00 per family.
Eisenhower Park, Harris (Mass Pavilion), 19399 NW Military Hwy. Take FM 1535/ Caryl Swann, Carmen Frownfelter and
Military Hwy/Shavano Park exit off Loop 1604 on the city's northwest side. Go north on Michelle Wood watch the gift opening
FM 1535/Militry Hwy about 2 miles. Park entrance is on the left, just before Camp Bullis.
The Pavilion is the gated one to the right. Special Parking Area may be indicated. Gates
open 7:00pm. <www.sanaturalareas.org> <www.bexaraudubon.org>
November 13, 2004, Program recap: FUR AND FEATHERS
We had 18 people on a brr, chilly, overcast, breezy, drippy day - sounds pretty typical
for lately. Helen Holdsworth from the Texas Wildlife Association presented an engaging, Bruce Hughes gets an angel and Harry
interactive program of power point and hands resources about white tailed deer and wild Noyes listens to his Audubon watch
turkey. The adults as well as the children found something to interest them: practicing with
various turkey calls and imitating fighting bucks by 'rattling' sets of antlers and making
turkey calls to take home.
After the program, I found myself going to the resource books and internet to research
the reduced size of the collar bones of deer and the implications of this adaptation. Engaging Dick Pipes
activities/information and a motivation to seek more information after the program are
definitely earmarks of a great presentation - see you next time!!!

FIRST SATURDAYS INTERPRETIVE Marge Lumpe

NATURE HIKES
January 8, 2005 - 9:00am - 11:00am
WALKER RANCH HISTORIC PARK — 12603 West Ave
Join us for a January walk in the brisk winter air at Walker Ranch and work off some
seasonal calories while learning about the plants, animals and geology of this historic site.
Reservations are highly recommended, as the hike will not be conducted if there are no
pre-registered participants. Call 210-98-1057. Participants are limited to 15 per hike.
For groups of 8 or more please call to schedule a separate hike. Meet at the restrooms near Patty Leslie, Annalise, and Greg Pasztor
the parking lot. A donation of $2 per person is suggested.

January 2005 3 Bexar Tracks

Mark your calendar Bexar Audubon Society, Inc. Non-profit
Feb. 25-26 — 2005 South Texas Farm P. O. Box 6084 Organization
and Range Forum San Antonio, TX 78209 U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio
Earth Share of Texas rep-
resents the Audubon
Permit #590
Foundation of Texas and
the National Audubon So-
ciety in payroll deduction plans for charitable
giving. For information, call 1-800-GREENTX
or email <estx@earthshare-texas.org>.

MITCHELL LAKE
ACCESS
Birding trips to Mitchell Lake are
still occurring. Call the Mitchell Lake
Audubon Center at 210-628-1639 for
information.

RECURRING EVENTS
San Antonio Audubon Society’s
Beginners’ Birdwalk is held at 8 a.m. on
the second Saturday of each month.
Visitors are welcome. There are binoculars
to lend.
Meet at the Judson Nature
Trail next to the Alamo Heights Sun., January 16, Membership Form
Swimming Pool on Viesca St. noon, Field trip Chapter Donation Form
From the 5900 block of meeting place, U. National Audubon Society
Broadway, turn west on Ogden Incarnate Word Bexar AudubonSociety
to Greeley St., turn left one Membership rates are:
block, then right again to the Student/Senior $15 Basic $35
Introductory 1-year $20 (2-year: $30)
parking lot on the left. More
Name _______________________
information at 210-342-2073. Address___________________________
_______________________________
Note new Chapter Meeting place - AUDUBON City______State __ Zip_________
Cowles Life Sciences Bldg, Trinity
APPLAUSE
Phone: ( )________________
University, Room 149
Email:___________________________
Thanks to all those who For a new membership, mail this coupon
have served — and are and your check—payable to “National
still serving—on the Audubon Society, Chapter W19” to:
board. Your time and Bexar Audubon Society
efforts are greatly P. O. Box 6084
appreciated. Thanks to San Antonio, TX 78209
W19, 7XCH
Todd Walker and Bruce Opt out for other mailings
Hughes for being the By using this form, 100 percent of
hosts with the most at the your first year’s dues will benefit the
Holiday Party during chapter.
Susan Hughes’s
successful knee surgery For Contributions to BAS: $______
convalescence. That was Make your check payable to Bexar
Audubon Society
great Wassail!

January 2005 4 Bexar Tracks