Bexar Audubon Society

is a chapter of the
National Audubon
Society. Its primary
goals are to promote

Bexar Tracks
species and habitat
conservation and envi-
ronmental education
Volume XXIV, No. 5

in the community.
November-December 2006

For the latest news & updates, see http://www.bexaraudubon.org & http://www.sa-naturecenter.org

Thursday, November 9 • 6:30PM gathering; 6:45 announcements; 7:00 program

Trinity University Cowles Life Sciences Building, Room 336 (see map, p. 2) • Free; open to the public
My Sengi Adventures in Tanzania:
“New” Mammal Discovery in Africa
Presented by Dr. David Ribble
“It was a thrill for me this past spring to be part of an international
team that sought an undescribed species of sengi or elephant-shrew
in Tanzania, known only from some blurry photographs. Sengis or
elephant-shrews are a group of mammals of which there are 15
known species, all found in Africa. The ‘elephant’ moniker comes
from their incredibly long noses, which resemble the trunk of an ele-
phant. The ‘shrew’ part of their common name is misleading because
they have little in common with true shrews except their diet—most-
ly bugs. These animals are probably better thought of as miniature
antelopes and ant-eaters; they really have no ecological equivalents
outside Africa. The name ‘sengi’ comes from Kiswahili and is probably a preferred common name, in
order to avoid confusion with true shrews—or elephants for that matter.
“The sengi we eventually captured were found in an Eastern Arc Mountain Forest of Tanzania. These
unique forests are some of the richest in all of Africa and are considered one of the ‘Biological Hot Spots’
of the world. This uniqueness is in part due to their isolation and age; scientists estimate these forests
have been around for as long as 30 million years, and they have been isolated from forests in Western
Africa for 10 million years. Besides their biological uniqueness, these forests, if intact and not damaged,
are also very important for the health and welfare of all Tanzanians. Of the many ecosystem services
they provide, probably none is more important than the role these forests play as water catchments.
“I will present some of the delights and the hardships of our expedition and discuss the importance of
these forests for biodiversity and for the people of Tanzania.”
David Ribble is a Biologist from Trinity University and has worked on the ecology, evolution, and con-
servation of small mammals from Bexar County to Mexico to Africa. He is currently Chair and Professor
of Biology at Trinity.

Thursday, December 14 • 6:30PM • Chapter’s Annual Meeting of Members

Annual Holiday Party • Covered-Dish Supper • White-Elephant Gift Exchange
Election of Officers and Board Members (see page 2 for more information)

IT’S THAT
TIME AGAIN!
Help bring in the holidays
at Bexar Audubon’s annual
holiday party. This is also
the time when we have
our Annual Meeting of
Members (as required by
our bylaws). And we elect
officers and board mem-
bers every other year—this
is one of those years.
But the business doesn’t
take much time away from
the food, friendship, and
festivities.
The event will once again
be held at the King
William-area home of
Susan & Bruce Hughes.
Reply to 210-532-2032 to
receive directions, or write
susan@wordwright.com.
Please bring a covered
dish to share and a
wrapped “white-elephant”
gift to exchange—maybe
over and over again!
Bexar Tracks
WHERE & WHO
W ho ’ s W h a t ?
a nd how t o cont a ct t hem
Pr es id ent , To ny W o od — 210-492-4684 — tonywood@sbcglobal.net
VP & W ebmaster, Har ry Noyes — 210-490-3124 — harrynoyes@satx.rr.com
Tr ea s u r er, Ca r y l Swa nn — 210-653-2860 — cjswann1@earthlink.net
Secr eta r y, Ji l l Son deen — 830-980-2377 — jls2003@gvtc.com
A t - l a r ge: K a r a R y f — 503-803-2856 — kararyf@hotmail.com
A my L . W hi t ley — 210-340-0114 — nueces66@yahoo.com
Edi to r — editor@bexaraudubon.org
Pr ogr ams /Out i ngs , Pa tt y Pa s z t or —210-824-1235—pasztor@ix.netcom.com
NOMINATIONS SOLICITED
FOR FOUR OFFICERS AND
ONE BOARD MEMBER AT-LARGE
Anyone wishing to stand as a candidate for office and contribute
to the activities and management of Bexar Audubon, or who wish-
es to nominate someone for office (with their written consent,
please), should contact Amy Whitley, chairman of the Nominating
Committee, at 210-340-0114 or by e-mail at
nueces66@yahoo.com
POSITIONS TO BE ELECTED ARE:
President, Vice President, Secretary, & Treasurer (2-year terms)
One member at-large (4-year term)
R EM EM B ER:
The election will take place on Thursday, December 14.
Bex a r A udubon Pr ogr a m M eet i ng L oca t i on, 11/9
M a p t o Cowl es Li f e S cie nce s Bui l di ng , Tr ini ty Uni v er s it y, w es t of Hig hwa y 281
Chapman
Library Laurie
Cowles
Cowles is just uphill from the Laurie Auditorium
and adjacent to the Library and the Chapman
Graduate Center. Handicapped parking is across
from Cowles. Park by the Laurie or in lots or on
streets to the west. Call Patty for additional
directions (824-1235) or see additional map at
bexaraudubon.org/map.jpg
2 November-December 2006
Insights from the Wood: One More Ring on the Tree
The seasons are changing. I
really enjoy our two seasons here
in south Texas. You all know
what they are. . .Summer and
Fall-Spring. Fall-Spring is start-
ing to beckon here in south Texas,
and tonight it’s expected to drop
into the 40s. For naturalists and
conservationists this change of
the seasons reminds us of the
continuous cycle of our existence.
Even the trees in south Texas,
without a real winter, get a new
ring each year.
Bexar Audubon Society has
always been a leader in the con-
servation movement in south
Texas, taking a broad approach
on environmental concerns and
engaging many local and regional
issues. Over the last several years
our members have been active in
numerous civic and leadership
councils in San Antonio. We have
contributed to the formation and
preservation of several parks and
preserves (including Mitchell
Lake Audubon Center, Deep and
Punkin’ Caves, and the fruits of
Propositions 3 and 1). But BAS is
reaching the end of another cycle,
too. In December there will be
some changes to our BAS Board
and leadership.
The board has been talking
recently about some inevitable
changes to our role in the com-
munity. While BAS has been “the
tie that binds” for many environ-
mental organizations in San
Antonio, our more active mem-
bers often play multiple roles and
are involved with other groups,
often with more highly focused
missions. What we need most is
for each of you, our occasional
and less active members, to put a
little more into your involvement
with Bexar Audubon over this
November-December 2006
next cycle, this next seasonal ring send that check to keep Bexar
on the tree. Tracks coming. And give a cakll to
Attend a few more meetings volunteer your time and talents.
and San Antonio Environmental — H. A. Tony Wood
Network forums. Participate in
the local governmental process Editor’s Note: This is the last issue
and support conservation stew- I will be editing. It’s been fun, again,
ardship through your participa- but it’s time for someone else to step
tion. Pick any medium—air, up. I’ve been editor off and on since
water, land, urban forests, or 1991! That’s when I responded to a
energy conservation—and con- notice in Bexar Tracks that a new
centrate on it a bit more. editor was needed.
I know some of you cannot get So, if you want to keep receiving
Bexar Tracks directly, we need a vol-
out as much as you would like
unteer—or several—to gather the
due to work, kids, age, weather
or health. If you truly cannot contents, do the layout, and manage
pitch in, we understand. But if the mailing (coaching available).
you are looking for company, and Without new volunteers—and addi-
want to see Bexar Audubon con- tional funding—you may not see
tinue to play a key role, we could Bexar Tracks in January.
use your participation on specific Maybe someone is knowledgeable
conservation causes, and “just” to
and energetic enough to set up a list-
keep the organization running.
serv—or another alternative—to
Come to a meeting; find some
make it practical to move to an elec-
friends and a worthwhile cause.
tronic version.
Like many of you, Bexar Tracks
Remember, though, if you don’t get
is the one newsletter that I really
your Bexar Tracks in the mail, look
look forward to getting each
month. . .but it is an expensive on our websites (see the front cover
and time consuming endeavor. for the URLs) to keep up with BAS
Sure I like the flashy Audubon and conservation news in the area.
Magazine, but for keeping up — Susan Hughes
with the local scene, there is noth-
ing else like Bexar Tracks.
If you are looking for a good
cause, the BAS organization (and
especially Bexar Tracks) needs
your financial support. Take
a minute to send a check
payable to Bexar Audubon
Society and note it’s for
Bexar Tracks. (See the back
cover, page 6, for a conve-
nient form.) We want to
fund this valuable newslet-
ter for the next two years. It
costs about $ 4000 each year.
Happy Holidays! And if you
are looking at a cut tree this sea-
son, let it be a reminder to you to
3 Bexar Tracks
 NEWS & INFORMATION
Second Saturday Report
Despite the hot dry weather of
late, many orb weaver spiders
have survived and were out on
Second Saturday night
(September 9, 2006) celebrating
the first significant rain we had
for some time. Nineteen youth
and adults guided by Dr. Cary
Guffey enjoyed watching sever-
al of the spiders busily weaving
their webs. In addition to view-
ing caged spiders and scorpions
up close, participants were treat-
ed to a black light demo of how
scorpions “glow in the dark.“
(Co-sponsored by BAS & City of
San Antonio Natural Areas.
Thanks to Peggy Spring.)
For information: 800-GREENTX
or estx@earthshare-texas.org.
Help support Audubon
Foundation of Texas, National
Audubon Society, and Bexar
Audubon, your local chapter.
Bexar Tracks
Facts and figures:
“Active Outdoor Recreation”
contributes $730 BILLION
annually to the U.S. economy.
Want to learn more?
See http://www.
outdoorindustryfoundation.org/
resources.recreation.html
Organic Lawn Care 101
Fall is the best time to start tran-
sitioning your lawn to organic.
The key to a healthy lawn is
healthy soil and good mowing,
watering and fertilizing prac-
tices. Healthy soil contains high
organic content and is teeming
with biological life. Healthy soil
supports the development of
healthy grass that is naturally
4 November-December 2006
resistant to weeds and pests. In a
healthy, fertile and well main-
tained lawn, diseases and pest
problems are rare.
For more information on start-
ing and maintaining your organ-
ic or natural lawn, and to find
local resources in your area see
the National Coalition for
Pesticide-Free Lawns website at
www.pesticidefreelawns.org
<http://www.pesticide-
freelawns.org/>
Better yet, convert your turf-
grass-dominated yard to a
wildlife friendly, low-water-
using landscape. See Texas
Wildscapes Information
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/huntwild/
wild/wildscapes/certification/
tx_wildscapes/#application
 MORE EVENTS
c September 2 — Crownridge Canyon.
1st Sat. Interpretive Walk, SA Natural F
Also see www.sa-naturecenter.org/ Areas. Confirmed reservations required: Dece m be r 17 — Christmas Bird Count!
conservation/conservation.html (210)698-1057. Bob Doe is compiler and all territories
are assigned in advance. Bob Doe’s
l n number is (830)438-8399, or just come
Mi tch el l La k e Au du b o n Cen te r November 4 — Friedrich Wilderness to the December meeting of the San
10750 Pleasanton Rd. (on the left, 0.7 Park. 9-11am. 1st Sat. Interp. Walk, SA Antonio Audubon Society at 7pm on
miles south of Loop 410 at exit 46, Natural Areas. Confirmed reservations Thursday, December 7, at the Ruble
Moursund Blvd.) Sat. & Sun. 8AM-4PM, are required: (210)698-1057. Center, 419 E. Magnolia.
weekdays by appt. Regularly scheduled
guided birding tours: 8AM on 2nd Tue I e
and 3rd Sun with Helen Rejzek and Through-November 19 — Great Old January 6 — Walker Ranch Historical
Georgina Schwartz, 4th Sat with Ernie Broads for Wilderness 2nd annual Wild Park. 9-11am. 1st Sat. Interp. Walk, SA
Roney; also every Tue afternoon. Call for Wilderness online auction fundraiser. Natural Areas. Confirmed reservations
(210)628-1639 or visit Visit www.greatoldbroads.org are required: (210)698-1057.
www.tx.audubon.org/mitchell.htm
m R
p December 2 — Crownridge Canyon Fe br u ar y 18- 22 — El Cielo Biosphere
Second Saturdays — SA Audubon Natural Area. 9-11am. 1st Sat. Interp. Reserve Nature Festivals. All inclusive
Society’s Beginners’ Birdwalk, 8AM. Walk, SA Natural Areas. Confirmed birding/butterfly watching trips depart-
Visitors welcome. Binoculars to lend. reservations required: (210)698-1057. ing from the Texas Valley. The northern-
Meet at Judson Nature Trail next to
Alamo Heights Swimming Pool on B most cloudforest in the American
Continent; 397 species of birds, e.g.,
Dece m ber 9 — Mitchell Lake Audubon Solitary Eagle and Ornate Hawk-Eagle.
Viesca St. From 5900 blk of Broadway,
Center • Free Family Program, 6-8pm.
turn west on Ogden to Greely St.; turn Local guides. Call 011-52-81-
“Winter Night Wildlife Walk”: What hap-
left one block, then right again to park- pens in nature when we sleep? An 83785926, write
ing lot on the left. (210)342-2073. evening program explores the world of elcielofestival@gmail.com or visit
night sounds and creatures. Bring your www.elcielofestival.com
D flashlight! Please reply to (210)628-
h
1639. (Address at left.)

What Is the State of San Antonio’s Environment and

What Strategies Might Be Pursued to Improve It?
On Saturday, August 5, Bexar Audubon convened almost two dozen of South Texas’s most energetic
and knowledgeable environmental and conservation activists, representing most of the leading non-
profit organizations in those fields, gathered at the San Antonio River Authority to explore these ques-
tions. While no joint findings or strategies were adopted, each organization had a chance to put its
views on record. Additional insights were offered by two outstanding guest speakers, Trinity University
urban studies professor Char Miller and youth environmentalist Chance Ruder.

and see a list of attendees visit: http://www.bexaraudubon.org/2006report.html.

To read the formal statements of the group representatives and the speeches by Miller and Ruder

In some cases, depending on the individual manner of presentation, these texts may not reflect the
exact words. Also, in order to provide the highest-quality analysis (as opposed to the strictest possible
historical account of the meeting, which seems less important to us than the analysis), we have per-
mitted speakers to tweak the wording of their statements.
We hope you’ll find this report of interest. It will provide you insights about who’s doing what in San
Antonio and the surrounding area, as well as perceived needs and ideas for achieving them.
Please help keep BAS bringing services like this to our community with your direct support.
(Editor’s note: Thanks to Harry Noyes for organizing this event and to SARA for hosting.)
November-December 2006 5 Bexar Tracks
Bexar Tracks is the official Bexar Audubon Society, Inc. Non-profit

The economy is a wholly owned subsidiary of the environment. —Tim Wirth

Organization
newsletter of the Bexar Audubon P.O. Box 6084 U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio, TX
Society, a Chapter of the National San Antonio, TX 78209-0084 Permit #590
Audubon Society. The Chapter’s
primary goals are to promote
species and habitat conservation
and environmental education in
the community.
Introductory memberships to
National Audubon Society (NAS),
including a subscription to
Audubon magazine, are $20. This
includes membership in Bexar
Audubon, as well, and a subscrip-
tion to Bexar Tracks.
Please submit your new or gift
membership through Bexar
Audubon, so your entire first-
year’s dues will benefit your local
chapter: Bexar Audubon.
Separate 100% deductible
donations to Bexar Audubon
Society are seriously needed to
support Bexar Audubon’s ser-
vices to our community.

MEMBERSHIP & SUPPORT

List your holiday gift recipients on
another sheet, please — a great gift that directly
helps Bexar Audubon. How? National Audubon returns
100% of first year dues to the chapter if you join or give a
gift by making your check payable to “Bexar Audubon Society” and
mailing it to PO Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209.
___ $20 individual/family membership: $_______
____ $15 seniors/full-time students: $________
Your additional tax-deductible support for BAS $_______
Name:

Mailing address:

City/State: ZIP CODE:________________

AC/Phone:

E-mail: Check here to opt out of other mailings______

Bexar Tracks 8 November-December 2006