Bexar Audubon Society
is a chapter of the National
Volume XXVI, No. 6
May-August 2009
For the latest news and updates, see www.bexaraudubon.org and www.sa-naturecenter.org.
TRIBUTE: Margaret and Fay
In grateful memory of two South Texas activists, Margaret Bamberger and Fay Sinkin
South Central Texas lost
two strong voices for the
environment when Fay
Sinkin died on March 4 and
Margaret Bamberger died
March 6. Both of these re-
markable, crusading women
believed that education was
the key to understanding,
appreciating, and ultimately
protecting the earth, and
they dedicated their lives to
teaching, explaining, and
persuading to help achieve
their goals. Bexar Audubon
extends sympathy to their
families and to all whose
lives and minds they
touched and enriched.
Margaret Bamberger
In the early 1990s Marga-
ret met and married J. David
Bamberger, who had long
been a member and sup-
porter of Bexar Audubon.
Together Margaret and J.
David realized his dream to
create the Bamberger
Ranch Preserve in Blanco
County. A great part of
building this legacy was her
development of an exten-
sive educational program
that will continue to draw
school students, university
researchers, and ordinary
citizens who want to learn
more about being good
stewards of the land. Mar-
garet received numerous
awards for conservation at
state and national levels,
and her talents as an illus-
trator have helped tell the
stories and instill apprecia-
Bexar Tracks
tion for the land, the plants,
and the creatures she so
greatly valued.
One such effort is Water
from Stone: The Story of
Selah, Bamberger Ranch
Preserve by Jeffrey Greene,
which Margaret illustrated.
Selah is a biblical term
meaning to “pause and re-
flect.” Now is a good time to
pause and reflect on the
contributions Margaret Bam-
berger has made to our re-
gion for its future. For more
about Margaret and Selah,
visit www.bamberger
ranch.org and read the blog
she started in 2007.
Fay Sinkin
An enormous debt of
gratitude is owed to Bill
Sinkin, who met, married,
and transplanted Fay to San
Antonio 66 years ago. Com-
ing from New York City, Fay
suffered some shock upon
her arrival in Texas in 1942,
but she quickly saw the
needs of many people here
and set about a lifetime of
work to improve public
health and protect San An-
tonio’s natural resources.
Her dedication to educating
local residents about the
importance of San Antonio’s
sole source of drinking wa-
ter led her to be known as
“the mother of Aquifer Pro-
tection.”
The number of “firsts” Fay
achieved in her life is re-
markable. For an account,
see http://www.my sananto-
nio.com/news/local_news/
Activist_Faye_Sinkin_90_
dies.html.
While we may decry the
lack of attention given to
aquifer protection in our city
and region, I fear to imagine
what it would be like had
Fay Sinkin not tirelessly
championed its cause over
the past decades. In 2003,
Bexar Audubon presented
Fay with an award for out-
standing community service
“for her unceasing dedica-
tion to protecting the Ed-
wards Aquifer and to edu-
cating the citizens of the
region to value this precious
resource and to be good
stewards.”
To honor the memory of
Fay and Margaret, let us
redouble our efforts to pro-
vide opportunities to teach
the importance and the
value of being good stew-
ards of our natural re-
sources and to set good
examples in our everyday
lives—like you, Margaret
and Fay.
— Susan K. Hughes
Join us at Mitchell Lake
Audubon Center for our May
BAS program. We’ll then
take a summer break and
resume our meetings and
programs in September.
Audubon Society. Its primary
goals are to promote species
and habitat conservation and
environmental education in the
community.
Inside this issue:
President’s Column 2
Mission Verde 3
Mitchell Lake 4
Community Events 5-6
TX Master Naturalist
May 14th Bexar
Audubon Program
What's Happening at
Mitchell Lake
Audubon Center?
Our May program kicks off
with a short meeting at 6:45
followed at 7 PM with an
update on happenings at
Mitchell Lake Audubon Cen-
ter. If you have not been out
recently, you are in for a sur-
prise! Speakers are
Susan Albert, Center Direc-
tor, and Michelle Santiste-
ban, Education Manager.
Susan and Michelle will dis-
cuss MLAC’s latest improve-
ments and changes as well
as the educational programs
and activities, including the
science programs offered to
local school groups. They will
also touch on the wildlife that
visit Mitchell Lake. We are
fortunate to have these two
knowledgeable and enthusi-
astic people managing this
special 1200 acre natural
area in San Antonio.
There will be a follow-up
field trip to MItchell Lake
Audubon Center on Satur-
day, May 23rd at 8 AM to see
the birds and tour the Center.
$5 fee. Call 210.824.1235 or
pasztor@ix.netcom.com for
reservations and details.
 Page 2
From the Pen of the BAS President
- Harry Noyes -
Well, in the last newslet-
ter, I let off a little steam
about the global environ-
mental threat and the gen-
eral public’s refusal to take
it seriously. This time, we’ll
get back to the local scene,
where the environmental
news has actually been
pretty good lately.
But good news in the en-
vironmental sphere is kind
of like more power in an
airplane. The faster you go,
the more drag is created.
The “drag” on the environ-
mental airplane is that so
much good stuff is going on
that we cannot keep up with
it all. I barely have time to
read the daily deluge of e-
mails about new projects,
environmental news confer-
ences, fundraisers and edu-
cational programs, much
less respond to them or
pass them on. We have
invitations to participate in
educational events and just
don’t have anybody free to
attend them. Sometimes
there are four or five events
in a single day.
We are being as creative
as we can. We are collabo-
rating with other groups.
And the results are hearten-
ing, though nothing can
completely eliminate the
sense of frustration from
knowing that so much more
could be done.
The process is also ex-
hausting. People get burned
out. It is heartbreaking how
many topnotch people have
left Bexar Audubon’s little
core of activists over the
past decade because they
were just too tired to go on.
May-August 2009
In reflecting on this prob-
lem, as I often do, it recently
occurred to me that the root
of our dilemma is that Bexar
Audubon Society in some
key respects is different
from most National Audu-
bon chapters. Our status as
an NAS chapter is all in or-
der, but our history is un-
usual and it has given us a
special character. And that
is why our chapter, with
1,600 members, has only 1
or 2 percent who are really
active.
Most chapters were born
as grass-roots birding
groups. People who liked to
bird met each other, be-
came friends, organized
and eventually joined NAS
as chapters to secure rec-
ognition, support and expert
guidance. Some already
had many active birding
members when they took
this step.
Bexar Audubon was
founded by a small group of
activists who wanted to be-
come a legitimate, nation-
ally recognized non-profit
education and advocacy
group. Birding was not their
priority and many of the
chapter’s hardest-working
leaders have not been avid
birders. But they were avid
conservationists, and often
brilliant at it.
BAS can claim some stu-
pendous accomplishments
in its past. It launched the
Natural Initiatives program
which spawned Master
Naturalists, now one million
strong and spreading in
other states. We played a
key role in defending the
aquifer and San Antonio
trees.
Such efforts have not
ceased. This spring, board
members Tony Wood and
Bill Hurley have collabo-
rated with people from other
groups to organize environ-
mental-community support
for Mayor Hardberger’s Mis-
sion Verde plan and board
member Anita Anderson
has set up an environment-
focused debate for mayoral
candidates.
But do you see what I
mean? Three people (albeit
working with friends from
other groups) are carrying
that load.
Where are the other
1,600? Well, let me be hon-
est. They are in BAS be-
cause they live in our area
and NAS assigned them to
us. We hope that all of you
enjoy Bexar Tracks and
learn something from it. We
hope you check our web-
sites. But we do understand
why many of you don’t have
the emotional connection,
the sense of membership in
BAS that we do.
That is not your fault. You
don’t owe us loyalty. We
owe you loyalty and some-
how we have failed to earn
it. We ask you to tell us
what we are doing that we
shouldn’t, and what we
should be doing that we
aren’t, to make BAS valu-
able to your families.
Feel free to send a letter
to BAS at PO Box 6084,
SATX 78209; or contact me
at president@bexaraudbon.
org or 210.490.3124 and tell
Bexar Tracks
me what I’m doing wrong.
Tell me what you want from
us. Tell me what it would
take to inspire you to spend
a few hours a year, staffing
a table at an environmental
event, or writing a letter to
your elected representa-
tives, etc.
Finally, if you’d like to get
more information about
BAS, its issues and activi-
ties sooner, please provide
me with your e-mail ad-
dress. NAS does not pro-
vide that information, and
thus we are one of the few
groups in the area that can-
not quickly inform its mem-
bers about short-fuse is-
sues. In any case, please
become familiar with our
websites—www.bexar
audubon.org (chapter news)
& www.sa-naturecenter. org
(more general conservation
news and reference site)—
and check them once or
twice a month.
Before closing, let me
congratulate Dr. David Rib-
ble, Trinity University pro-
fessor and chair of biology,
for receiving the 2008 Dr. &
Mrs. Z. T. Scott Faculty Fel-
lowship in recognition of his
outstanding abilities as
teacher and adviser. The
honor includes a $6,000
cash award as well as
$4,000 for professional de-
velopment and research.
Ribble is an outstanding
biologist and teacher who
participated recently in an
African expedition that dis-
covered a new species of
elephant shrew. He has
long been a friend and ex-
tremely helpful supporter of
Bexar Audubon. Thank you
and congratulations!
 Page 3
Mission Verde
- Bill Hurley -
On April 1, 2009 the city
newsletter from the Office
of Environmental Policy
had this announcement:
“SAEN Mission Verde
Announcement: The San
Antonio Environmental
Network (SAEN) will for-
mally recognize the Mis-
sion Verde plan, highlight-
ing its importance for our
local environment and
economy and push for its
expansion into the entire
ETJ. SAEN hopes to en-
sure that its benefits are
fully realized and that it
continues into future ad-
ministrations.”
The SAEN group has
never done anything formal
like this in its 10 year history.
Having been more of a think
tank of environmental
groups in this region (some
40 groups are represented)
—all participants seemed
excited about the plan for
Mission Verde being put in
place under the leadership
of Mayor Phil Hardberger.
Some said the Mayor truly
has “green blood”. We ap-
plauded him loudly.
Some may wonder what
Mission Verde itself is all
about. Please note that
Mission Verde has 11
parts.
#1: Build a 21st Century
urban energy infrastructure
in San Antonio with dis-
tributive energy by gen-
erating energy from renew-
able energy sources such
as solar, wind, biomass
and geothermal, originated
from buildings and homes,
stored until needed and
connected with a multi-
directional grid.
May-August 2009
#2: Create a multi-tech
venture capital fund in San
Antonio. It will build a re-
gional fund headquartered
in San Antonio, capitalized
at $100 million and man-
aged by Brooke Private Eq-
uity Advisors.
#3: Create a “Green Jobs
Program” in San Antonio by
collaborating with employ-
ers and educators to match
training for existing and
emerging green and clean
jobs with employer needs.
#4: Use the City’s eco-
nomic development strate-
gies to foster development
of a 21st Century sustain-
able economy by using tax
abatements, cluster devel-
opment strategies, business
attraction and retention pro-
grams focused on clean and
green tech companies.
#5: Adopt a green, high-
performance building code
for new residential and com-
mercial construction. Move
in phases toward building
codes that produce zero
carbon by 2030.
#6: Build a Green Retrofit
Program for existing homes
and buildings by expanding
free weatherization program
combined with a retrofit pro-
gram.
#7: Create an integrated,
efficient multi-modal trans-
portation system for San
Antonio by pursuing and
funding light rail, high ca-
pacity rail and multiple
transportation options.
#8: Create new sustain-
able real estate develop-
ment that is mixed-use,
mixed income, walkable and
transit-oriented. Utilize real
estate investment funds to
Conserve. Create. Grow.
advance walkable, infill
neighborhoods.
#9: Create a Green One-
Stop Center to coordinate
sustainability efforts and to
provide information to resi-
dents and businesses. This
will centralize sustainability
groups, facilitate their ef-
forts, demonstrate sustain-
ability, and offer one source
of information to residents
and businesses.
#10: To address sustain-
ability and resource effi-
ciency across City depart-
ments, the Office of Envi-
ronmental Policy and Sus-
tainability Task Force will
facilitate energy efficiency,
waste reduction and vehicu-
lar emission improvements.
#11: To maximize the En-
ergy Efficiency of all City
Facilities, they will audit and
implement lighting, HVAC,
energy and water improve-
ments at city facilities.
(A more detailed descrip-
tion of San Antonio ’s MIS-
SION VERDE program is
available at sananto-
nio.gov—click on Mission
Verde, or input Mission
Verde in the search box.)
YOU CAN HELP, TOO, by
telling your friends and
neighbors about MISSION
VERDE and the great bene-
fits it will have. We need to
publicize this effort by the
city if we don’t want the ef-
fort to fade away into the
vapor of history. You can
follow the efforts of SAEN
by calling the Express-
News’ public editor at
210.250.3264 and ask why
the newspaper isn’t publiciz-
ing MISSION VERDE more.
Call your local TV stations
(all area codes 210: KABB:
Bexar Tracks
366.1129; KENS: 366.5000;
KLRN: 270.9000; KSAT:
351.1200; WOAI: 226.4444
etc.) and your radio stations
with the same question.
If you belong to a neigh-
borhood or homeowners
association or other organi-
zation and would like a
speaker on M ISSION
VERDE, please contact
Loretta at 210.492.4620,
Jerry at 210.382.2614, or Bill
at 210.823.1023. We will
either provide you with a
speaker or pass your re-
quest on to the City of San
Antonio.
Mission Verde:
Building a 21st Century
Sustainable Economy
The City of San Antonio’s
Office of Environmental Pol-
icy’s web site is now officially
open. The site features
clearly outlined links about
the hike and bike program,
air quality, the City’s sustain-
ability task force, Solar
America Cities, Mission
Verde, a listing of their
newsletters, and other help-
ful environmental informa-
tion. Citizens interested in
viewing this web site, visit
www.sanantonio.gov/oep.
The Office of Environmental
Policy is committed to devel-
oping innovative, practical,
and wide-ranging environ-
mental programs, city poli-
cies and regulations sustain-
ing community-wide quality
of life and economic growth.
 Page 4
What’s Happening at Mitchell Lake?
All events on Saturdays
unless otherwise listed. For
more information or to
RSVP for Mitchell Lake
events, mlac@audubon.org.
MAY
Birding Tour
May 2, 9:30-11:30 AM
• Space is limited
• Free admission, RSVP
Followed by poetry read-
ings: Words for Birds II
A Reading of Poems and
Prose About Nature and
the Environment
a reading of original work
and the works of masters of
nature writing—an open
reading, coordinated by Jim
LaVilla-Havelin. If you are
interested in participating in
the reading, contact Susan
at MLAC, 210.628.1639.
5th Annual Birdathon
Saturday, May 9
It’s that time again—our
Birdathon goal for 2009 is
$10,000, and every little bit
helps! (It’s also a LOT of
fun.) Join us on May 9th for
our fifth annual Birdathon
as we raise pledges and
funds while we bird and
explore. Birdathon: a great
way to support MLAC; your
can participate as a birder
or sponsor. You don’t need
to be a birding expert!
Knowledgeable individuals
on hand to help lead bird-
ers. Call 210.628.1639 to
sign up to bird, pledge to
sponsor a birder, or for
more information.
Gardening for Butter-
flies Workshop
May 16, 10 AM-12:30 PM
Judit Green, Urban Wildlife
Biologist with Texas Parks
& Wildlife Department, will
May-August 2009 Bexar Tracks
About Mitchell Lake
http://tx.audubon.org/
teach participants the ba- and a healthy planet. Mal- Mitchell.html
sics of attracting butterflies colm will discuss the impor- Just south of downtown
to the garden. She will dis- tance of soil conservation in San Antonio, the Mitchell
cuss the life cycle and water conservation. Lake Audubon Center is lo-
needs of a butterfly, briefly cated on a 1200-acre natural
show some examples of JULY area. This unique and beauti-
the different common fami- ful bird haven consists of the
Wet Workshop:
600-acre Mitchell Lake, 215
lies seen in San Antonio, Stephen Colley
acres of wetlands and ponds
and discuss the types of
Greens Your Home! and 385 acres of upland
plants to draw them to your
July 18, 10 AM-12 Noon habitat. Located on the
garden. She will offer up
Architect Stephen Colley of northern edge of the South
some design & mainte-
the Build San Antonio Texas plains eco-region, it is
nance tips that will also
Green program will provide not uncommon to see Ameri-
benefit butterflies. The pro-
inspiring, often simple ways can White Pelican, Northern
gram will conclude with a
to live “green” right here in Pintail, American Avocet,
garden walk.
San Antonio. The workshop and Green Heron. Where, in
will focus on water and en- the summertime, Painted
Wet Workshop: Gar- ergy issues, such as effi- Buntings and Orchard Ori-
dening San Antonio ciency and multiple usage, oles can be heard and seen
with Dr. Jerry Parsons energy conservation, and off the porch of the beauti-
May 23, 10-11:30 AM water quality. fully restored 1910 home that
Horticulturalist Jerry Par- is now the Mitchell Lake
sons will share his over 30July 25 Audubon Center. The Center
years of expertise in Time TBD is nestled among a colorful
garden of xeriscape plants
drought-tolerant, San Anto-Family Program:
nio gardening, including his that invites an assortment of
Nature Crafts with birds, butterflies, and the
Texas Superstars™
the Southwest School occasional lizard.
of Art & Craft
Starry, Starry Night
Connect with your creative Audubon Texas has part-
May 30, 8:30– 10:30 PM
side as we look to nature nered with the San Antonio
Astronomy Night with the
for an inspiring craft work- Water System (SAWS) to
San Antonio Astronomical
shop. showcase this wonderful
Association. An evening of natural area and welcomes
star gazing! nature enthusiast, schoolchil-
dren and families.
JUNE
Family Program: Birding Tours
Kids Birding 101
June 6, 9-11 AM • Birding tours are $5 per
A class for children to learn person for non-members, $3
more about this fun activity. for members
Learn how to use binocu- • No reservation neces-
lars and how to identify the sary
birds. They’ll also get a Mitchell Lake
chance to explore the habi- • Times may vary due to
tat at Mitchell Lake. Audubon Center season, please call to con-
10750 Pleasanton Rd. firm
Wet Workshop: San Antonio TX 78221
Clean Dirt with Mal- 210.628.1639 • Tours at 8 AM on these
www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org monthly days: 2nd Tuesday,
colm Beck 2nd, Sunday, 3rd Sunday, and
June 13, 10 AM–12 Noon Susan Albert
4th Saturday.
Center Director
Healthy soil means healthy
.
plants, healthy wetlands,
 Page 5
Community Events
CIBOLO NATURE CENTER
For more information visit www.cibolo.org/calendar.
Pre-registration for CNC workshops, 830.249.4616 or nature@cibolo.org.
Rainwater Harvest Workshops
May 2, June 13, July 11, August 8,
9 AM-noon
CNC auditorium & visit to Kight installa-
tion; fee, pre-register; limited to 30.
John Kight, engineer and rainwater
catchment owner, gives the latest tech-
nological information and the most
practical advice. The Kight home with
no well or outside water source is in a
traditional development; their system
comfortably supplies water for all
household and landscape needs.
Wildlife Field Research
Monday through Saturday, May 4-9
All Day Free, pre-registration required.
More info, contact Suzanne Young at
830.240.8240 or SuzannY2@aol.com.
Want to learn about your environment,
enjoy some fieldwork and help the Na-
ture Center collect data? Become a
Citizen Scientist! Adults & youth with a
special interest in native plants or wild-
life are welcome. Volunteers receive
training and hands-on experience doing
surveys that monitor our land manage-
ment practices. Join a survey team for
1-3 days, researching mammals, in-
sects, reptiles, birds, grasses, trees or
aquatic invertebrates.
GPS Workshop for Beginners
and Intermediates
Monday, May 4, 10 AM-Noon
CNC Courtyard
Fee; limited to 12, pre-register.
Informal outdoor class—with a GPS
unit in your hand. Learn how to turn it on,
scroll through screens, set up for use
and practice basic navigation. Partici-
pants work in pairs; GPS units provided.
Project WILD! Workshop
Saturdays, May 9 & 16, 9 AM-Noon
Visitor Center Back Porch
Title 1 School Educators: Free
Other educators, fee, class limited to
20; pre-register.
Teachers, informal educators and
youth group leaders: Learn how to
May-August 2009
All listings are on Saturdays
unless otherwise indicated
teach young people about ecology and
wildlife using fun, hands-on educational
activities. During the 2-day, six hour
training, participants sample activities
and receive a curriculum and activity
guide. Activities are adaptable for all
grade levels, integrated with core sub-
ject curricula and aligned to the TEKS.
SBEC credits available for teachers.
Upper Cibolo Creek Workshop I:
“What Makes a Healthy Creek?”
Tuesday, May 12, 9 AM-12:30 PM
CNC Auditorium
Fee; limited to 12, pre-register.
Fundamentals of what makes the Ci-
bolo Creek exemplary. Land forma-
tions, the stream system, water cycle,
riparian plant communities and habitat
diversity of Cibolo Creek; includes
maps, demonstrations, photographs
and creekside activities.
Upper Cibolo Creek Workshop II:
“Is the Water Clean?”
Tuesday, May 19, 9 AM-12:30 PM
CNC Auditorium
Fee; limited to 12, pre-register.
Outdoor, on-the-creek workshop in-
cludes water chemistry tests, aquatic
macro-invertebrate sampling, and an
introduction to what these tests can tell
us about “clean” water for different
uses. Also will look at changes occur-
ring in the Upper Cibolo Creek water-
shed and consider their impact on run-
off, flooding and erosion.
For more information on all Cibolo Na-
ture Center listings, www.cibolo.org.
Songs & Stories Concert Series at
the CNC. For musical lineups, dates
and times, visit www.cibilo.org.
Art in the Park is make & take-away
art inspired by nature. May 16th, 10-2.
Living History Festival, May 16th, 10-
8 at Herff Farm. Storytelling, vintage
baseball, music & re-enactors.
Bexar Tracks
MEDINA RIVER NATURAL AREA
(MRNA)
15890 Highway 16 South
San Antonio TX 78264
MRNA located approx. 4½ miles
south of Loop 410 on SH 16 South
Reservations are requested for all
MRNA events. For more information
or to RSVP for any event in the
MRNA call 210.624.2575.
SECOND SATURDAYS
Wonderful World of Bats!
May 9, 9-11 AM
Explore with local expert Kim Hopkins
about our most common Mexican Free-
Tailed Bat. Where do they live? Are
bats good neighbors? What do bats
eat? Join us & find out the answers and
more in this exciting outdoor program.
Stepping Out Across Texas
with a Compass
June 13, 9-11 AM
Learn to follow a treasure hunt using a
compass and measuring your pace.
Participants will first determine their
individual pace to measure walking
distance. Then they will practice read-
ing a compass bearing for direction.
Finally, small family teams will use
these two clues (pace and bearing) to
go on a treasure hunt.
Be Safe in the Park!
July 11, 2009 9-11 AM
San Antonio Park Police will conduct a
trail and bicycle safety program in the
outdoor pavilion. Then ride your bike or
hike on the 6 miles of Medina River
Greenway and Medina River riparian
area trails.
Suggested donation for all events is $3/
person or $5/family.
www.sanaturalareas.org
Second Saturday
Beginners’ Walks
Join San Antonio Audubon Society
on the second Saturday of the month;
start at 8 AM, meet at the Judson Na-
ture Trails next to the Alamo Heights
swimming pool on Viesca street. For
more information, call 210.342.2073.
Newbies Welcome!
 Page 6 May-August 2009 Bexar Tracks

SAN ANTONIO NATURAL AREAS

For more information on listings below, visit www.sanaturalareas.org or www.bexaraudubon.org
SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAMS & FIRST SATURDAY WALKS
Reservations recommended for Second Saturday Programs & First Saturday Walks; call 210.564.6202 for details, direc-
tions, reservations. Email peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov. Suggested donation $3/individual, $5/family for programs, $2/per-
son for hikes. Unless otherwise listed, Second Saturday programs are held at Eisenhower Park, 19399 NW Military Hwy.

Calling All Kids!!!! What’s Bugging You? JUNE

Ages 8–12 years
Friedrich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa
May 9, 9 AM-12 noon
The PEAK (Promoting Environmental
Awareness in Kids) program is the re-
sult of a partner-
ship between the
Leave No Trace
Center for Out-
door Ethics and
REI (Recreation
Equipment Incorporated). It is designed
to educate children about the outdoors
and responsible enjoyment of our
shared public lands. Leave No Trace
Master Educators will help teach proper
hiking skills, how to pack for a day hike,
and how to enjoy and respect wildlife
and fellow visitors. Have fun!!
Meeting Snakes
Presented by
South TX Herpetological Association
June 13, 10-11:30 AM
EISENHOWER PARK
Enjoy a beautiful morning in one of San
Antonio’s Natural Areas while learning
about non-venomous and venomous
snakes. Presented by the association
and various scaly friends, this program
allows those attending to get up close &
personal with several snakes as they
learn about the habits and habitats of
several of these interesting local reptiles.
OUR FOSSIL P.A.S.T.
Presented by Paleontological Associa-
tion of South Texas
July 11, 10 AM-12 Noon
Eisenhower Park
Clayton Nye, President of the Paleon-
tological Association of
South Texas, will pre-
sent an introduction to
paleontology and local
fossils. There will be
many specimens to
view and examine.
August 8, 10 AM-12 Noon
Eisenhower Park
We all love those creeping and crawl-
ing bugs. Holly Camero leads our ex-
ploration into the world of the six-
legged. Lots of live critters and speci-
mens to observe and examine!
Wild! Weeks 2009
Ages 7–12 years
“What’s the Point?”
June 15–19 and June 22–26
9 AM-12 Noon each day
What’s the point? Our natural world is
full of pointy things and the products we
make from natural materials are often
pointy. Come watch a fish dissection,
make your own arrow point, hike, build
a wasp house, learn how tough plant
fibers can become yarn and deer ant-
lers can become buttons, hike, exam-
ine all those plant spines and thorns,
and learn “What’s the point?” in caring
about our environment. Cost: $75 per
session (limited partial scholarships
available). For more information or to
request a packet call 210.564.6402 or
visit www.sanaturalareas.org.
FIRST SATURDAY WALKS
Interpretive Nature Walks
Participants limited to 15 per hike.
Meet near restrooms. Suggested dona-
tion $2/hike. Not for groups; please call
to schedule a separate hike.
MAY
Friedrich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa
May 2, 9-11 AM
For much of the country, May is spring
time but here in San Antonio, it can be
a lot like summer. The warmth brings a
lot of changes—come see what is go-
ing on. Do bring at least two filled water
bottles. It can be really WARM!
Crownridge Canyon
7222 Luskey
June 6, 9-11 AM
Enjoy a hike in this natural gem pre-
served between highly developed ar-
eas. Score one for Nature! Please bring
at least two filled water bottles. It can
be really WARM!
AUGUST
Eisenhower Park
19399 NW Military Hwy
August 1, 9-11 AM
Hike with us, sweat a bit,
enjoy what’s going on in nature at the
park this summer. Bring at least two
filled water bottles. It will be HOT!
Become a Master Naturalist!
Master Naturalists are volunteers
dedicated to the conservation, preser-
vation, and restoration of our natural
resources, promoting ecological educa-
tion for all ages.
Learn from leading experts in Texas.
Students receive presentations on a
variety of subjects: Geology, Hydrol-
ogy, Birds, Archaeology, Wildlife Man-
agement, Native Plants, Ecology, Mam-
mals, Insects, Soils, Impact of Man,
Plant Ecology, Plant Taxonomy,
A q u a t i c Ec o s ys t e ms , R e p t i l e s /
Amphibians, Urban Systems/Forestry,
Threatened/Endangered Species,
Laws/Ethics and Biodiversity.
The Fall Training Program will be
Thursday afternoons starting Septem-
ber 10th for nine consecutive weeks.
There are four Saturday morning field
trips. Limited seating. Tuition and text-
book, $125. Scholarships are available.
Application deadline is August 20th.
To complete an application go to www.
alamomasternaturalist.org/join.php .
 Page 7 May-August 2009
Turtles in Texas Said to Be at Risk
Turtles, lions of the region's water kingdom, once ruled the Trinity
River. Now, plastic foam take-out boxes and grocery-store bags settle
on logs along the river's Elm Fork and nestle on its muddy banks. The
culprits for the turtles' demise aren't tossed-aside soda bottles as
much as dedicated hunters who have spent years dredging up whole
populations from the river, wildlife officials say. And some environmen-
talists fear those turtles, sickly from years of pollution, are being sold
to local Asian markets and shipped overseas as a toxic delicacy. Stud-
ies on freshwater turtles are rare, so the river's regulars are also its
experts. While canoeing the river 15 years ago, Charles Allen says he
spotted rows of sunbathing red-eared sliders and soft-shell turtles.
Now, the Trinity tour guide said he's lucky if he sees two or three in a
quarter-mile. "I believe it's because of trapping—some legal, but most
illegal," he said, rowing tentatively down the patchy-green river in
search of a fading few. A 2007 Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
regulation was supposed to stop the depletion by banning commercial
turtle harvesting in public waters. But turtle enthusiasts say a loophole
in the measure, which still allows collection of three species in private
waters, leaves murky boundaries and lax enforcement. The result,
some say, puts humans and the ecosystem at risk.
Reprinted from In the Flow:
The Freshwater News Bulletin from the River Systems Institute
Bexar Audubon Society Contacts
President/Webmaster: Harry Noyes—210.490.3124, harrynoyes@satx.rr.com
Vice President: Tony Wood—210.867.2363; tonywood@sbcglobal.net
Treasurer: Caryl Swann—210.653.2860; c.swann@att.net
Secretary: Anita Anderson—210.533.8726; ajandrsn@sbcglobal.net
At-Large: Amy L. Whitley—210.340.0114; nueces66@yahoo.com
At-Large: Bill Hurley—210.823.1023, billhurley@satx.rr.com
Programs/Outings: Patty Pasztor—210.824.1235; pasztor@ix.netcom.com
Editor: Michele Wood—210.492.4684, editor@bexaraudubon.org
Earth Share of Texas raises money for environmental and conservation
organizations through workplace giving. If your employer participates in
such programs, please ask them to add Earth Share to your giving op-
tions. By designating the Audubon Foundation of Texas (AFT), Bexar
Audubon Society can benefit. BAS receives credit for our support and
receives funding annually form AFT. For more information, call, email or
log on: 800.GREENTX, ESTX@earthshare-texas.org, or www.earthshare-
texas.org.
Bexar Tracks
Photographs Document Border
Barricade's Effect on Wildlife
There's just a set of raccoon tracks on the dusty
road in one of Wendy Shattil's new wildlife photo-
graphs. You can't see the raccoon. But you can
understand its determination as the tracks travel
steadily alongside one stretch of the giant, and
controversial, border wall That is going up along
the U.S.-Mexico border. Shattil, a Denver photog-
rapher renowned for her wildlife images, followed
the little footprints for more than half a mile as they
doggedly followed the access road next to the wall
in Hidalgo County, TX. A river courses on the other
side of the wall, sometimes close enough to hear.
'It's hard to tell what's in the mind of a raccoon, but
it could have been looking for the end of the barrier
because it wanted to (cross over),' Shattil said.
'That could explain why it walked so far next to the
wall. The tracks didn't stray from the road the en-
tire distance.' Shattil recently spent three weeks on
the US—Mexico borderlands along with 12 other
International League of Conservation Photogra-
phers. Each photographer documented a section
of the wall between San Diego, CA, and Browns-
ville, TX. Her trip to the borderlands produced a
portfolio that illustrates how the formidable wall,
designed to deter illegal border crossings, is also
blocking ancient wildlife migration paths and habi-
tat on more than 100,000 acres of riverfront public
land and wildlife reserves.
Reprinted from In the Flow: The Freshwater
News Bulletin from the River Systems Institute
Mayoral Candidate Environmental Forum
On Friday, April 17th, the three major mayoral
candidates in San Antonio answered questions on
the environmental issues facing San Antonio at a
forum sponsored by Bexar Audubon Society, the
Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance and the San
Antonio Environmental Network (SAEN). Julian
Castro, Diane Cibrian and Trish DeBerry-Mejia
expressed at least some support for continuing
Mayor Phil Hardberger’s Mission Verde initiatives
on energy conservation and renewable energy, but
made it clear that they consider more nuclear
power plants as necessary. All three supported
increased restrictions on impervious cover in new
developments over the recharge zone, and funding
degradation studies on the aquifer which have
been promised for years. The forum was video-
taped by Greg Pasztor and will be streamed on the
San Antonio Current website and the Greater
Edwards Aquifer website. The forum was moder-
ated by Elaine Wolff of the Current. SAEN is com-
posed of members of a number of environmental
organizations who have been meeting to explore
ways we can work together to have an impact.
—Anita J. Anderson
 Non-Profit
Bexar Audubon Society Organization
PO Box 6084 US Postage Paid
San Antonio TX
San Antonio TX 78209-0084 Permit #1527

Bexar Tracks May-August 2009

Bexar Tracks is the official newsletter of the Bexar

Audubon Society, a Chapter of the National Audu-
bon Society. The Chapter’s primary goals are to
promote species and habitat conservation and
environmental education in the community.
Your membership includes National Audubon and
Bexar Audubon and subscriptions to both Audubon
and Bexar Tracks.

www.bexaraudubon.org

For the latest information on environ-

mental events and happenings through-
out the San Antonio community and
surrounding areas, check out
www.bexaraudubon.org and
www.sa-naturecenter.org.

Membership and Support for Your Environmental Voice in Our Community

Bexar Audubon welcomes new members to join Audubon through the chapter. This brings 100 percent of the first year’s dues
directly back to support local work. The same applies to gift memberships placed through the chapter. Your additional tax deducti-
ble donation is greatly appreciated. Bexar Audubon receives only a few thousand dollars each year from National Audubon Soci-
ety as dues share. The rest we must raise ourselves. Your help is needed, and your donations will be put to good use right here
in South Central Texas to provide environmental news and education to the community, including the newsletter, programs, San
Antonio Environmental Network Issues Forum, Second Saturday programs, and other activities you may or may not hear about.
Individual introductory memberships are $20; seniors and students join for $15. Please provide the following information for each
personal subscription or gift:

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NOTE: Renewals should be sent directly to National Audubon Society.
NOTE: If you change address or cancel membership, you do NOT need to contact Bexar Audubon but MUST contact National Audubon (and we
will automatically get that change when we download labels). Save time and energy by mailing your change of address information to National Audu-
bon Society Membership Data Center, PO Box 52529, Boulder CO 80322-2529; phoning 800.274.4201; or e-mailing CHADD@audubon.org.