Bexar Audubon Society

is a chapter of the National

Audubon Society. Its primary
goals are to promote species
Volume XXVI, No. 8 and habitat conservation and
November-December 2009 Bexar Tracks environmental education in the
community.

For the latest news and updates, see www.bexaraudubon.org and www.sa-naturecenter.org .
Inside this issue:
The History of the San Antonio River Improvement Project
CCC Legacy 3
will explain the San Antonio River Founda- Excellence Awards
tion’s role as the private partner in the
largest public/private relationship in the Mitchell Lake 4
history of San Antonio. The Foundation is Vegetated Roof
striving to enhance this 13 mile project
with public art, landscaping, educational Community Events 5-6
and recreational enhancements, parks, EarthShare Update 7
and hike & bike trails. Once completed, River Systems
this will be the longest linear park in the
Conference
United States.
Irby Hightower is the Founding Principal Deep and Punkin
at Alamo Architects. He is known for his Nature Preserve
Witte Museum Collection urban design and recently won the Green
Horses & buggies cross the San Antonio River, circa 1900 Building Award for Best Commercial Pro- Update
ject. His firm also moved the Fairmont Ho- Excerpted from a letter from
November Program tel. He is on the Mission Trails Oversight Geary Schindel, Property
Thursday, Nov. 12, 7 PM Committee and Co-chair of the S.A. River Manager, Deep and Punkin
Nature Preserve
Oversight Committee.
Trinity University
(see map on page 6) Kim Abernethy is the Executive Director Deep and Punkin Nature
of the San Antonio River Foundation. Preserve, located in Ed-
The History of the Prior to joining the Foundation, Kim served wards County, TX, is a
San Antonio River Improvement as the Director of Development and Op- property owned by the
Project — From the 1880s erations for seven years at the Cibolo Na- Texas Cave Management
to the Present! ture Center in Boerne. Association. (TCMA). Bexar
Bexar Audubon Society Meeting Audubon Society contrib-
With Kim Abernethy, uted funds to purchase the
Executive Director of the San Antonio Thursday, November 12th property nearly 5 years
River Foundation, and ago. Over the last five
Trinity University, Cowles Life Science
Irby Hightower, years, there has been a lot
Bldg., Room 149 (Map on pg 6)
Chief Architect of Alamo Architects of work on the property to
Announcements at 6:45 PM, improve the research sta-
Join us to hear fascinating stories Program begins at 7 PM tion as well as conserva-
about the history of the San Antonio tion efforts. In addition,
River Project, current activities and we’ve worked very closely
plans for the future. with the Boy Scouts of
Irby Hightower brings us up to date America Venturing Pro-
by telling interesting stories from the gram (which has done an
past – how the idea of a linear park immense amount of work
dates back to the 1880’s and infor- on the property). In ex-
mation on Robert Hugman, the ac- change, we’ve used the
knowledged visionary behind the opportunity to educate
Riverwalk. youth about cave environ-
ments and to train them on
The San Antonio River Improve- cave conservation and
ments Project currently underway safety techniques.
broke ground in 2007. Kim Abernethy San Antonio River 2009, Ewing Halsell Pedestrian Bridge at Roy Smith Street continued, page 2
Photo by Mark Menjivar
 Page 2
Deep and Punkin...
Continued from page 1
Since the TCMA acquired the
property, it has been used for educa-
tional, scientific, and recreational pur-
poses with more than 1,000 people
visiting the property. The preserve
has hosted professional educational
visits by staff of the Edwards Aquifer
Authority as well as notable karst sci-
entists, and biologic researchers.
DPNP hosts at least one pair of nest-
ing Golden-checked Warblers.
Hawks, turkeys, fly-catchers, and
cave swallows have been seen, and
a bird list is being developed. The
entrance to Punkin Cave has consis-
tently contained a pair of nesting
Great Horned Owls that have pro-
duced chicks every year.
With the exception of some minor
grasses, surveys have shown there
are virtually no exotic plant species
on the property. Also, other than wild
hogs, there does not appear to be
any exotic animal species such as
fire ants. Three horned lizards have
been observed along with a healthy
population of Harvester ants. We also
have a new county record for the
Texas Tortoise and a new record for
a fern species (cystopteris) in Punkin
Cave. The stable bat population of
CORRECTION
In the article on page 2 regarding
the Southern Edwards Plateau Habi-
tat Conservation Plan in the Septem-
ber-October Bexar Tracks, Bill Sea-
well was incorrectly identified as the
contact person. The correct contact
for reporting of land clearing and any-
thing related to the greater issues in
the San Antonio area, including the
SEP-HCP, is Allison Arnold. Ms. Arnold
may be reached at allison_arnold
@fws.gov).
Allison Arnold
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Austin Ecological Services Field Office
10711 Burnet Road, Suite 200
Austin, Texas 78758-4460
512.490.0057 x 242
512.490.0974 fax
November-December 2009 Bexar Tracks
approximately 30,000 uses Punkin much more expected to be discov-
Cave from June through October. To ered.
help preserve the ecology, Punkin
Cave is closed to visitation from May We are pleased with the out-
through October. standing support from the caving and
conservation community in the pur-
TCMA initiated the resurvey of both chase and support of the property.
caves, resulting in the discovery of Thank you once again for your sup-
one large new room in Deep Cave, port of the Deep and Punkin Nature
which currently has 2.2 kilometers of Preserve.
passage surveyed. Punkin Cave was
noted for one large room when ini- More information and pictures online at
tially mapped in the 1960s; remap- www.tcmacaves.org; click on TCMA
ping resulted in the discovery of 1.8 Passages for access to the Summer
kilometers of new passage, with 2009 newsletter.
Greetings Grab Attention with Surprising Sounds
Cards Contain Real Bird Songs and Calls
A woodpecker may hammer, a loon wail, or a cardinal sing. Open a card
from a new series of collectible greetings and out pop cheeps, peeps, whis-
tles, and croaks from a variety of beautiful birds. The cards are produced by
the U.K.’s Really Wild Cards and their authentic bird recordings come from
the Macaulay Library archive at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Each card
features an elegant painting selected from the Cor-
nell Lab’s art collection and contains information
about the bird.
These environmentally-friendly cards are made
from recycled or sustainable forest products. The
sound chips run on lead-free lithium batteries and
even the clear wrapper is biodegradable. A per-
centage of profits from sales of the cards will fund research and conserva-
tion projects at the Cornell Lab of Ornithology.
Links: Really Wild Cards, www.reallywildcards.com; Cornell Lab of Orni-
thology, www.birds.cornell.edu; Macaulay Library, www.macaulaylibrary.org;
Wild Birds Unlimited at Sapsucker Woods, http://www.sapsuckerwoods.
com/category/RWSC.html or 877.266.4928.
Audubon Texas
We've had many accomplishments at Audubon Texas in the past dec-
ade. Whether your passion is educating children, protecting birds and habi-
tat, or advocating for higher green environmental standards, our conserva-
tion and education programs and advocacy network continue to have major
impact across Texas.
One of the most common questions from our supporters is "What more
can I do to help?" Our answer—make your support through monthly
gifts. By choosing your monthly gift level, you help provide reliable funding
that is critical to our conservation and education programs. Plus your gift
can be directed toward a specific area, including the Mitchell Lake Audubon
Center, Sabal Palm Sanctuary, and the Coastal Stewardship Program
Please consider this green-giving option today to help Audubon reduce
its carbon footprint! Log on to www.audubontexas.org at “Give Now” for
more information, or call 512.236.9076. Thank you for your support of bird
populations, our natural world, and Audubon Texas programs.
 Page 3
Honoring Conservation in the Old and the New
CCC’s Architectural
Legacy in Texas
State Parks
An ambitious new web
site called The Look of Na-
ture: Designing Texas State
Parks in the Great Depres-
sion explores the architec-
tural heritage of the Civilian
Conservation Corps still
visible in state parks. Texas
Parks and Wildlife Depart-
ment and web design firm
Terra Incognita created the
site, funded in part by a
National Endowment for the
Arts grant.
The CCC was a depres-
sion-era federal program
that put unemployed young
men to work on public
works projects across the
country. President Franklin
Roosevelt created the pro-
gram in 1933, and it em-
ployed 2.5 million 17-to-25-
year-old men and World
War I veterans on nearly
3,000 camps across the
country. Workers were
paid $30 per month — $25
was sent directly to their
families. As the economy
began to rebound and
World War II shifted na-
tional priorities, the program
was ended during the sum-
mer of 1942. Between 1933
and 1942, some 50,000
CCC workers in Texas laid
the groundwork for more
than 50 parks across the
state, 29 of which are oper-
ated by TPWD today.
Learn more about Texas
state parks; visit the CCC
web site:
www.texas
cccparks.org
November-December 2009
2009 Texas
Environmental Excellence Awards
Winners of the 2009 Texas Environ-
mental Excellence Awards are recog-
nized for outstanding achievements in
environmental preservation and protec-
tion.
The Texas Environmental Excellence
Awards program was created by the
Texas Legislature in 1993 to recognize
Texas citizens, communities, businesses,
and organizations for their environmental
efforts. The annual awards spotlight out-
standing achievements in environmental
preservation and protection in a variety of
categories.
There are eleven categories in which
awards are given: Individual, Agriculture,
Civic/Nonprofit, Education, Government,
Innovative Technology, Large Business—
Nontechnical, Large Business–Technical,
Water Conservation, Youth, and the
Gregg A. Cooke Memorial Award. At the
Environmental Trade Fair and Confer-
ence last May, the San Antonio area was
represented by winners in these two ar-
eas:
Civic/Nonprofit: Build San Antonio
Green, San Antonio
Water Conservation: Boerne Inde-
pendent School District, Boerne
Civic/Nonprofit:
Build San Antonio Green, San Antonio
Build San Antonio Green is helping to
move the practice of building green into
the mainstream of San Antonio. The pro-
gram certifies water- and energy-efficient
homes through a quality review process.
It also educates builders, remodelers,
and homeowners about the benefits of
green homes.
By May of this year, Build San Antonio
Green had certified almost 247 new
homes, representing an annual energy
savings of 1.51 gigawatt-hours, which
Holiday Gift Ideas: Check out Texas Parks and Wildlife's web for some
unconventional, outdoorsy type gifts . Go to www.tpwd.state.tx.us, click on “shop”.
Bexar Tracks
reduces nitrogen oxides by 2,492 pounds.
This is the equivalent of taking 125 light-
duty vehicles off the road for one year.
Build San
A n t o n i o
Green was
also honored
on a national level this year when it re-
ceived the Green Building Program of the
Year award from the National Association
of Home Builders.
For more information on Build San An-
tonio Green, check out buildsagreen.org.
Water Conservation
Boerne Independent School District,
Boerne
Water is a cherished commodity to the
Boerne Independent School District. An
innovative rainwater harvesting system at
the district’s eco-friendly Champion High
School is the first of its kind in the Texas
public schools. Water captured from air-
conditioning condensation, surface run-
off, and roof runoff is stored in two ele-
vated storage tanks and an underground
stormwater pipe that is five feet in diame-
ter and 800 feet in length.
This unique system, designed so that
BISD can predict the amount of water it
will need for athletic fields and landscape
areas, can hold more than 224,000 gal-
lons of water. The project has the poten-
tial of saving the school district an esti-
mated $48,000 per year, with officials
predicting that it will pay for itself in less
than five years.
Champion High School also uses the
collection system as part of its science
curriculum, giving students valuable
hands-on training in environmental stew-
ardship. Excerpted from the TCEQ website
 Page 4
What’s Happening at Mitchell Lake?
All events on Saturdays
and FREE unless other-
wise listed. For more infor-
mation or to RSVP for
Mitchell Lake events,
mlac@audubon.org, or call
MLAC, 210.628.1639.
NOVEMBER
Urban Forestry
Saturday, Nov.7,
10 AM—12 Noon
Trees provide so many
benefits for the environ-
ment, including air quality
and energy efficiency. Ur-
ban forestry expert Mark
Peterson will discuss these
benefits and which trees
work best for these pur-
poses here in San Antonio.
Space is limited admission
free, but RSVP required.
Support MLAC's educa-
tion, family and conserva-
tion programs:
Become a member
Become a docent
For more information on
Docent Training Classes at
Mitchell Lake Audubon
Center, contact Michelle
Santisteban, 210.628.1639
or msantisteban@audu
bon.org
Mitchell Lake
Audubon Center
10750 Pleasanton Rd.
San Antonio TX 78221
210.628.1639
www.mitchelllakeaudubon.org
Susan Albert
Center Director
November-December 2009
About Mitchell Lake
mitchelllakeaudubon.org
Just south of downtown
San Antonio, the Mitchell
Lake Audubon Center is
located on a 1200-acre
natural area. This unique
and beautiful bird haven
consists of the 600-acre
Mitchell Lake, 215 acres of
wetlands and ponds and
385 acres of upland habi-
tat. Audubon Texas has
partnered with the San
Antonio Water System
(SAWS) to showcase this
wonderful natural area and
welcomes nature enthusi-
asts, schoolchildren and
families.
Birding Tours
• Birding tours are $5
per person for non-
members, $3 for members;
no reservation necessary.
• Times vary due to sea-
son, please call to confirm.
2010 Calendar Gifts
The Hill Country Alliance
2010 calendar is now
available. This beautiful
calendar is a wonderful
holiday gift and can be
purchased easily online at
www.hillcountryalliance.
org/HAC/2010Calendar.
Join HCA in protecting the
precious natural resources
and heritage of the Hill
Country. The Mission of
the Hill Country Alliance is
to bring together an ever-
expanding alliance of
groups throughout a multi-
county region of Central
Texas with the long-term
objective of preserving
open spaces, water sup-
ply, water quality and the
unique character of the
Texas Hill Country.
Best Vegetated
Roof Prize
Awarded
Recently Bexar Audubon
Society sponsored a vege-
tated roof contest to help
promote green building in
San Antonio. A vegetated
roof is just what the name
implies, a roof cov-
ered largely or en-
tirely with plants.
Such rooftops are
one of the most
promising architec-
tural trends in ur-
ban conservation,
for residential, com-
mercial and public build-
ings. Our extended excep-
tionally hot, dry summer
made it very difficult for
existing green growth eve-
rywhere, let alone new
growth. But that didn't stop
folks from trying! The de-
sign prize of $500 was
awarded to John Morony
for his roof on West King’s
Highway. After inspection
of the roof by Bill Hurley,
Steven Colley (AIA, LEED
AP), and Tony Wood (they
got out the ladder and
climbed up there), it was
determined that Mr. Mo-
rony should be awarded
the $500 design prize. Al-
though the drought and
other conditions had pre-
vented his entry from turn-
ing green at the time of
inspection, Mr. Morony’s
project already demon-
strated significant heat
insulation by the soil
cover. Congratulations,
John Morony!
Bexar Audubon in Decem-
ber: Check online at
www.bexaraudubon.org.
Happy Holidays and
Happy New Year 2010!
Bexar Tracks
Help Project
FeederWatch Track
Backyard Birds
Bird watchers needed to
help scientists discover
changes in bird populations
What happens in the
backyard should not stay
in the backyard—at least
when it comes to bird feed-
ers. By sharing infor-
mation about which
birds visit their feeders
between November
and April, backyard
bird watchers can help
scientists track
changes in bird num-
bers and movements from
year to year, through Pro-
ject FeederWatch, a citizen-
science program from the
Cornell Lab of Ornithology
and Bird Studies of Canada.
Project FeederWatch
begins November 14 and
runs through early April.
Taking part is easy; this
project is for people of all
ages and skill levels. Any-
one can count the num-
bers and kinds of birds at
their feeders and enter
their information on the
FeederWatch website.
To learn more and to
sign up, visit www.feeder
watch.org or call the Cor-
nell Lab at 866.982.2473.
Second Saturday
Beginners’ Walks
Join San Antonio Audu-
bon Society on the second
Saturday of the month; start
at 8 AM, meet at the Judson
Nature Trails next to the
Alamo Heights swimming
pool, on Viesca street. For
more information, call
210.342.2073.
Newbies Welcome!
 Page 5
Community Events
CIBOLO NATURE CENTER
CNC: 140 City Park Dr., Boerne. For more information visit www.cibolo.org/
calendar. Pre-registration for workshops, 830.249.4616 or nature@cibolo.org.
November
Geology Short Course, Part II
Hydrogeology of the Trinity Aquifer
Thursday, Nov. 5, 9 AM – 12 Noon
CNC auditorium; members $15, non-
members $20. Limited to 20. Pre-
registration required, 830.249.4616.
Aquatic Project Wild Training
Saturdays, Nov. 7 & 14, 9 AM – Noon
CNC Back porch; free for Title 1
teachers; CNC members $30, non-
members $40. Limited to 20; pre-
registration required. Call 830.249.4616
or send name, telephone, grade level
& school name to mbkenned@
sbcglobal.net. Participants sample
activities and receive a curriculum and
activity guide that emphasizes aquatic
wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
Geology Short Course, Part III
Field Trip to Canyon Lake Gorge
Thursday, Nov. 12, 9 AM – 2 PM
Carpool from CNC promptly at 9 AM;
members $15; non-members $20.
Limited to 20, pre-registration required.
(Preference given to those who at-
tended Parts I & II.)
Wildlife Tax Valuation
Update Seminar
Friday, Nov. 13, 9 AM – 12 Noon
Members $25/ non-members $35.
Limited to land owners with an exist-
ing wildlife tax valuation, to help you
keep your management plan current.
Rainwater Harvest Workshop
Saturday, Nov. 14, 9 AM – 12 Noon
CNC auditorium and visit to Kight
installation. Members $25; non-
members $35. Pre-registration re-
quired. Limited to 30.
Kids’ Club:
Where’d It Go?
Saturday, Nov. 14, 10—11:30 AM
November-December 2009
All listings are on Saturdays
unless otherwise indicated
Growing Up Wild
Facilitator Training
Friday, Nov. 20, 8 AM—5 PM
Join the corps of volunteer Facilita-
tors who lead the new Growing Up
WILD workshops to adults. Become
certified to teach Growing Up WILD
professional development workshops
to formal and informal early childhood
educators.
Boerne Birders—CNC
Saturday, Nov. 21, 8—10 AM
Meet at the CNC pavilion; free. Join
birders happy to share knowledge
and guide this bird walk and monthly
census. Birding property includes
marsh, prairie, woodland and Cibolo
Creek. Bring binoculars, favorite bird
book. 830.230.5551 or 210.710.3981.
December
Winter Sparrows and
Wrens Workshop
Saturday, Dec. 5, 9 AM—3 PM
A Walk in the Park (Photography)
Saturday, Dec. 5, 10 AM—4 PM
Winter Prairie Bird Survey/
Cibolo Preserve
Thursday, Dec. 10, 9:30 AM—1 PM
Kids’ Club:
Tis the Season of Giving
Saturday, Dec. 12, 10-11:30 AM
Winter Prairie Bird Survey/
Cibolo Nature Center
Sunday, Dec. 13, 9:30 AM—1 PM
Mother Nature’s Story Time:
Berry Merry Holiday
Tuesday, Dec. 15, 10-11 AM
Wildlife Tax Valuation Seminars
Three sessions coming in January on
Saturdays, Jan. 9, 16 & 23. Contact
the CNC for more information.
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 SATURDAY PROGRAM
The Owl Prowl
Saturday, November 14, 6—8 PM
Limited to 50—almost full! Reserve
your spot now. Call 210.624.2575.
Thank you to our MRNA volunteers!
This is some of what our volunteers
have been doing this past year:
Biological Research
We conduct biological and geological
surveys on all Natural Area Pre-
serves. This information helps us in
the management of these lands and
protection of the resources. If you are
interested in helping with these activi-
ties, contact Jayne Neal at 210.372.
9124 or email her at jayne.neal@san
antonio.gov. Thanks to all of you who
have helped us this year we have:
• collected all our cave cricket data
(cricket count numbers this year
were lower than in previous years
and we wonder if this might be a
drought effect);
• completed vegetation richness
and invasive species cover as-
sessments for all of Rancho
Diana and Cedar Creek
(information that we have used to
locate and eradicate woody inva-
sive exotic species);
• gathered baseline Golden-
cheeked Warbler (GCW) popula-
tion data for Woodland Hills (data
we hope to use to understand
better Bexar County GCW habitat
and how it compares to GCW
habitat in other parts of Texas).
For more information about Medina
River Natural Area and other gems in
the San Antonio area, log on to
www.sanaturalareas.org
 Page 6
For more information on listings below, visit www.sanaturalareas.org or www.bexaraudubon.org
FIRST SATURDAY WALKS & SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAMS
Reservations recommended for 1st Saturday Walks & 2nd Saturday Programs; call 210.564.6202 or 210.372.9124 for de-
tails, directions, reservations. Email peggy.spring@sanantonio.gov. Suggested donation $3/individual, $5/family for pro-
grams, $2/person for hikes. Unless otherwise listed, Second Saturday programs are held at Eisenhower Park.
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.
NOVEMBER
Eisenhower Park
19399 NW Military Hwy
November 7, 9–11 AM
Get out and enjoy a nature hike with
us and remind yourself of one of the
best things we have to be thankful for
at Thanksgiving – great Natural Ar-
eas where we can get some fresh air
and exercise and reconnect with the
land!
Park is outside Loop 1604. Take FM
1535/Military Hwy/Shavano Park exit
off Loop 1604 on the city’s NW side.
Go north 2 miles; park entrance on
left, just before Camp Bullis.
DECEMBER
Friedrich Wilderness Park
21395 Milsa*
December 5, 9–11 AM
Take a nature walk with us before
you start your holiday shopping.
Come learn about the plants, animals
and geology of this great
Natural Area!
*Access to Friedrich Park
has changed. Pass the
Camp Bullis exit heading
west on IH 10 and take the
Dominion Drive exit. Make the ‘turn-
around’ at the intersection and pro-
ceed back east on the access road to
turn right at Oak and right on Milsa.
Sponsored by
San Antonio Natural Areas
sanaturalareas.org
November-December 2009 Bexar Tracks
SAN ANTONIO NATURAL AREAS
SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAMS
Co-sponsored by Bexar Audubon Society and City of San Antonio
NOVEMBER DECEMBER
Native American Stories Star Party!
Eisenhower Park Eisenhower Park
November 14, 10–11:15 AM December 12, 6–9 PM
Presented by Emma Ortega Presented by the San Antonio
Lipan Apache story teller Emma Or- Astronomical Association
tega shares her won- The Natural Areas and Bexar Audu-
derful stories including
bon Society in-
why we should thank a vite you to a
turkey at Thanksgiving!
Star Party with
No, the reason is not the San Antonio
because it tastes so Astronomical
good, although that isSociety. Find
very true! This is defi-
out what there is
nitely one for the whole family! to see in the
crisp, clear win-
Eisenhower Park, Harris (Mass Pavil- ter skies. This program will to give
ion), 19399 NW Military Hwy. Gates people an opportunity to use several
open 9:30 AM. elaborate telescopes.
www.sanaturalareas.org The Pavilion is the gated one to the
www.bexaraudubon.org
right. Gates open 5:30 PM.
November BAS Program at Trinity University
Chapman
Library Laurie
Cowles
Cowles is just uphill from Laurie Auditorium &
between Library and Chapman Graduate Center.
Park by Laurie or in lots or on streets to the west.
Handicapped parking across from Cowles. Enter
from Oakmont or Rosewood. Call Patty for addi-
tional directions, 210.824.1235. or see additional
map at bexaraudubon.org/map.jpg.
 Page 7 November-December 2009 Bexar Tracks

Good News from EarthShare of Texas largest increase (one of only four that saw an
increase), a solid 6% gain despite the reces-
Our second $15,000 grant ap- that 2008 results would be sion. Part of the reason for that is members like
plication to the Still Water Foun- slightly below our then best-year
our newest organization, Greater Edwards Aq-
dation was approved. This is a ever of 2007, but several late uifer Alliance, which has stepped forward for
capacity building grant, and can reporting campaigns and addi- campaign events in San Antonio. Congratula-
be used for general operational tional information about other
tions, EarthShare Members!
support. Huge thanks go to campaigns was enough to break
George Cofer, who paved the the 2007 record. Thanks to each Excerpted from email letter from
way for us to make the original and every one of you who
Edie Muehlberger and Max Woodfin, Directors
application two years ago, when helped with access, campaign EarthShare of Texas
we received an initial $15,000 appearances, personal contribu- 707 West Avenue, Ste. 203
grant. The foundation invited the tions and moral support – Earth- Austin, Texas 78701
second application after review- Share of Texas continues to be 800-GREENTX
ing the work supported by the a strong and growing organiza-
512.472.5518; fax 512.472.4930
first grant. tion. Email: estx@earthshare-texas.org
www.earthshare-texas.org
While gathering pledge data in As part of the audit, compara-
'One environment.
preparation for our audit, we tive pledge results for all affili- One simple way to care for it.' ®
discovered that 2008 was our ates for 2008 were updated.
best year ever! We had thought EarthShare of Texas posted the
River Systems Institute to Host Land, Water,
People 2009 Conference in November
Bexar Audubon Society Contacts
President: Anita Anderson—210.533.8726; ajandrsn@sbcglobal.net As part of its annual conference series and its
Vice President: Tony Wood—210.867.2363; tonywood@sbcglobal.net Initiative for Watershed Excellence program, the
Treasurer: Caryl Swann—210.653.2860; c.swann@att.net River Systems Institute will host Land, Water,
Secretary: Susan Hughes—210.532.2032; susan@wordwright.com
People 2009 on Nov. 16-18, 2009 at the San
At-Large: Amy L. Whitley—210.340.0114; nueces66@yahoo.com
At-Large: Bill Hurley—210.823.1023, billhurley@satx.rr.com Marcos Convention Center, San Marcos, Texas.
At-Large: Greg Pasztor—210.824.1235, gpasztor@ix.netcom.com The event is co-sponsored by the Texas Ripar-
Webmaster & At-Large: Harry Noyes—210.490.3124; harrynoyes@satx.rr.com ian Association, Texas Water Resources Insti-
Programs/Outings: Patty Pasztor—210.824.1235; pasztor@ix.netcom.com tute, Oklahoma Water Resources Research In-
Editor: Michele Wood—210.492.4684, editor@bexaraudubon.org stitute, and Arkansas Water Resources Center.
The conference will explore more effective man-
agement and protection of Texas water re-
sources, on both a local and regional scale. The
conference will focus on four ecological areas of
water management: watersheds, riparian zones,
coastal zones, and groundwater/surface water
exchange. The program includes a panel of rep-
resentatives from various major water resources
management programs in EPA Region 6 and
key decision makers in state-wide water issues.
Details/registration available at: http://www.
rivers.txstate.edu/projects/conferences/Land-
Water-People-09.html.

Lifers and Twitchers

Birding Tours
Looking for something ex-
otic? Lifers and Twitchers Bird-
Earth Share of Texas raises money for environmental and conservation ing Tours is a tour operator
organizations through workplace giving. If your employer participates in based in Johannesburg, South
such programs, please ask them to add Earth Share to your giving op- Africa. They offer 11-12 day
tions. By designating the Audubon Foundation of Texas (AFT), Bexar birding tours of northern and eastern South
Audubon Society can benefit. BAS receives credit for our support and
Africa, where many of the country’s “hot spots”
receives funding annually form AFT. For more information, call, email or
log on: 800.GREENTX, ESTX@earthshare-texas.org, or www.earthshare-
are located. For more information, log on at
texas.org. www.lifers-birding.com.
 Non-Profit
Bexar Audubon Society Organization
PO Box 6084 US Postage Paid
San Antonio TX
San Antonio TX 78209-0084 Permit #1527

Bexar Tracks Nov-Dec 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:

Name: ___________________________________________________________________________________________

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Phone w/Area Code: _________________________________ e-mail ________________________________________

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Make checks payable to “Bexar Audubon Society” and mail to the address above.
Enclosed: $__________ for subscription(s) $_________ additional donation
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.