Cypress Basin Texas Master Naturalist Chapter Newsletter
Vol. 6 No.4 April 2014
NOTES FROM CARL
The Value of Diversity
The recent lectures given to our new trainees got me to thinking about the value of diversity in nature and how each species is valuable and how important it is to not only save our endangered species but to also protect our environment to keep other species from becoming endangered. We are fortunate to live in a state where there is a tremendous diversity of species. In Texas we have 184 species of mammals, 639 bird species, 213 species of reptiles and amphibians, 180 tree species and 243 species of fish to name a few. With so many species we might wonder why it is important to protect every one.
In the Ecological Concepts chapter of our TMN training manual are given three arguments why we should care to preserve each and every species. First is the aesthetic argument that “the natural world has much to offer in terms of beauty, inspiration and wonder.” Thirty-nine percent of Americans identify themselves as “wildlife watchers” while over twenty percent of Americans identify themselves as birdwatchers. When our natural world is impoverished we are all impoverished.
The second reason given is the practical aspect of each species. Many life saving medicines have come from seemingly insignificant species such as the foxglove that give us digitalis and the periwinkle that is the source of some of our most common anticancer drugs. Each species is unique and each holds secrets that no other species has, secrets we do not want to lose.
Third is the moral argument that it is not morally right to destroy a species. I think more in terms that we do not have the right to deprive future generations of species that we have today.
Another argument is that our ecosystems are more stable and sustainable with the diversity that nature has established. All these add up to let us know that protecting endangered species is indeed something we should all be involved in.
Carl
CYPRESS BASIN TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST
MEETING MINUTES
MARCH 18, 2014
ATTENDING: Betty Morgan, ViAnn and Pat Sawyer, Robert Carter, Ted and Stella Barrow, Linda Richtsmeier, Karen Williams, Charlene Franks, Kristi Thomas, Vicki and David Gilliland, David Skinner, Tom Walker, Linda Gail Price, Sandra Hooker, Herman Hazard, Amanda Madsen, Kevin Madsen, Charles Gillis, Phyllis Wilson, Donna Bell, Carl Miller, Beck Gullette, Sue Simmons, Carl Turner. We welcome new member Barbara Judkins, a transfer in from another chapter. Libby Horton from Collins Academy visited.
Call to Order: Welcome! The meeting was called to order at 6:30pm
APPROVAL OF PREVIOUS MEETING MINNUTES: Approved unanimously.
TREASURER’S REPORT: Balance $3,693.33. Report approved and filed
GENERAL ITEMS:
Karen presented the trifold display board and banner. They are ready for use whenever needed.
Ted has been in contact with Friends of Reservoirs regarding a grant for eradicating Giant Salvinia. Information is being sent to him. Ted will also get with Tim Bister, our Inland Fisheries representative, to let him know. This will be the first time that CBTMN has partnered with Inland Fisheries.
Ted reported that the dirt work will soon be completed and the salvinia weevil greenhouse will be erected March 24, 2014 at Shady Glade.
Charles reported on the plan for the ADA trails at the CLNWR. He and the refuge staff are still in the planning stages. The designated trail will be the trail just south of the visitor’s center.
Betty reported that the new trainee classes are going well. The last class will be at Wilkes Power Plant. She will teach Aquatic Wild. Let her know if you plan to attend.
Stella reported on the plans for the Paddling Regatta in April. There will be numerous volunteer opportunities for members and trainees. Toy canoes were distributed to be decorated for door prizes.
Stella reported on CoCoRaHs March Madness and encouraged members to sign up to be weather watchers.
Vanessa reported on the EAB project for the year and that there may be as many as 40 traps available this year.
Libby Horton reported on the Paddlefish Festival to be held May 8-9 in Jefferson; and, the Day Camp for 3-4 graders in June. June 14th will be a workshop on aquatic invader for science teachers. All of these activities will hold opportunities for volunteer hours.
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Linda Gail Price gave a presentation on the Loggerhead Shrike, a very interesting and complex bird. Linda R. will present to us next month.
VOLUNTEER TIME: 1.25 hr plus travel time; AT time 0.5 hr
The meeting adjourned at 8:00.
Respectfully submitted,
Sue Simmons for Diane Turner, Secretary
PLEASE HELP THE REGATTA PLANNING COMMITTEE DISTRIBUTE THIS FLYER. THERE IS A FACEBOOK PAGE FOR CADDO LAKE PADDLE TRAILS. PLEASE GO THERE, “LIKE” THAT PAGE, AND SHARE” THE INFORMATION ON YOUR PAGE. IF YOU WISH TO SOLICIT DONATIONS FOR THE EVENT PLEASE EMAIL STELLA AT TO GET A COPY OF THE FORM TO TAKE WITH YOU.
SAVE the DATE!! for the
3rd Annual Regatta- April 26, 2014
on the paddling trails launching from Backwater Jack’s in Karnack, TX
For more info call (903) 672-5524, (903) 679-9817 or (512) 482-9345.
Or visit the Caddo Lake Paddle Trail page on Facebook:
Sponsors: Cypress Basin Chapter Texas Master Naturalist, Backwater Jack’s RV Park, Greater Caddo Lake Association, Caddo Lake Institute, Caddo Lake Cabins, Texas Federal Credit Union Texarkana, TX, Jefferson Chamber of Commerce, AEP SWEPCO, Tractor Supply-Marshall, Pat and ViAnn Sawyer
Calendar OF EVENTS
April 15: Cypress Basin MN monthly meeting
April 19: Bird banding at Tom Walker’s
April 24: Advanced Training – Northeast Texas Native Plant Society Speaker Matt Turner
April 26: Caddo Lake Earth Day Regatta
May 2 – 3: Annual Retreat at Wilkes Power Plant
Cypress Basin MN Training Session IV
May 8 – 9: Paddlefish Festival
May 20: Cypress Basin MN monthly meeting
June 14: Citizen Scientist Invasive Species Training at Collins Academy, Jefferson
June 16 – 18: Collins Kids Camp, Jefferson
October 24-26: 2014 Texas Master Naturalist Annual Meeting at Mo Ranch in Hunt, TX