Native Plant Society of Texas
Boerne Chapter
The Home of
Operation NICE!™
Natives Instead of Common Exotics
Web site: http://npsot.org/Boerne
Newsletter
November 2014
Volume 14 Number 9
Monthly Meeting Tuesday November 4, 2014
Cibolo Nature Center at 140 City Park Road, Boerne TX
The November meeting will be a night at the movies! We will have a premier showing, in Boerne, of Aldo Leopold's Green Fire. Considered by many as the father of wildlife management and of the United States’ wilderness system, Aldo Leopold was a conservationist, forester, philosopher, educator, writer, and outdoor enthusiast.
The first full-length documentary film ever made about legendary environmentalist Aldo Leopold, Green Fire highlights Leopold’s extraordinary career, tracing how he shaped and influenced the modern environmental movement. Leopold remains relevant today, inspiring projects all over the country that connect people and land. More information is available at http://www.aldoleopold.org/greenfire/about.shtml. Come a 6:30 to socialize, popcorn will be provided, and you are welcome to bring your own Cracker Jack, peanuts, malted milk balls, etc if you want - the movie starts at 7:00.
President’s Message
I hope all are welcoming this wonderful weather and the changing of the season. In my youth I was a summer-time person, but as the years passed I love the fall and the colors, cool temperatures and the hope of seeing snow. That doesn’t happen here very often, but I can wish. As I am writing this, a month early, I am preparing to go to Mexico for a journey – so I’m not sure of the changes between now and when this writing is produced, but I hope there is welcomed rain and cooler temperatures and I look forward to seeing you all at the November Chapter meeting.
I want to thank the nominating committee and you for the opportunity to be the President of such an incredible organization. We have also been able to have an incredible new Board and the continuation of those who will continue in service. I wish to welcome Mary Dunn, Secretary, and Don Fraser, VP-Programs, to our Board. Most of all I wish to thank Emily Weiner for such an incredible job of being President; she will be a hard act to follow.
For those who attended the symposium of the NPSOT this year and enjoyed our own Delmar Cain receiving his well earned recognition – it makes me so proud of those who work so hard for the growth and sharing knowledge of Native Plants.
It was announced in the NPSOT State President’s Message that in honor of our founder Carroll Abbott, we proposed earlier in the year to make a complete set of his newsletters available on our state website. I'm happy to report that this is now a reality. Cynthia Maguire and Courtney Hawkins of Texas Woman's University supplied us with scans of all but two issues and Pam Middleton, at the NPSOT state office, furnished the missing ones. You may now access them on the Newsletters tab on our website.
Well, I look forward to the November meeting seeing and meeting you all and to the growth of our Chapter and many new activities.
Enjoy the month.
Daneshu Clarke
Kudos
2104 NPSOT State Award Recipients
Delmar Cain
Caroll Abbott Award
The Carroll Abbott Memorial Award for writings in the popular vein was presented to Delmar Cain at the 2014 NPSOT State Symposium
The Boerne Star newspaper features a bi-weekly column entitled “Native Grown” which focuses on educating the public about the value of native plants, invasive threats to our native habitats, and the interaction of wildlife with native plants. The column was started by the late Bill Ward, and upon his death in 2011, the column required a new standard bearer to carry on Bill’s mission of educating the public about our beloved native plants. Out of respect and in tribute to Bill, Delmar stepped forward to carry the torch. His column tells a story and he incorporates our native plants into those stories through his memories and experiences. Every month his column features the Boerne Chapter’s NICE! plant of the month. The “Native Grown” column serves as an excellent media vehicle for carrying on the Society mission to educate the public about the importance of native plants and native habitats.
Delmar is a self-described “recovering attorney” who formerly worked for the FBI and Texas A&M, but has been on a successful recovery path by immersing himself in the study of nature and native plants.
Lonnie and Judith Schockley
Nancy Benedict Memorial Award
The Native Plant Society of Texas recognized Alamo Area Master Naturalists Lonnie and Judith Shockley on October 18th at the Awards Ceremony of their Annual Fall Symposium.
Lonnie and Judith received the Nancy Benedict Memorial Award, which is presented to an individual or individuals for a specific act of conservation or public service. They received the award for their work with the Invaders of Texas program.
Chapter Stuff
Bill Ward
Limestone Cowboy
Remembered
By Joy Fisher-Hein
I am honored to celebrate Bill Ward and the native plant “teaching” garden he created at the CNC, with my hand-painted memorial limestone rock. Featured is one of Bill’s favorite wildflowers, Big Red Sage, and a Ruby-throated hummingbird. It is located near the Big Red Sage plants in the garden.
This commemoration was inspired by Bill’s love and eagerness to kindly share his vast knowledge of our Hill Country environment. Fellow members of our local NPSOT chapter have created several projects to recognize Bill. I became aware of the ForWard Trail plans at the public library when I talked with my dear friend Suzanne Young. She told me how some members were concerned about all the time that was slipping by. They wanted something done to celebrate Bill.
Around this same time I came up with an idea for native plant signage painted on limestone. I decided this might also be a way to commemorate Bill. I am grateful the CNC was open to this idea, as well as Bill’s family and fellow NPSOT members.
Operation Nice!
NICE! ™Plant of the Month
November 2014
Texas Barberry
Mahonia swaseyi
By Caroyn Walden
Texas Barberry (Mahonia swaseyi) is a small to medium (3-5 ft) evergreen shrub endemic to the Edwards Plateau region. It grows in full sun to light shade in rocky limestone soil and is mostly found in the eastern and southern Hill Country region along limestone ridges and canyons on open flats or around and under large trees. Texas barberry although similar in general appearance and habitat to agarita (M. trifoliolata), is less common and is distinguished by its leaves that turn red to purple in the fall and winter and is slightly larger and more orange fruit. M. Swaseyi leaves have 5-9 leaflets with sharp points along the leaf edges compared to 3 leaflet evergreen leaves of agarita. Another similar family member is Red barberry (Mahonia haematocarpa). Red barberry, which has leaves similar to those of Texas barberry, differs from the other mahonias in that it grows from the mountains of the Trans-Pecos west to Arizona. All three adapt to almost any soil type, as long as it is well-drained.
A common trait is a profusion of fragrant yellow flowers in the spring, followed by the orange to red berries that attract a wide range of wildlife. The flowers attract butterflies and native bees, important pollinators for other native plants and vegetables. Birds and small mammals love the berries. The berries also make a delicious jelly (anyone ready to try them for making wine?). Another common and desirable trait is that they are mostly deer resistant; the caveats being that tender growth might be eaten (I have small ones on our property and have not noticed any browse) and mature shrubs might be “antler-thrashed” by bucks (this has happened to several of our agarita).
A tid-bit of interest - the genus of these plants has been officially changed from Berberis to Mahonia, thus consider them synonymous.
Operation NICE! Tip: Texas barberry is an uncommon species of barberry and related to agarita (M. trifoliolata). It is an excellent xeriscape shrub; drought and mildew resistant and should be used instead of the exotic Burford holly. This low-maintenance, evergreen barberry is excellent for local landscapes, as a specimen plant (for example by a wildlife pond), as hedges, and as barrier plants and wildlife cover. Native plant diversity in the landscape encourages a healthy, sustaining habitat for wildlife. The 2014 NICE! Poster as well as planting instructions for all of our NICE! plants are on our website: http://npsot.org/wp/boerne/
Bigtooth Maples for Boerne Program
Our 2014 Bigtooth Maple Tree Giveaway will be on November 14th and 15th from 9:00 AM to noon at the Agriculture Museum at the corner of Park Road and Highway 46. This is a great way to meet members of our community, many of whom are new to Boerne. They often have many questions about native plants so the more NPSOT members we have available to greet them and answer their questions, the better.
We will need help cutting cages and unloading trees and mulch on the 13th of November. If you can help, please let me know. Check out our website (www.npsot.org/boerne), click on the maple leaf icon and review information about Bigtooth maples and their care instructions.
Each year, I submit our BTM volunteer hours to Boerne Parks and Recreation Department which helps the city be recognized as a Tree City USA. Our Bigtooth Maples for Boerne project is also an approved Texas Master Naturalist volunteer project.
The Maples for Boerne project is a big success because of the many participating NPSOT members. Please join us in our mission: Reintroducing a natural treasure to the City of Boerne to enhance the local landscape and establish Boerne as a prime destination for viewing fall foliage.
Let me know if you can help.
Suzanne Young
830-249-8240
Come And Explore Spring Lake
November 1, 2014
Glass Bottom Boat and Wetlands Boardwalk Tour
· The Glass Bottom Boat
Since 1946 the glass bottom boat tours in San Marcos have offered an "in-depth" look at the timeless beauty of the San Marcos river. As the boats glide across the crystal waters of Spring Lake you'll see why ancient peoples revered this place. You'll also see some of the 1,000 springs that form the headwaters of one of the most beautiful rivers in Central Texas. Enjoy a walk through the grounds to enjoy the natural beauty of Texas Native plants.
· The Floating Wetlands Boardwalk
Our private tour guide will explain the effects of exotic and invasive species habitat as well as offering a close up view of the abundant plant life that thrives here. The one-mile boardwalk is presented in six zones with emphasis on the aquatic plant and the terrestrial plant communities.
· Discovery Center (Endangered Species Exhibit)
You'll see some of the fish and reptiles that make this part of the river a federally declared critical habitat.
TIME: 9:00 am. Please arrive 15 minutes before to sign in
COST: $7.50 per person, with a minimum of 15 people
CONTACT: Veronica Hawk, , 830-515-9823
LOCATION AND DIRECTIONS: Official address: 951 Aquarena Springs Drive. From I-35 take exit 206 and head west towards Texas State University-San Marcos. After Post Road there is a railroad crossing. Just after the track turn right onto San Marcos Springs Drive. There is a large sign above the road that says "The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment". The entrance is across from Bobcat Stadium on the East side of Aquarena Springs Drive. Continue over the low water bridge until reaching a Y in the road. Turn left and then take the first drive on your right into the parking lot. There is a sign at the corner of the building that says "Ticket Kiosk". To purchase Glass Bottom Boat tickets and to get information about the park follow the walkway until you reach the Ticket Kiosk Window on your left at the end of the first building.
SIDE TOUR: For those interested in extending their day, there is an optional no cost private guided tour of Wittliff Lonesome Dove collection. (The Witliff Collections are located on the seventh floor of the Alkek Library at Texas State University). http://www.thewittliffcollections.txstate.edu/collections/lonesome-dove/film/online-exhibit.html
Following the tour of the discovery center, we will have lunch at Grins Restaurant, 802 N. LBJ Drive, San Marcos: Head northwest on San Marcos Springs Dr. toward Bert Brown St,
Slight left onto Ed J L Green Dr. Turn right onto W Sessom Dr.
Turn right onto N LBJ Dr.
Destination will be on the right.
Demonstration Garden Workday at CNC
We will meet between 9 AM – 12 noon to work in the CNC Demonstration Gardens on November 8. Activities will include restoring the walking trail in the Low Butterfly Garden, planting a few additional trees in the garden next to Lende’s fence and near the Gazebo, planting a few shrubs in the island bed, adding mulch, if we can secure it in time, to the planting area near the gazebo and tidying the grape arbor. Fall is the best time to plant trees and shrubs so they have a head start on getting roots established during the winter months before they have to withstand next summer’s blistering heat. Remember to wear your gloves, bring something to drink and appropriate tools, if you have them. Hope to see a big turnout as this will most likely be the last workday in the CNC Demonstration Gardens until early next spring. Come join us even if you can’t stay the entire time. We’d love to catch up with old friends, make some new ones, and we do appreciate the help.