!
I l
l
81:1&5
Please join us in celebrating
BEXAR
AUDUBON
SOCIETY
First Place, 2000 11<
2QQ21 National
Audubon Society
newsletter contest
for large chapters
Bexar Audubon's 2(Jh Anniversary!
Date: Friday, August 22nd, 2003
Time: 6:30p.m.
Where: Los Patios - The Brazier
2015 North East Loop 410, San Antonio (Starcrest exit)
Cost: $25 per person
Enjoy Dinner with Friends along the Banks of Salado Creek
PROGRAM:
* Guest Speaker: Dr. Paul Robertson, Science Leader, Wildlife Diversity Program, Texas
Parks & Wildlife Department, and founding member of Bexar Audubon
"NATURE, CONSERVATION AND THE REAL MATRIX"
* Recognition of community conservation heroes * Awards to chapter leaders for meritorious
service * Silent auction * Raffle of two outstanding art prints
Please reply by August 15. Complete this form; fold and mail with your check to:
Bexar Audubon Society, PO Box 6084, San Antonio TX 78209-0084
For more information call Marge Lumpe (210-545-1822) or Patty Leslie Pasztor (210-824-1235).
Number attending: @ $25 = $__ Please indicate preference: __ grilled chicken __ vegetarian
Number of advance raffle tickets_@ $5=$__ (need not be present to win -limited to 250 tickets)
Names of attendees:
Total amount enclosed: $ __ Your check is your reservation. Thank you!
We cannot attend, but wish to make a tax-deductible donation of$ __ _
[in honor/memory of:
Thanks to our donors, including:
*Audubon Texas for our raffle prize- Avian Series limited-edition lithograph by Texas artist Billy Hassel (unframed)
* Nancy Kent for our raffle prize- "Hershey's Kiss," a signed, custom-matted and framed, 1983 limited-edition sporting
print of a chocolate labrador retriever by San Antonio artist Pamela Davis-King, (www.collectorscovey.com/pamdavbio.htrnl)
*Printing courtesy of Norton Lewis
Looking forward to seeing you there!
August 28, 2003 - Field Trip to Bracken Bat Cave September 2, 2003 - SAEN Public Forum on
Meet at Wendy's (I-35@FM3009) at 6:00pm New Power Plant Proposals impact on SA. ICC
$1 0/ person $25/ family. See Page 7 for details @ UIW at 6:30 pm. See Page 7 for details
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
Chapter of the National Audubon Society
BENEATH THE GAVEL
P. 0. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209
21 0-822-4503
GOALS
The Chapter's primary goals are
to promote species and habitat
conservation and environmental education
in the community.
OFFICERS
President Susan Hughes . (susan@wordwright.com) . 532-2332
Vice Pres. Harry Noyes ..... (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com). 490-3124
Treasurer Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .............. 344-6128
Secretary Bill Hurley ......... (billhurley@satx.rr.com) .... 341-2676
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Dean Bibles ........................ (dbibles@aol.com) ............ 698-9264
Tom Wilson ......................... (SATXWilsons@aol.com) .. 492-4 799
Tony Wood ......................... (tmcawood@aol.com) ....... 493-4684
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) ............. 344-6128
Birdathon Marge Lumpe ... (birdwatcher@msn.com) ... 545-1822
Conserv. Harry Noyes ..... (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com) . 490-3124
Education ................................................................... available
Memb. . ................................ '"·································available
Publicity Harry Noyes ..... (harrynoyes@satx.rr.com). 490-3124
SAEN Coord. Greg Pasztor .... (gpasztor)ix.netcom.com) .. 824-1235
Bexar Tracks Tom Wilson ...... (SATXWilsons@aol.com) .. 492-4799
Editors Jill Sandeen ..... Uls2003@gvtc.com) .. 830-980-3277
Mailing ................................................................. available
Bexar Tracks is your newsletter.
We welcome your contributions.
Please email Tom as above; diskettes and hard
copy should be sent to Tom Wilson, 13227 Hunt­ers
Spring, San Antonio, TX 78230. l"'\ Printed with soy ink on ·•41 recycled paper.
Visit Bexar Audubon's
Web Site:
http://www.BexarAudubon.org
Visit San Antonio Environmental
Network's Web Site:
http://www.sa-naturecenter.org
Suggestions and contributions are welcome.
Please contact Bill Hurley at
billhurley@satx.rr.com
Writing for this issue of Bexar Tracks
has been a challenge. I've been looking
for something to be upbeat about.
Fortunately, that reason is r\ght in front of
me -it's you, our members. Nothing
holds more hope for our future than the
dedication of individual citizens who are
willing to express their beliefs and
advocate for birds, wildlife, and the whole
of the environment in which we live.
Thank you so much for being here and
your willingness to support leaders who
will "do the right thing" for the long-term
benefit of our planet and our society. Keep
on being vocal and visible, for just imagine
if we were silent.
I hope that we will see many of you
at our upcoming TWENTIETH
ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION on
August 22. It's a wonderful opportunity
to celebrate our achievements and to
redouble our resolve to keep on being a
voice for conservation in the greater San
Antonio and Bexar County area.
While I want to focus on the positive,
there are many troubling situations. At the
national level, there are numerous threats
to environmental and conserva-tion
programs. The U.S. House recently failed
to fund the United Nations Family
Planning Assistance program, which is an
integral part of a worldwide effort to help
families manage their resources, to protect
health and welfare, and to avoid unwanted
pregnancies. Migratory bird protection
funding is being cut. Pro-tection of
roadless areas in forests is threatened.
Ocean fisheries continue to be pressured.
To see how you can help very easily,
please go to the National Audubon
website: www.audubon.org, click on "take
action'' in the upper right corner. You can
subscribe to the twice-monthly Audubon
Advisory that provides easy ways to
contact decision-makers on key issues and
informative links for additional
information.
At the state level, the Texas legislature
did pass the bill restricting the use of off­~================~
road vehicles in streambeds. Funding for The fingerprint of wildlife and habitat conservation
programs, parks improve-ments and God is often maintenance, and many other programs
near and dear to our hearts has been
8 pawprint. compromised. Authority to manage land
-Susan Chernak McElroy- use continues to evade county
August/ September/ October 2003 2
governments, and our state continues to
view unchecked growth as inevitable and
the threats to our natural resources as
"beyond our control." In a time of fiscal
drought, we appear to believe that money
can solve our resource challenges while
wondering where that money will come
from and at what cost to other programs.
Locally, a new City Council is
grappling with the onerous but everyday
problems of streets and traffic lights, while
larger issues such as watershed
management, balancing growth, economic
revitalization, and aquifer recharge zone
protection loom large. Just as we though
we were coming to grips with air quality
threats in San Antonio, the proposal for a
new coal-fired generating plant took center
stage and our concerted efforts to pass a
significantly strengthened tree ordinance
were again compromised. In the "no good
deed goes unpunished" category, Richard
Alles, San Antonio's veritable one-person
watchdog on tree-ordinance issues, became
the subject of a lawsuit brought by a loca
developer. (To help in defense of the lawsuit
send a check to Tree Advocacy Lega
Defense Trust, Jennifer Westerman, Trustee
18511 Rogers Bend, SA,TX 78258.)
In Audubon, the election to nominate a
new director on the National Audubon
Society board to represent the Southwes
Region (my term in that role expires in
December) has resulted in a tie between the
two excellent candidates, Dr. John Whittle
of Golden Triangle Audubon in east Texas
and Dr. Bob Thomas of Orleans Audubon
in Louisiana. Your board cast the chapter's
ballots for Dr. Thomas. We'll announce the
runoff results in the next issue. It is also time
to seek nominees for the Bexar Audubon
board. Our election will be held at the annual
meeting/holiday party on December 2, but
we need a slate of nominees before that time.
Positions to be elected in December include
President, Vice President, Treasurer, and
Secretary (two-year terms), and one or more
At-Large Directors (four-year term). For
information, contact me at 210-822-4503.
Remember to take a break from the
summer heat and join us on the banks of the
Salado Creek for our 20'h Anniversary
Celebration. It looks like lots of fun and a
good opportunity to renew old friendships
or forge new ones. We need your support
now, more than ever.Warm regards,
-Susan Hughes
Bexar Tracks
CHAPTER NEWS
Adventures in adversity: n-Audubon
Birdathon perseveres,
School program funded
Editor's note: as constant Bexar Tracks readers know, BAS sponsors a Birdathon each year to raise funds for our Audubon Adventures
school program. Marge Lumpe, who heads the program, provided this account of the 2003 affair.
This year was an ·adventure. can't resist the opportunity to hear the siestas. Along Somerset Road we found a
Unfortunately, it did not produce the golden-cheeked warbler. On the road vermilion flycatcher and cattle egrets. On
number of species we had hoped. Due to approaching Friedrich we were fortunate Evans Road we identified a semi-palmated
the fact that Mitchell Lake Wildlife Refuge to see a painted bunting on the line. In the sandpiper_ at least that is what I believe
is closed for construction, we had to find Park we also saw an Inca dove, heard a it to be. There were also some snowy egrets
alternate locations. While the wildflower canyon wren and briefly but certainly heard at the pond.
show was spectacular, the birds did not the golden-cheeked warbler. On the way Driving along Watson Road we finally
reveal themselves to us. out of the Park we were fortunate to see a got a common ground dove. Other sightings
The Fairchild Warblers had such a mature black and white warbler feeding as we dro.ve were loggerhead shrike, barn
busy schedule this spring they were unable one of its brood. In the parking area we swallow, red-winged blackbird, American
to participate this year. They promise to got white-crowned sparrow, lesser coot, eastern bluebird and osprey.
be involved again next year though. Blair goldfinch and yellow-billed cuckoo. We stopped by Southside Lions Park,
Richter agreed to accompany me this year. Between Friedrich and Avenue A we but found nothing that we did not already
He was a great spotter, recorder of species picked up a golden-fronted woodpecker have, so we headed toward home. As we
and navigator. Without him I might still be and a great egret. came around 1604 we saw a double-crested
driving around in South Bexar County. At Avenue A we picked up blue jay, cormorant in the body of water near
We started our big day at 6:30 a.m. ~ mallard, ash-throated flycatcher, yellow- Randolph AFB. The plan was to finish up
when Blair arrived at my home. He spotted crowned night-heron, kiHdeer, great- at Commanche Lookout Park on
a common nighthawk circling the street crested flycatcher, Tennessee warbler and Nacogdoches where several warblers had
lamp across the street. It was a cool American robin. Blair thought we should been found late in the week. The park was
overcast day, and the purple martins were be able to count the Brackenridge Eagle, great, but the warblers were hiding from us.
chirping their morning conversations. On . the train that runs through Brackenridge We did, however, get a chimney swift,
ourwaytoEisenhowerParkwesawwhite- Park, but I didn't think.it would be savannahsparrowandcedarwaxwings. We
winged dove, northern mockingbird, and acceptable. concluded our day at 6:30p.m.
house sparrow. At the bridge at O'Connor About noon we arrived at our next spot We got a total of65 species,18less than
and 1604, we got cliff swallows. As we in Southwestern Bexar County off of last year. It was not, however, from lack of
drove along 1604 we saw great-tailed Highway 90 on Cagnon Road. The wine effort. We did not even take a break for
grackle, black vulture, and European cups were just spectacular! Our first lunch. (Of course, we had food along with
starling. species here was a northern bob-white us as we drove.) Several reasons for the low
On Military Highway as we neared the quail. We also heard the unmistakable call count can be cited, but I prefer to lay the
Park we heard black-crested titmouse, saw of the dickcissel. A sort of mysterious whole problem to not being able to bird at
a rock dove, northern cardinal, Carolina looking hawk appeared and after much Mitchell Lake. Things will be different next
wren, Bewick's wren and saw a turkey study, we decided it was probably an year. Watch for news regarding the grand
vulture. Inside the Park, which opens at immature red-tailed hawk. (A pair of opening, hopefully sometime this fall.
dawn, we found western kingbird, house mature red-tails was perched on a Weraisedatotalof$1,500.00thisyear
finch, brown-headed cowbird, lark transmitter a little further down the road.) in support of the Audubon Adventures
sparrow, eastern phoebe, Carolina A hummingbird (sp) flew across the road program for fourth to sixth grade classes.
chickadee, mourning dove and scissor- in front of us. Probably a black-chin since Thanks to all of you who supported this
tailed flycatcher. that is our most likely breeder in Bexar effort.
From Eisenhower Park we proceeded County. We heard the call of a ladder- -Marge Lumpe
to Valero Way near UTSA campus on backed woodpecker and saw a pair of
advice from a friend that we might get an gre4ter roadrunners walk across the road,
indigo bunting there. No such luck on this one with a lizard in its mouth. Further down
day, but we did get a white-eyed vireo, Cagnon Road we saw another painted
western scrub jay and summer tanager. bunting. In fact, we saw at least three along
Next stop: Friedrich Park. Skilled Big this road.
Day birders say it is not wise to spend too The afternoon was heating up, and I
much time going after one species, but I believe most of the smart birds were taking
August/ September/ October 2003 3 Bexar Tracks
Carol Browner,
Former EPA Chief
Named Chair-elect
For NAS Board
Editor's note: the following is by National
Audubon Society President John Flicker.
Two determined women who were
committed to the environment founded the
first Audubon chapter more than a century
ago. After 107 years, Audubon is returning
to its heritage in electing a determined
woman who cares passionately about the
environment to lead the organization.
Carol Browner, the longest serving
Administrator of the Environmental
Protection Agency, has been named Chair­elect
of the National Audubon Society
Board of Directors. Carol, who is the head
of the board's Public Policy Committee,
will lead the board when our Chairman
Donal O'Brien completes his term this fall.
Carol's accomplishments include the
strongest public health based clean air
standards ever for soot and smog; tough
new emission standards for cars, SUVs,
diesel trucks and buses; greatly expanded
public right-to-know efforts; accelerated
clean up of hazardous waste sites, which
resulted in more than three times the
number of Superfund clean-ups than in the
entire history of the program; she created
the successful Brownfields program to
reclaim and redevelop abandoned,
contaminated urban properties,
significantly increased funding and
strengthened standards for clean water and
polluted runoff. She worked closely with
Congress to pass two pivotal environ­mental
laws - the Food Quality Protec­tion
Act and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
She is currently a partner at The
Albright Group, a global strategy firm. She
is also a senior fellow at the Aspen
Institute's Program on Energy, the
Environment and the Economy. She has
received numerous awards and honors,
including Audubon of Florida's Guy M.
Bradley Lifetime Achievement Award in
1998 for her work on restoration of the
Everglades.
Please join me in extending a warm
welcome to Carol as Chair of the Audubon
Board of Directors. -John Flicker
August/ September/ October 2003
NATIONAL NEWS
From abandonment to opportunity
National Vacant Properties Campaign is
Creating opportunity from abandonment
Editor's note: While San Antonio's urban sprawl continues to consume land once open
and full of wildlife, sections of our city have thousands of vacant properties, roads and
utilities in place, that could absorb much of our growth with benefits for all. This article
describes a new campaign to help cities like ours to reclaim these areas.
A coalition of conservation groups, have launched ambitious initiatives to
along with the Environmental Protection reclaim their vacant properties. Others,
Agency (EPA), has launched a campaign such as San Diego and Las Vegas, Nevada,
designed to focus attention on vacant lots have taken aggressive steps to prevent
and abandoned buildings within urban abandonment in the first place. The
areas in an effort to stem urban sprawl. challenge is attracting a broader set of
"Abandoned buildings and vacant lots stakeholders, from smart growth advocates
decrease property values, reduce tax who see property reclamation as a way to
revenues, discourage development, are offset urban sprawl to affordable housing
potential fire hazards and magnets for groups seeking to rehabilitate homes. The
crime," said Don Chen, executive director vacant properties problem is now
of Smart Growth America. "While these generating more scrutiny from researchers
problems aren't new, their effects- from and policy makers than ever before- yet
urban sprawl to .pollution - are another indication of the search for new
increasingly profound." solutions.
The National Vacant Properties The time is now ripe to translate this
Campaign is partially funded by EPA and growing interest into concrete strategies for
is staffed by Smart Growth America, the change. Lessons from individual
Local Initiatives Support Corp., the communities need to be shared with peers.
International City/County Management Civic leaders need information that can
Association and the National Trust for embolden them to take action. And policy
Historic Preservation. makers need help in crafting the reforms
The National Vacant Properties that will bring vacant abandoned properties
Campaign will focus on properties - back to life. To achieve these goals, Smart
homes, factories, stores and vacant lots- Growth America, www.smartgrowth
that are not legally occupied, show signs america.org, the International City/County
of neglect or pose a public nuisance. ManagementAssociation, www.icma.org,
Typically, owners of such sites have failed and the Local Initiatives Support
to fulfill important responsibilities, such as Corporation, www.liscnet.org, are spear-paying
taxes, maintaining the physical heading a national campaign to prevent
condition or appearance of the site, or abandonment, redevelop vacant properties
safely securing the property. and revitalize existing communities. We
In recent years, cities like Richmond, invite you to join us. More information is
Virginia, Flint, Michigan and Philadelphia available at www. vacantproperties.org.
Audubon website now provides a new look
At a founding father's major achievement
The following message comes from Frank Gill of the National Audubon Society.
We are very proud to unveil "Audubon's Birds of America" at the Audubon website.
To the best of our knowledge, this is the only web accessible copy of our heritage. Over
the course of the last year, our staff has prepared the many pages ofthis massive project
first created by Audubon friend Richard Buonanno. We thank Mr. Buonanno for his
generosity in allowing this resource to find a home at Audubon.org. We hope that these
insights into John James Audubon- the man, the artist, and the conservationist- will
foster a better understanding of our organization and inspire new and renewed conservation
efforts. And we know that his magnificent paintings of and fascinating notes about
American birds will delight you.
4 Bexar Tracks
BIRD TALES/ UPCOMING EVENTS
They're back!
Black-capped vireos
Reappear in Friedrich
Editor's note: the following came from Bob
Doe of San Antonio Audubon in June. By
July I st, Clark Terrell verified 4 BCVs.
I spent a good part of the day today
in Friedrich Park, searching for the
reported black-capped vireos. Based on my
observations, I believe there are four males
in the vicinity of the habitat restoration sign
on the main loop trail. I had males singing
from four different areas, in a time frame
where I believe them to be different birds.
At one point 2 males were singing
simultaneously, so there are at least two
males there (one seen).
In addition, there were two males
singing up the Vista Trail, just past the old
hiker's shelter remains and a female (one
male and female seen). I believe the female
is tending a nest or recently fledged young,
because she did a lot of chattering and
scolding and was very reluctant to leave
the area. Later, I heard chirps that I think
was the vireo in the same place, but I did
not see the bird.
As good as the black-capped vireo
was, for me the best bird(s) of the day were
a pair of Hutton's vireos (olive-grey
overall, 2 prominent white wingbars,
prominent partial eyering, strong thick
hooked "vireo" bill) a few yards downhill
from the habitat restoration sign. One bird
was feeding the second, and I assume this
is a parent-child pair, although I didn't see
any apparent difference in plumage.
Another interesting bird present near
the sign was a juvenile rufous-crowned
sparrow.
Highly Recommended Movie
I have just returned from viewing
Winged Migration. The images left me
breathless. The photography was
stunning. The scenery was spectacular
and all natural. There is no plot, no real
story line, but the close-up photography
of birds in flight was heart-stopping
awesome. For the locations and release
dates for Winged Migration visit:
www.sonyclassics.com/
wingedmigration/home.html
-Marc Borom
August/ September/ October 2003
2003 National Urban Forest Conference. Sept. 17-19
We can l.earn how to use trees as
Environmental assets
Community leaders, faced with impressive urban growth, are still challenged to meet
their cities' clean air, clean water, and energy needs. Elected officials, professionals, citizen
activists, and others will gather in San Antonio, as part of a national effort to focus attention
and resources on the na,tion's tree cover- a valuable asset to urban areas.
American Forests, the nation's oldest conservation organization and a world leader
in public education on the value of urban forests, will hold the National Urban Forest
Conference, September 17-19, 2003, at The Adam's Mark Hotel along the River Walk.
The conference will examine the latest trends in public policy, technology, and action
programs needed to engage communities in rebuilding the urban environment, especially
trees and forests. The theme of the conference, Engineering Green, will showcase ways
that cities can build according to nature's laws and rise above the financial, ecological,
and social tides of urban growth. Nationwide, trees provide over $400 billion in stormwater
control, air quality, and energy benefits. Yet this information is not often considered in the
decision-making process at the local level.
Conference program and registration can be found on American Forests' new
conference website, www.americanforests.org/conference/. For registration information
contact: 703-904-7508.
BAS members and others who would like to show conference visitors what a tree­friendly
place this is are encouraged to volunteer for the following: Tour Coordinators­needed
for Wed., Sept. 17th and Fri. afternoon, Sept. 19th.; Audio/visual helpers-needed
for every day of the conference. For more information, contact: Debbie Reid, City Arborist,
DReid@sanantonio.gov, 210-207-8053. ·
.Living Waters Project Conferences
Set for 4 Texas sites in Sept./Oct.
Three regional conferences on "Water for People & the Environment" have been
scheduled for three Texas cities as part of the Texas Living Waters Project sponsored by
the Lone Star Chapter of Sierra Club and co-sponsored by Bexar Audubon Society.
The conferences will be held in Houston (9/27 /03), Dallas (10/4/03), New Braunfels
(10/11103) and Midland-Odessa (10/25/03).
Information, including a registration form, is available on the Sierra Club web site
at texas.sierraclub.org/chapterevents/water_conf.html. The conference fee is $15, which
includes lunch. Further information on the Texas Living Waters Project is available at
www.texaswatermatters.org.
Ya'll come
Audubon statewide meeting
Set for Kerrvi lie, Oct. 9-12
Audubon Texas will hold its secop.d annual statewide meeting at the Y.O. Ranch in
Kerrville. This event is open to all Audubon members and chapters, birding clubs and
conservation organizations, as well as individuals interested in birds, wildlife, and the
environment. The schedule will be published in late August/September.
A small block of rooms has been reserved. Hotels fill up quickly. Please make
reservations early to avoid any problems. The hotel is: The Y.O. Ranch, 2033 Sidney
Baker St., Kerrville, TX, 78028, 830-257-4440. Additional lodging is available at hotels
and campgrounds in Kerrville. ,For additional listings, please see our website at
tx.audubon.org/hotels.html. For more information, please contact Laketha Loflin,
lloflin@ audubon.org.
5 Bexar Tracks
CH~APTER NE~S AND BIRQ TAL.ES
Have an Audubon Adventure
Free environmental teaching materials
Available from Bexar Audubon Society
"Audubon Adventures" is the highly to offset the cost of the program to make it
acclaimed environmental education free for interested teachers.
program of the National Audubop. Society. Teachers interested in the program
ltisbeingusedinschoolsacrossthenation, should contact Betty Minyard, BAS
including San Antonio. This award- treasurer and Audubon Adventures
winning program, geared to grades 4-6, is program coordinator ( 210-344-6128), who
available free from the Bexar Audubon can answer any questions and take orders.
Society (BAS). Packets will be mailed to the schools in
The materials inClude a teacher's October for orders placed in August.
resource manual and four packets of Schools in San Antonio have received
student newspapers (32 in each). Normally, these valuable teaching materials free since
these materials cost $41.50 per year. ·1992. Teachers, and those who know a
However, BAS will use the money raised dedicated teacher, are urged to take
in its very successful "Birdathon" program advantage of this offer.
Low water use/
Native plants sites
Editor's note: Mike Mecke, former BAS
officer and member for many years, recently
moved to West Texas. He sent these web
sites for xeroscaping ideas.
*El Paso Dist. Horticulture Program: el­paso-
tx.tamu.edu/horticulture/index.html
*City of Tucson, AZ-_Desert Landscap­ing
Plants- according to water demands:
azcen tral. plan tad viser. com/lists/
fullSun.htm
*El Paso Times/master Gardener Plants:
www. borderlandnews.com/photogalleries/
landscape/index.html
*Aggie Horticulture site: aggie­horticulture.
tamu.edu
SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAM
May program recap
Participants learn
About bird behavior
The topic was Enjoying Birds and we
had -a small but enthusiastic audience. I
presented the program which centered
around bird adaptations and behavior with
the intent to give the participants a body
of information that would allow 'them to
enjoy and appreciate birds without going
to the effort of identification.
We discussed and demonstrated beak
and feet adaptations, used a mocajete as
an analogy to the grinding action of a bird's
gizzard, dissected an owl pellet, and
examined the "zippers" in feathers as part
of this program.
" by Peggy Spring ,
June program recap
Explores non-point
Water pollution
Again this month, we had a small, but
enthusiastic crowd: 2 children and 4 adults.
Lisa Mc_Kenzie from the Storm Water Utili­ties
Department of COSA presented a pro­gram
on non-point source water pollution.
Non-point source pollution includes all
those things that get into the storm drains
like left over paint and oil and pet wastes
and grass clippings, etc.
Through videos and a dynamic model,
she demonstrated ·how small, seemingly
insignificant bits of pollution can have a
huge impact when they accumulate, as
erosion is a large source of water pollution.
Participants made "dirt babies," small bits
of knee-hi hose with grass seeds and soil,
that can be grown to see how plant roots
can be tremendous soil stabilizers.
July program recap
Leapin' lizzards!
Slithery snakes!
Had a great program on July 12
presented by Cary Guffey. The topic was
lizards but a lot of other things were
examined, also. During the time that he
was discussing some of the live lizard
specimens that he had collected for the
· program (to be released immediately), a
coral snake crawled out of the leaf litter
very near the pavilion and joined the show.
Needless to say, there was excitement
amongst all attending.
Participants: 20 children, 16 adults
UPCOMING SECOND SATURDAY PROGRAMS
The program for the second Saturday on August 9th will be a Second Saturday Pn)gram brainstorming session from 9 - 10 a.m ..
Help the Natural Areas Division staff decide what programs to offer in 2004. These are your programs so we ne~d your ideas. If you
cannot attend, please send suggestions to Peggy Spring, Park Naturalist 210-698-1057 or pspring@sanantonio.gov.
The program for September 13th is entitled: San Antonio, Naturally. Family friendly programming with guest presenters. 9 a.m.
- 3 p.m. $3 donation suggested for individuals, $5 for families. 210-698-lp57:
Eisenhower Park, Harris Pavilion, 19399 NW Military Hwy. Take FM 1535/Military Hwy/Shavano Park exit off Loop 1604
on the city's noi:thwest side. Go north on FM 153.5/Military Hwy about 2 miles. Park entrance is on the left, just before Camp Bullis.
The Pavilion is the gated one to the right. Gates open 8:30am.
The Parks & Rec Calendar is at www.sanantonio.gov/sapar/calendar.asp?res=800&ver=true
Second Saturdays are co-sponsored by the San Antonio P~rks & Rec and BAS ..
August/ September/ October 2003 6 Bexar Tracks
CHAPTER EVENTS
Thursday, August 28, 2003 -Bexar Audubon Field Trip
A natural phenomenon
BAS members can witness bats by the millions
Pour from San Antonio's Bracken bat cave
Many claim they represent the largest concentration of a single species of mammal in the world, certainly in the Western Hemisphere.
They are the Mexjcan free-tail bats inhabiting Bracken Bat Cave northeast of San Antonio. '
Every evening these bats- females and youngsters- all pour from the cave for an evening's search for tasty and nutritious flying
insects that will take them over a wide area of South Texas. Texas A&M estimates their numbers at 20 million and their insect consumption
at 200 tons per night.
And, on the evening of Thursday, August 28 their flight will be witnessed by members of Bexar Audubon Society.
A BAS Bat Outing is scheduled for that evening. Tbose who sign up to witness this awesome display of one of nature's wonders
should meet in the parking of the Wendy's Restaurant at IH 35 and Highway 3009 in Schertz. at 6:00p.m. for departure at 6:15.
The group will be at the cave from about 7:00 to 9:00p.m. Please bring water, folding chairs if desired (there are some benches on
site) and insect repellent. Cameras and video recorders are fine. It is important, however, that spectators be as quiet as possible when
in the viewing area. ,
Suggested donations are $10 per person ($25 per family). The receipts will be split between Bexar Audubon and Bat Conservation
International.
Please phone Marge Lumpe to register if you plan to attend at 210-545-1822. Those who wish to pay in advance may mail a check
to Bexar Audubon at P.O. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209. Attendance is limited so reserve early.
Tuesday, September 2, 2003, San Antonio Environmental Network Issues Forum
New power plant proposals create many unanswered questions,
Must San Antonio choose between clean air and cheap power?
6:30p.m. -Social Time; 6:45p.m. -Program
Free and open to th.e public-Parking adjacent to th.e Center
Auditorium of the Grossman International Conference Center of the University of the Incarnate Word
Northeast corn€r ofHwy 281 and Hildebrand
With utilities across the country racing to build natural gas power plants, San Antonio's public utility, CPS, has opted for coal
power. Can our already declining air quality afford this decision? Can new technologies somehow compensate for the inherent dirtiness
of coal burning vs. natural gas? Do we need more power production or maybe just more conservation? Will CPS dirty our air to sell
cheap coal electricity to users outside the city? Or will San Antonians enjoy lower utility rates and relatively clean air with coal among
a diverse mix of fuel sources for our electrical generation?
At the public forum CPS will present its long term strategic energy and environmental plans, making the case for an additional coal
plant. But according to Tom "Smitty" Smith of Public Citizen, a national environmental advocacy group, "The problem is that CPS
hasn't even bothered to seriously consider cheaper, cleaner alternatives to a coal plant. They haven't done their homework."
Come hear about this issue that is so critical to our future economic and physical health.
For more information contact Greg Pasztor, SAEN Committee Chair, 824-1235 or email at: gpasztor@ix.netcom.com.
For more information on the CPS issue:
www. publiccitizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm ?ID= 1481
www. publiccitizen.org/pressroom/release.cfm ?ID= 14 7 4
www.citypublicservice.com/press_room/factsheets/coalplant_063003.asp
An overview of CPS's Environmental Programs is available for download
at:
www.citypublicservice.com/sitemap.asp
(click on "Environmental Report" (PDF))
August/ September/ October 2003 7
Doctor's memory honored
By gift to Bexar Audubon
Bexar Audubon Society is the grateful recipient
of a monetary donation from Royal B. Lea III in
memory of his father, Dr. Royal B. Lea, Jr. This gift
will be put to immediate use enhancing the natural
beauty of the San Antonio area.
Bexar Tracks
Mark your 2003 calendar
August 9 - Second Saturday Program:
Planning meeting.
August 22-We're having a party- see
front page- 20th Anniversary Celebra-tion
6:30pm, Los Patios, RSVP 210-545-1822
Y'all come!
August 28 - Bracken Bat Cave Field Trip
September 2-SAEN Issues Forum-
CPS
September 13-Second Saturday
Program: San Antonio, Natually
October 4 - Deadline for Nov - Dec
Newsletter to Tom Wilson
October 7- BAS Board Meeting
November 4-SAEN Issues Forum
December 2 - BAS Annual Meeting,
Election, & Holiday Party
EVENT
Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival,
Harlingen, TX, November 5-9. 1-800-531-
7346 or www.rgvbirdfest.com.
AUDUBON
.AP~LAUSE
Congratulations and appreciation to
Marge Lumpe for again being a champion
fundraiser for the chapter with her Birdathon!
Bexar Audubon Society, Inc.
P. 0. Box 6084
San Antonio, TX 78209
MITCHELL
LAKE ACCESS
Marge raised funds to support more than thirty Due to construction at the site, birding
classrooms this year with the Audubon trips to Mitchell Lake have been suspended
Adventures curriculum enrichment materials. for the next few months. When they are
Thanks to Marge for her many years of rescheduled, that information will appear
dedication to this important educational effort. on the Mitchell Lake Wetlands Society's
If you would like to support a classroom, or web site www.mlws.org.
contribute to this. time-proven program, please ', R'E "'I::J R RING* EVENTS
contact Betty Mmyard, 210-344-6128. , "',., .. ·
Congratulations and best wishes to long- San Antonio Audubon Society's Beginners'
time BAS member- and secretary in 1989 Birdwalk is held at 8:00a.m. on the second
- Elizabeth "Betty" Hughes, who after 17 Saturday of each month. Meet at the Judson
years, is retiring as Education Director of the Nature Trail in Alamo Heights. Visitors are
San Antonio Botanical Gardens. welcome. There are binoculars to le-nd.
Thanks to Harriet Kutscher, Kathy Ikerd,c Meet at the Nature Trails next to' the Alamo
Lillie Granado, and Susan Hughes for Heights Swimming Pool on Viesca St. From
preparing the mailing of the last Bexar Tracks, the 5900 block of Broadway, turn west on
and to Tom Wil~Qn and Jill Sondeen for Ogden to Greeley St., turn left one 'block,
continuing to produce such a high-quality and then right again to the parking lot on the left.
info-packed publication. More information at 210-342-2073.
..... Jfll:'. Earth Share OF TEXAS
Earth Share of Texas represents the Audubon
Foundation of Texas and the National Audubon Society
in payroll deduction plans for charitable giving. For
information, call 1-800-GREENTX or email
<estx@earthshare-texas.org>.
August/ September/ October 2003 8
Non-profit
Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio
Permit #590
r------------., Membership Form
National Audubon Society
Bexar AudubonSociety
Membership rates are:
Student/Senior $15 Basic $35
Introductory 1-year $20 (2-year: $30)
Name ___________________ _
Address. _________________ __
City _____ State __ Zip. _____ __
Phone: ( ). ________ __
Email:, ____________________ _
For a new membership, mail this coupon
and your check-payable to "National
Audubon Society, Chapter W19" to:
Bexar Audubon Society
P. 0. Box 6084
San Antonio, TX 78209
W19, 7XCH D Opt out for other mailings
By using this form, 100 percent of
your first year's dues will benefit the
chapter. .. ____________ ..
Bexar Tracks
CELEBRATE!
BeJGar Audubo/1/ Socie:tyt
• •
20& AHJttVerrary
Friday, AU;9ud 22, 2003 • 6:30 ~
Dinner wi& friDtdt Dlt/ ~ btUtfGr oj Saitulb Creek
Lor Patibr • T/te, Br~
2015 Nor~ East LDD?410J Starcrut~xit
@] @]
~ BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY's 20TH ANNIVERSARY CElEBRATION ~
~ ~
~ ~ ~
~ ~
~ ~
~ ~
~ guest r~ Dr. Paul RtJbertron- ~
~ ~
~ ScieJu:e, ~ Wildlifo Diver~i:ty PYDjYIUH/1 Te-JGM Par/a & Wild/ifo Departuu?M; ~
~ ~
~ tUt.d fo~ uumber ojBe-x.a.r Auaubo~ ~
~ ~~Naeure-) CoJUervaJ:ion-) a,nd the- Re4t Mab'ix/' ~
~ ~
~ ~
~ Ruo!Jnitib~ of comuuutity COIUerva:tio~ ltuou ~
~ Awardo to clutphr Uaderr for uuritbriot« ;erlli,ce, ~
~ siknr audib~ • R.ajfk oftWf) outrr~ art priHEr ~
~ ~
~ For HWre-iJtforHUU:WH? Cbl1tzu:r MarJe-~ 210/545,1822) or Patty Ledie-Paai:bYj 210/82~1235. ~ I@ ~
@] @]