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512-822-4503 SEPTEMBER 1992
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
CHAPTER OF THE NATIONAL AUDUBON SOCIETY
The Chapter's primary goals are to promote species and habitat conservation and environmental education In the community.
Inside Tracks
• Auction scheduled Oct. 30
• Armchair Activist-that's you
• Mitchell Lake photo contest
• President updates local issues
• Videotape library list
• Your efforts needed
• Planning meeting report
• Calendar of events for fall
• Hummingbirds
• Endangered species
• Hawkwatch, Setpember 21-22
• Audubon Adventures
'I oo Outing Scheduled
LJ Saturday, September 19
Our San Antonio Zoo is doing some­thing
positive for endangered species
through their participation in interna­tional
breeding programs. Come enjoy
the zoo, rain or shine, and learn about
these successful programs.
Arrive at the main zoo entrance by
9:45, so we can collect entrance fees [$4
for 12 years and up; $2 children 3-11]
and be ready to go by lOam. [Look for
someone in a black Bexar Audubon
t-shirt.] The tour lasts about 2 hours.
Call Susan Hughes, 696-6868, to sign
up, or register at the meeting September 17.
BAS Member Activities
Endangered Springs Ecosystems in the Edwards
Tom Arsuffi, assistant professor of biol­ogy
at Southwest Texas State University
in San Marcos, will speak on Thursday,
September 17, at our monthly general
meeting. T~e meeting will be held at the
Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia. The
meeting is free and open to the public.
Refreshments are available at 7pm with
the program following at 7:30.
Originally scheduled earlier in the year,
Arsuffi was "rained out" by one of our
spring deluges. We welcome him back in
the dry season to discuss the perilous
condition of our unique springs ecosys­tems
in the Edwards aquifer.
According to Arsuffi, the natural
springflows in these systems are critical
to numerous species of endemic flora and
fauna found nowhere else in the world­new
genera and species are still being
discovered. These springflows also help
maintain downstream ecological commu­nities,
including safeguarding natural
salinity gradients for marine nurseries
and fisheries in bays and estuaries.
Conservation efforts include research,
education, restoration, cleanup, and
monitoring. Other efforts are also under­way
to preserve these ecosystems and
mitigate the problems they face. The
Sierra Club filed a lawsuit under the
Endangered Species Act to ensure natu­ral
springflows. The City of San Antonio
illustration by Joanne Strentzsch
and groups with irrigation and agricul­tural
interests are opposed to the suit.
Arsuffi, whose specialty disciplines
include invertebrate and fungal ecology,
stream and wetlands ecology, population
and community ecology, nutritional ecol­ogy,
aquatic entomology, invertebrate
zoology, and decomposition, will inform
the group about the scientific aspects of
springs ecosystems from his perspective
as their dedicated student for several
years. Arsuffi has worked with regional
municipalities, Edwards Underground
Water District, and the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service on these ecosystems.
Arsuffi holds a PhD from New Mexico
State University, and completed post-doc­toral
work at Sapelo Island, Georgia, and
New Brunswick, Canada.
Come learn more about ecosystems that
play pivotal roles in our region's future.
fil BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992 Page2
Bexar Facts A BAS UIJdate
President's Letter
August was a busy month. Thanks go to
our members who participated in Bexar
Audubon Society's Annual Planning
Meeting August 22nd at the H-E-B
Arsenal complex and to those who mailed
in their comments and suggestions.
Special thanks go to the H.E. Butt ~
Grocery Company, which served as our
gracious host for this event, and to Rcib ;·
Borowski who led us on a stroll down the '
River Walk through the King William
District.
On August 11th several of our members
attended a Rangeland Environment
Issu es Forum, sponsored by the Texas
Agricultu ral Extension Service, at the
San Antonio Garden CenteL Groups
identified at this meeting were ran ch
owners, resource agencies, concerned cit­izens,
and environmental groups. While
it is too soon to determine if anything
productive will be achieved from this
meeting, many issues of concern to Bexar
Audubon were brought to the organizer's
attention.
Bexar Audubon has also received a copy
of the environmental assessment of a
proposed City Public Service 220 foot
freestanding communications tower to be
built immediately to the south of
Friedrich Wilderness Park. The proposed
one-half acre site is squarely in the cen­ter
of five Black-Capped Vireo nesting
territories and near Golden-Cheeked
Warbler sitings. We are monitoring this
issue in cooperation with the Friends of
Friedrich Wilderness Park.
On August 18th, representatives of
Bexar Audubon Society, San Antonio
League of Women Voters, Balcones
Canyonlands Conservation Trust, Helotes
Creek Foundation, the Alamo Group of
the Sierra Club, and Friends of Friedrich
Wilderness Park met with Dave Sutton of
the Trust for Public Lands. Discussions
centered around possible acquisition of
Resolution Trust Corporation lands in
Bexar County which might have impor­tant
recharge features, endangered species,
or cultural resources. Bexar Audubon
Society strongly endorses these efforts.
Finally, August 25th, representatives of
Bexar Audubon, Environmental Defense
Fund, the Nature Conservancy of Texas,
Hill Country Foundation, Sierra Club,
League of Women Voters, Friends for
Rivers, Texas Committee on Natural
Resources, and others met in New
Braunfels to discuss issues directly
related to the management, use, and pro­tection
of the Edwards aquifer. This
coalition allows Bexar Audubon to draw
upon the expertise contained within these
other groups so that we might make more
informed comments to any proposed
rules, regulations, or legislation.
1993 is right around the corner, and
important issues are before us. Contact
me or any of our working committees and
get involved in your society. You may not
believe it, but you can make a difference.
- Walter G. Barfield
Setting the Course­Planning
Meeting Results
Thanks to all who came to the annual
planning meeting August 22:· \V.alter
Barfield, Valerie Camilli, Audrey Cooper,
Marge Flandermeyer, Doris French, Jim
Garriott, Susan Hughes, Leslie Linehan,
Betty Minyard, Thelma Nungesser,
Christina O'Connell, Joanne Strentzsch,
Caryl Swann, and Bill Woller. Special
thanks to Rob Borowski, who helped with
arrangements at HEB, and to HEB for
kindly allowing us to use their River
Room-a most pleasant site.
The day's highlight came during a walk
in the river bend area by the King
William district. While stopped on a
bridge over the river, the "Audubon
Salute" was given simultaneously and
spontaneously by a full line of members.
What's the Audubon Salute? Left hand
over the eyes [to shield from the sun] and
right hand pointing at a bird ... somewhere!
Practice it on your own or in formation
with a group. There could be a test.
Exciting plans were made. Look for new
programs over the coming months and
renewed vigor in the chapter. Be a part of
the Audubon cause.
r;tducation Committee
.1J Activities
Speakers Needed
We are receiving more requests for
speakers for clubs and organizations:
scout groups, garden clubs, civic organi­zations,
and the like. Subjects requested
range from elementary birding to recy­cling.
In order to secure speakers for
these groups, we have called members of
Bexar Audubon. We have received good
response, so far, being able to meet the
need. However, it would be so much eas­ier
if we knew who else of you would be
willing to serve in this important capac­ity.
Contact Betty Minyard, Education
Chair, 344-6128, to volunteer. We can
tailor engagements to your schedule and
can assist with visual aids, if desired.
Audubon Adventures
We have ordered 42 subscriptions to
Audubon Adventures so far for the 92-93
school year. This program is geared
toward elementary school children, espe­cially
grades 3-6. If you are a teacher or
know of a teacher of one of these grades,
the program is available. Contact Betty
Minyard, 344-6128, and provide the name
and address of the school, the teacher's
name, and the classroom grade level.
If you would like to donate additional
funds to support more classrooms this
year, please send your check today. You
can designate a particular classroom, if
you choose a full sponsorship, or we will
find an interested teacher for you. Call
Betty Minyard for more information.
Video Library
The BAS video library is available for
use at no charge by teachers or groups
for educational purposes. Interested indi­viduals
may also borrow video tapes.
Betty even delivers and picks up for
schools and groups. A list of videos in the
BAS collection is included in this issue.
If you have video tapes that would be
appropriate for the BAS library, please
contact Betty Minyard. Your donation
would be appreciated by many viewers.
PROJECT VOTE SMART VOTER INFORMATION HOTLINE-1-800-786-6885
Page3
BAS Video Library
BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992 ~
Return Your Member Interest Forms
!Attracting Birds to Your Backyard-Roger Tory Peterson, 60 minutes
j.Bats of America-Bat Conservation International, 15 minutes
!Bats: Myth and Reality-Bat Conservation International! 30 minutes
Condemned: Falls City Hazardous Waste-KMOL, 15 mmutes
Condor-Robert Redford, teaching guide, 60 minutes
Edwards Aquifer: A Texas Treasure-Witte Museum, 20 minutes
Endangered Species Act: A Commitment Worth Keeping-National Audubon
Society, 8 minutes
I,Friendly Gray Whales-20 minutes
Galapagos: My Fragile World-World of Audubon Special, Cliff Robertson, teaching
guide, all ages, 60 minutes
!Help Save Planet Earth: Easy Ways to Make a Big Difference-Ted Danson and
other celebrities, 1 hour 11 minutes
Human Population and Wildlife: An Audubon Perspective-National Audubon
Society Population Program, 53 minutes
Integrated Pest Management-BIRC, 30 minutes
Loop 360 and the Wilderness Park-KLRN, 15 minutes
Mysterious Black-Footed Ferret-Loretta Swit, teachers guide, 60 minutes
(Vative Texas: Ecology- 45 minutes
On the Edge of Extinction: Panthers and Cheetahs-Loretta Swit, teaching guide,
60 minutes
Owls Up Close-National Audubon Society, 55 minutes
!Rain Forest Imperative-Conservation International; for high school, college, and
adults, or advanced juvenile and elementary, 25 minutes
Rotten Truth: About Trash-story of landfills, disposition of waste, Children's
Television Network, KLRN, all ages, 30 minutes
Save the Earth: A How-To Video-60 minutes
Water: "Thirst," Edwards Aquifer; "Blackburn Deposition," and "Texas Springs"
Whatever Befalls the Earth-open space planning, Collin County, 30 minutes
What's the Limit?-a study on population, discussion guide, pamphlets, 23 minutes
Wrath of Grapes-United Farm Workers, high school and above, 15 minutes
'l}bur Commitment Is
~ NeededNow
Membership demographics indicate that
Audubon members are busy people: many
of you belong to several organizations and
are involved in one or more of them. As a
whole, National Audubon Society is one of
the most active and effective grassroots
organizations around. Today, however, we
are asking you, regardless of your other
activities, to make a commitment to Bexar
Audubon. There are big jobs to be done,
and small jobs, too. You can also help by
just coming to a meeting or to the auction.
Financial Planning
To meet the local challenges we face, we
must have solid financial footing. People
are available to help, but the Finance
Committee needs a leader. Call Walter
Barfield, 736-0355, if you are willing.
Thanks to Anne Robinson, who volun­teered
to handle the Bexar Tracks mailing!
Auction Workers and Donors Needed
BAS will mount an art auction October
30, at Los Patios. If you can help with seek­ing
and collecting donations or with the
logistics of the auction, or if you have art to
donate, contact Marge Flandermeyer,
684-2668, or Susan Hughes, 696-6868.
Membership Chair Seeks a Change
Our membership chair is ready to take on
new challenges after three years at her pre­sent
job. If you're willing to take over this
important duty, call Thelma Nungesser for
more information-824-8199.
Volunteers Coordinator Sought
Lots of volunteer jobs means we'd benefit
from a volunteers coordinator. Interested?
Call Walter Barfield at 736-0355.
Education Committee Regroups
Betty Minyard is revitalizing the
Education Committee. Interested people­especially
educators, past or present-are
welcome. Call Betty at 344-6128.
When you joined or transferred you
should have received an interest form. If
you did not return it, or you need to update
it, call Thelma Nungesser, Membership
Chair, 824-8199, with your interests and
preferences. Or you may call any officer or
committee chair listed on page 8 to express
your interest or receive more information.
Speaking of Springs ...
A recent item in the Express-News
(8/28/92) reported that the San Antonio
City Council had "approved an additional
payment of $74,485 in legal fees ... for
work in a pending federal lawsuit seeking
to invoke the Endangered Species Act to
limit pumping from the Edwards aquifer.
Since 1989, when the suit was filed, the
city has spent $1,748,629 in legal fees,
City Attorney Lloyd Garza said."
To put this in perspective, the whole
annual budget for U.S. Fish and Wildlife's
administration of the ESA is only about
$40 million-about what it costs to build
one mile of highway.
Seems to your editor that there's always
money to fight against conserving
options for the future, but seldom are
there funds to implement positive plans
for protection and conservation.
FYI: The Studds' bill (HR 4045) seeks to
increase annual funding for ESA activities
to $100 million over the next five years.
It's a modest amount in the Federal bud­get,
but it could do so much good.
5~~~~~~-f~-~-i~
AUDUBON COLLECTION
AUDUBON BLANC
CALIFORNIA WHITE WINE
f'Rt)rll..IO.:ffl & BOTTlH> BY AUDUBON Cf'.IL4.RS, BERKEU!.Y,t:A
ALCOHOL 12. 4~ BY VOLUME • COtrrAINS SULFITES
fij BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992 Page4
Mitchell Lake Photo Contest in October-Audubon Volunteers Needed
October 2-4 (rain dates are 9-11) come to the Mitchell Lake Wetlands, immediately north of Mitchell Lake in South San Antonio,
to photograph wetlands and wildlife. Enter your best photos in the Focus on' Wetlands contest. There are three categories: 1)
r--------:--------.----------------------------~---------------------------------------------:-----------------------------------1 w i 1 d 1 i f e , 2) nat u r e/ s c en i c, and 3)
! Regtstratton form -send With $5 entry fee, payable to Jumor League, to: ; b t t/h w· · g h t ·11 b
: "F w 1 d "c1 E : ocus on et an s, o xpress-Ne ws, PO Bo x 24 77, ·s an Antom.o , TX 78298 :! a sb l"r ahe d u· mtohr . N mnmb p o os w1 e 8 · f th i Reservation time preferences: pu IS e m. e ovem er Issue_ 0 e
i PLEASE PRINT (Indicate 1st 2nd and 3rd San Antonw Express-News, With an
! h . ' ' awards ceremony November 18 to honor
i c Olces) best of show and first place, second place,
j Friday October 2, 4-7pm__ and honorable mention in each category.
i Entrant's Name --------- Mitchell Lake is an important nesting
i Street Address: Saturday, October 3• and feeding spot for migrating bird species
j City & State: ZIP: 7-lO am __ 4-7 pm along the Central Flyway. The contest will
i Home Phone: ---------- open the wetlands to the general public in
i Business Phone: Sunday, October 4• a manner that will not disturb the wildlife
i 7-lO am __ 4-7 pm ! and yet will allow citizens to observe the
! Signature Date ! beauty of the birds first-hand during fall
L-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------J m igra ti on. Entrants wi 11 be escorted into
the area and will be allowed three hours to photographically capture the essence of the wetlands.
The San Antonio Water System will work with volunteers from Bexar Audubon Society, Junior League of San Antonio, League of
Women Voters, San Antonio Audubon Society, and the Greater San Antonio and Southside Chambers of Commerce to plan, orga­nize,
and run the event. The San Antonio Express-News and Barry's Camera will join other sponsors in hosting the event.
Rules are as follows:
1) You must be 16 or older. 2) All photos must be taken at Mitchell Lake during the contest hours.
3) Contestants will be required to sign a liability waiver. 4) Registration form and entry fee of $5, payable to the Junior
League, must be mailed. 5) Registration forms must be postmarked by Tuesday, September 15, 1992.
6) Notification of your reservation time for the contest will be mailed to you by September 25 with a list of the official rules, a
brochure, and an entry card for admittance.
If you would like to volunteer to help with the contest, call Marge Flandermeyer, 684-2668.
REPORT POLLUTING VEHICLES [LICENSE, LOCATION, & TIME] TO 1-800-453-SMOG
PageS BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992 fij
It's Hummingbird Time
Annual Hummer/Bird Celebration Nears
The Fourth Annual Celebration is scheduled for September 17-20, in Rockport­Fulton,
Texas. See the migration of ruby-throated hummingbirds through the area.
On the program are speakers on shorebirds to butterflies and more. Those who have
attended previous celebrations say it's quite a treat. Pre-registration details [it's
strongly recommended] are in the calendar.
Erifoying Hummingbirds More
Enjoying Hummingbirds More is a special publication from Bird Watcher$ Digest.
The 32-page booklet focuses on these lovely creatures and discusses feeding your
hummingbirds and planting for hummers. It includes extensive plant listings and a
section on finding hummers in the wild. The book answers common questions and
dispels common myths, too. Individual copies are available for $2.50 plus $1 postage
from Bird Watcher's Digest Press, PO Box llO, Marietta, Ohio 45750.
Hummingbirds a Favorite with School Children
This drawing of a broad-tailed
hummingbird was done by
third-grader Katie Brockway of
St. George Episcopal School as
part of Bexar Audubon's spring
"'"-·"'·'-·-·"''" '""'?'"~W'¥'1 BIRDATHON Nature Walk.
Bexar Audubon needs your
·A '-'':.":·., .:~~,.,,,._,.,.,.,," . :;t~:::~f-i!,;;J;~;,~J:t,< ·s@tff::;,;;,, A l help to meet the demand for
Audubon Adventures and other
education programs this year.
'--"--'------"---'----------------' Your tax -d ed uctibl e contri bu­tion
of any amount may be mailed to Bexar Audubon at the address on the newsletter.
Help bring the enjoyment and appreciation of nature, as well as an awareness of the
challenges we face in the coming years on earth, to even more students this year.
It's not too late. Audubon Adventures is just getting started for this school year and
new schools can still be signed up. For more information, call Betty Minyard, educa­tion
committee chair, at 344-6128.
Since you choose make a difference, you make it possible for children to make a dif­ference,
too. If you would like to join the education committee, call Betty today.
Your Elected Officials
President George W. Bush • 202-456-1414
The White House• Washington, DC 20500
The Honorable Lloyd Bentsen • 202-224-5922
730 Hart Senate Bldg. • Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Phil Cramm • 202-224-2934
370 Russell Senate Bldg. • Washington, DC 20510
The Honorable Albert Bustamante, District 23
202-225-4511 • FAX 202-225-3849
1116 Longworth House Bldg.•Washington, DC 20515
727 E. Durango • San Antonio, TX 78206 • 229-6191
The Honorable Kika De La Garza, District IS
202-225-2531 • PAX 202-225-2533
1401 Longworth House Bldg.•Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Henry B. Gonzalez, District 20
202-225-3236 • FAX 202-225-1915
2413 Rayburn House Bldg.•Washington, DC 20515
727 E. Durango • San Antonio, TX 78206 • 229-6195
The Honorable Greg Laughlin, District 14
202-225-2831
1033 Longworth House Bldg.•Washington, DC 20515
The Honorable Lamar Smith, District 21
202-225-4236 • PAX 202-225-8628
509 Cannon House Office Bldg.•Washington, DC 20515
10010 San Pedro • San Antonio, TX 78216 • 229-5880
Capitol Switchboard: 202-224-3121
..,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,...,.
When you contact your national
elected officials, send a copy to NAS
headquarters, 950 Third Avenue, New
York, NY 10022. Let BAS know when
you act on local issues. The association
monitors member concern and sup­port
and "reminds" officials about their
constituents' opinions.
National Audubon Society
Chapter Membership Application
Why Protect Populations?
0 Yes, I'd like to join. Please enroll me as a member of the
National Audubon Society and of my local chapter, Bexar
Audubon Society. Please send Audubon magazine, Bexar Tracks,
and my membership card to the address below.
0 A $20 check for my introductory membership is enclosed.
0 I think an Audubon Society membership is a great gift. Send gift
memberships to my friends and family listed separately ($20 each).
NAME ________________________________ __
ADDRESS ------------------------------
CITY/STATE/ZIP ________________________ _
PHONE -------------------------------
Make all checks payable to the National Audubon Society.
Send this form and your check to:
Bexar Audubon Society
P.O.Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209
~--------wr~i-----1
! Local Chapter !
! Code 7XCHA ! L.--------------------..1
A common argument about the Endangered Species Act
questions the need to protect discrete populations of a species.
Opponents say one population should be enough.
A quick study of population biology clearly illustrates the
requirement for multiple populations. But we have several
even more graphic demonstrations this month.
Spotted owl habitat in the Pacific Northwest is suffering
from a devastating forest fire. Also, we still have not heard
what may have occurred in the Florida Keys to isolated popu­lations
of Key Deer as a result of the hurricane. And these are
just two obvious examples regarding two obvious species.
When a natural disaster strikes, entire populations can be
quickly wiped out. What then, if that particular population
had been the only population chosen for protection by some
person who accepted the role of an arbitrary god? Genetic
diversity mustn't be undervalued as a justification for protect­ing
multiple populations, but situations like these are black
and white--no shades of gray.
Write your representative and urge co-sponsorship of Rep.
Gerry Studds' bill , HR 4045, to reauthorize and strengthen
the Endangered Species Act.
fil BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992 Page&
Bexar Audubon Makes the
Commitment ••• Now, You Are
the Necessary Element
You Can Be an
Armchair Activist
taking "At-Home Action for Environmental Protection."
With today's jam· and local officials vote on legislation that
packed lifestyle, affects everything from the air we breathe to
folks like you don't have time to sort out the the land we live on. Industries and developers
complexities of environmental issues. We do it continuously lobby for their own self-interests
for you and focus our collective efforts on with little regard for the environment that you,
action-directed activities that take as little as I, and our grandchildren will have to live in and
a half-hour per month. Thousands of concerned clean up.
citizens like you, from all over the country, "On Capitol Hill we are out-numbered a thou·
have joined our army of Armchair Act ivists and sand to one by industry lobbyists offering PAC
are truly making a difference. money and honoraria to officials whom they
Each of the following Armchair Activities will urge to compromise environmental legislation.
require a time commitment of as little as a We all feel a responsibility to save our environ·
half-hour per month. Anyone can participate, mental integrity, but as individuals we are
such as friends, business associates, relatives, overwhelmed by the task, thus choosing inac·
and neighbors. Simply complete and return the tion. Together we can successfully counter
subscription form with a check for $6 per year. compromises to our environment and not feel
According to Jeff Lippert, Conservation Chair overwhelmed or overworked. Armchair Activist
of ThornCreek Audubon, a small amount of activities provide an effective, simplified, low·
effort by many individuals can save our envi· time-consuming means to save our environ·
ronment. "Every day our federal, state, county, ment-from the comfort of our own homes."
~--------- - -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------~
Bexar Audubon Society
Armchair Activist Annual Subscription
You'll get monthly mailings on national and local issues telling you exactly what to do
and how to do it, sample letters, easy instructions-tools for quick and effective action.
NAME __________________________________ __
ADDRESS
CITY/STATE/ZIP -----------------------------------------------------------
PHONE(home) ____ (business) _______ (fax) ____ _
Desired Armchair Activity (check one or more):
0 Letter of the Month 0 Village Voice
o Media Master 0 Adopt-N-Issue
o Armchair Outreach 0 Activity Coordinator
o Telephone Rapid Response Team
0 Production Assistant
0 AMOUNT ENCLOSED: $6.00
(Payable to Bexar Audubon Society­Helps
with postage and supplies)
Mail to: Armchair Activist, Bexar Audubon
Society, PO Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209
Page7 BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992 fij
~
ARMCHAIR ACTIVITIES
Letter of the Month Club (time required, about V2 hour per month)-The Letter of the Month (LOM) is a
critical piece of our grassroots program. There is nothing like a torrent of mail to make a legislator think
twice about opposing environmentally concerned constituents on an issue. A strong grassroots campaign
can influence even the most recalcitrant lawmakers.
When action is needed, we decide which legislative members to target. We then carefully craft the LOM
Letlero6: Month to provide what we need to write in our letter; a concise description of the problem; when to send the let-ter;
what arguments to make; the necessary names & addresses; and a sample letter for you to personalize and rewrite.
As a constituent, your opinions matter more than the rounds of visits that lobbyists make. Your letters are very important
to our team effort to pass sound environmental legislation and safeguard our precious natural world.
Telephone Rapid Response Team (time required, about 1/2 hour per month)-You will be part of a tele­phone
tree, receiving one call and making a call to the targeted party, plus from zero to two others on the
tree. Typical applications of the Rapid Response Team will be to make critical timely calls to state your
I
position on an issue up for vote before a Congressman or other official at his or her local or DC office.
Your call will merely be tabulated. Staff persons receiving your calls do not ask substantive questions.
Media Masters (time required, about 1 hour per month)-:-Write a "letter to the editor" or a
"press release" about the topic from the Letter of the Month Club. You will be provided with
the same material as above plus media contacts and addresses.
~
~ Telephone Rapid
Respon81! Team
Activity Coordinator (time required, about 3 hours per month)-The coordinator will assemble and dis­tribute
the required materials to the activity participants and answer questions about form and format.
~~~~· Coordinators will beet bi-monthly with the conservation chair and are encouraged to attend special training
seminars and field trips (e.g., State capitol, Audubon regional conference). This position is for those who
want to take extra interest in the success of the activity of their choice.
Adopt-N-Issue (time required, 1/2-3 hours per month, variable)-Activity participants will choose from .--..... - ..
national or state, county, or local issues of importance. You follow this issue in reporting publications and
make a monthly summary report to the conservation committee. Also, you alert the committee if immedi­ate
acton is required. You will be provided with the list of resource contacts and resource publications.
Village Voice (time required, about" V2-3 hours per month)-Activity participants will moni­tor
the monthly meeting agenda of your community in order to identify environmentally
damaging issues such as developers' petitions for zoning changes. You will attend pertinent meetings and
when needed contact your city manager to get on the agenda yourself and present your views on the
issue. This activity could go for months with just a few minutes every two weeks contacting city hall to get
the agenda.
Armchair Outreach (time required, about 2 hours per month)-Activity participants will offer our free
speaking services to groups of ten or more on selected topics, which will vary, but will all have a conser­vation
theme. They will often relate to one of the Adopt-N-Issue or Letter of the Month topics. You will not
be required to speak. You will be provided with a listing of potential groups, such as social, service, or
professional groups; garden clubs; retirement homes; church, temple, and other adult and youth groups.
Production Assistant (time required, about 2 hours per month)-You will be the key link in the process
of producing the materials for distribution to the activity coordinator for the Armchair Activist participants.
You will be provided with copy in hand-written or excerpt form. A typewriter or word processor is needed.
Outreach
Armchair Activist is a project of the National Audubon Society. Produced by Jeff Lippert, 1415 Braeburn, Flossmoor, IL 60422. Portions copyright © 1990.
Bexar Audubon is excited about offering Armchair Activist to you. We hope you'll be excited, too, and will decide
to make the commitment to participate. For more information, contact Tatjana Terauds or Susan Hughes at 696-6868.
Calendar (continued from page 8)
November
14 BAS Second Saturday at Friedrich
Wilderness Park. "Ethnobotany." 9 am.
Free. Call 698 1057.
21 or 22 BAS Adopt-a-Park workday at
~'riedrich Wilderness Park. "Plant Rescue."
9 am. Call698-1057.
December
5 Friedrich Wilderness Park. Natural
History Hike. 9 am. Free. Call 698-1057.
5 "Nature Crafts." Friedrich Park. 10 am.
Charge.
Ongoing
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department offers
nature activities too numerous to list here.
Buy your annual Texas Conservation
Passport for $25 and get discounts and other
benefits. Call 1-800-937-9393.
Every Thursday, 1 pm, San Antonio City
Council meetings, City Hall.
San Antonio Light CreenLine offers environ­mental
tips & event reminders 24 hours
a day at 512-554-0500, category 7220.
National Audubon Society's Actionline-a
weekly update. Dial 202-547-9009 and
ask for the Actionline; after hours, press
4 when the line answers.
Legislative Info. & Bill Status, 202-225-1772.
~ BEXAR TRACKS, September 1992
Calendar- September
8 "Creative Partnerships for
Conservation."SA Environmental
Coalition. Witte Museum Auditorium. 7
pm. Call826-4698 for information.
10 BAS Board Meeting. 7:30pm. Call Caryl
Swann, 653-2860, for location.
10-12 National Watchable Wildlife
Conference, Missoula, MT. Defenders of
Wildlife, 1244 19th St NW, Washington,
DC20036.
12 Friedrich Wilderness Park Interpretive
Guide Training begins. Call Patty Leslie
for details. 698-1057.
12 BAS Second Saturday at Friedrich
Wilderness Park. "Snakes." 9 am. Free.
Ca11698-1057.
17 BAS Conservation Committee Meeting.
Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia, 6 pm.
Call Dick Pipes, 1-512~569-2452. All
members & interested people invited.
17 BAS General Meeting - Tom Arsuffi on
Endangered Springs Ecosystems. At the
Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia, 7 pm.
Free & open to the public.
17-20 Hummer/Bird Celebration, Rockport­Fulton.
Reservations and pre-registra­tion
recommended: 1-800-242-0071 .
18 "Perspectives on Predators." Coyote,
bobcat, eagle, black bear, and mountain
lion ecology, sponsored by the Texas
Agricultural Extension Service. Pecos
County Civic Center. Ft. Stockton, Tx.
Preregistration of $15 due by Sept.ll.
Contact Dr. Dale Rollins, 915-653-4576.
19 7th Annual Texas Coastal Cleanup.
19 BAS Outing. San Antonio Zoo [seepage 1
for more information]. 10 am.
19 BAS Adopt-a-Park workday at Friedrich
Wilderness Park. 9 am. Call698-1057.
19 Hawkwatch 1992. Prime migration days
this year are likely to be September 21
and 22, but John Economiddy, Hawk
Migration Association of North America,
will be observing the migration at Hazel
. Bazemore County Park, off Highway 77
on FM Road 624 near Corpus Christi,
Sept. 19, 20, 22, 23, 26,& 27. Call Marge
Flandermeyer for more information,
684-2668.
19 "Composts and Critters." Malcolm Beck
of GardenVille, organic gardening
expert, discusses soils, mulches, and
insect control. 10 am to noon. San
Antonio Botanical Gardens. Charge. Call
821-5143 for more information.
22 "Natural History of South Central Texas
Flora" begins. San Antonio Botanical
Gardens. 7 to 9 pm Thursdays through
October 13, three Saturday field trips
October 3-17. $65 for Botanical Gardens
members; $80 for non-members. Call
Elizabeth Hughes at 821-5143.
22 Native Plant Society Meeting.Terry
Lewis, landscape architect, on xeriscap­ing
with Texas natives. Lions Club
Fieldhouse. 7 pm
25-27 "The Citizens Respond: The Earth
Summit and Beyond." East Lansing, MI.
US Citizens Network on UNCED national
conference for community activists, pol­icy
specialists, & academics creating new
partnerships for sustainable develop­ment.
$135. Call 800-44 7-3549 for regis­tration.
25-27 Big Late Summer Trip to the
Panhandle to explore shortgrass prairies.
Native Prairies Association of Texas. Call
Lynn Pace, 817-658-3922, for detai Is.
26-27 Public Land Crazing. 1992 New Mexico
Audubon Conference, Las Cruces. For
information, call Cathie Sandell, 505-
382-5767, or Tom and Eleanor Woote,
505-522-8068.
October
3-4 Mitchell Lake Photography Contest. See
details within.
PageS
3 Friedrich Wilderness Park. Natural
History Hike. 9 am. Free. Call698-1057.
3 "Trails and Trackways." Friedrich Park
Young Naturalist Series. 10 am. Charge.
4 Ornithology Croup of Houston pelagic
trip out of Port Aransas on the 80-foot
Scat-Cat. Departs 5:30 am and returns
6:30 pm. For birders only. $40 per per­son.
Call Brandford at 713-855-2615.
8-9 "Ethics in Environmental Communica­tion."
National Association of Profes­sional
Environmental Communicators
Conference. Chicago. 312-661-1721.
10 BAS Second Saturday at Friedrich
Wilderness Park. "Birds of Prey/' 9 a~n.
Free. Call698-l057.
10-11 Rain date for Mitchell Lake
Photography Contest. See details within.
16-18 Native Plant Society of Texas
Annual Meeting. Nacogdoches. Call
NPSOT at 512-863-9685 for information.
17 BAS Adopt-a-Park workday at Friedrich
Wilderness Park. 9 am. Call698-1057.
17 San Antonio Herb Market & Festival.
Aggie Park [West Avenue, outside IH-
410]. 10am-5pm. Free admission.
27 Native Plant Society Meeting. Lions Club
Fieldhouse. 7 pm.
30 BAS Art Auction at Los Patios. 7-9 pm.
See details within.
31 Halloween Hike and Story-telling.
Friedrich Wilderness Park. 6 pm. Call
698-1057.
November
7 Friedrich Wilderness Park. Natural
History Hike. 9 am. Free. Call 698-1057.
7 "Who Eats Who?" Friedrich Park Young
Naturalist Series. 10 am. Charge.
Calendar continued on page 7.
OFFICERS AND BOARD
Walter Barfield
Marge Flandenneyer
Betty Minyard
President
Vice President
Treasurer
Secretary
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
736..0355
684-2668
344-6128
653-2860
651-6054
226-6808
696-6868
824-8199
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIE1Y
P.O. BOX 6084
NON-PROFIT ORG.
U.S. POSTAGE
PAID
Caryl Swann
Audrey Cooper
Ronald "Rusty" Guyer
Susan K. Hughes
Thelma Nungesser
Richard Pipes 1-512-569-2452
COMMITTEE CHAIRPERSONS
Conservation Richard Pipes 1-512-569-2452
Education Betty Minyard 344-6128
Finance
Membership Thelma Nungesser 824-8199
Outings Marge Flandenneyer 684-2668
Programs Nathan Ratner 826-4462
Publicity Christina O'Connell 308..0959
Bexar Tracks Editor Susan K. Hughes 696-6868
PO Box 690028, San Antonio, TX 78269-0028•FAX 696-8053
TI1e editor believes the information in this pui)lication to be accurate as of
September 3. We wekome contributions of interest to members. Submissions may
be edited. Deadline Is the day after the general meeting. f...... Printed on acid-free 50 percent recycled ~~_,.o"""l
•• paper(;:.lO percent post-consumer waste). ~. ..S OY'LNK
SAN ANTONIO, TX 78209
Address Correction Requested
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SAN ANTONIO, TEXAS
Permit No. 590