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Volume XVI, No. 7
July 1998 IEXARS· TR Cl
· Thursday, July 16, 1998. -Chapter Meeting
A Look ·af Environmentalists in Action
in San Anto.nio~ and South Texas
BEXAR
AUDUBON
SOCIETY
SAN ANTONIO
TEXAS
RECEIVED
lilt 101998
7 p.m. -Social Time
7:30p.m.-speaker'sPrqgram . ~JS~~ibrary Seria!
Free and open to the public
Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia (east of McCullough; take Mulberry exit off 281)
For VIA public transportation, take !loute.5 (St. Mary's/McCullough/North Star Mall) to Magnolia
The poet Robert Burns once pleaded:
0 wad some pow'r the giftie gie us
To see oursels as others see us!
It wad frae mony a blunder free us
And foolish notion · ·
BAS members, many of whom toil diligently for various conservation causes, will have the opportunity to learn how they appear
to the dispassionate observer at the July monthly meeting. Our speaker will be Patrick Driscoll, editor of the Express-News North Central
edition Sun.
Driscoll, who has cbvered many of the major environmental issues in the San Amonio area, will share his obserVations of how
effectively environmentalists collaborate witQ other groups in making an impact on mefropolitan area issues. 'He will also provide an·
analysis of recent "triumphs, tribulations and challenges" in the l?cal environmental are~a. ·
Saturday, August 15, 1998-Chapter Outing
Last Chance Forever Birds of Prey Conservancy .
' ,-( ' .
If you've seen John Karger and his Birds of Prey show at local events like Viva Botanica, or some of his
birds at the Wild Bird Center, you will know what to expect when we visit Last C~ance Forever (LCF). LCF takes
in injured birds of pre'y like red-tailed hawks, eastern 'screech owls, turkey vultures, bald eagles, etc. and attempts
to rehabilitate them to the point that they can be released into the wild.
Some birds, unfortumitely, are in' such bad shape that they cannot be released. These birds are kept by
LCF and used in their educational programs that you have seen at various events. Come join us as we tour the
facility. We will learn how they care for these magnificent birds, and if we are really lucky, LCF might even bring
some of those birds out so that we can get a closeup view. ·
Directions: The Last Chance Foreyer Birds of Prey Conservancy is on North Loop Roc:id. Take the
Nakoma exit off of Hwy 281, and turn left (west) onto Nakoma, heading away from the airport . North Loop Road
is .the first right after you turn onto Nakoma. North Loop Road curves sharply once and then you come to Last
Chance Forever. If you reach Coker Methodist Ch~rch, you have passed it. In fact, park at the Church and walk
next· door.
Time: Meet there at 8 a.m. We are starting early in the day in an attempt to beat .. the heat. Be sure, however, to dress
appropriately. To minimize the impact on the recuperating birds, this visit is limited to 20 people, on a first-come, first-served basis.
To reserve a· space call Bill Sain at 408-7731.
BEXAR AUDUBON SOCIETY
Chapter of the National Audubon Society
P. 0. Box 6084, San Antonio, TX 78209
210-822-4503
GOALS
The Chapter's primary goals are
to promote species and habitat
conservation and environmental education
In the community.
OFFICERS
President Bill Sain (71634.230@compuser:ve.com) .... 408-7731
Vice Pres. Mike Macke ...... (mmecke@saws.org) ........ 344-3737
Treasurer Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .............. 344-6128
Secretary Deborah Robinson ........ ......................... .. ..... 493-4663
" ........................ (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com)
Past Pres. Susan Hughes . .. .............................. ........ 532-2332
" ........................ (Susan@wordwright.com)
BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Term Ending 1999:
Kim Hoskins ...................... ............................ .................... 696-3780'
Jane Nelka ......................... Qsneal@texas.net) .......... 561-0313
Harry Noyes ...... ...... ............. .. .... ............ .............. ........ 490-3124
Term Ending 2000:
Chris Dullnig ......................... (cdullnig@juno.com) . 830-980-8156
Maria Elizalde .. ............ .......... .. .............. ........................ 695-4256
Janis Merrit ......................... .. ...................................... 698-1095
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Adopt-a-Park Bill Woller .................... .................... .............. 696-3186
Aud. Adven. Betty Minyard ... (mink@texas.net) .......... .... 344-6128
Birdathon Bill Sain (71634.230@compuserve.com) .... 408-7731
Conserv. Richard Pipes .. (rjplpes@flash.net) .. .. 830-281 -2452
Education ... ..................... ............. ........ ............. ............ available
Hospitality Nancy Johnson ...... ....................................... 655-1338
Memb. Deborah Robinson ...... .. .......................... ...... 493-4663
" ........................ (dlr2spirit@compuserve.com)
Natural lnit. Tom Wilson ...... (twilsond@AOL.com) ........ 492-4799
Outings .. .. ...... .......... ..... ................................. ........ .... available
Programs Chris Dullnig .... (cdullnig@ juno. com) . 830-980-8156
Publicity Rita Heck ... ................................... .... ....... .. .. ..... ...... ... ..
SAEN Coord. Bill Sain ............ (see above) ................ .... ... 408-7731
Ways & Means Bill Sain ...... ...... (see above) .................. ..... 408-7731
BexarT,.cks Tom Wilson ...... (twilsond@AOL.com) ..... ... 492-4799
Editors Jill Sondeen .......................................... 830-980-3277
Qsondeen@NetXPress.com) .. ...... Fax: 830-438-7393
Bexar Tracks is your newsletter.
We welcome your contributions.
Next deadline: July 17, 1998
Please fax Jill or email Tom as above; diskettes
and hard copy should be sent to Tom Wilson,
13227 Hunters Spring, San Antonio, TX 78230.
Printed with soy ink on
recycled paper.
Visit Bexar Audubon's
Web Site:
http://www.audubon.org/chapter/tx/bexar/
Suggestions and contributions are welcome.
Please contact Jill Sondeen at
July 1998
Sometimes being president of this organization can be very frustrating ....... !
have so many grand plans and so little time to devote to them! Despite all the
wonderful volunteers working on your behalf, there are only 24 hours in a day and
lots of other things vying for our attention. Things like earning a living, time with
family, housework chores, etc. Being an environmentalist also has its frustrations.
We are continually fighting battles in the war to protect our environment. The defeats
and/or draws sometimes seem to outnumber the victories.
It never fails, however, that just when, I am feeling the lowest, something
will always happen to cheer me up, encouraging me to fight on for another day.
This month, the encouragement came from two different directions. First, we were
notified that this chapter newsletter won third place tor large chapters in the National
Audubon Society's Biennial Newsletter Contest. This is the third time in a row that
we have placed in the top three. Tom and Jill are doing a wonderful job on the
newsletter, so please call or e-mail them with congratulations on their recognition. I
will be accepting this award on their behalf at the National Audubon Convention in
Estes Park, Colorado, in early July.
Many thanks to Mike Mecke and Chris Dullnig for the second source of
encouragement. Mike found out that a local high school student, Christina Salazar,
was awarded an Honorable Mention in the International Stockholm Junior Water
Prize for her research on the impact that the paints used on the hulls of boats have
on se~ urchins. Christina, soon to be a sophomore at Keystone, was the only
Texan to be recognized in this most prestigious student environmental science
contest in the world. With Mike's encouragement, Chris tracked Christina down
and invited her to attend Dr. Wharlen's talk on the Gulf of Mexico's fisheries at our
June meeting. Christina and her momattended and I asked Christina to tell us a
little about her award-winning research. Now, as most of you know. most people
would choose to go to the dentist over addressing a bunch of strangers in public,
but Christina got up and did a wonderful job. She really knew the subject, fielding a
number of questions from the crowd. Christina's enthusiasm for wildlife and our
environment was infectious. That she at such a young age has made the connection
between human actions and their impact on the environment is exemplary. Her
desire to take an active role in fully understanding that impact is tremendous. Her
sunshine burned off all the clouds of my frustrations, encouraging me to continue to
''fight the good fight."
The good news continued after the end of the formal presentation by Dr.
Wharlen and Christina. Both Christina and her mother are very interested in
becoming more involved in local volunteer efforts to protect the environment. Bexar
Audubon, on the spot, presented Christina with a year's membership in National
Audubon and our chapter. I truly look forward to seeing Christina and her Mom at
future chapter events.
Population in ~
the Spotlight
Check out the "Population in
the Spotlight" item ori page 1 08 of your
July-August 1998 Audubon magazine.
The item mentions Bexar Audubon
Society's part icipation in the Texas
Population Conference. A recap of that
meeting was given ih last month's Bexar
Tracks.
2
-Bill Sain
.-Upcoming Chapter
Meetings for 1998__;_
August 20 - BAS Planning Meeting.
September 17- David Bowles- Edwards
Aquifer and the Endangered Species
PLEASE VOLUNTEER-YOUR
CHAPTER NEEDS YOU!
Bexar Tracks
June13. 1998. Outing Recap
SECO CREEK WATER QUALITY DEMONSTRATION PR_OJECT TOUR
A good group of 20 met at the Seco Creek
Project office on the town square in Hondo­after
being admonished by their town's
famous sign 'This is God's Country, so don't
drive through it like hell!" -
Our tour group
was ably led by Larry
Allen, a Seco Creek
representative employed
by the Natural
Resources Conservation
Service, USDA, which is
one of the Project
cooperators. Larry was assisted by Tom
Fillinger, a semi-retired wildlife biologist
assis~ing the program.
Shortly after 9 am the group
stopped at the Fohn Brothers Farm to view
a pair of very progressive agricultural
irrigation systems. David and Bobby Fohn
have installed two expensive center pivot
systems. We viewed the striking difference
between the 3-4 ft. tall non-irrigated corn
and the 8ft. tall irrigated cornfield. Not only
is valuable Edwards water conserved, but
water quality is improved in nearby streams
by reducing or eliminating surface runoff
which may carry pollutants and sediment.
Currently, such progressive irrigation
practices can raise efficiency levels from 50
percent to 90 percent or more! The primary
factor halting the general use of improved
mechanical irrigation systems is the huge
cost-agriculture is a tough business!
Our second stop was at co-guide
Tom Fillinger's home near the historic
community of D'Hanis, which is widely
known across Texas for its production of
bricks. There we met Dr. Bruce Lesikar,
Professor of Agricultural Engineering at
Texas A & M University, who happened to
be in the area teaching a class on On-Site
Wastewater Treatment.
He and his wife braved the early
morning drive and the 1 00+ degree heat to
be at his research site to personally explain
how artificial wetlands waste treatment
systems function. This particular design is
a septic system with a secondary rock­plants
effluent treatment which then
provides irrigation water to the homeowner.
This system is a mix of cattails, rushes and
beautiful flowering canna lilies. Some in
other places are pure flowers such as
cannas and iris and can't be told from true
flower beds. The group was very impressed
with the system and kept Dr. Lesikar and
Tom busy with questions. This is a practice
July 1998
which has application in several parts of
Bexar County.
Valdina Farms famous Valdina
Sinkhole and recharge dam was our third
stop. Virgil Bole, owner, was kind enough
to let the tour see this very impressive
Edwards Aquifer recharge feature (picture
at right). A dam, built by the former Edwards
Underground Water District, funnels flood
waters from Seco (dry) creek along a deep,
blasted canal into the 140 ft. deep sinkhole.
When recharging, it is an impressive sight!
Further down the Seco Creek we stopped
at the Camp Mary Louise crossing to view
a natural recharge area of the creek which
is partially responsible for the creek's
name-it literally goes dry after crossing the
Edwards Recharge Zone segment!
Lunch, somewhat delayed
because there was so much to see, was at
a beautiful lake built on Dr. Winn's Ranch
where we observed the results of years of
carefully planned brush management.
Practices such as rangeland seeding and
deferment, prescribed grazing
management and wildlife management
have all been designed into the owner's
long term plan. Dense, unproductive and
water-robbing cedar (ashe juniper) is being
replaced with native grasses and desirable
wildlife shrubs. Two relatively rare Hill
, Country trees were viewed-the Smoke
Tree and the red barked Texas Madrone.
We also got a laugh at a native range plant
"Queen's Delight", which is known in
botanical circles for its charactieristic long
root and a fruit with 3 balls. The range
restoration efforts were discussed by Larry
and the ranch foreman, who both related
the positive effects of erosion control and
improved forage for livestock and wildlife.
Improved soil penetration by rainfall, which
then recharges both shallow and deep
aquifers, is another major benefit of these
expensive practices. Long-term grazing
management combined with constant
"touch-up" brush management is then
required to maintain the botanical diversity.
Our Edwards Plateau, like most other areas
of Texas's rangelands, was once classified
as an oak savannah, which means it was
basically an open grasslands with scattered
individual and groups of trees-with only
limited amounts of cedar. Major changes
in plant composition and cover have
occurred since the arrival of Europeans due
to factors such as wildfire control, livestock
overgrazing and fencing of ranges.
3
Our last stop on this entertaining
and educational tour was along a riparian
area of Hondo Creek. Riparian areas are
the wet, green areas of native plants, which
grow along all waterways B.E. (Before
Engineers). Seriously, this is a very pretty
stream in a fairly natural state along a ranch
road. It had not been mowed, sprayed,
shaped, concreted or otherwise "improved."
We saw some beautiful remnants of native
tall grasses such as lndiangrass,
switchgrass and Eastern gamagrass, which
is thought to be the wild ancestor of our corn!
Tall rushes, sedges and other forbs are on
this riparian zone, which is very typical.
Some trees were present on the site, but
on this particular area, trees are not the
dominant plant such as they are along the
Medina River. While this is a rural stream,
it aptly demonstrates the correct manner of
building roads along waterways and
designing subdivisions in San Antonio or
elsewhere. When roads are parallel to
creeks and rivers and up above the flood
plain, they serve to delineate and protect
these sensitive riparian zones. The
resulting greenbelts are then available riot
only for water resource protection, but
wildlife and fisheries habitat, plus limited
human recreational use. Houses or
businesses, are then built across the street
facing the beauty of the greenbelt and
serving as a protective factor for both
humans and the natural resources.
We sincerely thank the staff of the
famous award winning Seco Creek Water
Quality Demonstration Project for their
sharing of information and education with
us. An added bonus is we all had time to
get to know some of our neighbors better
and learn a little about each other's goals,
needs and problems-which we found are
much more similar than different! Thanks
and ya'll come see us sometime.
-Mike Mecke
Bexar Tracks
Hughe_s Tells Land Trust The Future of Texas ..
· Depends on Cooperation, Vision, Stewardship
Editor's note: Susan Hughes~ former BAS In ·their Senate Bill 1 Primer on
president; Texas Coordinator, National Texas Water, Texas Parks & Wildlife writes:
Audubon Society Population & ·Habitat "Some 281 major and histqrical springs have
Campaign; and member. of the Edwards been .identified as existing in Texas at some
Aquifer Authority Board, spoke on June 23 time in the pas~. Of the four very largest only
to the directors of the newly for.med Bexar two remain: Coma! and San Marcos. Of the
Land Trust. Following are excepts: · original 31 large springs, only 17 remain.
Congratulations to each of you. ·Altogether, 63 of our major springs had failed
You have come together and made a firm by 1973. One estimate is that the number
commitment to the future of south central of springs no longer flowing has doubled
Texas. Our past was built on ' since then. None of those
the land. Our present depends "I envision a central springs stopped flowing
on it. Our future will be Texaswhereseepsand.becauseofnaturalcauses."
determined by it. springs feed pockets of These springs fed the
It is no nevvs to any rich biodiversity in the streams and creeks and rivers
of you that Texas is about 97 nooks and crannies of that nourished the, coastal
percent privately . owned. In a wild places." . plains and kept the bays_ and
state this size that does leave · estuaries flushed and
a few acres in public ownership, but it also refreshed, producing a bounty' of aquatic
means that an amazing amount of land is wndlife and plants and abundant biodiversity.
in private hands. Indeed, some of the most How can we return to that Texas
valuable and critical habitat for wildlife is in of the Pearl Beer slogan-"from the country
those places that are rarely seen, seldom of 1100 springs"? Only by nurturing th~ land.
visited, and relatively untouched-because. You hold the roadmap tor that journey.
it is protected on private land. Through your personal -contacts, your
In Texas, just as in the rest of the commitment to 'stewardship, your
U.S., the multiple-use demands being hu'sbanding of resources, and your vision,
placed on public lands today, coupled with you will make it possible for landowners in
the chronic uncjerfunding of these this region to step forward with a pledge to
resources, means that the preservation of the future.
quality habitat depends upon private · I've never been accused of being
citizens and their desire, dedication, and anything but an optirhist, so I cheerfully
ability to leave a legacy of land. envision a central Texas where seeps and
The land trust movement in Texas springs teed pockets of rich biodiversity in
has blossomed over the past several years. the nooks and . crannies of . wild
Today there are dozens of-trusts and new places ... where native orchids bloom and
ones taking shape all the time as precious frogs and salamanders convene to revel in
resources are recognized and caring people the dar'k, moist recesses. of our
come together to protect them. These hon~ycombed hillsides. I envision riparian
· organizations range from the size of The wetlands that wind their ways slowly 'to the
Nature Conservancy to those .protecting Gulf.! can smell the fresh and tender growth
parcels of watersheds or a discrete natural from newly burned brush lands, a palette of
feature. Whateverthesizeandwhateverthe textures and shades of green that
focus, the message is clear-people who overwhelm the senses, pushing back the
care must come together to ensure that we climax to embrace more species in every
stop the hemorrhaging loss of the places kingdom. I delight in seeing. a future for our
we hold dear. children and grandchildren that holds firm
In prote<;:ting land, we also protect to pristine open spaces ... spaces you have
our water-nowhere is that clearer than in helped conserve.
the Edwards Aquifer r~gion. San Antonio ' Thank you all for agreeing to serve
was founded because of the springs that the mission of this important organization. I
flowed abundantly here. Our community has wish you great success, ample celebration,
also been their death. Not 6nly are San generous funding, eager landowners, simple
Pedro and San Antonio Springs mere paperwork, boundless energy, creative
remnants of their past glory-when they solutions, and happiness in the camaraderie
[lappen to flow at all-but they have been , of like-minded COII(lagues.
almost obliterated from the landscape.
July 1998
Bexar Land Trust
The newly formed Bexar Land
Trust is chaired by June Kachtik. It has the
following Mission Statement:
''To acquire, preserve, and protect
lands, including open space, in the Bexar
County region for conservation of natural
areas, scenic aresa, existing and potential
recreation areas, and other natural, cultural,
and historic resources tor the health,
education, and enjoyment of present and
future generations."
The Goals of the Bexar Land Trust
incl_ude the following:
*Acquire, preserve, and manage lands
* Identify and invE)ntory opportunites for
conservation of resources
*Raise awarenesss of the value of
· natural, cultural and historic resources
among the citizens of the Bexar
' County region through education and
outreach
* Develop a broad-based consensus for
resource conservation among·public
and private entities in the Bexar
County region
* Promote conscientious stewardship of
private property
*Act as intermediary between \;jrantor
and ultimate conservator of property
Texas Scientists Release Consensus
Paper on Futur~ of Edwf!rds Aquifer
Editor's note: while this information was
released one year ago, it has gained some
urgency in /ig/Jt of our recent drought.
More than 30 sciehtists and
engineers· from ·academia and the public
and private sectors who work on Edwards
Aquifer issues have released a paper
entitled "Protecting the.Edwards Aquifer: A
· Scientific Consensus." It recommends:
* That development be directed
away from the Aquifer recharge and
contributing zones through control of
infrastructure investment and appropriate
)and use regulations.
*That impervious cover be
restricted in the recharge and contributing
zones to levels that will sustain existing
water quality.
*And that actions are taken to
reduce existing contamination and the risk
of catastrophic pollution events.
For any questions or comments
you may contact: Dr, Lauren Ross or
Janine Sih, Glenrose Engineering, 512-
448-2033.
Bexar Tracks
ENVIRONMENTAL NEWS
Both Success & Failure
Lots of Endangered Species in Texas, but Some Going Fast
Editor's note: The following release was
issued by the Environmental Defense Fund.
According to the U.S. Fish and
Wildlife Service, Texas ranks sixth in the
nation in terms of the number of
endangered species living within its
borders. Seventy-two plants and animals
protected under the Endangered Species
Act have been recorded from Texas, a
number that reflects the state's large size,
diverse array of habitats, and growing
development pressures. Among them are
some of America's best-known species,
such as -the whooping crane and brown
pelican, as well as some of its most obscure,
such as the Bee Creek cave harvestman
and Chisos Mountain
hedgehog cactus (left).
A new analysis indicates
that most of Texas'
endangered species are
faring poorly, and many
will not survive unless
new approaches · are
found to protect and
restore their habitats.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
(USFWS) is required by law to assess
periodically the status of America's
· endangered species and to report its
findings to Congress. The most recent
report, compiled in 1994, provided data on
37 of Texas' 45 listed animals and all 27 of
its listed plants. According to this report, 39
percent of the endangered species found
in Texas are still declining, only 24 percent
are judged to be improving or stable, and
for the remaining 37 percent, the USFWS
simply lacks the resources to determine
how they are faring.
When one examines the trends for
plants and animals _separately, an even
more disturbing picture emerges.
Two-thirds of the endangered wildflowers
and other plants in Texas are declining
despite protection under the Endangered
Species Act. For another 26 percent, the
USFWS lacks enough inf~:>rmation to
assess their status. Only 7 percent of the
plants are judged to be improving or stable.
Endangered animals, on the other hand,
appear to be faring somewhat better. Over
a third of them (35 percent) are judged to
be improving or stable, 19 percent are still
declining, and 46 percent are of unknown
status due to lack of 'information.
July 1998
Endangered plants in Texas are
faring significantly worse than endangered
' plants in the rest of the country, with more
than twice the rate of declining species than
the national statistics. Nationwide, 30
percent of the federally-listed plants are
categorized as declining, 30 percent are
improving or stable, and 40 percent' are of
unknown status.
The environmental community
traditionally has attributed the poor
performance of the Endangered Species
Act to a combination of weak enforcement
and inadequate funding. We suspect,
however, that there is a more fundamental
reason for the observed patterns: The
Endangered Species Act is entirely punitive
in nature. It relies upon fines and jail
sentences to deter or punish unlawful
conduct that is harmful to endangered
species. Unfortunately, it has no
mechanism to encourage or reward those
landowners who might wish to restore or
enhance the habitats of endangered
species on their property. This lack of
incentives is crippling in a state like Texas,
where virtually all (97percent) of the land is
privately-owned. Moreover, the
Endangered Species Act provides much
less protection for plants than animals. The
prohibition against harming listed plants
does not extend to private land, unless a
federal permit is required for the proposed
activity. Thus, the cooperation of
landowners is essential in order to protect
Texas' endangered wildflowers. Yet the act
has no way of rewarding those landowners
who might wish to help save these rare
plants from extinction.
Where incentives have been tried,
they have proven to be remarkably
successful. For example, until recently, one
of the most vexing problems with the
Endangered Species Act was the way ln
which it discouraged pr'ivate landowners
from doing more than the law required to
benefit rare plants and animals. Many
landowners are capable of helping
endangered species by restoring or
enhancing habitat on their land, but ar.e
unwilling to do so. Their unwillingness
stems from the fear of new restrictions . .
They are afraid that if they take actions that
attract new endangered species to their
land or increase the populations of
endangered species that are already there,
5
their "reward" for doing so will be more
regulatory restrictions on the use of their
property.
EDF developed a solution to this
problem for endangered animals, which the
Fish and Wildlife Service adopted in April
1995 under the name of "safe harbor." The
safe harbor policy assures landowners that
if they undertake actions that are beneficial
to endangered species, they will not incur
added regulatory burdens as a result of
their good deeds. In other words,
participants who improve their property for
the benefit of endangered species retain
the right to undo those voluntary
improvements should they wish to make
some other use of their land in the future.
Texas leads the nation in the
creative use of safe harbor agreements.
Over a million acres of privately-owned
ranch land has been enrolled in a safe
harbor program that aims to restore the
endangered northern aplomado falcon in
south Texas. About 16,500 acres of
grassland have been enrolled
in a safe harbor program for
the Attwater's prairie-chicken.
A similar program has just
been approved for the
red-cockaded woodpecker·
(see left) in east Texas. In
short, some of America's
birds are gaining a new
lease on life as a result of safe
harbor programs.
. However, even landowners who
are willing to help save endangered
species, perhaps by enrolling in a safe
harbor program, may be deterred by the
cost of restoring or enbancing the habitat.
In addition, safe harbor applies to
endangered animals, not plants, for whfch
landowners have no legal responsibility
under the Endangered Species Act. Clearly,
the next step in the evolution of the
Endangered Species Act is to create a
menu of tax credits, direct grants,
cost-sharing agreements, and other
incentives that will help defray the costs of
planting cover, removing invasive,
non-native species, arid other steps that are
necessary to improve the habitats of
endangered species. Such incentives will
be critical to saving many of the "native
Texans" that now teeter on the brink of
extinction.
Bexar Tracks
~-........-!!!!!~,llJBm.JIVLENTAL News
Grasshopper .Cure M"ay
Be Worse Than the Bug!;
Editor's note: the following is 'BAS VEEP
Mike Mecke's response to a press releas~
from Texas A&M on how · to kill
grasshoppers which may be invading area
fields and gardens.
An exerpt from the press
release said:
"Approved insecticides
for the home lavyn and garden
include Sevin, malathion, 'and diazinon.
Trees and shrubs can be protected with
dursban, malathion, orthene, and diazinon
sprays.
" Rangelands can be sprayed with
Sevin plus crop oil, malathion and ULV
malathion (very different from malathion).
ULV malathion applied by air is the least
costly treatment and has the best residual
control. ..
Mike's response:
Re: spraying with Sevin, ~
malathion, diazinon, etc.-especially on ·•
your rangelands and other 9-reas possibly
havirtg ponds, creeks, drainages and other .
waterways. I feel that here in Texas, these
practices are too easy to set up and often
not fully analyzed. We are often too
careless of our rangelands, croplands, and
pasture lands and of our waters. Every acre .
is in SOMEBODY'S watershed. And, the
harmful or potentially damaging effects of
chemicals upon all animal life, especially
people, but also including our wildlife,
l.ivestock and other organisms in the
environment~! web of life should require our
wisest decisions.
Early in my career I was a
chemical company rep and then a range
conservationist and a strong supporter of
· spraying and/or root plowing just about
everything. Of course, that was in v.ogue in
the 60's and 70's at the U's and state/
federal Experiment Stations. Later, having
managed a noxious plant and insect ·
program on several Indian reservations I
changed from a "spray and pray" type into
a proponent of Integrated Pest
Management, with biological controls in a
very high priority level. Our . peat
management programs included cropping
systems, mechanical controls, biological
. controls and finally, as a last resort, the r
July 1998
. safest of fhe chemical alternatives at the
lowest possible Close applied in the safest
manner possible.
In spraying weeds using a
broadcast method; the "good" broad-leaved
· plants, called forbs, are also
taken out, often for years.
Insect sprays also kill the "good
' bugs~· (predatory and other
beneficial insects), which then
encourages pest infestations' in '
future years. Wildlife,· such ·as young quail,
turkey, and songbirds, who are beneficial in
the total picture, require a l~rge nu.mber of
insects for their young-but, they may not
have trem in sprayed areas. Or, the
sprayed insects eaten by birds may ·
accumulate toxic. chemical sprays in the
birds causing harm to them- remember
DDT, fi$h and bald eagles? Not a myth.
On rangelands I have often seen
it decided that control was not economically
feasible, even if one did not care apout
environmental concerns. The comment
regarding weighing the value of the grazing
saved vs. the cost of spraying chemicals is
very accurate and I am glad to see it.
Especially remember, not all pesticides are
equally safe. Insecticides can be especially
deadly in the environment, they are
designed to kill animals (insects)-not
plants! Remember, we are animals, too. ·
Grasshoppers and other insecis (if
native) are a natural part of our world and
,must be expected. Populations generally
' go up and down in natural cycles and "bad
years" must be expec;:ted,.just like droughts
and floods. If the affected producers are in
the drought hit areas then they are getting a
double wh,ammy and we all fee! for them.
But, maybe the dried, dormant and shriveled
ranges are really not worth the expense of
either baits or chemicals? Maybe the best
option is herd management in drastically
· culling or moving to a lease in an unaffected .
area or pennir)g them and feeding hay which
was grovyn and stored in anticipation of bad
times? , Maintaining a herd on droughty
ranges only drives the level of the plant
community to an ev.en lower level, which
then requires longer to come back when rain
comes. Maybe a switch from basic cow-calf
operations to stockers or a more versatile/
flexible system is part'ofthe answer?
6
Texan Wins Award For
New Wetlands Program
· Julie K. Anderson, of
Texas Parks· and
Wildlife, was one of nine
Americans honored this
Spring for outstan·ding
work in Wetlands
~L Protection. Julie, who
LliiH•IiNSTITUTE: .spoke at a BAS c'h apter
meeting in May 1997, received her National
Wetlands Award from the Environmental
La;.v Institute at a ceremony in Washington.
Anderson received the award
from Jamie Rappaport Clark, Director of the
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, who said
that "over the years, many· of our greatest
successes in conserving wetlands have
come through work w"ith private
landOVI(I)ers, local governments, and other
concerned citizens. This year's award
recipients represent that great tradition of
cooperative approaches to conservation."
Anderson's award was for
Outst~nding Wetlands Program
Development. She coordinated
· development of the Texas Wetlands
Conservation Plan. The award noted that
"after extensive public planning and
coordination with state and federal
agencies, the private sector, and the
legislature, the plan was approved in 1997."
Anderson is now working on projects to
implement the plan.
The Environmental L<:~w Institute
is an independent, nonprofit research and
.education organization based in
Washington, D.C. The awards are co­sponsored
by the ,Environmental Protection
Agency, the Natural Resources
Conservation Service (USDA), the U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service and the National
Marine Fisheries Service.
Heading East?
Free Louisiana Bird
Book Available ·
· The State' of Louisiana has just
published a new booklet, Birds of Louisiana,
which lists many of the birds that are found
in that state. Is it available without cost by
telephone, 1-800-261-9144.
PLEASE VOLUNTEER-YOUR
CHAPTER NEEDS YOU!
Bexar Tracks
'®.".• 4 • • "·'.
'o, . '" · •
• .'" ".: • ';o • .... ·"
Tal·es from
the. Sandwich .Bar
"The Juvenile"
By
. ( Mari Bailey
. The summer of 1997 was chose to ignore the youngster who
·. celebrated by the birds as the end of a two tentatively attached his feet to the wire of
year drought. Nests were ubiquitous and the suet feeder. A female sparrow began to
many, many birds successfully fledged. We eat on the other side of the feeder. And, at
enjoyed watching golden-fronted first, the young woodpecker concerned
woodpeckers gathering huge beaksful of himself only with eating. Suddenly, with
peanut butter and then flying over the incredible speed and in one fluid movement,
house en route to feed hungry nestlings, the woodpecker reached around the feeder,
no doubt. grabbed the hapless sparrow anCl flung her
After a time, we were delighted solidly to the gro'und! lh that singular
to see one of the fledglings accompanying moment, the woodpecker, though still in
a parent to the bar. The baby, while not in immature plumage, rose to the level of adult,
adult plumage, appeared full-grown-it had at least for the sparrows. For the remaining
apparently thrived on a peanut butter diet. times the young woodpecker visiteq the
For about three days, several times a day, feeder, the sparrows never again tried to
the young bird would cling to the cedar's share in its repast!
bark and "beg" for the parent's feeding.
With wings aquiver and mouth agape, that
bird would successfully solicit parental
attention-and food-despite being within
about 10 inches from the meal itself!
Day number four was different.
The parent was absent. }he ever-present
house sparrows, who greatly fear the adult
woodpeckers and. will not even attempt to
eat at the bar if a woodpecker is around,
Editor's note: BAS member Mari Bailey, who
lives in. northwest San Antonio, contributed
a tasty (WfJ think) sandwicl:l recipe for
birdfeeders, involving whole grain bread
and peanut butter, to our May issue. Her
success at the feeder has encouraged her
to ' write a column on the attractions of this
avian epicurean combin~tion. This is the
first one.
Does This Get Your Attention? .
Pollution Suspect~d of Causing
·Hermaphroditic Polar· Bears
Scientists have found four polar
bear cubs in the Norwegian Arctic Territory
of Svalbard that have both male and female
sex organs. The deformities are thought to
be linked to increasing pollution in polar
regions. The four polar bears represent four
percent of the polar bears studied, a
percentage much too high to attribute to
statistical noise.
Svalbard is known to have high
levels of pollutants, particularly
polychlorinated biphenols (PCBs): PCBs
are banned in most countries, but they
- remain in the environment for many years
and they may still be in use in Russia. PCBs
accumulate in fat reserves and are found
in higher concentrations in animals that eat
higher on the food chain. PCBs are among
July 1998
the .thousands· of-r~"t - _, ·
man-made substances \ !
that scien,tists believe •
mimic animal'and human
sex· hormones. Sexual
aberrations in' fish have been monitored, but
the polar bears are believed to be the first
mammal to show such acute damage.
The polar-bear research may help ..
provide links b.etween synthetic chemicals
and sex!Jal deformities and diseases in
human beings and animals. Several studies
.have documented a decline in sperm counts
in men living in industrialized countries over
·the past 50 years. These declines may be
partly attributable . to an increased
concentration of synthetic chemicals that
. mimic estrogen.
Nick Nuttall, BRJTJSH TIMES, June I, 1998
' '
7
Mike's Tips
There Are Many Ways
To Save Precious Water·
Editor's note: With degrees in plant
sciences, ag and watershed management,
BAS own Mike Mecke has the following tips
on how to save water. The editor hopes
that by scheduling this story weeks in
advance of publication, rain will be assured.
,. 1. Let your grass grow tall during
hot dry weather always leave it 3"-5" long.
Grass cut short becomes stressed and
attempts to regrow right away requiring
more water and food. Also, it becomes
vulnerable to sun/heat when short-taller
' grass shades the ground keeping it cooler.
2. Don't ever bag your grass
clippings unfess the grass has gotten away
from you (clippings 6-8"). The clippings
return the nutrients to the soil and form a
m'ulch keeping the ground cooler and wetter.
3. When you water, water deep,
at least 2" or so if your soil will take it (not
too 'rocky, shallow). Plant roots will follow
the water to moist and cooler soil and that
heiP.S them to make it through droughts. If
you cut grass short and water shallow, it~
roots wi!l stay shallow. '
4. You can get all the free mulch
you want on the north side of SA airport or
buy it. Put it around all of your trees, shrubs,
and flower beds in a circle 3-6' diameter and
4" thick. Don't pile up mulch against the
tree trunks. This will save water and keep
the roots cool.
5. Buy sprinklers that put out large
. drops and that keep the water fairly close
to the ground. Don't ever use the ones that
spray the fine mist high overhea,d-you can
lose half of your water to evaporation before
it hits the ground. Look for some of the small
metal ones on wheels that whirl 3-4 arms
with large drops at local hardware stores.
6. To really cut water use, put
together a drjp system for your trees and
shrubs . . Not tbo expensive, but does have
.some maintenance. Texas Ag Extension
can help. I have some brochures too.
. 7. Don't water in high winds or
midday. Best between 7 p.m. and 10 a.m.
Or whenever your water utility dictates.
8. Build new walks, drives, patiQS
out of pervious materials (unmortared brick,
gravel, flagstone, etc.) and shape/slope
concrete to drain the water where it will help.
9. Use xeriscaping landscape
designs. I have some brochures on the new
TPWD program "Wildscapes," which can
help you design for wildlife, too.
10. Pray for rain!!
Bexar Tracks
Up From the Egg:
The Confession of a Nuthatch Avoider
by Odgen Nash
Bexar Audubon Society, Inc.
P. 0. Box 6084
San Antonio, TX 78209
Non-profit
·Organization
U.S. Postage Paid
San Antonio
Permit #590
Bird watchers top my honors list.
I aimed to be one, but I missed.
Since I'm both myopic and astigmatic,
My aim turned out to be erratic,
And I, bespectacled and binocular,
Exposed myself to comment jocular.
We don't need too much birdlore, do we,
To tell a flamingo from a towhee;
Yet I cannot, and never will, ,
Unless the silly birds stand still.
And there's no enlightenment in a tour
Of ornithological literature.
Is yon strange creature a common chickadee,
Or a migrant alouette from Picardy?
You can rush to consult your nature guide
And inspect the gallery inside,
But a bird in the open never looks
Like its picture in the birdie books-
~ddress Service Requested
'
W19
UNIV OF TEXAS NOV98
LIB SERIALS
6900 N LOOP 1604 W
Or if it once did, it has changed its plumage,
And plunges you back into ignorant gloomage.
That is why I sit here growing old by inches,
Watching a clock instead of finches,
SAN ANTONIO TX 78249-1130
But I sometimes visualize in my gin
The Audubon that I audubin.
(from his You Can't Get There from Here 1957
pp115-6)
r-----------., 11ntroductory Membership 1
1 National Audubon Society 1
I Bexar AudubonSociety I
I (Chapter Code W19) I
I New memberships tol
I National Audubon Society, including I
I a subscription to Audubor:J magazine, I ·
I are $20 ($15 for seniors or full-time I
I students). This includes membership I
1in Bexar Audubon and a subscription
Ito Bexar Tracks,as well.
1 Makes a great gift!
IName __________________ I Address _________ ---:---,-----
I city _______ _
I state Zip __ ...........,..._
I
IPhone: ( ) _____ _
1
1
Mail this coupon and your check -
payable to "National Audubon
I society" to:
I Bexar Audubon Society
I P. 0. Box 6084
I San Antonio, TX 78209 .. ___________ ..
July 1998
I
I
RECURRING EVENTS
Second Thursday of Each Bexar Audubon Society Board Meetings.
Month. Call 408-7731 for more info. Members welcome
Third Thursday of Each Month Bexar Audubon Society General Meetings, Open
(except Aug) Call 822-4503 for info. to the public, Ruble Center, 419 E. Magnolia,? pm
First Saturday of Each Month. Friedrich Wilderness Park offers a free guided
Call 698-1057 for more info. general natural history hike
Second Saturday of Each Month. Bexar Audubon sponsors the "Second
For information and reservations, Saturday'' program at Friedrich Park
call 698-1 057 $2 donation requested
Fourth Saturday of Each Month. Birding morning at Mitchell Lake- meet at 8 am
Call 308-6788 for more information Led by Ernie Roney (656-4239;
San Antonio Audubon Soc.)
First Tuesday of Each Quarter San Antonio Environmental Network meets at
March, June, September, December. the Witte Museum auditorium, 7 pm. Free and
Call 822-4503 for more info open to the public
~ - ·- VOLUNTEERS MAKE THE DIFFERENCE!
Education Chair- please contact President Bill Sain at 408-7731.
Hospitality Co-chair- please call Nancy Johnson at 655-1336.
Outings Chair- please contact President Bill Sain at 408-7731 .
r 8 Bexar Tracks