--- In NPSOT-Austin-announce@yahoogroups.com, "Andrea DeLong-Amaya"
<adelongamaya@w...> wrote:
> Join us for:
>
> Rooted in Texas Pride:
> An Introduction to Commercial Production of Southwest Desert and
Texas Native Plants
>
> Hosted by:  The Texas Department of Agriculture, Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center,
> and Texas Nursery and Landscape Association
>
> When: Saturday, November 8
> Where: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas
> Registration: $40 per person if received by October 15/  $50 after
October 15
>
> Find out more and register on line at:
http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=symposia
>
> With the popularity of Southwest desert and Texas native plants
growing every day, it's a great time for Texans to explore the
possibility of starting their own commercial production. Get the scoop
on this hot topic at a special workshop Nov. 8. A long list of
distinguished speakers and desert and native plant specialists will be
on hand, including Texas Agriculture Commissioner Susan Combs and Jill
Nokes, author of "How to Grow Native Plants." Learn about:
>  · Market potential
>  · Building a commercial nursery business from the ground up
>  · Differences between growing natives and non-natives
>  · Southwest desert and native plant sources and growing tips
>  · Building a supply of plant materials
>  · Native plant garden design, and more.
>
>  ** Every attendee will also receive a copy of the Texas Department
of Agriculture's new introductory guide to producing Southwest Desert
and Texas Native Plants and 5 CEU credits from the Texas Nursery and
Landscape Association.
>
>
> Allison Thompson
> Program Assistant
> Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
> athompson@w...
> 4801 La Crosse Avenue
> Austin, Texas 78379
> Phone: 512-292-4200 x 108
>
--- End forwarded message ---

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Steve Windhager
> Sent: Tuesday, September 30, 2003 11:47 AM
> Cc: Damon Waitt
> Subject: RE: JOE NICK PATOSKI to speak on Big Bend
>
> 2003-2004 BOTANICAL RESEARCH INSTITUTE OF TEXAS' DISTINGUISHED
> LECTURER SERIES
>
> NOTED AUTHOR JOE NICK PATOSKI to speak on Big Bend: The Great
> Natural Treasure of Texas
> Friday, OCT. 3, 2003, 7:00 P.M., LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER
> CENTER; FREE, OPEN TO PUBLIC, Reception at 6:30 P.M.
>
> On Friday, Oct. 3, 2003, environmental writer Joe Nick Patoski,
> author of Texas Mountains, will share his insight into the rich
> geological and biological diversity of the Trans-Pecos region which
> includes one of Texas' most beloved natural landscapes, Big Bend, in
> the second presentation of the 2003-2004 Distinguished Lecturer
> Series organized by the Botanical Research Institute of Texas (BRIT)
> and co-hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
>
> Admission is free and open to the public; seating is available
> on a first-come, first-served basis. For more information about the
> lecture series in Austin, contact the Wildflower Center,
512.292.4200,
> or visit http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=96.
>
> Steve Windhager, Ph.D.
> Director of Programs
> Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
> 4801 La Crosse Ave.
> Austin, Texas 78739-1702
> Phone (512) 292-4200 ext. 122
> Fax (512) 292-4627
> www.wildflower.org

The Williamson County chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
will sponsor a reception celebrating the new garden at the Georgetown
Public Library on Saturday, October 4 from 1-3 pm.  NPSOT planted the
courtyard garden last winter.

Members will be present at the reception to talk about how they
created the garden and to answer questions about native plants.
Refreshments will be available and the public is invited. For more
information, call 512-869-7522 or 512-966-0042.

From Melissa Tipton <mtipton@...> via Cheri Richardson:

Help Flo Move Her Babies!

As many of you know, Flo Oxley, our plant conservationist, has been
diligently working on a project to protect Zizania texana (Texas Wild
Rice), which is endemic to the San Marcos River. The wild rice refugium
was started in 1996 as a hedge against possible extinction in the wild,
which is a real possibility with this plant. The refugium is located in
San Marcos at the San Marcos Fish Hatchery and Technology Center.

Saturday, September 6, is the big day! Flo’s ready to move the refugium
plants from their cramped quarters in the greenhouse to their new
roomier digs in the raceways where they can spread their roots.
Volunteer duties will include "making" dirt, transplanting the rice into
new pots, moving the newly potted plants from the greenhouse to the
raceways, and placing the plants into the marked raceways. And of
course, “additional grubby duties as assigned.” This will be a fun, wet,
and dirty job. Bring a change of clothing. We're looking for 20
volunteers who would enjoy participating in this fun project! Volunteers
will be working from 10 am - 1 pm.

Sound like fun? EMAIL MEGAN TO SIGN UP - megan@....
Volunteers will meet Flo at 10 am at the fish hatchery. Plan to leave
Austin at around 9 am to arrive on time. Try to talk a friend into
joining you so you can carpool! We should be finished around 1 pm. Those
who are interested can all go out to lunch afterwards at a little
Mexican restaurant called Rogelio's in San Marcos that Flo says has the
best food in town.

Directions from Austin:
Take IH 35 south to San Marcos
Take the McCarty Lane exit (car dealership on the right)
Turn right (west) on McCarty Lane
Fish hatchery is on the left

Directions from Wimberley:
Take RR 12 into San Marcos
Turn right onto Hunter Road
Drive through town
Go to County Road 233 (McCarty Lane) and turn left
Go over RR tracks
Turn right into fish hatchery
Lots of road construction through this route, so folks should be careful
as they drive through.

> -----Original Message-----
> *From:* Sage Kawecki [mailto:sage@...]
> *Sent:* Wednesday, August 27, 2003 3:53 PM
> *To:* sage@...
> *Subject:* Announcing the Wildflower Workshop
>
> *The Texas Hill Country River Region announces their second annual
> Wildflower Workshop and Field Trip, Friday & Saturday, September 26-27. *
> **
> The Wildflower Workshop will be held at the House Pasture Cattle
> Company, located in scenic Concan, TX on River Road (CR 348),
> approximately 3 miles north of the Highway 127 intersection. Concan is
> approximately 2 hours west of San Antonio. Drive time from Austin and
> Corpus Christi is 3 hours, Houston is 5 hours, and Dallas is 6 hours.
>
> The workshop will take place Friday, September 26 from 9 a.m. to 3:30
> p.m., with a native plant and seed sale from 3:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.
> Saturday, September 27, there will be a field trip to Garner State Park
> to see their native plant garden.
>
> _The Native Plant and Seed Sale is free to the public. You do not have
> to attend the workshop/field trip to be able to attend the sale._ The
> Wildflower Workshop and Field Trip is free to all THCRR members, and
> is only $10 for the public. Lunch will be available at an additional
> cost. All participants must register.
>
> Although you may register from 8:30 a.m- 9 a.m. the morning of the
> event, we strongly suggest you pre-register by Tuesday, September 23 to
> be assured there are enough hand-out materials and chairs available.
> (THCRR members can call the office to register). Please send us the
> names and addresses of all participants you are registering, and make
> checks payable to the Texas Hill Country River Region. Mail to:
>
> Texas Hill Country River Region
> 221 N. Getty St., Upper Suite
> Uvalde, TX 78801
>
> For more information on the event call us at (800) 210-0380 or (830)
> 591-1074. For area lodging information visit our web site at:
> http://www.thcrr.com/accommodations.asp
> **
> **
> *Schedule of Events*
> *FRIDAY*
> *_9-10 a.m.  Welcome and Introduction to the River Region and NPSOT_*
> *Sage Kawecki*, Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River
> Region, President of the River Region Chapter of the Native Plant
> Society of Texas, and former Native Plant Information Specialist for the
> Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, will welcome workshop
> participants. Sage will give an overview of the native flora of the area
> that makes the River Region a unique travel destination; a quick glimpse
> at Nature Quest 2004; and introduce you to the newly-formed River Region
> Native Plant Society and some of the community projects they are working
> on, including the Toney Keeney Memorial Trail at SWTJC.
>
> (short break)
>
> **_10:15-11:30 a.m.  Texas Wildscapes Workshop and Booksigning_**
> *Kelly Bender*, Urban Wildlife Biologist Central Texas, for the Texas
> Parks and Wildlife Department will give a Texas Wildscapes workshop. She
> has written numerous articles on habitat management and the wildlife and
> plants native of Texas, and published _Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for
> Wildlife_ with Noreen Damude in 1999. Kelly helps Texans learn about,
> appreciate, and conserve native Texas wildlife and wildlife habitat.
>
> Kelly will introduce us to *Texas Wildscapes, *an education and
> recognition program for Texans who wish to landscape their area for the
> benefit of wildlife. During the workshop you will learn how to provide
> the basics of habitat (food, water, shelter, and space) on your
> own property for beneficial wildlife. By simply making certain landscape
> choices, including using beautiful native plants, incorporating water
> and shelter features, and practicing integrated pest management, your
> garden can be a haven for the butterflies, hummingbirds, lizards, and
> toads that make a garden come to life.
>
> During the last 15 minutes Kelly Bender will make copies of her book,
>  *_Texas Wildscapes: Gardening for Wildlife_ available for sale* and
> will be happy to sign them for you. If you already have a copy, consider
> what a great holiday gift one would make to your Texas friends! It is a
> full-color book loaded with information on gardening for butterflies,
> gardening for hummingbirds, gardening for wildlife in general, being a
> backyard naturalist, step-by-step "how-to" information on designing your
> Wildscape, installing a pond, and lots more!
>
> *_11:30 a.m.-1 p.m.  Lunch_*
> *Lunch is on your own.* House Pasture Cattle Company has graciously
> agreed to prepare a wonderful lunch menu with choices for those workshop
> participants who wish to stay and eat. If you've attended Nature Quest,
> you'll know these folks really know how to cook!
>
> *_1 p.m-2:15 p.m.  Landscaping with Native Plants_*
>
> *David Mahler* is the ecologist for Environmental Survey Consulting, a
> company that specializes in site analysis, seed harvesting, habitat
> restoration, restoration landscaping, naturalistic rockwork, wetland and
> pond construction, and park and trail design and construction. He has
> been a pioneer in site-specific restoration in Central Texas since
> initiating restoration projects at Wild Basin Preserve in 1982. David
> developed techniques and equipment for harvesting and utilizing high
> diversity seed mixes. He is also a founding board member of the Society
> for Ecological Restoration and has designed and installed several
> habitat display areas at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center,
> including the many beautiful water features and the recently installed
> Butterfly Garden. There will be 15 minutes at the end for questions and
> answers.
>
>
> In the* Landscaping with Native Plants* workshop, David will explain and
> show examples of how to use local native species and plant communities
> in projects such as home and commercial landscaping, range management
> and habitat improvements on ranchland and wetland projects such as bank
> stabilization, urban runoff treatment and ornamental ponds both large
> and small.
>
> (short break)
>
>
>
> *_2:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m.  Having Fun Propagating Your Own Plants_*
>
> *Dar Richardson *is the instructor responsible for propagation at the
> Gabriel Valley Farms Nursery in Jonah, Texas. Gabriel Valley Farms is a
> wholesale nursery specializing in herbs, perennials and Texas native
> plants. Dar also is a volunteer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower
> Center were he does propagation in the Center's nursery.
>
>
>
> During the *Having Fun Propagating Your Own Plants *workshop, Dar will
> provide you, step by step ways to grow your own plants from cutting or
> seeds. Learn from how commercial growers successfully grow their plant
> stock. Most of their techniques are adaptable to the
> home gardener. There will be 15 minutes at the end for questions and
> answers.
>
>
>
> *_3:30 p.m.-5 p.m.  Native Plant and Seed Sale!!!_*
>
> *Native American Seed*,* *located on a beautiful place on the South
> Llano River just outside the town of Junction, will again be bringing
> their informative seed catalogs and a wonderful selection of native
> Texas wildflower seeds down for sale. What makes them different from
> many other wildflower seed companies is their commitment to offering
> /only/ those plants that are native to our bioregion.You won't find
> African daisies, bluebonnets that have been grown in China, or even
> California poppies in any of their mixes.
>
>
>
> *The local River Region Chapter of the Native Plant Society* will be
> selling native plants appropriate for the Texas hill country grown by
> Gabriel Valley Farms. After the day's inspirational speakers you'll want
> to indulge yourself and take advantage of the fall weather to get your
> gardens planted! Plants will be available in large six-packs with an
> emphasis on bird and butterfly gardening. Medium to larger size plants
> will also be available! The profit will help raise money for our
> community projects, including the Toney Keeney Memorial Trail. If you
> are interested in joining this dynamic group, Native Plant Society
> members will be present to sign you up as new members of the River
> Region Chapter.
>
>
>
> *SATURDAY*
>
> *_9:00 a.m.-10:30 a.m. Garner State Park Wildflower Field Trip_*
>
> Meet at the Park Headquarters Parking lot, where we'll carpool to other
> areas within the park. We will look at some of the fall blooming native
> plants and wildflowers, as well as visit the Garner State Park native
> plant interpretive garden at the Visitor's Center to learn about their
> native plant landscaping trials and errors, especially with deer. Garner
> State Park is located .2 miles off US Highway 83 on FM Road 1050.
>
>
>
> *The Texas Hill Country River Region invites you to experience this
> fantastic event and explore the rugged beauty of the River Region this
> fall. For more information call (800) 210-0380 today!*
>
>
>
> Sage Kawecki
> Executive Director
> Texas Hill Country River Region
> (800) 210-0380
> sage@... <mailto:sage@...>
> www.thcrr.com <http://www.thcrr.com/>
>
> "A Vacation Reason for Every Season"

Here is an announcement about the 2003 Texas Plant Conservation
Conference, to be held September 17-19 at the Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center.

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Flo Oxley [mailto:oxley@...]
> Sent: Monday, August 04, 2003 10:01 AM
> To: Flo Oxley
> Subject: Please Share with Your Colleagues & Co-Workers
>
>
> Just a gentle reminder that the 2003 Texas Plant Conservation Conference
> is fast approaching and is shaping up to be a wonderful program. The
> conference is scheduled for September 17-19 and will be held at the Lady
> Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. The program and registration form are
> attached for your use and convenience.
>
> We hope you'll be able to join us for this important event. Please feel
> free to contact me with any questions.
>
> Looking forward to seeing you at the conference next month!
>
> Flo Oxley
> Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
> 4801 La Crosse Avenue
> Austin, TX 78739
> (512) 292-4200 ext. 160
> oxley@...
>
> Educating North America about the environmental necessity, economic
> value, and natural beauty of native plants.

--- Agenda ---

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

8:30 Registration

9:00 Welcome

9:15 Keynote
Dr. Billie Turner
Professor Emeritus, University of Texas
History of Texas Flora

10:00 Dr. Robert Breunig
Executive Director
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Overview of Plant Conservation Strategies in Texas from the Wildflower
Center Perspective

10:20 Break

10:35 Charmaine Delmatier
Botanist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview of the Past Two Years:  Plant Recovery Activities, Strategies,
and Future Projects

10:55 Bryan Arroyo
Assistant Regional Director for Ecological Services
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2
Building Partnerships with Private Landowners to Conserve Habitat

11:15 Break

11:30 Susan Combs
Commissoner
Texas Department of Agriculture
The Wise Use of Texas Natural Resources

11:45 Larry Butler
State Conservationist
Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Noon Lunch

2:00 Dr. Bonnie Amos
Professor
Angelo State University
Texas poppy-mallow (Callirhoe scabriuscula): Recovery and Reintroduction

2:30 Dr. Brook Milligan
New Mexico State University
Genetics and Demography of Southwestern Yellow Columbines

3:00 Break

3:15 Dr. Joe Sirotnak
Botanist, Big Bend NP
   Overview of Rare Plants in Big Bend National Park

3:45 Kathy Rice
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona
West Texas and the Terlingua Creek cat's eye


4:15 Dr. Mark Welch
Vanderbilt University
The hybrid origin of the puzzle sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus) and the
biological reality of diploid hybrid taxa in general

4:45 Wrap up

5:00 Dutch treat dinner


Thursday, September 18, 2003

Panel Discussion
Format: Each panel member will speak for 15 min, then we’ll break for
about 20 minutes, and then we’ll have a 1-hour discussion

8:30 Welcome

8:45 Dr. Mike Berger
Branch Chief of Private Lands & Habitat, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.

9:00 Commissioner Joseph Fitzsimons
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

9:15 John Karges
Conservation Biologist, West Texas Program, The Nature Conservancy

9:30 Steve Manning
Project Manager for the Leon River Project, Central Texas Cattle
Association, and Private Land Owner, winner of this year’s national
award from National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (the Chuck Yeager Award)

9:45 Bob McCan
President, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Private
Land Owner

10:00 Dr. Allan McGinty
Professor and Range Specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension.

10:15 Dr. Ernest Smith
Former Dean of Law, University of Texas, Specialty in Oil/Gas
International Energy, Transactions, and Environmental Law, Private Land
Owner

10:30 Melinda Taylor
Senior Attorney and Program Manager of the Ecosystem Restoration
Program, Environmental Defense

10:45 Tom Taylor
Owner of Lost Canyon Resort, Private Land Owner

11:00 Break

11:30 Panel and Audience Discussion

12:30 Lunch

1:30 Species Review

5:00 Session ends



Friday, September 19, 2003

Species Review

9:00 Species review

Noon Lunch

5:00 Session ends


--- Registration Form ---

Texas Plant Conservation Conference
September 17 – 19, 2003
Registration Form

Please mail or fax this form with your payment to:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
Phone: 512/292-4200  FAX: 512/292-4627

Space is limited. Please register by August 29.

Name
________________________________________________________________________
Agency/Organization____________________________________________________________
Address
______________________________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State ___________ ZIP
_______________________
Phone _____________________________FAX
______________________________________
Phone 				 FAX
Email address
_________________________________________________________________

Registration Fees (lunches not included)

General Public  $45  Professionals $35
Volunteers  $25  Students $10

Optional box lunches $30

___ Vegetarian option

Registration fees:  $ ____________
Optional box lunches:  $ ____________
Total amount enclosed: $ ____________

___ Mastercard ___ Visa ___ Discover  ___ Amex

Card Number  ___________________________________________________________
Exp. Date  ______________________________________________________________
Name on credit card  ______________________________________________________
Signature _______________________________________________________________

___ I will attend the Species Review

Registrar must receive cancellation notice no later that 5 pm, September
12, 2003 to receive a refund, minus a $10 processing fee.

Jonathan Ogren
Public Programs Manager
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
PH: (512)292-4200 ext. 115
Fax: (512)292-4627
http://www.wildflower.org/

Andrea of the Wildflower Center passed along this announcement about
upcoming Nature Night events at the center.

Nature Nights at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Every Thursday in July and August, 5:30 - 9 p.m.
$1 Admission (Free for Members)
http://www.wildflower.org/

July 3 - Nocturnal Animals - Wildlife Rescue
July 10 - Folklore Stories of the Night
July 17 - Sun Safety - American Cancer Society
July 24 - Nighttime Insects - Texas Parks and Wildlife
July 31 - Herpetology - Red Cross
August 7 - Bat Night - Bat Conservation International
August 14 - Planting Wildflowers
August 21 - Gardener's Health
August 28 - Fall-blooming Species

For more information, go to the Lady Bird Johnson
Wildflower Center Homepage at http://www.wildflower.org/

Andrea DeLong-Amaya of the Wildflower Center sent along this announcement for
the 2003 Texas Plant Conservation Conference.  To register, see the
registration form at the end of this message.

Texas Plant Conservation Conference 2003
September 17 – 19, 2003

Schedule

Wednesday, September 17, 2003

8:30 Registration

9:00 Welcome

9:15 Keynote
Dr. Billie Turner
Professor Emeritus, University of Texas
History of Texas Flora

10:00 Dr. Robert Breunig
Executive Director
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Overview of Plant Conservation Strategies in Texas from the Wildflower Center
Perspective

10:20 Break

10:35 Charmaine Delmatier
Botanist
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Overview of the Past Two Years:  Plant Recovery Activities, Strategies, and
Future Projects

10:55 Bryan Arroyo
Assistant Regional Director for Ecological Services
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Region 2
Building Partnerships with Private Landowners to Conserve Habitat

11:15 Break

11:30 Susan Combs
Commissoner
Texas Department of Agriculture
The Wise Use of Texas Natural Resources

11:45 Larry Butler
State Conservationist
Natural Resource Conservation Service.

Noon Lunch

Wednesday, September 17, 2003 (continued)

2:00 Dr. Bonnie Amos
Professor
Angelo State University
Texas poppy-mallow (Callirhoe scabriuscula): Recovery and Reintroduction

2:30 Dr. Brook Milligan
New Mexico State University
Genetics and Demography of Southwestern Yellow Columbines

3:00 Break

3:15 Dr. Joe Sirotnak
Botanist, Big Bend NP
   Overview of Rare Plants in Big Bend National Park

3:45 Kathy Rice
Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix, Arizona
West Texas and the Terlingua Creek cat's eye


4:15 Dr. Mark Welch
Vanderbilt University
The hybrid origin of the puzzle sunflower (Helianthus paradoxus) and the
biological reality of diploid hybrid taxa in general

4:45 Wrap up

5:00 Dutch treat dinner

Thursday, September 18, 2003

Panel Discussion
Format: Each panel member will speak for 15 min, then we’ll break for about 20
minutes, and then we’ll have a 1-hour discussion

8:30 Welcome

8:45 Dr. Mike Berger
Branch Chief of Private Lands & Habitat, Texas Parks & Wildlife Dept.

9:00 Commissioner Joseph Fitzsimons
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department

9:15 John Karges
Conservation Biologist, West Texas Program, The Nature Conservancy

9:30 Steve Manning
Project Manager for the Leon River Project, Central Texas Cattle Association,
and Private Land Owner, winner of this year’s national award from National
Fish and Wildlife Foundation (the Chuck Yeager Award)

9:45 Bob McCan
President, Texas and Southwestern Cattle Raisers Association, Private Land Owner

10:00 Dr. Allan McGinty
Professor and Range Specialist, Texas Cooperative Extension.

10:15 Dr. Ernest Smith
Former Dean of Law, University of Texas, Specialty in Oil/Gas International
Energy, Transactions, and Environmental Law, Private Land Owner

10:30 Melinda Taylor
Senior Attorney and Program Manager of the Ecosystem Restoration Program,
Environmental Defense

10:45 Tom Taylor
Owner of Lost Canyon Resort, Private Land Owner

11:00 Break

11:30 Panel and Audience Discussion

Texas Plant Conservation Conference 2003
Schedule

Thursday, September 18, 2003 (continued)

12:30 Lunch

1:30 Species Review

5:00 Session ends

Friday, September 19, 2003

Species Review

9:00 Species review

Noon Lunch

5:00 Session ends

--------------------------------------------------------------

Texas Plant Conservation Conference
September 17 – 19, 2003
Registration Form

Please mail or fax this form with your payment to:

Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
Phone: 512/292-4200  FAX: 512/292-4627

Space is limited. Please register by August 29.

Name ______________________________________________________________
Agency/Organization________________________________________________
Address ___________________________________________________________
City ______________________________ State ___________ ZIP _________
Phone _____________________________FAX ____________________________
Email address _____________________________________________________

Registration Fees (lunches not included)

General Public  $45  Professionals  $35
Volunteers  $25  Students  $10

Optional box lunches $30

___ Vegetarian option

Registration fees:  $ ____________
Optional box lunches:  $ ____________
Total amount enclosed:  $ ____________

___ Mastercard ___ Visa ___ Discover  ___ Amex

Card Number  ____________________________________________________
Exp. Date  ______________________________________________________
Name on credit card  ____________________________________________
Signature _______________________________________________________

___ I will attend the Species Review

Registrar must receive cancellation notice no later that 5 pm, September 12,
2003 to receive a refund, minus a $10 processing fee.

The Second Biennial Texas Prairies and Savannahs Conference is coming
up soon! The following is an updated registration form (and the the late
registration fee has been dropped).

Information can also be found at:
http://www.texasprairie.org/events/conf2003.htm

³From Soil to Seeds²
Second Biennial Texas Prairies and Savannahs Conference
July 11-13, 2003
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, Austin, Texas


The Wildflower Center is located at 4801 La Crosse Avenue in Austin
(512-292-4100).  See detailed directions at the Center¹s web site
www.wildflower.org.  All events except field trips will be held at the
Wildflower Center.


Conference Sponsors

Native Prairies Association of Texas
American Farmland Trust
Bexar County Audubon Society
Holistic Resource Management of Texas
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
Native Plant Society of Texas
Georgetown Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas
Texas Chapter of the Wildlife Society
Texas Organization of Wildlife Management Associations
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department
Texas Riparian Association
Welder Wildlife Foundation



Suggested Overnight Accommodations


Fairfield Inn by Mariott, 4525 South I-35, Austin.  512-707-8899.  Ask if
you can still have the NPAT Conference special rate of $59/night
(single or double) plus 15% tax.

Excel Inn, 2711 South I-35, Austin.  512-462-9201.  Regular rates $48
single or $54 double.  10% discount to persons 55 years old or older.

Additional information may be obtained by contacting John Pickett at
254-897-3646 or JDPICK@t...   This registration form is posted at
http://www.texasprairie.org .
----------------------------------------------------------------------------

Official Registration Form

Note.  The registration table will open at 8:00 a.m. on both Friday and
Saturday.

Friday, July 11, 2003:  Workshops  Morning workshops will start at 9:00
a.m., and afternoon workshops at 2:00 p.m.  Each workshop will last 2-3
hours.  Two workshops will run concurrently in both the morning and the
afternoon.

Morning Workshop Session
Using USDA Soil Surveys to Evaluate Sites in the Field by Billy Kniffen
____ x $15.00 = ____
Protecting Soils & Plant Diversity Thru Conservation Easements by Jennifer
Lorenz       ____ x $15.00  = _________

Afternoon Workshop Session
Bacteria, Fungi, and Nematodes Associated with Roots by Linda Adair ____ x
$15.00 =_________
Developing Sustainable Soils by Steve Wood and Peter Cangelosi
____ x $15.00 = _________

Saturday, July 12, 2003:  Invited Talks, Lunch, and Evening Social
Talks:  Current NPAT member (check mailing label on The Prairie Dog
   )____
x $40.00  =_________
Talks:  Non-member of NPAT (cost includes a one-year membership in NPAT)
____ x $60.00  =_______
Gourmet Box Lunch; indicate non-vegetarian ____ or vegetarian _____ x
$10.00
= _________
Evening Social with Food and Libations    ____ x $20.00 = _________

Sunday, July 13, 2003:  Field Trips
Reservations for field trips will be filled in the order received.
Directions to rendezvous sites for the field trips will be provided at the
Wildflower Center on Friday and Saturday.  All field trips will start at
8:00 a.m.

Indiangrass Preserve (eastern Travis County, Blackland site; limit = 20
persons)  ____x $15.00 = _____
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge (Burnet County; limit = 20
persons) ____x $15.00 = _____
Granger Lake Gene Bank (Williamson County; prairie plants; no limit)
____ x
$15.00 = _________
Freeman Ranch (Hays County, SW Texas State Univ. research site; no limit)
____ x $15.00 = _________

GRAND TOTAL = _________

Name(s)
____________________________________________________________________
Address _________________________________________________________
State________ Zip Code_________
Telephone(s) ______________________  e-mail____________________

Make a check payable to the Native Prairies Association of Texas, or
simply NPAT, and mail it together with a completed copy of this form
to Georgia Prakash, 1905 William Brewster, Irving, Texas 75061.

Marcia Hermann sent the following announcement for the Second Biennial Texas
Prairies and Savannahs Conference:

Semi-final Conference program, dated 5/17/03

  From Soil to Seeds
Second Biennial Texas Prairies and Savannahs Conference
July 11-13, 2003
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Friday, July 11, 2003: Workshops
Cost:  $15.00 each
9:00 a.m.-5:00 p.m. Registration table open
9:00 a.m. Morning workshop Session
Using USDA Soil Surveys to Evaluate Sites in the Field. Presented by Billy
Kniffen
Protecting Soils and Plant Diversity through Conservation Easements. Presented
by Jennifer Lorenz

2:00 p.m. Afternoon Workshop Session
Bacteria, Fungi, and Nematodes associated with Roots. Presented by Linda Adair
Developing Sustainable Soils. Presented by Steve wood and Peter Cangelosi

Saturday, July 12, 2003: Invited Talks, Members’ Meeting and Evening Social
Cost: $40.00

8:00 a.m.- 5 p.m. Registration table open
Morning Session: Soil Basics
Moderator: James Alderson

9:00-9:15 a.m. Introductory Remarks by Steve Windhager, representing the
Wildflower Center and John Pickett, representing the Native Prairies Association

9:15-9:45 a.m. Texas Soils 101 with emphasis on Prairies. James Greeneade

9:45-10:15 a.m.  Strategies for Restoring Degraded Rangeland Soils—James
Alderson

10:15-10:45 a.m. Break

10:45-11:15 a.m. Soil Dynamics—Walt Davis

11:15 –12:00 noon Question and Answer Period

12:00—1:30 Lunch

1:30—2:00 Annual Members Meeting
Afternoon Session: Texas Initiatives on Increasing Native Seeds
Moderator: Evelyn Merz

2:00-2:15 The need for Legislative Support—Evelyn Merz

1:15-2:30 The South Texas Project—John Lloyd Reilly

2:30-2:45 The North Texas Project—Mike Miller

2:45-3:00 The Texas coastal Project—Ralph Taylor

3:00-3:20 Break

3:20-4:00 Development of a State Certified Site-identified Seed Program: Texas
Perspective—Mark Hussey

4:00  4:40 The Iowa Ecotype Project—Kirk Henderson

4:50to 5:00 Question and Answer Period

6:00 to 8:00 Evening Social with Food and Libations

Sunday, July 13: Field Trips
Cost: $15.00 each
All field trips will begin at 8:00 a.m. Pick up directions at the registration
table on Friday or Saturday

Indiangrass preserve, Eastern Travis Coundy, Blackland site, led by Rene
Barrera and Steve Wood
Balcones Canyonlands national Wildlife Refuge, Burnet County, led by Bill Reiner
Granger Lake Gene Bank, Williamson County, prairie plant collection, led by
Scott Lenharth and Coby Dinges
Freeeman Ranch, Hays county, Southwest Texas State University. Research site,
led by Baron Rector

June Chapter Meeting: Herbs

Date:   Thursday June 12, 2003
Time:   7:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Location: Williamson County Agricultural Center

Cathy Slaughter of Gabriel Valley Farms will speak about herbs and their uses,
including their use as ornamental plants.

For more information, see the chapter website at
http://npsot.org/WilliamsonCounty/

Andrea DeLong-Amaya of the Wildflower Center sent an announcement about summer
programs our way.

=== Summer Programs at the Wildflower Center ===

Join us for these Summer Programs at the Wildflower Center:

** Natural History of the Hill Country Workshop Series **

Join us for a series of workshops about the origins, history and state
of the Texas Hill Country as we explore the major factors that created
this unique ecoregion.

    Individual workshops: $27(m)/ $30(nm)
    Full Series: $130(m)/ $150(nm)
    /register and find out more at:
    http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=course_catalog/

    * Geology with Bill Ward, Ph.D. *

    Saturday, June 14, 9am to 12:30

    Explore the origins of the hill country from a geological perspective.

    * Wildlife with Kelly Bender *

    Saturday, June 14, 1:30am to 5pm

    Discuss the animals of the Hill Country and their influence on the shape
    of the land with the author of _Texaswildscapes_

    * Vegetation with Bill Carr *

    Saturday, July 19, 9am to 12:30pm

    Investigate the plants and plant communities that inhabit the hill
    country with one of the foremost field botanist in Texas

    * Weather with Troy Kimmel/(time may switch to July 19) *

    Saturday, July 19, 1:30 to 5:00pm

    Discuss the major weather patterns that have shaped the Hill Country
    Landscape with the KEYE weatherman and UT lecturer.

    * Culture with Robin Doughty, Ph.D. *

    Saturday, July 26, 9am to 12:30pm

    Overview of human habitation in Hill Country with major emphasis placed
    on early settler perspectives and modern relationship of humans and
    nature with the author of _At Home in Texas: Early Views of the Land_,
    and _Wildlife and Man in Texas,_

    * Ecology with Mark Simmons *

    Saturday, July 26, 1:30 to 5pm

    Bring it all together and understand the relationships of geology,
    weather, plant communities, human habitation, and wildlife with the
    Wildflower Center's Restoration Ecologist.


* Native Plant Gardening 101 with Andrea DeLong-Amaya *

*June 12, 19, 26, July 3,10, and 17, 6:30 to 8:30(meets all dates)*

$100(m)/ $110(nm)

Upon completion of this course participants will have all the
information they need to design, install, and maintain a native plant
garden. Topics include: site analysis, landscape concepts, plant
characteristics and selection, site preparation and installation,
maintenance, and further resources.* *


*Nature at Night*

To Celebrate Summer, the Center is open late Thursdays in July and
August, 5:30-9pm. Free (m)/$1(nm)


* Rainwater Collection for the Mechanically Challenged with Richard Heinrich *

*Saturday, July 19, 9am to noon.*

$30(m)/$35(nm)

Join the Mayor of Tank Town, for a seminar discussing all the
information you need to know to make rainwater collection a reality at
your home.


* How to Know _Trees of Texas_- Free Lecture *

August 30, Noon to 1pm

Join Carmine Stahl and Ria McElvaney, authors of the newly released
_Trees of Texas_, for a discussion of the Texas trees, identifying
characteristics, interesting information, and tree related activities.


* Adult Museum Programs with Dr. Bonnie Sachatello-Sawyer *

*August 29, 9am to 4:30pm*

*$95(m)/ $105(nm) */(includes lunch and a copy of Adult Museum Programs:
Designing Meaningful Experiences by instructor)/**

This workshop will focus on the elements that make good adult
educational programs.  Dr. Sachatello-Sawyer will showcase the
information gained when researching over 116 museums, nature centers,
and botanical gardens for her recently released book, _Adult Museum
Programs: Designing Meaningful Experiences_.  For more information go
to: www.wildflower.org/?nd=prof_dev <http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=prof_dev>



/To register for these program online or find out more go to:
http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=course_catalog/

Jonathan Ogren
Public Programs Manager
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
PH: (512)292-4200 ext. 115
Fax: (512)292-4627
www.wildflower.org

Agnes sent the following announcement our way:

-----Original Message-----
*From:* Rob Fergus [mailto:fergus@...]
*Sent:* Friday, May 23, 2003 4:12 PM
*Subject:* National Trails Day at Bright Leaf State Nautral Area (Free
Admission)

The following announcement comes from Tom Delaney and the Friends of
Bright Leaf State Natural Area


*National Trails Day*
Saturday, June 7th
*Bright Leaf State Natural Area FREE ADMISSION*
8:30 am till 2:00 pm
Park phone: 459-7269

Sponsored by Friends of Bright Leaf State Natural Area (a nonprofit
organization created to promote and eventually open Bright Leaf SNA)
and the Central Texas Trailtamers, a trail building club.

           National Trails Day is a nationwide event sponsored by the
American Hiking Society, to get people out hiking, building,
maintaining, and otherwise volunteering to support, promote, and
maintain the trails on our public lands.

           Here in Austin, National Trails Day will be honored at
Bright Leaf SNA. Due to the severe budget constraints at Texas Parks
and Wildlife these days, this beautiful area right in the middle of
Austin is not yet open to the public. This day will be a rare
opportunity for everyone to experience the 216 acre park, with 7 miles
of trails, right in the heart of Austin.

           There will be a number of varying length hikes, led by
geologists, botanists, and birders. This area is habitat for an
endangered species of bird, the Golden-cheeked Warbler. A children's
craft area will also be available, as well as information on local
park organizations, and a demonstration work project by the Central
Texas Trailtamers, a trail construction club. We will also have plenty
of snacks, sodas, and  water on hand, generously donated by local
businesses.

           Almost all of the trails in the Austin area have been built
and maintained through volunteer labor. This is due, in part, to those
budget restraints placed upon the agencies that oversee our park
systems. National Trails Day will honor all of those trail volunteers
past, and maybe help us recruit a few more for the future.

           Bright Leaf SNA is located near the intersection of RR2222
and Mesa Drive. One block west of Mesa Dr. on 2222, turn south onto
Creek Mountain (the only way you can turn), follow it down the hill
and around the bend to the right at the bottom. You will immediately
see the parking lot for the park on your left. Stop on by and check us
out.

Hello NPSOT Williamson County Chapter & Friends,

This Sunday is the day of the 2 field trips to tour Agnes Plutino's garden
in the morning (9am to noon) and to Dar&Cheri Richardson's garden (ha ha)
for weed/wildflower identification and recommendation party in the
afternoon.  We hope you can come.

We have not been doing much mowing or weeding lately.  Most everything is
pretty wild right now.  Feel free to bring field guides, plant rescue
supplies, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimsuits, etc.  We will have light
snacks, various beverages, and perhaps some interesting plants to identify.
Might be fun.  Below you will find driving directions.

1- If you are coming from the direction of Interstate 35 (easiest way to
come):
      Take the exit for Williams Drive/Andice Road/FM 2338 (#261A).
      Travel North/northwest on Williams Dr/Andice Rd/FM-2338 -- approx. 8.3
miles.
      Turn left (West) onto Ridgewood Road and travel about 0.7 miles.
      Find 238 W Ridgewood Rd (Richardson's house) on left (see 3-rail green
fence).

If you are coming from another direction or just need clarification of the
above directions feel free to call  512/869-7522.

See you Sunday,

Dar & Cheri

Hello NPSOT Williamson County Chapter & Friends,

This Sunday is the day of the 2 field trips to tour Agnes Plutino's garden
in the morning (9am to noon) and to Dar&Cheri Richardson's garden (ha ha)
for weed/wildflower identification and recommendation party in the
afternoon.  We hope you can come.

We have not been doing much mowing or weeding lately.  Most everything is
pretty wild right now.  Feel free to bring field guides, plant rescue
supplies, sunscreen, insect repellent, swimsuits, etc.  We will have light
snacks, various beverages, and perhaps some interesting plants to identify.
Might be fun.  Below you will find driving directions.

1- If you are coming from the direction of Interstate 35 (easiest way to
come):
      Take the exit for Williams Drive/Andice Road/FM 2338 (#261A).
      Travel North/northwest on Williams Dr/Andice Rd/FM-2338 -- approx. 8.3
miles.
      Turn left (West) onto Ridgewood Road and travel about 0.7 miles.
      Find 238 W Ridgewood Rd (Richardson's house) on left (see 3-rail green
fence).

If you are coming from another direction or just need clarification of the
above directions feel free to call  512/869-7522.

See you Sunday,

Dar & Cheri


To unsubscribe from this group, send an email to:
NPSOT-WilliamsonCounty-announce-unsubscribe@yahoogroups.com
Your use of Yahoo! Groups is subject to http://docs.yahoo.com/info/terms/

Dick Davis of the Wildflower Center is hunting for volunteers for the Spring
vegetation sampling.

From: Dick Davis <ddavis@...>

The time is approaching for Spring vegetation sampling at the Lady Bird
Johnson Wildflower Center, and we are rounding up volunteers.  We would
love to have you along if you are interested again in participating.
Sampling will begin on Wednesday, April 16, and will probably last for 3
or 4 weeks.  We are asking for a commitment of at least two 4-hour
sessions during this time.  Training will be offered on any of the
4-hour sessions from April 10 to April 13, but is not necessary if you
have participated before.   I have attached some further information.
If you have trouble opening the attachment please call or e-mail me.

Thank You,

Dick Davis
Land Steward
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Av
Austin TX 78739-1702
(512) 292-4200 x 251

--------------------------------------------------

Volunteers, Paid Assistants Wanted for Vegetation Surveys
At the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Learn the Native Grasses and Wildflowers While Conducting Scientific Research
Hone your plant identification skills while contributing to research on
Central Texas ecosystems.  Time is drawing near for our perennially popular
veggie monitoring at the Wildflower Center.  Every spring and fall we train
volunteers to help in our on-site research area studies, where plots are
burned or mowed at different times of the year to examine the effects on plant
communities.  All experience levels are welcome: the plant surveys will be
conducted in small teams, with staff members nearby at all times.  New
participants in the surveys will attend one four-hour training class, and
commit to at least two four-hour field sessions.  Training is optional for
those of you who have volunteered in the past.

Monitoring begins on Thursday, April 16 and will continue on Wednesdays thru
Sundays until we finish, usually about two to three weeks.   On those days you
can choose between a morning shift, 9am to 1pm; or an afternoon shift, 2pm to
6pm.

Training:  The training is being offered on any of four dates, and takes about
four hours.  In the training you will learn how to collect the data and
receive a crash course on plant identification.  The plant i.d. portion will
focus on field identification of plants frequently encountered in the survey,
and will largely take the form of a nature walk.  Former volunteers who
remember the data collection techniques, but would like a refresher course on
plant identification may attend only that part of the orientation.  Training
dates are:  Thursday, April 10 at 2p.m.; Friday, April 11 at 9am; Saturday
April 12 at 9am; or Sunday, April 13 at 1pm.

Paid Positions Available for Vegetation Survey.
If you are able to commit more time to our vegetation surveys, we have a few
temporary paid positions for data collectors.  We are hiring several research
assistants to work 5 days per week (Wednesday- Sunday), with 20 or 40 hours
per week commitments.  The positions should only last two to three weeks.  The
primary duty will be leading and assisting volunteer data collectors in the
field.  Other duties may include data entry, and laboratory identification of
unknown plants, depending on abilities.  You don’t need to be a plant expert,
but should be detail oriented, and have the ability and desire to learn about
the local flora.  Plant surveys will begin on April 16, but research
assistants will also be paid to attend a four-hour training session between
April 10 and April 13.   Please send a brief e-mail or letter describing your
qualifications.  Deadline for inquiries is April 1.

For more information or to sign up for one of the training sessions, contact
Dick Davis at ddavis@... or 292-4200 x 251.  Please specify whether
you are interested in a volunteer or paid position.

Jonathan Ogren of the Wildflower Center sent out some information about
upcoming workshops and events at the Center.

-------- Original Message --------
Subject: [NPSOT-NPAT] Wildflower Center Workshops and More
Date: Wed, 26 Mar 2003 17:51:56 -0600
From: Jonathan Ogren <ogren@...>
Reply-To: NPSOT-NPAT@yahoogroups.com
To: Jonathan Ogren <ogren@...>

Join us this Spring to get a little closer to nature:

http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=course_catalog

Gardening With Deer-It's a Growing Problem!
April 3, Thurs. 6:30-8:30pm

Wildflower Center Photo Team
April 10 first class 6:30 pm (year long course)

Butterfly Basics and Caterpillar Conduct
April 12, Sat. 9am-12:30pm

Butterfly Gardening Nature's Way
April 12, Sat. 1:30-4:30pm

Propagating Native Plants
April 15 & 17 6:30pm, April 19, 9am (class meets 3 times)

Botany for Everyone
April 17, 24, & May 1, 6-8pm (class meets 3 times)

Common Trees, Shrubs and Vines of the Hill Country
May 3, Sat. 9:30am-noon

Other Events:

"Plant Conservation in the New Millennium"
Lecture by Peter Crane, Director of Royal Botanic Garden-KEW
Sunday March 30, at 2pm
Free with admission to the Center

http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=102
Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival

Open to the Public Saturday and Sunday, April 5 and 6, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Members-only preview sale Friday, April 4 from 1 to 7 p.m.

This plant sale boasts the largest selection of native plants in Central
Texas with some 290 species and 23,000 plants from which to choose.
Native plant experts are available all day to help you make the best
choice for your garden.

for a complete list of plants, talks, and walks go to:
http://www.wildflower.org/?nd=102

Jonathan Ogren
Public Programs Manager
Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center
4801 La Crosse Avenue
Austin, TX 78739
PH: (512)292-4200 ext. 115
Fax: (512)292-4627
www.wildflower.org

Andrea DeLong-Amaya of the Wildflower Center forwarded information about a
wetlands plant bioblitz with David Mahler to be held at Hornsby Bend on April
12th.

  > From: David Mahler <dvmahler@...>
  >
  > Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2003 15:58:01 -0600
  > Subject: wetland plants bioblitz
  >
  >     Potential bioblitzer,   I have volunteered to lead a small group of
  >     people to look for wetland plants at a bioblitz at the Hornsby Bend,
  >     City of Austin property. We will meet at the main building at 9am
  >     Sat. April 12. The tentative plan is to be out in the field until
  >     lunch, do a little microscope id. at lunch, then head out for a
  >     little more field work after lunch if there are some areas that we
  >     haven't hit in the morning. There may be some good wetland plants
  >     along the river, in old quarries and in old ponds, although it will
  >     be too early in the year to have the seeds  etc, necessary for id
  >     for some species. There will be a terrestrial plants team also
  >     working, and we will surely dabble it that also. If  you want to
  >     join us let me know if possible, or join us last minute. Warning- we
  >     may need to go into some areas thick with poison ivy. I will try to
  >     warn people as much as possible and make some suggestion for
  >     possible ways to meet us on the other side if possible, but I expect
  >     to be plunging through to get to some good places. I have hardly any
  >     email list so please feel free to pass this invite on to others.
  >     Directions: Go east on 71 past Bergstrom and go north on 973 approx
  >     1 mile to the entrance of Hornsby and go to the first building, OR
  >     go East on 969  and go south on 973 approx 2-3 miles to Hornsby.
  >     Thanks David Mahler  458 8531