Past Meetings and Events

Summary

Details

November Chapter Meeting: Avoiding Garden Injury

Thursday, November 8th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

The program, being presented by avid gardener Dr. Felder from Georgetown Family Wellness, will focus on avoiding back and other injuries while gardening.

There will also be a Plant swap/Giveaway for about a half hour before the meeting in the library parking lot.

NPSOT-NPAT 2007 Joint Symposium: The Blackland and Grand Prairies and Grasslands of the Edwards Plateau

Thursday through Sunday, October 18th - 21st, 2007,  at Sun City in Georgetown, TX

Attend this year's NPSOT-NPAT 2007 Joint Symposium and learn all about the Blackland and Grand Prairies and Grasslands of the Edwards Plateau.  The topic is: "Efforts to Identify, Restore, Conserve and Celebrate a Natural Treasure."

Our native prairies and savannas are a beautiful part of Texas' natural and cultural heritage, yet they are disappearing quickly.  Less than 1% of Texas' tallgrass prairie remains, and the incredible native prairie flowers and native grasses are harder and harder to find as losses continue.

Come learn about efforts to conserve, restore, and appreciate our Texas' prairie and grassland heritage.  Also learn about gardening with native prairie plants, identifying grassland birds, attracting wildlife with native prairie grasses and flowers, and identifying native grasses!

Visit the symposium web page to learn more about the tallgrass prairie and Hill Country grassland regions of Texas.

Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival

Saturday and Sunday, October 13th and 14th, 2007, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Austin and Williamson County chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants for chapter fund raising to support our projects.  Come by to see us and purchase some plants for your garden!

The Members-only Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, October 12th, 2007, 1:00pm-7:00pm.

No October Chapter Meeting

The October chapter meeting has been cancelled.

We decided that the volunteer activities planned for that meeting needed to be done "on location" rather than at the chapter meeting.

If you are willing to help us finish preparations for our State Symposium, to be held October 18-21st at Sun City in Geogetown, please contact Lynn Mann, Volunteer Coordinator at 512-863-9988 or email: mann.lynn@gmail.com. There is plenty left to do and we would really appreciate your help.

Class: Native Trees of Central Texas and Their Associated Plant Communities

Thursday, September 27th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library
Saturday, September 29th, 2007, 9:00am-11:00am, at Booty’s Road Park

The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) – Williamson County Chapter will be offering a class entitled, “Native Trees of Central Texas and Their Associated Plant Communities”. The lecture will be held at the Georgetown Public Library on Thursday, September 27, 2007, 7 – 9 PM, and the field trip will take place along the North San Gabriel River Trail in Booty’s Road Park on Saturday, September 29, 2007, 9 – 11 AM.

Heather Brewer (Urban Forester, City of Georgetown) will share information about the “Top Ten” most common trees in the three ecosystems that make up Williamson County – the Blackland Prairie (mostly tallgrass prairies) to the east, the Lampasas Cut Plains (prairies and woodlands) to the west, and the Edwards Plateau (savanna, woodlands, and streams) to the southwest. The tree’s leaves, bark, flowers, fruits/nuts/berries, and silhouette (or “gestalt”) will be reviewed in order to make an identification in the field. In addition, Bill Carr (The Nature Conservancy) will be providing information on associated shrubs, vines, forbs, grasses, and soils and how they interact within these tree communities.

The field trip will reinforce what we’ve learned in the classroom and identify specific native plants along a section of the North San Gabriel River Trail in preparation for the kickoff walk of the NPSOT-NPAT 2007 Annual Symposium which will be hosted by the NPSOT Williamson County Chapter on October 18th – 21st (see http://npsot.org/symposium2007/ for details).

The registration fee is $15 for NPSOT-NPAT members and $20 for non-NPSOT-NPAT members (see http://npsot.org/ and http://texasprairie.org/ for membership information).

To register, contact Marilyn Perz (512-864-3828, dmperz@thegateway.net).

Field Trip to Hill Country Natives Nursery

Saturday and Sunday, September 15th and 16th, 2007, dawn to dusk, at Hill Country Natives

Hill Country Natives is at 308 Mesa Rd., Leander, TX, phone 512 914-7519,  Check the website for more information: http://www.hillcountrynatives.biz/ .
 
Directions: From US 183, Leander. Turn West on FM 2243 at Chevron Station or at the new traffic light just North of town. Go approximately 3 miles to CR 290, at bottom on hill. Turn left, and go apprrox. 1 mile. Paved road turns hard right and after 1 block ends in a T. Turn left and go 1 block. Turn right on Mesa Oaks, Hill Country Native is 4th house on the right 308 Mesa Oaks.

September Chapter Meeting : Native Soils with Jon Brandt

Thursday, September 13th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

Jon Brandt will compare “native” soils to the urban soils that are becoming more prevalent in Williamson County and the surrounding areas.  Soil relationships (biology, composition, and geography) which influence the establishment of native plants will be discussed.  A quick introduction to the Web Soil Survey will also be included.  Feel free to bring in a soil sample from your yard or garden (a cupful will be fine).  After the presentation, you will have the opportunity to determine the pH and estimate the calcium carbonate content of your soil (and your results will be interpreted).

Jon Brandt is a licensed professional geoscientist and has been working with soils in one way or another for 25 years.  Jon’s Master’s thesis research focused on two areas:  nitrogen fertilizer efficiency and nitrogen uptake in intercropping systems (clovers and wheat).  Jon’s jobs have involved demonstrating soil conservation practices and reclaiming abandoned coal and uranium mines, and his interests include the Capital Area Master Naturalists, photography, canoing/kayaking, and native plants.

August Chapter Meeting : Dried Flower/Plant Arranging with Betty Hughes

Thursday, August 9th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

Come learn how to create attractive native plant arrangements with Betty Hughes as she presents "Dried Flower/Plant Arranging".

July Chapter Meeting: Dessert Social 

Thursday, July 12th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

We will enjoy a Dessert Social to get to know our fellow members and engage in casual discussion of our own Native Plant experiences.  Bring your favorite dessert to share.  Utensils, napkins, and drinks will be provided. 

Visitors Welcome.  For further information, call 254-793-3748.

June Chapter Meeting: Invasive and Exotic Species

Thursday, June 14th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

Bill Carr, botanist from The Nature Conservancy will talk on Invasive and Exotic Species.

The adverse impact of these plants on our native ecology has reached epidemic proportions. We will learn to recognize and identify them, as well as the reasons why they need to be eliminated.

Bill Carr received a B. S. in Botany from The Ohio State University in 1978 and emigrated to Texas shortly thereafter.  He did state-wide field work for the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department from 1988 to 1995 and has worked for The Nature Conservancy of Texas since 1996.  He is the author of "An Annotated List of the Flora of Travis County, Texas" and a co-author of a book on the rare plants of Texas to be published by Texas A&M University Press in Fall 2007.

May Chapter Meeting: Native Cacti, Yucca, and Related Plants of Central Texas

Thursday, May 10th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

Jason Spangler will speak about Native Cacti, Yucca, and Related Plants of Central Texas.

Our native cacti and yucca call our native prairies, savannas, and woodlands home, and Jason has created a presentation summarizing what he has found during his treks through central Texas. Jason's presentation will feature photos taken by Lisa and Jason Spangler of native cacti, yucca, and related plants both in the wild and in native plant gardens and landscaping. Come see this presentation about pointy native plants that help give central Texas its southwestern feel.

Jason Spangler is a board member and treasurer of the Native Prairies Association of Texas (NPAT), webmaster for the Austin and Williamson County NPSOT Chapters, and active in the Austin chapter of NPSOT. Jason is the NPAT co-chair of the NPSOT-NPAT 2007 Joint Symposium on the Blackland and Grand Prairies and Grasslands of the Edwards Plateau.

In addition to his regular job as a software engineer, Jason is passionately devoted to helping preserve native prairies and restoring the land and our native Texas ecosystems. Jason speaks to organizations about native Texas prairies and the need for their conservation and protection. Jason has also arranged and led prairie and native plant field trips, organized advocacy for protecting and restoring native prairie, contributed native prairie and plant articles to the newsletters of NPAT, NPSOT, and other conservation organizations, and searched for and recorded native prairie remnants.

Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival

Saturday and Sunday, April 14th and 15th, 2007, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Williamson County and Austin chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants for chapter fund raising.  Come by to see us and purchase some plants for your garden!

The Members-only Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, April 13th, 2007, 1:00pm-7:00pm.

April Chapter Meeting: Native Plant Propagation Techniques

Thursday, April 12th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

Billy Chovanec and Carla Haskett will present "Native Plant Propagation Techniques -- A Few Successes and Avoiding Many Failures". 

Billy is a retired Geologist and native plant hobbyist from the Central Texas area.  He became interested in Native plants while working for the Railroad Commission in Coal and Uranium Mine Reclamation.  He will share his personal experiences in the propagation of many popular (and not so popular) native plants for our area. 

Carla is "a fifth-generation professional Texas gardener at Spiegelhauer Farms in Bartlett.  The first Spiegelhauer farm was established in 1882.  Today, the family specializes in small batches of cut flowers and three-season vegetables and fruits grown on a Co-Op basis." (Williamson County Sun).  Carla also writes gardening articles for the Williamson County Sun.

NEW LOCATION! The meeting for March 8 at 7 pm is to be held on the second floor of the new Georgetown Library, 402 W 8th St in downtown Georgetown.

March Chapter Meeting: Around the Year in Native Plants

Thursday, March 8th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Public Library

Photographer and NPSOT member Steve Schwartzman will present his latest photos of Central Texas native plants from around the year!  

Witness beautiful, artistic photographs of native plants and scenes beginning on New Year's Day and cycling throughout the year, along with witty and verbiose commentary.

Steve's native plant and wildlife photos are always amazing, so be sure to attend!

NEW LOCATION! The meeting for March 8 at 7 pm is to be held on the second floor of the new Georgetown Library, 402 W 8th St in downtown Georgetown. *We will not be creating dried floral arrangements as previously planned because the presenter is unable to attend.*

Old Machu Cemetery Prairie Volunteer Day at Granger Lake

Saturday, February 10th, 2007, 10:00am, at Granger Lake

Come help our chapter restore our restore our native Blackland Prairie at Old Machu Cemetery Prairie, a two acre prairie remnant at Granger Lake and one of Williamson County's few remaining tallgrass prairie remnants.

Native and also invasive non-native trees are encroaching on the prairie due to the lack of natural and prescribed fire, and will eventually shade out and kill the prairie if we don't act.  We will be cutting these woody species to protect the prairie.

Less than 1% of North America's tallgrass prairie remains (due to plowing, abusive grazing, and development) so prairie remnants like Old Machu Cemetery Prairie are very special places.

Tallgrass prairie is the most threatened large ecosystem in North America.  Tallgrass prairie is also habitat for the grassland birds, the most declining group of birds in North America.

The Blackland Prairie, part of Texas' tallgrass prairies, stretched from north and northeast Texas down past Austin to San Antonio, but now less than 1% remains of the original 12.5 million acres.  The eastern half of Williamson and Travis Counties was mostly Blackland Prairie just 150 years ago when European settlers arrived.

Directions:  From HW95, take CR347 east.  There is a "Granger 5 Bartlett 10" sign by the turnoff for this county road (it is facing northbound traffic.)  CR347 goes east, then turns sharply north.  The first county road on the right is CR378; take this east till it dead-ends in a parking area marked "San Gabriel Unit" (before arriving here, CR391 and CR390 will be passed.)  The gate into Army Corps property should be open, and continue over the cattle crossing on the old county road.  It runs east, then turns sharply north.  Continue till it ends in a gate, which is the 10:00am meeting place.

Contact Scott Lenharth at scott_lenharth@texasprairie.org or via cell phone at 512-925-2272 if you have any questions.

February Chapter Meeting: Organic Solutions to Everyday Gardening Problems

Thursday, February 8th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Judy Barrett will talk on "Organic Solutions to Everyday Gardening Problems". 

Judy Barrett is the founding editor and publisher of the bi-monthly newsmagazine "Homegrown: Good Sense Organic Gardening for Texas" which is based in Taylor.  She was also editor and publisher of Malcolm Beck's book "The Garden-Ville Method".  She has served as editor of "The New Garden Journal", as well as host of the public television series The New Garden. 

Judy is an experienced herbalist and cookbook author, having published "Tomatillos: A Gardeners Dream, A Cook's Delight".  She also wrote the book "How to Become an Organic Gardener in 7 Easy Steps".  She continues to write articles for many gardening related publications.

January Chapter Meeting: Landscaping Using Ecology

Thursday, January 11th, 2007, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Sun City Ballroom

Please note the one time meeting location change to the Sun City Ballroom.

Learn how to choose the correct native plant palette for our individual growing conditions using nature as a model.

Pat McNeal is the owner of McNeal Growers in Manchaca, a wholesale grower of native and adapted grasses, ground covers and flowering perennials that are suited to the condition of the western two-thirds of Texas. He specializes in plant solutions to the problems of urban, suburban and rural development and construction and has been instrumental as a consultant for restoration projects including restoring impacted grasslands, woodlands and other naturally occurring plant communities. Pat also is a consultant in water management engineering structures such as rain water control, erosion control, and watershed development.

December Chapter Meeting: Pot-Luck Social and Silent Auction

Thursday, December 14th, 2006, 6:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

This month is our traditional pot-lock social and silent auction!

Bring a dish for our traditional pot-luck supper, items to donate for the silent auction, and your checkbooks (or cash, but no credit cards accepted) to support the chapter's native plant projects!

November Chapter Meeting: Grasses of the Texas Hill Country

Thursday, November 9th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Brian and Shirley Loflin, biologists and coauthors of "Grasses of The Texas Hill Country", will be our guest speakers in November.

NPSOT 2006 Fall Symposium: San Antonio

Thursday, October 19th through Sunday, October 22nd, 2006, in San Antonio

This year's NPSOT Fall Symposium highlights the San Antonio area and the five eco-regions that meet there.  For more information, see the NPSOT home page.

October Chapter Meeting: Native and Adapted Herbs for Texas

Thursday, October 12th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Cathy Slaughter of Gabriel Valley Farms will present a program on native and adapted herbs for Texas

Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival

Saturday and Sunday, October 14th and 15th, 2006, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Plant Sale and Gardening Festival features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Austin and Williamson County chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants for chapter fund raising.  Come by to see us and purchase some plants for your garden!

The Members-only Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, October 13th, 2006, 1:00pm-7:00pm.

Field Trip to Burleson Prairie

Saturday, October 7th, 2006, 9:00am, near Temple, TX

This is a field trip to Burleson Prairie, Bob and Mickey Burlesons' Blackland Prairie restoration near Temple.  The Burlesons' prairie includes over a hundred acres of restored and remnant Blackland Prairie, part of Texas' endangered tallgrass prairies.  The Burlesons' have been restoring this tallgrass prairie for decades and have written a restoration guide.

We'll meet north of Temple (approximately 68 miles north of Austin) around 8:30am at the parking lot on the southwest corner (truck stop/Wendy's) at exit 304 (north of Temple) off I-35 and caravan to the property.  For those who want to go directly there, they should be at this location on Berger Road by 9:00am

Contact Jason Spangler at jason.spangler@texasprairie.org for more information and directions.

For more information about Texas prairies, visit the Native Prairies Association of Texas.

September Chapter Meeting: A Native Plant Wonderland in San Antonio

Thursday, September 14th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Phyllis Dolich had the opportunity to walk the trails at a brand new area of the San Antonio Botanical Center in April.  She joined the NPSOT governing board for
a guided tour of the Texas Native Trail, learning about the diversity of native plants of East Texas, South Texas, and the Texas Hill Country. 

Later that month, she joined her Sun City hiking club for a day at Government Canyon State Natural Area which is also in San Antonio.  Both are worth a trip and Phyllis will show us why in a pictorial slide show.  Share her surprising discoveries and enjoy learning about wild plants in an urban setting.

August Chapter Meeting: Creating Woodland in the Native Landscape

Thursday, August 10th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Cathy Nordstrom will speak about Creating Woodland in the Native Landscape.  Cathy is owner of Sans Souci Gardens Landscape Design, an Austin company that specializes in designing and installing natural landscapes.  A Master Gardener, Master Naturalist, and Habitat Steward, she also serves on the Zilker Botanical Garden Horticulture Committee.  Through her work and volunteer activities,  Cathy enjoys educating others about the benefits of native plants and their effective use in residential landscapes.

July Chapter Meeting: Pot-Luck Social

Thursday, June 13th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Please bring your favorite dish to share and enjoy this fun event while getting to know your fellow members.  Plates, cups, utensils and drinks will be provided.

June Chapter Meeting: Good Bugs, Bad Bugs

Thursday, June 8th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Malcolm Beck, co-founder of Garden-ville, will speak on "Good Bugs, Bad Bugs" and present his newest edition of the book of the same name.  Malcolm is famous as one of the founders of the organic gardening movement in the state.

May Chapter Meeting

Thursday, May 11th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker to be announced.

We will also have a plant swap this meeting, so bring a native plant you wish to swap!

April Chapter Meeting: Native Grasses and Evergreens

Thursday, April 13th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Reid Lewis, owner of Sweetbriar Nursery in Belton, will give a talk on Native Grasses and Evergreens. 

Reid is also Horticulturist for Temple College and was instrumental in starting Native Plant Society of Texas chapters in Waco, Belton, and Navasota, as well as serving on the Board of the Native Plant Society of Texas for ten years and as Regional Director for seven.  He has a wealth of native plant information to share.

(Note: The April meeting will be held at the usual date, time, and place.  We are unable to change the meeting date.)

March Chapter Meeting: Butterfly Gardening

Thursday, March 9th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Andrea Delong-Amaya, garden designer, horticulturist, and educator at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center since 1988, will teach us how best to attract and retain a diversity of beautiful butterflies to our gardens.

Native Plant Spring Symposium 2006: What's Hiding in the Bushes?: Native Texas Plants as Habitat

Saturday, February 25th, 2006, 8:00am, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The NPSOT/Wildflower Center Spring Symposium will include a plenary session reviewing the ecological aspects of native plants as habitat, followed by in-depth afternoon break-out sessions. Afternoon session themes will address specific animal and plant relationships and review current biological research as related to native plant ecology.

For more information and registration information, see the Symposium web page.

Volunteer Day: Wacky Weeders at the Georgetown Public Library Garden

Saturday, February 18th, 2006, 9:00am, at the Georgetown Public Library Garden

Join the Wacky Weeders at the Georgetown Public Library Garden for fun and weeding!  Contact Agnes at 512 863 0421 or Kathy at 512 259 7350 for more information.

February Chapter Meeting:Restoring & Gardening with Native Grasses and Flowers for Habitat and Beauty

Thursday, February 9th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Jason May, former manager of a garden center and owner of his own landscaping business specializing in native plants and now with Native American Seed, will give us an overview of raising, harvesting, and processing native seeds for sale. 

Using a colorful slide show, he will demonstrate which natives to plant, when, how, and where to plant from seeds to beautify your home garden and restore a little piece of native prairie.

Volunteer Days: Wacky Weeders at the Georgetown Public Library Garden

Any Tuesday Morning join the Wacky Weeders at the Georgetown Public Library Garden. Contact Agnes at 512 863 0421 or Kathy at 512 259 7350.

January Chapter Meeting: Backyard Wildlife Habitats and Silent Auction

Thursday, January 12th, 2006, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Make your Yard into a Registered National Wildlife Habitat with native plants!

Bill Stout from the National Wildlife Federation will teach us what native plants make up a wildlife habitat, why backyard habitats are so important, and how we can have our own yard recognized as a Registered Wildlife Habitat.

We will also hold our Silent Auction fundraiser at this months meeting.  Come prepared to bid on interesting items, and bring items to donate for the auction!

December Chapter Meeting: Potluck Social and Silent Auction - MEETING CANCELLED DUE TO WEATHER

Thursday, December 8th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Bring a dish to share, item for the auction and enjoy this fun event.  Plates, cups, utensils and drinks will be provided.

Come prepared to bid on interesting items, and bring items to donate for the auction!

November Chapter Meeting: Gardening Among Deer (Without Hiring a Mountain Lion)

Thursday, November 10th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Dr. Yvonne Estes teaches Biology at Austin Community College.  With good science, good humor, and good gardening information she will provide guidance for gardeners who must deal with deer.  Her slide presentation will feature her own garden which is a Registered National Wildlife Habitat and still contains over 200 roses!

NPSOT 2005 Fall Symposium: The Trans-Pecos

Thursday, October 20th through Sunday, October 23nd, 2005, in the Big Bend area

This year's NPSOT Fall Symposium highlights the Trans-Pecos eco-region of Texas. For more information, see the NPSOT home page.

October Chapter Meeting: What is a Prairie?

Thursday, October 13th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Some experts say that prairies are more endangered than the rain forests.  Lisa Spangler, member of the Native Prairies Association of Texas, will provide slides showing prairies in the Midwest and Texas.  She will help us understands what makes them so special.

For more information about Texas prairies, check out the Native Prairies Association of Texas.

Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, October 8th and 9th, 2005, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Austin and Williamson County chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants and seeds.  Come by to see us and purchase some plants for your garden!

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, October 7th, 2005.

Volunteer Day: Help at the Plant Sale Fundraiser

Friday through Sunday, October 7th-9th, 2005, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Volunteer to help at the Plant Sale fundraiser at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.  Contact Brian at 512 352 9334.

Volunteer Day: Help Load Plant Truck for Plant Sale

Thursday, October 6th 2005, 5:00pm-7:00pm at Gabriel Valley Farms in Jonah

Come and help load the plant truck to transport the plants to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for the Plant Sale. Contact Dar at 512 869 7522.

Field Trip: Guided Native Grass and Flower Walk at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Sunday, October 2nd 2005, 2:00pm-4:00pm at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Join in a guided native grass and flower walk at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.  For more information, call 512 864 3828.

Volunteer Day: Help Prepare Plants for the Plant Sale

Friday, September 30th 2005, 9:00am-12:00pm at Gabriel Valley Farms in Jonah

Come to Gabriel Valley Farms and help weed and prepare plants for the Plant Sale.

Directions: Take SH 29 east to Jonah, turn right on CR 1660 and go about 1/4 mile straight into the Nursery driveway.

Contact Brian 512 352 9334 or Dar 512 869 7522.

Field Trip: Dolichs' Best of Texas Certified Backyard Habitat

Sunday, September 25th 2005, 2:00pm at the residence of Ira & Phyllis Dolich

Ira & Phyllis Dolich want to show off their new wildscape...
...also an incredible late summer wildflower garden (the prairie agalinis and kidneywood will knock you over)
...tons of native shrubs & perennials (including roses) and a pond full of natives
...not to forget the gorgeous hyacinth bean vine that's about to swallow our garage
...plus butterflies, birds, hummingbirds and dragonflies all over the place.

Address: Phyllis & Ira Dolich, 116 Longhorn Trail, Sun City Texas 512-869-0356

Directions: Take Williams Drive west to Sun City - turn right and go to the end of Del Webb Blvd.  Turn left on Sun City Blvd.  Turn left on Great Frontier and circle around until you get to Longhorn Trail - first house on the left.  Look for the hyacinth bean vine and retama.
 
If anyone should need a ride or be willing to offer one please call Susan Waitz at home 254-793-3748 (local call in Georgetown) and she will coordinate.

Hill Country Natives Second Annual NPSOT Open House

Saturday and Sunday, September 17th and 18th 2005, All Day, at Hill County Natives

Hill Country Natives is a native plant nursery that specializes in ornamental trees native to the Texas Hill Country.  They carry over 50 species of native trees, and also feature: Dual-Source Rainwater Collection and Irrigation System Greenhouse,  Vermiculture System and Compost Tea System.

For more information, visit their website at http://www.hillcountrynatives.biz/, phone 512-914-7519, or email emitch@worldnet.att.net.

Field Trip: Texas Bluebells at Granger Lake Seed Bank

September 2005 at the Granger Lake Seed Bank

At your leisure visit the restored prairie area at Granger Lake Seed Bank (below Granger Lake Dam) containing native grasses and Texas Bluebells (Eustoma exaltatum).

For more information, email Scott Lenharth at slenhart@texas.net.

September Chapter Meeting: Benefits of Compost Tea in Your Landscape

Thursday, September 8th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce building

Note change of location for this month only: This month's meeting is in the Chamber of Commerce building at 100 Stadium Drive in Georgetown (just North of the tee intersection of Williams Dr and Austin Ave).  Use of this facility does not indicate endorsement by the Chamber.

Betsy Ross operates Compost Tea Texas, LLC and is an expert on the preparation and application of compost tea to improve soil biology and plant health.  Her slide presentation will show methods to make and apply compost tea.

August Chapter Meeting: Fall Pruning

Thursday, August 11th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Tricia Martin of Forever Gardens Nursery will speak and demonstrate proper ways for fall pruning of perennials, especially salvias.

July Chapter Meeting: Nominations, Elections, Brainstorming, and Pot Luck

Thursday, July 14th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

This month's chapter meeting consists of:
Bring a pot luck dish to share with everyone!  Plates, utensils, and drinks will be provided.

June Chapter Meeting: Before and After

Thursday, June 9th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Sheryl McLaughlin, a landscape designer and Native Plant specialist with the Kevin Wood Landscape Design firm, will present a before and after landscape design slide show.

May Chapter Meeting: Rainwater Harvesting

Thursday, May 12th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Dick Peterson, Environmental Program Coordinator for the City of Austin Green Building Program, will give a presentation and demonstration of rainwater harvesting.

On Saturday, May 14th at 2:30pm, the chapter will sponsor a field trip to visit Sue and Charlie Wiseman's and Dick Peterson's rainwater collection systems.  Maps will be available at this chapter meeting, or call Marilyn Perz at 512-864-3828 for more information.

Bring your extra plants in for a plant exchange with fellow chapter members!

April Chapter Meeting: Backyard Composting

Thursday, April 14th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Robert Beck will speak about Backyard Composting at this month's chapter meeting.

Spring Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, April 9th and 10th, 2005, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Spring Gardening Festival and Plant Plant and Seed Sale features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Williamson County and Austin chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants and seeds.  Come by to see us and purchase some plants for your garden!

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, April 8th, 2005.

Field Trip: Guided Tour at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

Saturday, April 2nd, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge

The chapter will be going on a guided field trip of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.

The Refuge is part of a system of over 500 National Wildlife Refuges across the country, akin to such fabulous locations as Aransas NWR, Santa Ana NWR, and the Arctic NWR.

For more information, see The Grapevine chapter newsletter.

March Chapter Meeting: Rainwater Harvesting

Thursday, March 10th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Dick Peterson will speak about Rainwater Harvesting at this month's chapter meeting.

Field Trip: Fort Hood

Saturday, March 5th, 2005, 9:00am-12:00pm at Fort Hood

The Tonkawa and Williamson County chapters will be going on a guided field trip of Fort Hood to see native plants.

We will meet at the Park-and-Ride in Belton (west side of IH 35 at exit 294A). Please bring a vehicle that has four wheel drive and high clearance, or arrange to ride with someone.

You will need to wear sturdy shoes and bring a hat, sunscreen, insect repellant, and water to drink. For more information, contact Laura Sanchez.

Spring Symposium: Those Other Native Texas Plants - Grasses, Ferns, Cacti & Their Allies

Saturday, February 26th, 2005, 8:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Hosted by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Native Plant Society of Texas.

The Spring Symposium will include a plenary session reviewing native Texas grasses, ferns, cacti and their allies, and the use of organic gardening practices in native plant landscaping, followed by in-depth, concurrent related afternoon sessions. Afternoon session themes will address topics on plant identification, propagation, plant rescue, species availability in the nursery trade and sustainable methods for gardening with those other Texas native plants.

For more information and registration, go to the symposium's web page.

Georgetown Public Library Native Plant Demonstration Garden Maintenance

Saturday, February 19th, 2005, 9:00am, at the Georgetown Public Library

The chapter will be doing maintenance on our native plant demonstration garden at the Georgetown Public Library.

To assist with maintenance and regular weeding, please contact Kathy Galloway at katgal@ccsi.com or 512-259-7350 for time or day changes.

February Chapter Meeting: Propagating Native Species

Thursday, February 10th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Chapter member Dar Richardson will speak about Propagating Native Species.

January Chapter Meeting: Cacti and Yucca of Travis and Williamson Counties

Thursday, January 13th, 2005, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Jason Spangler, Austin chapter member, will speak about Cacti & Yucca of Travis & Williamson Counties.

December Chapter Meeting: Potluck Dinner and Social

Thursday, December 9th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Bring a dish to share and enjoy this informal gathering. We will have a silent auction to raise money for the chapter. Plates, utensils, and drinks are provided.

Grass Identification Field Trip with Scott Lenharth

Sunday, November 28th, 2004, 2:00pm, at Dennis and Marilyn Perz's property

Come to Dennis and Marilyn Perz's property around 2:00pm on Sunday November 28 and walk off that turkey dinner. Scott is very knowlegable in all forms of native plants but he will focus on grasses. Come and see what he finds and collect specimens for future reference. Dress for the weather and wear sturdy shoes.

Directions:

  1. Head East on SH 29 out of Georgetown
  2. Turn Right on CR 106 at the Exxon Station
  3. Drive 2 miles through Davidson's Dairy
  4. Turn Right when you tee into CR 100 after the low water crossing
  5. Turn Right at driveway of 2150 CR 100 about 1/4 mile
  6. For further information, call 864-3828

November Chapter Meeting: Invasive and Exotic Plants

Thursday, November 11th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm at the Sun City Activity Center Atrium

Note location change for this meeting!

Eric Beckers is employed by the Texas Forest Service in Austin and is a NPSOT member. His slide show will focus on stewardship of the land and identifying specific problem plants and issues in Williamson County.

We have set up a joint meeting with the Sun City Nature Club in the Atrium in the Activity Center at Sun City.

Directions:

  1. I35 take exit 261A (Lake Georgetown, Andice) and take service road to Williams Dr
  2. Turn Left on Williams Drive and go West about 6 miles to Sun City entrance
  3. Turn Right on Del Webb Blvd
  4. Turn Right on Texas Drive
  5. Activities Center is the Large Building on Right

NPSOT 2004 Fall Symposium: The Piney Woods

Thursday, October 14th through Sunday, October 18th, 2004, in Longview, TX

This year's NPSOT Fall Symposium highlights the Piney Woods eco-region of Texas. For more information, see the NPSOT home page.

October Chapter Meeting: Caring for Central Texas Trees

Thursday, October 14th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Don Gardener has extensive experience as a consulting arborist in the Austin area. He is a regular guest on radio and TV gardening programs, conducts training programs and workshops, and lectures frequently. His program will feature a back-to-basics guide for how to plant and maintain trees in our area.

Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, October 9th and 10th, 2004, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, October 8th, 2003.

The Austin and Williamson County chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants and seeds.

September Chapter Meeting: Managing Balcones Canyonlands

Thursday, September 9th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Deborah Holle is manager of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge for the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Her slide show will provide an overview of ongoing refuge programs, including protecting endangered species, using fire to restore habitats, and public use programs.

August Chapter Meeting: Plants of the Big Bend Region

Thursday, August 12th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Bill Linderman is past President of the Native Plant Society of Texas and is active in several community activities that promote native plants and wildlife. His talk will cover the native plants and ecosystem of the Big Bend region and will feature his outstanding portfolio of photos of the area.

July Chapter Meeting: Potluck Dinner and Social

Thursday, July 8th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Bring a dish to share and enjoy this informal social. We will discuss new officer candidates, so bring your ideas. Plates, utensils, and drinks provided.

June Chapter Meeting: Beneficial Insects in the Landscape

Thursday, June 10th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Dale Mott has a degree in entomology from Texas A&M and works for the Williamson County Agricultural Extension Service. His program features a slide show demonstrating the uses of insects in controlling diseases and pests.

May Chapter Meeting: Pollinators for the Backyard

Thursday, May 13th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Flo Oxley is the Director of Conservation at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and leads efforts to protect endangered plant species.  Flo will talk about pollination through plant selection and beneficial pollinators, such as butterflies.

Field Trip: Yard Tour at Eason House

Thursday, April 22nd, 2004, 6:30pm-8:00pm, at 1401 College Street, Georgetown

Landscape designer David Mahler of Environmental Survey Consulting will give a guided tour of the native landscape he created at the home of Rick and Patty Eason.  We will meet at 6:30 pm at the Eason home, which is located at 1401 College Street in Georgetown.  The tour will last until 8 pm or dark, whichever comes first.

Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival

Saturday and Sunday, April 17th and 18th, 2004, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Spring Plant Sale and Gardening Festival features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Williamson County and Austin chapters of NPSOT will have booths at the sale and will be selling plants and seeds as fund raisers.

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, April 16th, 2004.

April Chapter Meeting: How to Build the Perfect Pond

Thursday, April 8th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker J.B. Phillips owns and operates Pontasia, a pond-building company. He has been active in the Austin Pond Society since 1992 and started the Austin Pond Tour in 1995. He is currently serving as president of APS.

March Chapter Meeting: Water Gardening with Native Plants

Thursday, March 11th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center


Speaker Andrea DeLong Amaya holds a degree in horticulture from the University of Texas and is currently Manager of Gardens at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. Her program will focus on using container plants in water gardens.

February Chapter Meeting: Trees for Central Texas

Thursday, February 12th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Reed Lewis will give a slide show and talk on "Trees for Central Texas."  Reed owns and operates Sweetbriar Nursery in Belton and is Horticulturalist for Temple College. He has served as Regional Director for the Native Plant Society of Texas and president of the Waco chapter, started the NPSOT library, and sat on the Board of Directors for 10 years. He is an entertaining and enthusiastic speaker.

January Chapter Meeting: Flora of the Hill Country River Region

Thursday, January 8th, 2004, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Sage Kawecki serves as Executive Director of the Texas Hill Country River Region. Her program features a slide show of the beautiful river region west of San Antonio, where five rivers and three different ecosystems converge.

December Chapter Meeting: Potluck and Social

Thursday, December 11th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Bring a dish to share and enjoy this informal gathering.  Plates, utensils, and drinks provided.

November Chapter Meeting: Attracting Birds to Your Backyard

Thursday, November 13th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Charles Stephens works for Wild Birds Unlimited and is an expert on local birdlife.  His program will focus on plants and other ways to bring birds into your habitat.

NPSOT Symposium 2003

Thursday through Sunday, October 16th-19th, 2003, in Fredericksburg, Texas

The NPSOT symposium is coming back to the Edwards  Plateau  in 2003 as we begin our second tour around the state.  This region was the subject of our first symposium held in Kerrville  twelve years ago.  Fredericksburg has been chosen as the site this time.

For more information, see the NPSOT Symposium 2003 pages and the NPSOT web page.

Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, October 11th and 12th, 2003, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, October 10th, 2003.

October Chapter Meeting: Arrangements with Native Plants

Thursday, October 9th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce

Speaker Wanda Lancaster provides arrangements for the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and conducts frequent workshops.  Meeting will be located at the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce, 100 Stadium Drive, Georgetown.

September Chapter Meeting: Roadmaps to Native Plants

Wednesday, September 17th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Speaker Ken Schoen has grown and wholesaled plants for years and teaches continuing education courses in native plants.  His program focuses on the development of native flora from before recorded history.

August Chapter Meeting: Potluck, Group Social, and Discussion

Thursday, August 21st, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

(Note, this is the third Thursday of the month, not the second Thursday as usual. This is a one-time change)

Bring a dish to share. Plates, utensils, and drinks are provided. We'll eat, visit, and discuss your ideas for new programs and ways we can reach out to the community. Both members and visitors are welcome.

July Chapter Meeting: Organic Gardening with John Dromgoole

Thursday, July 10th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

John Dromgoole of the Natural Gardener will speak about organic gardening.  John also hosts the Gardening Naturally radio show and the Backyard Basics segment on Central Texas Gardener.

June Chapter Meeting: Herbs

Thursday, June 12th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

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

May Chapter Meeting: Native Plant Primer & Plant Swap

Thursday, May 8th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Diane Sherrill will present a primer on native Texas plants.

We will also have a plant swap this meeting, so bring a native plant you wish to swap!

Field Trip: Yard/Garden Tour

Sunday, May 4th, 2003, 9:00am-12:00pm

The chapter will be taking field trips to tour the yards/gardens of chapter members Dar & Cheri Richardson and Agnes Plutino.  Attend the April chapter meeting for more information.

April Chapter Meeting: Geology of Central Texas

Thursday, April 10th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Phil Davis will speak about the geology of central Texas.

Spring Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, April 5th and 6th, 2003, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.  The Austin and Georgetown chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants and seeds.

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, April 4th, 2002.

March Chapter Meeting: Deer Resistant Plants

Thursday, March 13th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Dahmar Roeder will speak about deer resistant plants.

NPSOT Spring Symposium: Historic Flora of Texas

Saturday, March 1st, 2003, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Presented by the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Native Plant Society of Texas, the NPSOT Spring 2003 Symposium is entitled "Historic Flora of Texas".  See the NPSOT page and the LBJWFC page for more information and registration forms.

February Chapter Meeting: Butterflies, Caterpillars, and What They Eat

Thursday, February 13th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Coby Dinges of the Austin chapter will speak about butterflies, caterpillars, and what they eat..

January Chapter Meeting: Winter Plant Identification

Thursday, January 9th, 2003, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Agnes Plutino will present information about winter plant identification.

December Chapter Meeting: Holiday Party and Silent Auction

Thursday, December 12th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

The December meeting is our annual Holiday Party. We will also have our annual Silent Auction fund raiser, so bring any items to donate to this meeting and be ready to bid!

November Chapter Meeting: Elizabeth Moon

Thursday, November 14th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Elizabeth Moon, a prolific award winning sci-fi/fantasy author, will speak about how she restored and received a wildlife exemption for her small prairie.

Field Trip: Granger Lake Gene Bank

Sunday, November 3rd, 2002, 1:00pm-3:00pm

The chapter will be taking a field trip to the Granger Lake Gene Bank, an award-winning living gene bank of prairie grasses and other native plants.  The Granger Lake Gene Bank project is a collaboration between the US Army Corp of Engineers, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Texas State Soil and Water Conservation Board, and the Native Prairie Association of Texas.

We will meet at the Georgetown Public Library at 1:00pm then proceed to the Granger Lake Gene Bank.

October Chapter Meeting: "Tales From Ten" & Plant Swap

Thursday, October 10th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center Scott Lenharth from the Austin chapter and our own Agnes Plutino will do a two-pronged presentation. The first part will be "Tales From Ten:  Lessons from the Propagation and Observation of 10 Native Central Texas Plants".  The second part will be basic instruction on seed collection and storage.  

We will also have a plant swap this meeting, so bring a native plant you wish to swap!

Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, October 5th and 6th, 2002, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's annual Fall Gardening Festival and Native Plant and Seed Sale features many native plants and seeds for sale, native plant experts to answer questions, and presentations on gardening with native plants.

The Member's Preview Sale for Wildflower Center members only is Friday, October 4th, 2002, 1:00pm-7:00pm.

Field Trip: Perz Property

Sunday, September 29th, 2002, 9:00am

The chapter will be taking a field trip to the Perz property.  Attend the September chapter meeting for more information.

September Chapter Meeting: Chuck Sexton

Thursday, September 12th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Chuck Sexton, Wildlife Biologist from Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge will be our speaker this meeting. He will talk about the Refuge, with an emphasis on the plant life. He also has information to share about some upcoming events: guided field trips, birding excursions, etc.

The Refuge is part of a system of over 500 National Wildlife Refuges across the country, akin to such fabulous locations as Aransas NWR, Santa Ana NWR, and the Arctic NWR.

August Chapter Meeting: Native Plants

Thursday, August 8th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Ken Schoen will speak about native plants at our August meeting.   Ken has 10 years of experience growing and wholesaling plants and has lectured for the Bell County Master Gardeners Program.

July Chapter Meeting: Summer Social

Thursday, July 18th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

This meeting will be our annual Summer Social and also consist of planning for next year.  Please come with a food item and ideas for the upcoming year.

June Chapter Meeting: Native Grasses

Thursday, June 20th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

David Will of  Gotllieb Gardens will speak about "Native Grasses".

May Chapter Meeting: Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Reserve

Thursday, May 16th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Ron Iski will speak about the Balcones Canyonland National Wildlife Reserve.

April Chapter Meeting: TBA

Thursday, April 18th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center
To be announced.

Spring Gardening Festival & Native Plant Sale

Saturday and Sunday, April 6th and 7th, 2002, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's bi-annual plant sale features a wide selection of native plants and seeds for the Central Texas area.  The Williamson County and Austin chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants and seeds.  More infomation can be found at the Wildflower Center's event page.

March Chapter Meeting: TBA

Thursday, March 21st, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

To be announced.

Spring Symposium 2002: "Small Scale Restoration"

Saturday, February 23rd, 2002, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

Sponsored by NPSOT and the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center, the Spring Symposium 2002, "Small Scale Restoration", will be held at the Wildflower Center.   Speakers include Austin NPSOT member David Mahler, talking about seed harvesting, Glen Olsen (state NPSOT president) speaking about restoration projects at the Houston Arboretum, and Austin NPSOT member Mike Weisner talking about the Barton Creek Preserve.  For a full schedule and registration form, go to Symposium's website.  Co-sponsored by the Society for Ecological Restoration.

February Chapter Meeting: TBA

Thursday, February 21st, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

To be announced.

January Chapter Meeting: Growing Natives in Containers

Thursday, January 17th, 2002, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Andrea DeLong-Amaya will be speaking on "Growing Natives in Containers".   She is a Horticulturist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and was previously with Barton Springs Nursery for over five years.

December Chapter Meeting: Holiday Party and Silent Auction

Tuesday, December 11th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

This meeting is our Christmas meeting, which is a holiday party/pot luck and silent auction.  Remember to bring a food dish and something that can be auctioned off!

November Chapter Meeting: Cancelled!

Thursday, November 15th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

The November meeting was cancelled due to the extreme weather conditions.  The speaker, Andrea DeLong-Amaya, will be rescheduled for early next year.

October Chapter Meeting: Propagation of Native Plants

Thursday, October 18th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Agricultural Center

Reid Lewis of Sweetbriar Nursery in Belton will speak on "Propagation of Native Plants".

Fall Gardening Festival Native Plant and Seed Sale

Saturday and Sunday, October 13th-14th, 2001, 9:00am-5:00pm, at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center's bi-annual plant sale features a wide selection of native plants and seeds for the Central Texas area.  The Williamson County and Austin chapters of NPSOT will also be present at booths to answer questions and to sell plants and seeds.  The Wildflower Center has published a list of plants that will be available at their Grow Native page.

September Chapter Meeting: Andrea Weeks

Thursday, September 20th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Extension Office

Our guest speaker at the September meeting will be Andrea Weeks.  She is a graduate student in Botany and the University of Texas at Austin.  Topic to be announced.

August Chapter Meeting: Native Trees

Thursday, August 16th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Extension Office

Charlie Pingleton, Certified Master Gardner will be speaking at the August meeting on native trees suitable for our area.  He will bring copies of the new publication by the Travis County Master Gardener Association, Garden Guide for Austin and Vicinity.   The price is $12.94 (correct change or checks appreciated).

July Chapter Meeting: Summer Social

Thursday, July 19th, 2001, 6:30pm-9:00pm, at the Sun City Picnic Pavillion

Join us for a summer social with the Sun City Nature Club Plant Group at the Sun City Picnic Pavilion.  Bring something to eat and your ideas for programs for next year.

Directions: Take Williams Dr. (Andice Rd.) to Sun City.  Turn right onto Del Webb Blvd.  The turn into the parking lot for the Picnic Pavillion is left just over the Berry Creek Bridge.  Here is Del Webb's map to Sun City., and here is a map from MapBlast.

June Chapter Meeting

Thursday, June 14th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Extension Office

Mike Quinn, Invertebrate Biologist for the Wildlife Diversity Branch of Texas Parks & Wildlife, will be speaking at this
month's meeting.  Also note that due to scheduling conflicts the meeting is on the second Thursday rather than the third this month.

May Chapter Meeting

Pruning Natives
Thursday, May 17th, 2001, 7:00pm-9:00pm, at the Williamson County Extension Office

Sara Twaddle will speak about "Pruning Natives".  Officer elections will also take place during this meeting.

Field Trip to Hoffmann/Comola Property

Sunday, May 6th, 2001, 1:00pm near Marble Falls

Williamson County chapter members Bev Hoffmann and Paul Comola are hosting a plant identification walk on their new acreage, Abri (French for shelter), east of Marble Falls.

The land is "typical" Texas Hill Country, complete with small waterfalls on a spring-fed creek, multiple narrow wooded canyons with seeps flowing into Double Hole creek, and open fields as well.  Abri has not been overgrazed in the recent past, so there are wonderful native grasses, along with wildflowers, shrubs, and trees.  Of the more interesting finds are a couple of old Madrones, and several young