Hays County Master Naturalists are uniquely positioned to look out over our little piece of heaven and document this brave new world. Trees and plants that were still green on August 6 are stressed now and even dying.

We work almost daily trying to keep our bit of Texas as free of non-native plants as possible and to support high quality habitat for all critters that cherish, as we do, a Hill Country place of their own.

We inspire children of all ages to increase habitat for wildlife, preserve the health of our streams and aquifers, learn about geology, and protect our night skies from light pollution.

“From there to here, from here to there, funny things are everywhere.” So says Dr. Seuss and I agree that the creature known as the irritable back—the North American porcupine—is one of those funny things. Here are some of my trail camera photos and fun facts about our wild friend.

“San Marcos Springs and Spring Lake are rare ecological jewels among Texas water resources.” I invite you to walk with me along the boardwalk at this unique wild sanctuary.

The Cypress Creek low water table is several feet below the creek bed. I cannot recall seeing the water level at Jacob’s Well so low.

I am always asked, “How do you attract so many birds to your yard?” The answer is…

Dripping Springs City Council recognized Tina Adkins and Michael Meves for coordinating HCMN activities in Northern Hays County.

The night sky is rapidly diminishing. Hays County Friends of the Night Sky is leading an initiative to attract volunteers to monitor these changes.

Boys in my neighborhood called these trees “Bodark,” and of course the hard, heavy, green fruit became projectiles to throw.

We hear this bird more often than we see it. But if you move gently in the direction of its cascading song…

As temps go up and peak bird watching season winds down, consider focusing your binos and cameras on a smaller flyer.

Grass? A bright green expanse of well watered lawn—or vast meadows of tall grasses and wildflowers swaying in the breeze.

Dripping Springs, San Marcos, and Wimberley will make a positive impact on bird habitat preservation and conservation across Hays County. How are they doing it?

It’s time to understand the connections between energy, the environment, and light pollution—and act on them.

She circled around, allowed a few shots, took off again, made several orbits around the area, and came back for her close-up.

In every organization, there are people who exemplify the group’s best self. They not only do the work, they personify the mission statement, find quiet joy, and stir others to share it.

It’s all one water. And across Central Texas we’re all on top of it.

World Migratory Bird Day…celebrates and brings attention to one of the most important and spectacular events in the Americas…

I never knew about some of the harder-to-see stuff until I pulled off the highway and stopped to “smell the flowers.”