tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-89407611772229029762012-03-21T15:59:56.561-05:00SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comBlogger3981100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-79529471636627731022012-02-26T17:34:00.002-06:002012-02-26T17:37:33.811-06:00

Larry Alford, Waiting, Naturescapes 2007 Winner From the City of San Marcos:The public is invited to join the Great Texas River Clean Up on Saturday, March 3 in San Marcos. Volunteers will meet at 9:30 a.m. at the City Park Rec Hall/ Lion’s Club Toob Rental at 170 Charles Austin Drive to register and pick up recycling and trash bags. Breakfast tacos provided by LULAC and coffee from Jo on the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-10395556442815564042012-02-26T17:34:00.001-06:002012-02-26T17:34:50.487-06:00

From Stephen Ramirez:Let's meet at the Lion's Club / City Park parking lot at 7 AM. ( I know it's early but the sunrise is getting sooner and sooner.) We'll look for the birds hanging out along the river banks and in the riparian canopies. We'll try to make it down to the playscape park and back. Map: http://tinyurl.com/smcitypark**Optional** I invite everyone to join in on the annual San Marcos

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-49859543176763881552012-02-26T17:29:00.007-06:002012-02-26T20:56:34.600-06:00

There are many milestones and many opportunities converging in our community that will determine whether or not we will have the connectivity and the natural resources our community deserves. Together all these factors demand we see the big picture, work as collaborators and act decisively. We must achieve an integrated greenway system based on our rivers, creeks and recharge features, based on

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-34815940066799994282012-02-26T17:29:00.004-06:002012-02-26T17:36:57.560-06:00

Steve Maslowski, USFWS The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department, the agency that serves as land managers for our natural areas, notified us recently of the temporary closure of Paraiso trail in upper Purgatory Creek Natural Area and the area that surrounds it between March 1st and May 31st. This is required by the organizations that gave us the funds to purchase the property “in

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-54657502215933436092012-02-26T17:29:00.001-06:002012-02-26T17:29:19.525-06:00

Citizens give input on stewardship plan, Lance Jones The San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department hosted an open house at the San Marcos Nature Center last Wednesday, Feb. 15 and received insightful comments from citizens representing a broad range of perspectives regarding the management of Spring Lake and Purgatory Creek Natural Areas. The natural areas were acquired to protect endangered

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-63591970645015575492012-02-26T17:28:00.000-06:002012-02-26T17:28:48.190-06:00

From WaterAid:The World Walks for Water 5K & Fun Run hosted by the WaterAid Chapter at Texas State University is a fundraising event for the whole family! The event will start and end in Sewell Park located on the Texas State Campus just north of City Park (please park in the Lion's Club parking lot). The course will go along the San Marcos River down past Rio Vista Park and

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-82543942888427407022012-02-26T17:27:00.001-06:002012-02-26T17:27:45.521-06:00

SMGA and student volunteers will participate in Bobcat Build again this year. The program, which occurs on March 31 this year, enlists large numbers of students to work in the community on a Saturday. SMGA has used this labor in the past to plant seed, repair storm damage, build trails, remove invasive plants and trees and do major trash removal in the five natural areas in San Marcos. SMGA

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-79560426396638069042012-02-26T17:27:00.000-06:002012-02-26T17:27:30.353-06:00

Annie Wagner enjoys agarita blooms Have you taken a smell hike lately? Now is the time to go for a walk through the San Marcos natural areas and breathe in the sweet scent of the newly blooming mountain laurels and agarita. Do previous springtime memories come rushing back? If not, now is the time to associate the annual spring bloom with an experience of exploration, fun, fellowship, and

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-81299626418028910542012-02-13T19:25:00.006-06:002012-02-13T20:06:25.958-06:00

We need your help. As a member of SMGA you understand the issues better than most so we are asking you to participate in a public input process next Wednesday, February 15th. Here is information from the city press release about the development of a land management plan: The San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department will host an open house at the San Marcos Nature Center, 430 Riverside Drive

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-28029712778325074662012-02-13T19:19:00.000-06:002012-02-13T19:19:15.305-06:00

We are very excited to announce that the deal for the additional 107 acres of Purgatory Creek Natural Area is complete! PCNA is now almost 600 acres. We look forward to hosting guided hikes in the area in the near future.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-55308991473175076632012-02-13T19:17:00.002-06:002012-02-13T19:18:45.199-06:00

Comprehensive master plans, land management plans, there is not shortage of opportunities to share your voice with the city. We thank you for doing so, but ask that you continue to provide input on the Dream San Marcos process. Be specific, and tell them what you want to see for San Marcos' future. From the City of San Marcos: The City of San Marcos is planning to make community Dreams a

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-77427461684164876762012-01-30T18:53:00.001-06:002012-02-01T21:28:57.225-06:00

From 4Mile Friday: 4 Mile Friday will be hosting its first annual trail run series. Trail runs will take place at 3 natural areas in San Marcos, TX. Our first event will take place Friday Feb. 3 and will start at the northeast entrance [off of Craddock and WonderWorld Dr.] of Purgatory Creek at 5pm. We welcome donations to benefit the services of the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance, but by no means

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-91922780796912447332012-01-30T18:38:00.006-06:002012-02-01T21:29:21.847-06:00

Purgatory Creek Natural Area trail map by Kenny Skrobanek As you will read in our annual meeting report in this newsletter, great thanks are due to Kenny Skrobanek for creating legible, accurate, and extremely attractive trail maps of all of our natural areas here in San Marcos. This is something that SMGA has been looking forward to for a very long time! So without further ado, visit our

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-78476058375845697222012-01-30T18:32:00.002-06:002012-02-01T21:48:40.931-06:00

Cypress Sun Jewelry Thank you to Cypress Sun Jewelry for the donation of a percentage of retail sales to SMGA. For 2012, Cypress Sun will contribute 3% of retail and wholesale sales. Each and every sale will now benefit SMGA. As the Cypress Sun tagline says, "timeless adornment for the playful spirit." If you are shopping for a beautiful jewelry, inspired by the beauty of San Marcos, visit

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-40151561703069062942012-01-30T18:24:00.001-06:002012-02-01T21:29:47.157-06:00

We are so pleased to welcome two wonderful new board members to SMGA. We thank you for your commitment to our mission and look forward to many good things to come! Mark Taylor Mark Taylor is familiar to many of you. Mark, his wife Jo, and son Ben are long-time members of SMGA, and Jo was a founding board member. As a child Marked lived for three years on the edge of the Sahara in Libya followed

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-65296543336556526122012-01-30T17:56:00.001-06:002012-01-30T17:57:47.636-06:00

Last Thursday, Maggie Hutchins-Wagner was honored to accept a Pioneer Spirit Award at the State of the City address for "encouraging and achieving the preservation and expansion of parks, trails and greenspace as part of the city's essential infrastructure." It's exciting to have the SMGA mission honored and gain support from the council, mayor, and the community. As Maggie says, "With the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-66994292142154775462012-01-29T17:59:00.006-06:002012-02-01T09:15:26.267-06:00

SMGA held a successful annual meeting at the Price Center on Saturday, January 21, 2012. The meeting was chock-full of inspiring success stories, thank-yous to our hard-working partners, and an overall celebratory sentiment for all that we have done, and aim to do, in the coming year. After Maggie Hutchins, past president of SMGA, welcomed guests and introduced committee members, treasurer

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-29977258107197373972012-01-29T14:59:00.001-06:002012-02-01T21:34:13.903-06:00

Have you found yourself reluctant to visit Bastrop State Park? News has been widespread about fire damage to the park last September, and the park was closed to visitors until December. Jo Korthals and Mark and Ben Taylor recently overcame their reluctance, and found the park to be well worth a visit. Areas of the park have reopened, and Jo, Mark and Ben were able to hike from the swimming

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-9002145735663679642012-01-29T14:53:00.003-06:002012-01-29T15:00:18.968-06:00

Each February, the San Marcos River Foundation puts on a not-to-be-missed dinner party. The food is always awesome and plentiful (you'd pay a lot for this meal at a restaurant!) and accompanied by a silent auction where you can pick up some great deals (see link below) and a brief business meeting. Best of all, you will be supporting an organization that works hard to keep our river clean and

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-88238709593934684532012-01-29T14:44:00.000-06:002012-01-29T14:44:52.790-06:00

SMGA board members and volunteers spend lots of time discussing connections - how to connect trails within a park, how to connect one natural area to another, how to connect one neighborhood to another, and how to connect San Marcos' natural areas to other cities. We discuss connections between quality of life, health, and access for people - connecting people to nature - and connections between

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-25166648002561902222012-01-23T18:40:00.001-06:002012-01-23T18:40:58.454-06:00

Todd Derkacz climbs to the top of a tree in Purgatory Creek. San Marcos Mayor Daniel Guerrero and SMGA board member Maggie Hutchins watched him leap to the tree tops one day last month to take photos of the proposed 107 acres of Purgatory Creek Natural Area.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-73629748944738550132012-01-23T11:51:00.002-06:002012-01-23T18:16:54.903-06:00

Continuing its visioning Dream San Marcos Process, the city of San Marcos is hosting a series of open houses for each sector of the city. In addition, there is one city-wide open house for all citizens to attend. This is the time to share your greenbelt vision! Please attend both your sector meeting (list below) and the city-wide open house this Thursday from 5:30 - 7:00 pm at Embassy Suites.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-3913490678524537912012-01-23T10:33:00.001-06:002012-01-23T10:37:18.673-06:00

First Saturday of each month, Birding Hikes, visit www.birdsiview.org/ for more information February 4th, Schulle Canyon March 3rd, Location TBD Saturday, March 31st, Bobcat Build, email alliance@smgreenbelt.org to assist with Bobcat volunteers. Saturday, April 14th, 9 am, Prospect Park Natural Area, Family friendly, spring bloom hike through Prospect Park. Saturday, April 28th, 9 am, Upper

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-12529240518210035232012-01-17T17:16:00.000-06:002012-01-17T17:16:02.531-06:00

Checkpoint #1 at Spring Lake Natural Area The San Marcos Riverwalkers 5 km and 10 kilometer hike Saturday, Jan. 14 was a resounding success with 171 registered hikers. The annual event drew participants from around Central Texas. Both courses utilized the 0.9 mile ADA trail at Spring Lake Preserve and then coursed through the neighborhood above Texas State University. Barbara Piersol, AVA

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-210697180527635432012-01-12T08:15:00.003-06:002012-02-01T21:35:00.562-06:00

Fourteen ardent birders followed Stephen Ramirez around the trails at the Ringtail Ridge natural area early Saturday morning January 6th. They were rewarded with more than the usual sightings of cardinals, mockingbirds, and sparrows. Sunrise at Ringtail Ridge Stephen Ramirez (center) meets new birders The sunrise outing netted robins, cedar waxwings and both American and lesser goldfinches.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-17953347475620443292012-01-08T10:23:00.000-06:002012-01-08T10:23:05.447-06:00

The San Marcos River Walkers are sponsoring a 5km and 10km walk Saturday, January 14, 2012. The walk is noncompetitive and starts at the Texas River Center, 952 Aquarena Springs Drive. You can start anytime between 8 am and noon and must finish no later than 3 pm. There is a $3 registration fee for credit or $2 for non-credit. The walk continues through the Spring Lake preserve to a viewing

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-35208113697289599372012-01-08T10:17:00.001-06:002012-01-08T10:18:16.175-06:00

From GEAA (www.aquiferalliance.org): The San Antonio River Authority, along with the Olmos Basin Alliance and its marketing partner Thompson Marketing, recently wrapped shooting and post production of two important 60-second PSAs geared to promote awareness about what can become of loose trash when it's not properly disposed.  Encourage everyone you know to protect our watersheds by putting trash

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-55254374171307450742012-01-05T17:33:00.002-06:002012-01-05T17:33:55.076-06:00

From http://www.birdsiview.org/SanMarcosBirdWalks.html: January 7: Join us at Ringtail Ridge to enjoy the wintering birds that have chosen San Marcos as their home for the season. Ringtail Ridge offers a unique habitat compared to the more central and eastern parks in town as we transition into the Hill Country, so come find out what it has to offer bright and early at 7:30am.Email Stephen at

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-28801767612490688072012-01-03T18:35:00.001-06:002012-01-03T18:37:27.065-06:00

Come and Get It, by Carol Serur, Naturescapes Contest 2010 Here's a great way to start the new year right and mingle with like-minded folks at our annual meeting. As in the past, we will provide happy hour beverages and refreshments followed by a brief update on recent activities. Scott Parker with the Trust for Public Land will discuss the current and future expansion of the Purgatory Creek

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-17356804450637390992012-01-03T18:34:00.002-06:002012-01-03T18:38:07.014-06:00

Thanks to Marion Posey, Hays County, the Trust for Public Land, the City of San Marcos, the Edwards Aquifer Authority, the Nature Conservancy, the Meadows Foundation, and the Knobloch Foundation, 107 acres will be added to Purgatory Creek Natural area, bringing the total acreage of PCNA to just over 570 acres. SMGA continues to work with these partners to add contiguous parcels in the expansion

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-22773239870586635572012-01-03T18:32:00.002-06:002012-01-06T17:13:04.501-06:00

Thursday morning trail crew The first of several directional and distance markers were placed in Purgatory Creek Natural Area on December 1, 2011 by the Thursday morning trail crew. The Malacoda spur trail leads to a very impressive grotto showing the force water can have on the limestone. Distance markers to the trail head are engraved on the post. Additional markers at key intersections will

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-11187721357786221572012-01-03T18:31:00.001-06:002012-01-03T18:36:29.901-06:00

Trail crew repairs Warbler Walk erosion The week between holidays provided an opportunity for the trail crew to expand their efforts and recruit local neighbors to assist in making Schulle Canyon a premier natural area within the city limits. Planning for the event was completed by Kenneth Dees, Jo Ellen Korthals and Charles O'Neil. Among the projects tackled by the volunteers and neighbors

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-23901002890820520812011-12-27T16:42:00.002-06:002012-01-03T19:05:38.077-06:00

Here's a video that illustrates SMGA's recent trail building efforts created by Texas State students Devin Crutcher and Callie Currier for Ray Niekamp's Mass Communications class. San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance PSA from Devin Crutcher on Vimeo. Thanks Devin and Callie!

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-50189810754814038572011-12-27T16:15:00.000-06:002011-12-27T16:15:23.659-06:00

From Jeff Hauff, Grants Administrator, Hays County: The draft of the new Hays County Parks, Open Space and Natural Areas Master Plan has been completed and is available for public review through 5 p.m. January 11, 2012. It has not yet been endorsed or adopted by the Hays County Commissioners Court. The plan lists priorities and goals for the parks and open space system over the next 10

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-13025292174763863032011-12-27T10:49:00.000-06:002011-12-27T10:49:07.083-06:00

Have you seen a feral hog at or near Spring Lake Natural Area? If so, please let Melani Howard in Parks and Recreation know ASAP. You can email her at mhoward@sanmarcostx.gov or 512.738.7313. Click for previous articles on feral hogs.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-66926841610986168702011-12-27T10:46:00.001-06:002011-12-27T10:48:14.640-06:00

From our ECO friends at Texas State: Hope you are enjoying the holiday season. I hope it's not too early to inform you about the 2nd public input meeting regarding the plastic bag ban in San Marcos. This is a goal that many of us have been working hard towards. If you did not get the opportunity to go to the 1st public input meeting, you are definitely encouraged to attend: Wednesday, January 04

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-57286429172443867962011-12-20T22:01:00.001-06:002011-12-27T17:20:53.489-06:00

SMGA’s Harvest Moon FUNdraiser, held at Prospect Park/Purgatory Creek Natural Area on November 12, was a splendid success. Even before the almost-full moon rose, a small crowd had begun to gather in the grassy meadow and prepare for Professor Russell Doescher’s astronomy hike. The calm, mellow weather couldn’t have been more cooperative, and revelers of all ages continued to meander down the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-83419158928510400012011-12-07T07:47:00.000-06:002011-12-07T07:47:50.586-06:00

SMGA supporter Amy Friend with Cypress Sun Jewelry is continuing her generous offered to donate 5% of her online and local (San Marcos) sales to SMGA through 2011. Be sure to check out Amy’s beautiful and unique earrings, bracelets, and lariat necklaces at http://www.etsy.com/shop/cypresssun. Her work is both earthy and feminine, and definitely eye-catching!

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-43566266572581722822011-12-07T07:38:00.000-06:002011-12-07T07:38:37.097-06:00

Here's a link to a survey that the city of San Marcos has put out asking what citizens think about a possible city-wide plastic bag ban. http://www.ci.san-marcos.tx.us/index.htmlThe survey only takes about 30 seconds so please take time to fill it out and let the city know what you think. The survey will be available through 12/15.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-32418329898487874952011-11-29T20:05:00.001-06:002011-11-29T20:06:22.651-06:00

Please plan to attend and express your support for a walkable, bikable community! Hays County has begun the process for creating a countywide transportation plan. Throughout this process, the County is seeking participation and input from community members. We are holding a public workshop on December 1, 2011, from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the San Marcos Activity Center (501 E. Hopkins). Please see

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-80481411150901347382011-11-29T20:04:00.008-06:002011-12-05T14:21:02.154-06:00

Thus far the development project proposed by Carter Morris and Darren Casey has been known as the North Campus project. By any name it is a large endeavor that would add over 1,000 multifamily beds, approximately 20,000 square feet of retail and close Loquat Street. The site is located just east of the municipal water tank where Comanche Street terminates into Sessom and would continue downhill

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-23086383565681472502011-11-29T20:04:00.005-06:002011-11-30T10:35:05.317-06:00

From http://www.birdsiview.org/SanMarcosBirdWalks.html:December 3rd: Blanco Shoals (Map: http://tinyurl.com/blancoshoals ) Meet at 7:30, park in the dirt round-about at the end of the road. This is definitely one of my favorite areas to explore in San Marcos, its a really large property, or it seems that way, because you can walk to every corner of it. There are always great birds so I invite you

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-72233806054856501852011-11-29T20:03:00.001-06:002011-11-29T20:03:44.367-06:00

If you visit the SMGA Volunteer blog, you may have noticed an on-line monitor report form. This is the best way to notify SMGA and Parks and Recreation to minor issues or concerns with the natural areas. Check it out and fill it in at http://smgavolunteer.blogspot.com/

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-461093335882426082011-11-29T20:03:00.000-06:002011-11-29T20:03:20.064-06:00

On November 22, the Hays County Commissioners approved an amendment to an inter-local agreement between the county and the City of San Marcos that takes us one step closer to adding 107 acres to Upper Purgatory Creek Natural Area. SMGA will continue to share our support of the expansion with city and county officials, and we thank the Trust for Public Land for their time and investment in this

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-15145805467726043052011-11-29T20:01:00.000-06:002011-11-29T20:01:16.998-06:00

SMGA recently joined with other community organizations to voice concerns for the proposed Spring Lake Golf Course expansion that was part of the Texas State Master Plan. The expansion included two new holes and a golf pro shop, requiring a significant change to the land surrounding the entrance to Spring Lake Preserve. On October 26th, Texas State announced that this portion of the Master Plan

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-59180222141615087492011-11-29T20:00:00.005-06:002011-11-30T10:39:03.036-06:00

Peaceful Pond by Herb Smith (at Spring Lake Natural Area) SMGA was very pleased to hear that the wastewater line will no longer go through Spring Lake Natural Area. We thank everyone for contacting city staff and council to express concern over this wastewater line. Here is our letter to the mayor, council, and city staff in response to the recent news that the city is evaluating making

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-46626349909202821032011-11-29T20:00:00.003-06:002011-11-29T20:08:59.732-06:00

If you are ever in doubt about the importance water makes to our lives, visit the Blanco Shoals natural area on River Ridge Parkway east of I-35. The 81-acre greenspace was set aside by the city and the landowner in consideration of a re-zoning of adjacent property. The strip of land borders the Blanco River and is bounded by cypress, cottonwood and sycamore trees many in fall colors. Blanco

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-676131295576993432011-11-29T20:00:00.001-06:002011-11-29T20:00:56.229-06:00

Maggie finds geocache. Photo by Lance Jones, SMGA SMGA board member Maggie Hutchins and Mayor Daniel Guerrero led a hike at Ringtail Ridge Natural Area November 13th. The history of the 45-acre greenspace and the many users of the park were discussed. The small group of 7 hiked both Tex's Trail and the Ridge Loop. Drought damage was noted as several hackberry trees fell victim and provided a

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-13135953825171228772011-11-29T19:58:00.000-06:002011-11-29T19:58:35.511-06:00

From Annalisa Peace of the Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance:As promised, I have uploaded the League of Women Voters "Should Water Be a Commodity?" report on our website. If the link doesn't work, you can find the report on our website in the "Library" under "Resources for Member Groups"... the LWV report is one of the best summations of Texas water issues that I have seen. It is only 8 pages -

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-4894671382845799312011-11-26T05:56:00.006-06:002011-11-29T19:59:29.598-06:00

You’ve been asking and we’ve responded. Look for SMGA T-shirts for sale at our upcoming FUNdraiser. Thanks to Jo Ellen Korthals and Charlotte Wattigny for their help with graphic design and message. The shirts are light green with the Enjoy Nature…your way design shown here in brown on the back and the SMGA logo on the front. Sizes available are men’s S, M, L, XL, and XXL. $12 /each. Email

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-45040143339004292232011-11-01T18:00:00.002-05:002011-11-09T18:29:29.164-06:00

On Saturday, November 12th, 2011, the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance will be hosting a Harvest Moon FUNdraiser! Starting at moonrise (7 pm) under the Learning Tree in Purgatory Creek Natural Area-Prospect Park, we will have food and activities for your enjoyment. Participate in an astronomy hike guided by Texas State astronomy professor Russell L Doescher starting at 7:30PM. Or just hang out at

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-82534646717358295292011-11-01T17:50:00.001-05:002011-11-01T17:50:52.269-05:00

November 5 is the date of our  our second Saturday trail work day. We shall meet at the parking lot of Upper Purgatory at 9 AM and work until noon. We are working on a new trail which leads to the Grotto. The work is mainly clearing tread and moving rocks, and we should finish the trail around the Grotto on Saturday. No previous experience is necessary. Wear long pants, a long-sleeved shirt and

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-10735018640206208572011-11-01T17:44:00.001-05:002011-11-01T17:46:09.584-05:00

Sunday, November 13, 2-4pm Join SMGA and San Marcos' Mayor Daniel Guerrero on a hike of Ringtail Ridge Sunday, November 13 from 2-4 pm. We will discuss Ringtail Ridge's unique history, recreational opportunities, and its location within the Loop & Check vision. Whether you have explored Ringtail many times and would like to share your enthusiasm for the area, or it's your first time, please join

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-77805864525518739942011-11-01T17:39:00.001-05:002011-11-01T17:40:47.682-05:00

Ever wonder what's down below the overlook on Dante's Trail?  Down some 80 feet? The Thursday morning trail crew has been busy constructing a trail that leads to a geologic wonder at the base of the cliff. Several master naturalists were accompanied on October 26 by retired geologist Wayne Orlowski, who talked about the limestone formations, fractures and rock layers that compose the cliff.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-90572511235834593372011-11-01T17:33:00.000-05:002011-11-01T17:33:41.010-05:00

Derkacz & Scrobanek plot waypoints, SLP, 9/9/11 Trail maps. Simple. Walk the trail with a GPS device and transfer to a computer program. Hit PRINT or these days, UPLOAD. And viola! You've got a trail map. Not so fast. What do you name the trail? Which landmarks get used (and which don't). What other important information goes into making a good, useable trail map? What about consistency between

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-47615184786693629912011-11-01T17:24:00.001-05:002011-11-02T19:47:10.093-05:00

Proposition 8, found on every Texas ballot this November, is very much related to our mission and we hope you will vote to approve it. This is one more tool that can be used by owners of undeveloped land to use land management practices aimed at protecting water resources. The two similar options currently available for undeveloped land are known as the agriculture or the wildlife management

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-52715549270458735692011-10-23T13:56:00.000-05:002011-10-23T13:56:07.378-05:00

We think you'll enjoy reading this email from a teacher in Chula Vista, California. Thanks to her student, Andrea, for sharing the helpful link below with SMGA geocachers.Hi-I'm a teacher in Chula Vista, California. I've started a geocaching club with the older students here at school, and it's really taking off! Right now, I have my students looking for resources and information as well as cool

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-89310620894021834032011-10-23T13:19:00.003-05:002011-10-24T08:26:27.024-05:00

Our rained-out FUNdraiser will take place on Saturday evening, Nov 12 (times TBA). So mark your calendars and enjoy this wonderful poem contributed by SMGA supporter and volunteer Bridgett Phillips:I do party in the park, I do party when it's dark! I party with the moon and stars, I party while I look at Mars. I party as the sun goes down, I party with my friends around. I do celebrate what

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-61251318680059180012011-10-23T13:13:00.001-05:002011-10-23T13:14:36.063-05:00

Don't forget to vote for SMGA's Build a Greenbelt Around San Marcos post Use hike and bike trails along creekways to connect parks, natural areas, and neighborhoods, while at the same time protecting our water quality - a greenbelt around San Marcos.http://sanmarcostx.ideascale.com/a/dtd/Build-a-Greenbelt-Around-San-Marcos/50151-15309 by Maggie Hutchins

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-7425785422268013532011-10-23T13:11:00.002-05:002011-10-23T13:12:51.174-05:00

From the National Parks Service October 2011 Newsletter: Conservation + Recreation It can be easy these days to get caught up in the negativity of our sluggish economy. Everywhere it seems people are cutting back on spending. In such a climate, it becomes tempting for municipalities and states to look at their parks and say, "sorry, but maybe next year. " However, some folks would offer

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-2725713118045479462011-10-23T13:05:00.002-05:002011-11-02T19:48:20.558-05:00

From a recent city press release: The Capital Area Metropolitan Planning Organization Transportation Policy board of directors awarded the City of San Marcos $12.2 million in state transportation funds at its Oct. 10 board meeting. The funds will go toward two projects: $6 million to widen and improve Hunter Road between Wonder World Drive and Bishop Street; the project will allow for the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-32021110478734337842011-10-23T12:49:00.000-05:002011-10-23T12:49:47.792-05:00

Did you know that the 9 acres of Prospect Park was the first greenspace in San Marcos? It was to be a residential development, but this karst-rich area was saved thanks to a joint venture of citizens and the city. The city paid $90,000 and provided the developer an additional $90,000 worth of development credits to be used elsewhere. The sequence of events that gave us Prospect Park was also the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-48789452912127902392011-10-19T10:13:00.000-05:002011-10-19T10:13:44.514-05:00

Expansion of Purgatory The acquisition of additional acres to Purgatory Creek Natural Area (PCNA)  has been a challenging project. We are happy to report that there is light at the end of the tunnel. At this time the Trust for Public Land continues to work on the acquisition of the 289 acres to take place in two phases – the first 106 acres could be conveyed to the city by the end of

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-18604017008296245422011-10-19T10:10:00.008-05:002011-10-19T21:24:12.447-05:00

SMGA is joining many fellow organizations in expressing our concerns with Texas State's Master Plan. For a quick overview of the project, visit http://austin.ynn.com/content/top_stories/280968/golf-course-expansion-plans-spark-protest-in-san-marcos. Briefly, the university is proposing major alterations to the woods and the land behind the maintenance shed for golfing and golf buildings. This

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-30968789207494401762011-10-08T12:16:00.002-05:002011-10-08T12:16:41.652-05:00

Today’s Harvest Moon FUNdRaiser is POSTPONED due to chance of rain and lightening this evening, mud, and potential cloud cover obscuring stars and moon. Stay tuned for a new date in early November to be announced. (Sad irony that our event was rained out in the midst of a drought, but we’ll have something to look forward to in November!)

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-11528442523210479422011-10-04T06:15:00.000-05:002011-10-04T06:15:00.961-05:00

On Saturday, October 8th, 2011, the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance will be hosting a Harvest Moon FUNdraiser! Starting at sundown (7 pm) under the Learning Tree in Purgatory Creek Natural Area-Prospect Park, we will have food and activities for your enjoyment. Participate in an astronomy hike guided by Texas State astronomy professor Russell L Doescher starting at 7:30PM. Or just hang out at the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-67529029639878608652011-10-04T06:03:00.004-05:002011-10-04T19:47:02.489-05:00

SMGA Events October 8, 7PM: Harvest Moon FUNdRaiser Mark your calendars for a night of festivities under the Learning Tree in the Prospect Park - Purgatory Creek Natural Area. There will be a guided hike, live music, raffle, kids activities, T-shirts for sale and more. Come out and support the good work of SMGA! Click here to read about this event. October 15, 9-11:30AM: Trail Building @

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-19832635705138522412011-10-04T05:59:00.001-05:002011-10-04T06:14:27.045-05:00

SMGA’s board supports this addition to the Dream San Marcos site and hopes you will too:Build a Greenbelt Around San MarcosUse hike and bike trails along creekways to connect parks, natural areas, and neighborhoods, while at the same time protecting our water quality - a greenbelt around San Marcos.Our goal is to float this dream to the top of the list, and you can help. Just click here by 10/15,

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-28234278489840665062011-10-04T05:53:00.000-05:002011-10-04T05:53:01.963-05:00

Meeting Note TakerWe could sure use a note taker at our board and outreach committee meetings. This entails taking notes for about 90 minutes, then typing them up and emailing them. This is a great way to get an inside look at SMGA. Email alliance@smgreenbelt.org if you can help. Many, many thanks to Kara Sweidel for helping with this task over the past year. Kara will be heading to Seattle soon;

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-20931719152867766282011-10-04T05:51:00.000-05:002011-10-04T05:51:05.425-05:00

Your service on the city’s Parks and Recreation board could make all the difference in promoting a network of greenways and trails that connect the places where we live, work, learn and play. Citizens may fill out volunteer interest forms and send them to the City Clerk’s office by Tuesday, Oct. 11 to be considered for appointment. The volunteer forms are available at www.sanmarcostx.gov and

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-71508820149375063292011-10-04T05:49:00.001-05:002011-10-04T05:49:49.953-05:00

How lucky we were to have her. She passed away last week, but she generated so much life on this planet her legacy will surely go on for a long time. Wangari had a powerful, disciplined mind that earned the first PhD for an East African women, a Nobel Peace Prize (2004) and the respect of power politicians in her home country of Kenya, where she eventually became a member of parliament.  Her

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-88237072186773842992011-10-04T05:45:00.001-05:002011-10-04T05:46:34.157-05:00

The amazing work of some of Hays county's best nature photographers is on exhibit now at the San Marcos Activity Center's Walkers Gallery. The show is the product of the 7th Annual Naturescapes contest, which was sponsored by the Hill Country Photography Club and the Hays County Master Naturalists and features 60 of the 275 photographs submitted. A new youth photographers category has broadened

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-80537866732880672462011-10-04T05:42:00.002-05:002011-10-04T05:42:45.686-05:00

Here is an update from San Marcos River Foundation about plans for a golf course improvements at Aquarena Springs. The meeting on campus about the master plan was very well attended. After we saw all the plans, there was a time for comment. As one of the earliest to comment, I was surprised that most people in the room applauded when I listed the many concerns we have about a golf pro shop/

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-68626230867745164672011-10-04T05:40:00.001-05:002011-10-04T05:41:32.583-05:00

Thanks to SMGA supporter Gena Fleming for pointing us to this article. As Gena says, “I think we all know this already, but it's always nice to see it in print.”ScienceDaily (Sep. 19, 2011) — A study of more than 400 children diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder has found a link between the children's routine play settings and the severity of their symptoms, researchers report.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-41916517027921984562011-10-04T05:38:00.001-05:002011-10-04T05:38:53.823-05:00

The San Marcos Parks & Recreation Dept. 2010-2011 Fall/Winter Activity Guide is now available and chock full of fun and rewarding community events and outdoor opportunities! Download the guide at http://www.sanmarcostx.gov/departments/parks/index.htm

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-53756766080670601432011-10-04T05:36:00.000-05:002011-10-04T05:36:42.403-05:00

Council blocks $3 million nature center http://smmercury.com/21285/council-blocks-nature-center/A contract to design a nature center for the city’s Purgatory Creek Natural Area was rejected on a 3-3 tie last week with opposing San Marcos City Council members saying the expensive project should be postponed or scrapped all together. Texas State University to manage Christmas Mountainshttp://

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-83585106278117618932011-09-25T20:59:00.001-05:002011-10-01T14:32:46.648-05:00

Stephen Ramirez IDs birds. Photo by Lance Jones. Stephen Ramirez’ September tour of Spring Lake was a great opportunity to see both birds and the area around Spring Lake. Twenty-two birders turned out, with all ages and levels of birding experience represented! Be sure to visit Stephen’s blog, where you'll find links to information about the many birds spotted on the hike: over 30 species in

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-73772866197849647882011-09-25T19:43:00.000-05:002011-09-25T19:43:46.512-05:00

Did you just upgrade your GPS and have an older, still functional one laying around? If so, SMGA would love to take it off your hands. We are looking for fully functional GPS units (i.e., with all the cords) to use to accurately determine the locations of sign posts and sites of interest. Email alliance@smgreenbelt.org for more information.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-7141410227923388082011-09-25T19:40:00.001-05:002011-09-25T19:41:12.629-05:00

Did you know that in 1998, a subdivision was planned at what is now Schulle Canyon Natural Area? The city was able to trade land along IH35 in exchange for Schulle Canyon. At the time, the 21-acre greenspace was the largest natural area in San Marcos. We sure have come a far way in just 13 years! Source: San Marcos Daily Record, 12/19/99, Greenspace: 1999 was busy year for city acquisition of

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-68676239317195620812011-09-25T19:36:00.001-05:002011-09-25T19:36:44.387-05:00

SMGA volunteer Isaac Spoon makes sign posts You will soon see sign posts installed at Purgatory Creek Natural Area, thanks in part to funding from the Bluebonnet Lion's Club and to dedicated SMGA volunteers. The signs will be 4x4 posts with location information engraved into the posts and anchored into the ground. We could use more help with this project! Email alliance@smgreenbelt.org for more

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-46005943904997854782011-08-31T20:17:00.000-05:002011-08-31T20:17:46.561-05:00

Immature Eastern Phoebe by Stephen Ramirez Aug2011 Thanks to Stephen Ramirez for leading San Marcos Monthly Bird Walks in conjunction with SMGA. Stephen hopes to introduce people to birding as well as establish a strong birding community. Read more on Stephen’s web site at http://birdsiview.org/SanMarcosBirdWalks.html. (Don’t miss Stephen’s great photos available via the links on the left

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-27252548543369113992011-08-31T20:15:00.000-05:002011-08-31T20:22:06.445-05:00

On Saturday, October 8th, 2011, the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance will be hosting a Harvest Moon FUNdraiser! Starting at sundown (7 pm) under the Learning Tree in Purgatory Creek Natural Area-Prospect Park, we will have food and activities for your enjoyment. Arrive at 7 pm to participate in a hike with a fascinating astronomy theme guided by a Texas State University astronomer. Or just hang

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-29016531606954702842011-08-31T20:12:00.001-05:002011-08-31T20:13:34.698-05:00

Here’s an easy way to influence funding for land and water conservation programs in Texas! Please participate by 9/27, at which time the survey will no longer be available. From Texas Parks and Wildlife: The Recreation Grants Branch at Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) is conducting a survey of Texas citizens to determine the kinds of outdoor recreation activities in which people

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-73761625670477100842011-08-31T20:07:00.001-05:002011-08-31T20:10:34.369-05:00

Here’s another opportunity to voice your support for a network of greenways and trails that connect the places where we live, work, learn and play. As you contribute to a shared vision for our city, remember that greenbelts offer an inviting and easy way to move throughout our community as a pedestrian or cyclist experiencing our natural landscape and heritage along the way. Greenbelts also help

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-7281859972936472072011-08-31T20:00:00.001-05:002011-08-31T20:02:57.894-05:00

Of course we were disappointed to hear that federal funding was withheld from Trust for Public Land in its bid to expand Purgatory Creek Natural Area. SMGA supports TPL’s ongoing efforts and will continue to work with TPL and the City of San Marcos to conserve the environmentally sensitive areas that surround the Purgatory Creek Natural Area. Read more from San Marcos Mercury at the link below.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-10328652138822259732011-08-31T19:45:00.002-05:002011-08-31T20:19:59.606-05:00

SMGA Events September 3, 7:30AM: Monthly Bird WalkThanks to Stephen Ramirez for leading San Marcos Monthly Bird Walks in conjunction with the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance. Click here to read about this event. October 8, 6PM: Harvest Moon FUNdRaiser Mark your calendars for a night of festivities under the Learning Tree in the Prospect Park - Purgatory Creek Natural Area. There will be a guided

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-61364058005341786672011-08-31T19:33:00.002-05:002011-08-31T19:38:59.368-05:00

We are pleased to announce the availability of another trail map, this time for Spring Lake Preserve. Download it soon from our natural areas page! We know you’ll join us in thanking the many folks who participated in the development of this long-awaited resource. Spring Lake Preserve Trail Map

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-46037977259290198312011-08-31T19:05:00.000-05:002011-08-31T19:05:52.355-05:00

Enjoy this fun quiz from Trust for Public Land: Has this ever happened to you? It's a gorgeous morning and you want to spend the day outside at a park, but with so many great public places to choose from, where do you go? Ever wondered which type of outdoor park best suits your personality? The Trust for Public Land has created a fun quiz to help you discover your "park personality". Over the

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-7548420819562454252011-08-31T19:02:00.000-05:002011-08-31T19:02:49.311-05:00

Heat affecting snake behavior; bites up AUSTIN (KXAN) - Officials at Seton Healthcare warn the public to be aware that the streak of hot weather is also affecting the behavior of venomous snakes and other wildlife in the area as they broaden their search for water and food. Medical staffs have seen a 14 percent increase this year so far in venomous bites and stings, and the number of children

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-36012097569983296402011-08-01T22:21:00.001-05:002011-08-01T22:31:05.589-05:00

According to Jeff Hauff, Hays County grants administrator, portions of the Hays County Parks and Open Space Master Plan are still being revised, per comment from both the public and from the Hays County Parks and Open Space Advisory Board. The county anticipates a 30-day review period when the report is in final draft form and will post the draft for comment on the Hays County web site at http://

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-61255603931912933882011-08-01T22:18:00.009-05:002011-08-14T14:54:54.782-05:00

Michaelis Ranch by Winifred Simon SMGA Events October 8, 6PM: Harvest Moon FUNdRaiser Mark your calendars for a night of festivities under the Learning Tree in the Prospect Park - Purgatory Creek Natural Area. There will be a guided hike, live music, a raffle, kids activities, T-shirts for sale and more. Come out and support the good work of SMGA! October 15 (time TBD): Invasives Removal

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-60246223064743228112011-08-01T22:18:00.002-05:002011-08-01T22:18:18.547-05:00

We are so grateful for support from the Bluebonnet Lion’s Club in the form of a check for $600! We plan to put this money to good work adding directional signs to our natural areas. Thanks for this vote of confidence, Bluebonnets. It means a great deal to us.

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-41651602470334890432011-08-01T22:10:00.001-05:002011-08-01T22:29:17.014-05:00

SMGA crews, with help from Texas State students, removed enough ligustrum from around the main karst feature at Prospect Park to let the sun shine in. Ligustrum is a non-native, invasive species that dominates parts of local natural areas. Its removal allows native grasses and plants to reclaim the understory below live oaks and cedar elm. Encouraging native plants improves the rainwater

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-13061092805544017062011-08-01T22:09:00.001-05:002011-08-01T22:29:42.298-05:00

Kate at Sunset by Petesie Lee To say it's hot may be a bit of an understatement. However, it is August, and we live in Texas. Despite the heat, this is still a great time to discover local natural areas at dawn and dusk. Explore a trail at a new time of day and see new things, meet new people, and enjoy the natural world! The other day, my class let out early. I called my husband who suggested

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-73313165626058875592011-08-01T21:58:00.001-05:002011-08-01T22:01:22.850-05:00

Here is an update from the city on the wastewater line proposed through Sink Creek. Read our take on this project from our last newsletter. To all interested parties: We have received a good deal of citizen response regarding the Sink Creek Ph II Wastewater Project and would like to give you an update. The City has listened to everyone’s concerns and is taking a step back to ensure that all

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-7083052403838498582011-08-01T21:56:00.003-05:002011-08-01T22:11:20.762-05:00

Friday, July 15th, a group of us walked Prospect Park-Purgatory Creek Natural Area in San Marcos to learn what we could do to improve the diversity of the natural area. Minnette Marr was our guide and we were given numerous ideas on how to encourage more wildlife to visit the greenspace. Removing some of the invasive ligustrum was also a key topic as we have the opportunity to receive assistance

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-67936651798427143592011-08-01T21:56:00.002-05:002011-08-01T22:01:48.773-05:00

During the high heat of summer, it’s nice to think that cool weather is coming. Add to that the year-long drought we have experienced in Central Texas, and the thought of wet weather is very welcome. So the Farmers’ Almanac prediction of weather changes in our future is refreshing news. Some may be skeptical when it comes to long term weather predictions. But the Almanac’s prediction of several

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-51815767782874424862011-08-01T21:41:00.004-05:002011-08-01T22:03:11.767-05:00

Located at 155 South LBJ (next to Cats Billiards and across the street from The Restless Wind), the volunteers at the San Marcos Community Bike Project will teach you how to fix your bike. The project offers free access to bike tools and workspace and can help you fix just about anything wrong with your bike... for free. We have used bikes for sale (beginning in July) and free bikes available

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-58575670867791671552011-08-01T21:35:00.001-05:002011-08-01T22:04:10.372-05:00

From Greater Edwards Aquifer Alliance: A series of public meetings  hosted by the Edwards Aquifer Authority (EAA) will be held throughout the Edwards Region next week to inform and take public comment on proposed increases in fees that the EAA charges to municipal and industrial water users. We urge you to attend and to speak in support of the increase in Aquifer Management Fees proposed to

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8940761177222902976.post-73439645300058368882011-08-01T13:00:00.002-05:002011-08-02T17:53:33.092-05:00

Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, July 2011, Every Drop Counts http://tpwmagazine.epubxp.com/issue/33411 Enjoy reading and viewing the amazing photography of Texas outdoor spaces in this online magazine with highlights from around the state, including a story by Andrew Sansom about our rivers. San Antonio-based director has eyes on San Marcos http://www.sanmarcosrecord.com/features/x1475586567/

SMGAhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/09194721179822664108noreply@blogger.com