BartonView
Barton View
A Newsletter for Barton Hills
May 2009, Volume 3, Issue 5
Recent Rains a Boom for Wildflowers, Especially Hardier, Late Bloomers
AUSTIN, Texas — Cooler-than-average temperatures and rain in recent weeks should help bluebonnet blooms last longer while boosting the flowering of late spring bloomers, according to a University of Texas at Austin expert at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. “The rain has an immediate effect o n w i l d f l owe r s blooming early in the season,” said D a m o n Wa i t t , the center’s senior botanist. “It also helps with the growth of plants s u c h a s In d i a n blanket that are preparing for a late spring and summer showcase.” The rains in Austin and elsewhere have not yet been enough to dispel the drought that has plagued Central Texas. But pockets of early bloomers such as bluebonnets received enough moisture to put on good shows in some traditional strongholds, such as west of La Grange along Highway 71 in Fayette County, and northeast of there on Highway 105 between Navasota and Montgomery. Bluebonnets and Indian paintbrush are also plentiful off Interstate 45 east of Bristol in Ellis County. Meanwhile, east of San Antonio, good sightings have been made by center staff of Engelmann’s daisy, Texas ragwort, Drummond’s phlox and other early spring bloomers along Highway 123 south of Seguin and Highway 80 north of Nixon. Rain lilies have been sparse near San Antonio due to the infrequent rains, and pink evening primrose hasn’t had the banner year in some places that it did last year. But late spring bloomers look to be luckier. Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
As a result of temperatures and other conditions that benefit their growing season, the upcoming winners will likely include black-eyed Susan, Mexican hat, Indian blanket and plains coreopsis. Like all other native plants, though, seasonal wildflowers have more to overcome than just the drought. “ T h e y ’r e a l s o being challenged by invasive plant species like turnip weed, or bastard cabbage,” Waitt said, noting that he’s spotted large infestations of the Mediterranean invader with highlighter-yellow flowers along most major roadways in Austin. “Certain exotic plants are a concern because they displace plants that naturally occur in Texas without providing ideal wildlife habitat and other benefits of native vegetation.” Waitt is acting board president for the Texas Invasive Plant and Pest Council. His hobbies include knocking the flower heads off bastard cabbage whenever he encounters them on quiet stretches of roadway. He also oversees the Invaders of Texas Citizen Science program and a new program at the Wildflower Center called the Eradicators. Managed by staff members Travis Gallo and Carrie McDonald, the program teaches volunteers to identify and remove invasive plant species in Austin parks in collaboration with the Austin Parks and Recreation Department. To learn more about Eradicators and volunteer opportunities to remove invasive plant species, contact Gallo at tgallo@wildflower. org or 512-232-0116. Barton View - May 2009
Barton View welcome A Newsletter for Barton Hills Residents by Barton Hills Residents
Barton View is a monthly newsletter mailed to all Barton Hills residents. Residents, community groups, churches, etc. are welcome to include information about their organizations in the newsletter. If you are involved with a school group, play group, boy scouts, girl scouts, sports activity, social group, etc. and would like to submit an article for Barton View you can do so by emailing it to
[email protected]. Personal news for the Stork Report, Teenage Job Seekers, recipes, special celebrations, birthday announcements and military service are also welcome.
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Newsletter Info Publisher Peel, Inc........................ www.PEELinc.com, 512-263-9181
[email protected], 512-263-9181 DISCLAIMER: Articles and ads in this newsletter express the opinions of their authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Peel, Inc. or its employees. Peel, Inc. is not responsible for the accuracy of any facts stated in articles submitted by others. The publisher also assumes no responsibility for the advertising content with this publication. All warranties and representations made in the advertising content are solely that of the advertiser and any such claims regarding its content should be taken up with the advertiser. * The publisher assumes no liability with regard to its advertisers for misprints or failure to place advertising in this publication except for the actual cost of such advertising. * Although every effort is taken to avoid mistakes and/or misprints, the publisher assumes no responsibility for any errors of information or typographical mistakes, except as limited to the cost of advertising as stated above or in the case of misinformation, a printed retraction/ correction. * Under no circumstances shall the publisher be held liable for incidental or consequential damages, inconvenience, loss of business or services, or any other liabilities from failure to publish, or from failure to publish in a timely manner, except as limited to liabilities stated above.
Barton View - May 2009
Barton Hills Classifieds Have any items that you need to get rid of but think someone else could use? Have a useful service to offer your neighbors? Why not place an ad in Barton View? Just send the info and a phone to the newsletter editor, and your ad will be run in the newsletter for two issues. Personal classifieds (one time sell items, such as a used bike...) run at no charge to Barton Hills residents, limit 30 words, please e-mail
[email protected]. Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $50, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 888-687-6444 or
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Business Classified MARY KAY - Sarita Richmond, Independent Sales Director. 512-913-5125
[email protected] *Business Opportunities available. Se habla Espanol.
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Barton View Healthier Homes By: Michelle & Charlie Bubnis
What do labels on products really tell us? We are constantly reading labels because we believe that the product information listed will inform us as to whether the product is healthy for our home and family. Listed below are three best selling products. Each product is manufactured by U.S. companies with both domestic and international sales up to one billion dollars annually. One tends to believe that what is printed on the product label is what truly is in the product. However, many times there are toxic chemicals within that are not listed. Product #1 – Plug in Air Freshener Printed on the label: No ingredients listed Laboratory testing showed that the product actually contained: d-limonene, alpha-pinene, beta, pinene, ethanol, ethyl butanoate, ethyl acetate, 3-hexen-1-01, 1-butanol, 3 methyl-acetate, betaphellandrene, acetaldehyde, benzaldehy, carene isomer, 1-methyl3(1-methylethyl-cyclohexane, isopropyl alcohol, 1-butano1, 2-methyl-acetate, camphene, acetone, methyl butanoate, dimethyl ethyl cyclohexane, alpha-phellandrene Product #2 – Dryer sheet Printed on the label: Biodegradable cationic softeners & perfumes Laboratory testing showed that the product actually contained: linalool, ethanol, loenyl acetate, cls-rose oxide, carene isomer, 2, 4dimethyl-3-cyclohexane, 1-carboxaldehyde, d-limonene, 3-methyl -2-buten-1-ol acetate, 2, 7-dimethyl-2, 7-octanediol, alpha-pinene, trans-rose oxide, eucalyptol, alpha-phenyl ethyl acetate, betapinene ProducT #3 – Scented Liquid Detergent added to the laundry Printed on the label: Ingredients include biodegradable surfactants (anionic and non-ionic) and enzymes. Laboratory testing showed that the product actually contained: ethanol, d-limonene, 2-methyl-2 propoanol, 1, 4-dioxane, 3, 7dimethyl-1, 6-octadiene, ethyl acetate, alpha pinene, beta-pinene, 2butanone, 1- methyl-3(1 methylethyl) – cyclohexene, 2, 4-dimethyl – 3-cyclohexene – 1-carboxaldehyde, undecane, beta-terpinene
There is an obvious difference between the chemicals identified in the laboratory study and the chemicals listed on the product labels. Several of the products emit Hazardous Air Pollutants which are harmful to human health. Currently there is not a United States Law requiring that consumer products or fragrance chemicals be fully disclosed even though they are main sources of toxic volatile organic compounds (VOC’s). Regulation of consumer products other than food, drugs, cosmetics, tobacco and pesticides largely fall under the Consumer Product Safety Act (CPSA). The CPSA does not require disclosure of all ingredients in all products. This is troubling since ninety percent of total human exposure to VOC’s come from small sources, close to us and within our control, but they are not listed on the labels. Shouldn’t we be concerned? The above information was taken from the following study: Steinman A.C, Fragranced Consumer Products and Undisclosed Ingredients, Environmental Impact Assessment Review (2008) doi::10.1016/j.eiar.2008.05.002
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Barton View - May 2009
Barton View NatureWatch
by Jim and Lynne Weber The Lure & Lore of Lizards Various beliefs, myths, and legends have been inspired by the which gives them a very scaly appearance. Males have two bright behavioral patterns of lizards. In ancient Egypt and Greece the blue patches rimmed in black on the belly and throat, and while the lizard represented divine wisdom and good fortune, in Roman females generally lack these colorings, they are slightly larger than the mythology their hibernation symbolized death and resurrection, males. A diurnal lizard, they feed on a variety of insects found on and in Australia the aboriginal believed that the sky would fall if you the ground in open areas or up in trees in wooded areas. Breeding killed one. Today, these ideas largely do not hold true, but lizards occurs in the spring and summer, and mature females may lay several seem to fascinate us nonetheless! While Central Texas is home egg clutches per year. to several species of lizards, geckos, anoles, skinks, and whiptails, Ranging from bright green to dark brown, the Green Anole those most likely (and interesting) to be seen are the Fence Lizard, possesses the ability to change color due to temperature and light. the Green or Carolina Anole, and the Texas A small lizard, it has a pale colored underbelly, Alligator Lizard. long claws, and a thin tail. The males have Preferring rocky areas that provide shelter what is called a ‘dewlap’, a bright pink flap of and basking surfaces such as privacy fences skin that can be extended and retracted for and rock walls, the aptly named Fence Lizard purposes of intimidating rivals and attracting is quite common in all but the eastern third of females during the mating season. These anoles Texas. A light brown lizard ranging from 3.5 are arboreal, spending most of their time in to 7 inches in length, they have a light stripe trees, shrubs, and vines, feeding on insects and down each side from the neck to the lower spiders. While they have a small territory, the Fence lizard males will aggressively defend it, starting with back, with dark spots or bands in between, (Continued on Page 5)
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Barton View Nature Watch - (Continued from Page 4)
Green anole extending their dewlap, bobbing their head, performing pushups, and ultimately ending in a chase or a wrestling match. All this posturing and patrolling can make the males much easier targets for predators, however, and they tend to have higher mortality rates than the much more discreet females. If it is late spring and the right to mate is at stake, the winner will once again employ headbobbing and dewlap extension to entice
the female, who lays a single, softshell egg among the leaf litter. Coming in at an impressive 10 to 24 inches long, the Texas Alligator Lizard is a stiff lizard with large, plate-like scales and a long, somewhat prehensile tail. It is the largest lizard in Texas and the one of largest alligator lizards in the world. Varying from ruddy yellow to reddish brown, it has dark crosshatches on its back with a lighter head and small, weak legs that are unmarked. Found on rocky hillsides, it has slow, calculated moves, feeding on insects, spiders, and small invertebrates. When alarmed, it may inflate itself in defense – and like other lizards even lose its tail to distract a potential predator - but more typically it will fold in its legs and slither away like a snake. Unlike many other lizards, breeding can occur yearround, and multiple clutches of eggs can be laid. Females often stay near the nest site to
protect it, but once the young hatch they receive no parental care. Lizards have been around for 100 million years longer than humans, and descended from the same family tree that gave rise to the dinosaurs. The next time you’re lucky enough to have one cross your path, show it some well-deserved respect! Send your nature-related questions to
[email protected] and we’ll do our best to answer them.
Texas Alligator Lizard
Great Hills Baptist Church
Summer Activities
Vacation Bible School | June 15-19 Going Beyond - Women’s Conference with Priscilla Shirer | June 26-27 Patriotic Celebration - Both Sunday Services | June 28 Children’s Fine Art Workshop | July 6-10 Veggie Tales Day Camp | July 27-31 Middle / High School Camps - Baylor University | July 27-31 Celebrate Recovery | Mondays, 7 pm, 2nd floor of building A Regular Sunday Schedule: 9:30 & 11 am Bible Life Groups for all ages 9:30 am Celebration - Connection | Worship Choir & Orchestra 11:00 am Life - Connection | Worship Band
10500 Jollyville Road . Austin, TX . 78759 | www.ghbc.org | 512.343.7763 Copyright © 2009 Peel, Inc.
Barton View - May 2009
Barton View
Texas Events - May 1-31—AUSTIN: Latino Music Month Latino artists showcase diverse genres during performances on the Plaza at City Hall each Friday at noon, as well as other special events throughout the month. www.austinlatinomusic.com 1-31—MASON: Wildflower Country Lanes Drive Maps are available at the Mason Chamber of Commerce. www.masontxcoc. com 325/347-5758 2, 9, 13, 16, 24, 27, 30—BURNET: Devil’s Waterhole Canoe Tour See many of the unique geological and natural features of the and the park. Reservations required. Inks Lake State Park. 512/793-2223 2, 9, 16, 23, 30—BANDERA: Cowboys on Main Includes a Western display in front of the Bandera County Courthouse with strolling musicians on Bandera’s Main Street from 1 to 4 p.m. Downtown Main Street. www.banderacowboycapital.com 800/364-3833 2, 9, 23, 30—SPRING BRANCH: Nature Adventures 101 Explore the wonders of the natural world found in the park, from the bugs flying above the fields to the critters that reside in the beautiful Guadalupe River. Guadalupe River State Park. www. honeycreekfriends.com 830/438-2656 12-17—AUSTIN: Rent Adam Pascal and Anthony Rapp, stars of the original Broadway production and film adaptation of Rent, reprise the roles they made famous in this exciting new tour. Bass Concert Hall. www.broadwayacrossamerica.com 800/731-SHOW 15-Jun. 6—ROUND ROCK: Sordid Lives From the author of Daddy’s Dyin’, Who’s Got the Will?, comes this hilarious tale of loss, love and white-trash etiquette in a small Texas town. Sam Bass Community Theatre. www.sambasstheatre.org 512/244-0440 15-Jun. 14—KERRVILLE: American Watercolor Society 142nd International Exhibition Traveling Show Features a collection of works from the 2009 International Exhibition. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 16—BOERNE: Art in the Park Focuses on immersion in art and nature. www.ciboloarts.org 16—ROUND ROCK: Round Rock the Boat Regatta Gather your friends, organization or business to create the best boat out of cardboard. Race to compete for awards. Old Settlers Park. www. roundrocktexas.gov/rocktheboat 16—SAN MARCOS: Texas Natural & Western Swing Festival Relax on the banks of the San Marcos River and enjoy the sounds
Barton View - May 2009
of Texas western swing legends under the starlit sky. San Marcos Plaza. www.toursanmarcos.com 888/200-5620 16-17—FREDERICKSBURG: Lavender Fest Includes lavender vendors, cooking demonstrations, speeches, luncheons, wine tasting and tours, live music and more. Becker Vineyards. www. beckervineyards.com 830/644-2681 16-17—GRUENE: Old Gruene Market Days More than 100 vendors offer uniquely crafted items, collectibles and packaged Texas foods. www.gruenemarketdays.com 830/832-1721 17—GRUENE: 12th Annual KNBT Americana Music Jam Celebrates Americana music and features exceptional artists of the genre. Gruene Hall. www.gruenehall.com 830/629-5077 or 830/606-1601 21—KERRVILLE: Heroes All Celebration commences with an F16 fly-by followed by an all-American meal. Includes an outdoor concert and fireworks. Bank of the Hills. www.bankofthehills. com 830/895-2265 21-Jun. 7—KERRVILLE: Kerrville Folk Festival International songwriter’s festival features more than 100 songwriters and their bands. Includes concerts, arts & crafts, kid’s concerts and more. Quiet Valley Ranch. www.kerrvillefolkfestival.com 830/257-3600 or 800/435-8429 21-Jun. 28—KERRVILLE: Annual Kerr County Camp Exhibit Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 21-Jul. 5—KERRVILLE: Southwest Gourd Fine Art Show Juried show features the works of artists from all over the United States. Kerr Arts & Cultural Center. www.kacckerrville.com 830/895-2911 22—KERRVILLE: Wine & Beer Tasting Includes tastings, food, music and dancing. Begins at 6 p.m. River Star Arts & Events Center. www.tacef.com 830/896-5711 22-23—FREDERICKSBURG: Crawfish Festival Enjoy Louisianastyle music and food. Includes a gumbo cook-off, horseshoe and washer pitching, arts & crafts, fun children’s area, face painting and rock wall. Downtown — Market Square. www.tex-fest.com/ crawfish 866/839-3378 22-24—KERRVILLE: Quilt Guild’s Show “A Pigment of My Imagination” Includes quilts, wearable and fiber arts, boutique and vendors. Edington Gymnasium, Schreiner University. www. hillcountryquiltguild.com 830/257-2752 or 830/896-6522 (Continued on Page 7)
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Barton View Texas Events - (Continued from Page 6) 22-24—KERRVILLE: Texas Masters of Fine Art & Craft Exhibits works by 20 professional artists and craftspeople from across Texas. Y.O. Ranch Resort Hotel. 214/328-6382 23—BLANCO: Learn to Fish Family Fishing Day Children learn basic fishing skills and safety at the river through games, booths and help from fishing experts. Hours are 2 to 4 p.m. Blanco State Park. 830/833-4333 23—BRACKETTVILLE: Kick Off Summer Season Includes four shows a day starting with a live tribute to cowboy music in the cantina, followed by a rip-roaring gunfight in the street. Alamo Village. www.alamovillage.com 830/563-2580 23—KERRVILLE: Kerr Market Days Kerr County Courthouse. www.kerrmarketdays.org 830/895-7962 23—LUCKENBACH: 160th Birthday Enjoy live music and fun. Hwy. 209 www.luckenbachtexas.com 830/997-3224 23—STONEWALL: Blacksmithing at Sauer-Beckman Farm Watch as blacksmiths shape iron. Lyndon B. Johnson State Park and Historic Site. 830/644-2252 23-24—AUSTIN: Junjua Performance combines martial arts, kung fu and quigong with contortion, acrobatics and dance. The Long Center. www.TheLongCenter.org 512/474-5664 23-25—KERRVILLE: Official Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair
Features the work of 200 Texas artists, Texas culinary arts exhibitors, art demonstrations and exhibitions, art activities for youth, entertainment and food. River Star Arts & Events Park. www.theartoftexas.com 830/896-5711 23-25—LAMPASAS: Memorial Golf Classic Hancock Golf Course. 512/556-3202 29-31—BANDERA: Cowboy Capital Rodeo Association Pro Rodeo Enjoy action-packed evenings. Mansfield Park Rodeo Arena. www. banderarodeo.com 830/796-7207 30—BANDERA: Funtier Day Parade Features rodeo cowboys, trail ride groups, antique cars and floats at 11 a.m. Main Street Bandera. www.banderatex.com 800/364-3833 30-31—BANDERA: Bandera County Artists Association Arts & Crafts Show Courthouse Square. www.banderacountyartists.com 830/460-3294 30-31—BLANCO: Texas Outdoor Family Workshop Teaches families basic outdoor skills. Reservations required. Blanco State Park. 512/389-8903 or 830/833-4333 Texas Events has been published with the permission of the Texas Department of Transportation. All events are taken in part from the Texas Events Calendar. All dates for events were correct at the time of publication and are subject to change.
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