T HE G ROTTO A Publication for Members of Westcave Preserve
WESTCAVE PRESERVE SPRING/SUMMER 2010
Westcave Preserve Icon John Ahrns Retires We are going to miss John Ahrns who is the true Westcave icon and a member of a rarefied group of unsurpassed naturalists in Texas. He has been the sole preserve director and lead educator since Westcave’s beginnings in 1976. John, together with his wife Brenda, raised a wonderful family in the “double wide” mobile home that also served as the visitor’s center until 2003 when the Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center was completed. His long time friends and colleagues can tell, better than anyone else, about his enormous contributions to conservation and environmental education. Lee Walker – Westcave Board Chair from 1983 - 2007 “I have known this good man for over three decades now. Over that time we have walked and talked and explored together, there is no better hiking companion than John, for no bug or leaf or bush goes unnoticed or unremarked upon. Our Westcave Preserve cause has flourished during this time and I count myself lucky to have worked closely with John during this remarkable time of accomplishment. John, you may be retiring from Westcave, but thank goodness there’s no such thing as ‘retirement’ from our friendship which I’ll always treasure.”
Mike Murphy – Neighbor, former photo editor of Texas Highways “I’ve had the great privilege of watching John for over thirty years as he’s served as the caretaker, protector, and educator of Westcave Preserve. John’s efforts have served this hill country jewel well, and in addition he and the preserve have enriched the lives and minds of thousands of visitors, many of them school children with almost no experience of the natural world. When John leaves Westcave, he’ll leave behind a rich legacy of education and conservation for future preserve visitors to enjoy.”
Victor Emanuel – Naturalist and Westcave Board Member “John Ahrns is one of the most accomplished naturalists I have ever met. His knowledge of all aspects of natural history at Westcave is truly awesome. His devotion to protecting Westcave for so many years makes him a true hero. He will be sorely missed.”
Walter Kuehner – Long time volunteer “John’s work ethic is demonstrated in the fact he used nothing but a brace and bit to drill the holes in the cedar logs and a hack saw to cut the rebar that he used to create the steps. No cordless tools or even a helping hand.”
Max Scoular – Neighbor and Chairman of the Westcave Board “My first memory of John was when I came across a large fossil near Westcave ... someone in the neighborhood said to ask John Ahrns about it. Suddenly, here was a man providing not only the proper name, but also how many millions of years ago it lived, what conditions were like then, what the creature looked like that occupied the ammonite shell, and how it lived. He brought it to life for me, just as he has brought Westcave and the outdoors to life for tens of thousands of people, especially children and students, who have walked to the Grotto with him through the years.”
Molly Stevens – Executive Director, Westcave Preserve “My favorite ‘John story’ is about a young girl visiting the Preserve for the second time. John pointed to the ancient bald cypress near the cave and told the kids “Imagine, this tree is 600 years old!” She raised her hand and said “Mr. Ahrns, I was here two years ago and you said that tree was 600 years old then. It’s 602 years old!” Always willing to learn a new lesson, John now tells visitors, “This tree is about 600 years old.”
Murray Walton – Neighbor, biologist and long time volunteer “My fondest memories of John are from assisting with tours for school classes and watching him make the outdoors and wonders of Westcave come alive for children who had little experience with the natural world. He has a real gift at communicating conservation of natural resources. His sincerity and wonder with the natural world are contagious.”
In 2008, we created the John F. Ahrns Award for Environmental Education, presented at our annual Celebration in Children and Nature, to recognize exemplary natural science educators in our community. Past recipients include educators Danna Keyburn, Redeemer Lutheran School and David Matthews, Small Middle School.
FOCUS ON JOHN AHRNS AN INTERVIEW WITH JOHN AHRNS BY HIS DAUGHTER, AMBER AHRNS GOSSELIN Amber: What were your naturalist skills when you arrived at Westcave? How did you learn to identify all the plants? John: I had limited skills though I did know basic flora, fauna, geology, etc. when I first started. I learned the vast majority of everything I know from the most talented, gifted group of botanists, geologists, and biologists who were more than willing to share and teach me their knowledge. I was, and still am, a ‘class-A mooch’ when it comes to trying to glean any information out of experts that come to Westcave. I have a deep sense of curiosity that makes me always want to learn more. Amber: What was it like to raise your family at Westcave? John: You should know you grew up here! Amber: Yeah, but I didn’t raise a family here! John: Well, it was a blast! I could not have asked for a better place to raise my family. We were a close family, still are, we did so much together. You kids learned your plants and animals here, we played basketball every night, swam in the river, hiked all around. Y’all had 100’s of acres to roam around on as kids, and so did I. We were very fortunate. Amber: What are some experiences that have stayed with you throughout the years? John: Too many! My very best experience is what Westcave has become and the people who have helped to make it so. It started out with a chair under a tree and me giving tours to a handful of visitors on the weekends. Now Westcave has a state-of-the-art learning center and thousands of visitors a year. We The Ahrns Family, John and Brenda with Amber and Jeffrey, took an abused piece of land and nursed it back to the most beautiful piece of home at Westcave in the 1970’s. property in Texas. I have cultivated so very many relationships over the years with teachers, professors, researchers, neighbors and visitors that have all helped make Westcave what it is today. Amber: What’s the most unusual wildlife you’ve seen on the property? John: Well there have been many interesting sightings, coyotes, bobcats, fox, porcupine and so on. But the one that blew me away was when the Rufous-capped Warbler was spotted in the canyon. The bird was way, way out of his range. It was too cool. Amber: Is there anything in particular that you look forward to each year? John: I love it all, each season change, droughts, floods, a tree fall, the first blooming plant of the spring, first Golden-cheeked Warbler call of the season, etc. I love that Westcave is always changing, it never stays the same. Amber: What will you miss the most? John: Mostly I will miss working with the kids and the general public. I will also miss the overall land management aspect and day-to-day tasks that run the Preserve. And lastly, I will greatly miss all my many neighbors, friends, teachers, volunteers, staff, professors and researchers I have met and gotten to know in the past 35+ years. Amber: What will you do with all your spare time? John: What spare time? I plan to volunteer, do some consulting jobs and most importantly try and figure out how to live the life of leisure. Oh, and one last thing, travel. There are parts of Texas I have never seen in the spring because I have always worked!
PRESERVE UPDATES ON THE PRESERVE Hot, dry, wet, cold: that pretty much describes conditions around here in the last six months. The summer crept along with an abundance of days above 100° F. By September, with only 13.63” of rain so far, the Pedernales River stood in pools. Great Blue Herons were observed enjoying easy pickings from the fish trapped there. Basin Creek, which runs through Hamilton Pool, ran dry before reaching the river and old Bald Cypress trees along its lower banks began to show signs of stress. Westcave’s Heinz Branch kept flowing through it all. A series of good, soaking autumn showers replenished the landscape, followed by an unusual profusion of wood sorrel and germinating an abundance of bluebonnet seeds from seasons past. The bridge at Hammetts Crossing was submerged a few times, and the wooden bridge in the grotto had to be repositioned after rising waters from runoff over the falls pushed it downstream a bit. By the end of 2009, the Preserve received 38.92” of rainfall (over 3” above our annual average of 35.5”). Then came January, with temperatures plunging to as low as 10° F during a cold period that started on the 7th and lingered until the 11th. Visitors to the Preserve that weekend were treated to a rare display of magnificent ice formations created by the sustained cold in the grotto. While the maidenhair and southern shield ferns were frozen back by the cold, the rock moss which was also buried under the ice remained as green as ever after the thaw. Pictures of the January ice storm are shown at right. To see additional pictures visit the Westcave website, www.westcave.org.
NEW JUNIOR LEAGUE PARTNERSHIP Westcave and the Junior League of Austin began a new partnership in the fall of 2009. The Junior League awarded Westcave a generous grant in support of our environmental education programs. One of the best aspects of this partnership is the involvement of a number of exceptional Junior League volunteers in Westcave’s many programs and projects. Through an on-going dialogue with the volunteers we’ve been able to tailor their work, matching their areas of expertise and topics of interest. Lacy Sawyer, Juli Ott, Katie Johnston, Erin Whitehead, Amy Lippa, Beverly Graham and Daphne Corder have been working on a wide range of projects from special events like our Halloween Spook-tacular Creatures program to educational efforts like our Middle School Field Study program. The Junior League volunteers have jumped in with enthusiasm, exhibiting a true passion for learning more about the natural history of the Texas Hill Country. Pictured at right are Junior League vounteers Amy Lippa, Erin Whitehead and Katie Johnston with Westcave Preserve’s Jody Karr-Silaski and “Fernie”, the Westcave Preserve scarecrow they made for the Wildflower Center’s Goblins in the Garden contest.
PROGRAM CALENDAR FALL/WINTER 2009-2010
WEEKEND PUBLIC TOURS
Every Saturday and Sunday Visitation to the Preserve’s canyon is only by guided tour to minimize the impact on this fragile site. The tour takes visitors from an arid savanna through a limestone crevice into a sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon stands Westcave, with a 40-foot waterfall replenishing the emerald pool below. Hours: 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m. & 4:00 p.m. Fee: $5 adult, $2 child or $15 family Members free
ROUNDTABLE
February 24 The Westcave Roundtable is a group of local landowners and other stakeholders interested in the preservation of the Lower Pedernales River and surrounding area. The group will explore upcoming topics at their February meeting. Bring a potluck appetizer if you can attend. Hours: 6:00 - 7:30 p.m.
STAR NIGHTS
March 13 April 17 May 15 Take a tour of the night skies at Westcave Preserve, a dark sky location convenient to the Austin area. Enjoy an evening gazing at the stars through a high-quality telescope. Call (830) 825-3442 for additional information and weather updates. Registration required. Hours: 7:30 – 9:30 p.m. Fee: $5 adult; $2 child
WESTCAVE OPEN HOUSE
March 28 Mark your calendars for Westcave’s Spring Open House and Field Day featuring special topical tours on birds, wildflowers, butterflies and geology as well as fun activities for the family. Bring a picnic lunch and stay the day! Hours: 11:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Fee: Free
SPRING NATURE FLING: GIRL SCOUT PROGRAM
April 10 Watch for signs of spring as you hike through fields of wildflowers into the Preserve’s lush canyon. Play a bird migration game, plant and take home a butterfly plant and learn about animal cycles. Bring a sack lunch. This is a joint program between Westcave Preserve and Girl Scouts of Central Texas. To register visit www.GSCTX.org or phone 512-453-7391. Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fee: $8 per girl; $8 per Safety-wise adult
DIGITAL NATURE PHOTOGRAPHY
April 24 Discover nature photography at one of the most beautiful settings in Texas. Learn the fundamentals of photography including lighting and composition. The class will be led by Mike Murphy, former photo editor of Texas Highways magazine. Bring your own digital camera, 2-3 rechargeable batteries and a 2 GB memory card. Ages 12+; Registration required. Hours: 9:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. Fee: $15 per participant
PROJECT WILD AQUATIC
July 14 Learn how to teach young people about aquatic ecology and aquatic wildlife using fun, hands-on educational activities. During the six-hour training workshop participants will sample activities and receive a curriculum and activity guide. Activities are adaptable for all grade levels, integrated with core subject curricula and aligned to the TEKS. Teachers, informal educators and youth group leaders may take the training. SBEC credit available for teachers. Project WILD Aquatic is sponsored by Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Registration required. Hours: 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Fee: $10
SCHOOL PROGRAMS AT WESTCAVE PRESERVE A field trip to Westcave Preserve combines the opportunity to observe the plants, animals and geology of the Edwards Plateau with a hike into a cool, sheltered canyon of lush plant life. At the head of the canyon, students will be awed by a 40-foot waterfall tumbling over fern-covered travertine to the emerald pool below. Programs are tailored to the age and interest of your group. Teachers may choose from one of our standard programs or request a customized program that meets the needs of your group.
PROGRAM OFFERINGS THE WESTCAVE STORY (ALL AGES)
Students learn about Westcave’s plants, animals, hydrology and geology and witness the importance of environmental conservation by hearing how Westcave recovered from overuse. Program Length: 3 hours. Fee: $5 per student.
ANIMAL AND BOTANICAL MARVELS (ALL AGES)
In Animals and Botanical Marvels students learn about the wildlife and plants of the Preserve, observe the Preserve’s distinct habitats, and investigate the Preserve’s biodiversity through a biological survey. Program Length: 4 hours. Fee: $5 per student.
WATER: LIFEBLOOD OF THE EARTH (3RD GRADE AND UP)
Water: Lifeblood of the Earth examines our most precious resource. Students learn about the hydrologic (water) cycle, groundwater aquifers, nonpoint-source pollution and rainwater harvesting. Program Length: 3 hours. Fee: $5 per student.
FIELD STUDY PROGRAM (GRADES 6-8)
Innovative new program offers students the opportunity to be field scientists. Each student is given a field journal and issued a field backpack with supplies needed for their investigations. A classroom pre-visit helps to prepare students and post-visit curriculum guides students through a discussion of their results. Program Length: 4-6 hours. Fee: $5 per student.
SCHOOL PRE-VISIT
Classroom pre-visits by a trained Westcave Preserve representative are available for all programs. During the pre-visit your students will watch a short video on Westcave, view natural artifacts from the Preserve, and learn about their upcoming field trip. Program Length: 30 minutes - 1 hour. Fee: Free when scheduled with field trip.
NATURE EXPLORERS’ TREASURE CHEST (GRADES 2-3)
A pre- and post-visitation tool for classes planning a trip to Westcave. The chest includes natural objects from the Preserve, a Westcave Preserve videotape, activities, and a listing of TEKS addressed. The chest is available from Westcave Preserve and the Austin Independent School District Science and Health Resource Center.
REGISTRATION
Advance registration is required for all school programs. To register contact Westcave Preserve at 830825-3442 or email
[email protected] to discuss date availability and size restriction. Visit www.westcave.org for additional information on: • Program Learning Objectives • TEKS Correlations • Pre- and Post-visit Curriculum
COMMUNITY: CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT
By Dan Calloway, Co-Chair Westcave Christmas Bird Count Thirty-eight volunteers gathered to participate in Westcave Preserve’s 6th annual Christmas Bird Count, (Audubon’s 110th). Eleven parties covering the count circle identified 108 species, for a total of 11,311 birds, both statistics being a record. Ideal weather conditions attributed to the success. Skies were cloudy, wind was calm, and the temperature ranged from 53 to 66. Light rain fell before we started and resumed after we finished. Our two-year drought ended in Sept, but Lake Travis had not returned to its normal capacity. Seven new species were added to the count for a grand total of 144 for the 6 years. They were Green Heron, Sandhill Crane, Ringed Kingfisher, Sedge Wren, Blackthroated and Harris’s Sparrow, and Dickcissel. Most numerous were Vesper Sparrow (1841), Chipping Sparrow (1143), Mourning Photograph by Tom Bentley Dove (803), American The Sandhill Crane is one of seven species counted for Robin (805), Cedar the first time in this year’s Christmas Bird Count. Waxwing (615), and Savannah Sparrow (601). Species reported by all areas were Eastern Phoebe, Carolina Chickadee, Black-crested Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Ruby-crowned Kinglet, Northern Mockingbird, Chipping Sparrow, and Northern Cardinal. Next year’s count is tentatively set for Tue, Dec 14, 2010.
So, you’re a parent who has decided that you really DO want to find a way to get your child active in the outdoors but you’re just not sure where to begin. Where is the nearest bit of nature that would allow your child to experience the wonder and joy of the natural world? Are there any nature based educational programs or events for your kids in the community that would work with the family’s busy schedule and tight budget? Wouldn’t it be great if there was one website which captured all of this information for your area and helped your kids to grow up happier, healthier and smarter? Well now there is! The answers to these questions and more can now be found at Nature Rocks Austin (www.naturerocksaustin. org), a newly launched website which is being sponsored by Westcave Preserve as part of the Children in Nature Collaborative of Texas. Kudos to extreme volunteers Hayden Brooks and Elisabeth von Halem for their hundreds of hours of work!
COMING SOON: WESTCAVE LIBRARY Westcave Preserve will soon have a new natural science library thanks to a generous donation from the Tapestry Foundation. The library will include a wide range of selections including children’s picture books, youth fiction books, family activities, nature appreciation, field guides, and nonfiction books and may be used by Preserve visitors and our neighbors. Check in on our progress the next time you visit us.
CENTRAL TEXAS NATURE CHALLENGE 2010 Accept the challenge and reconnect your family to our local environment! Get outside during the months of April, May and June and discover the wonderful natural sites close to home. Participating sites will include state parks, city parks, nature centers, county parks, outdoor museums, etc. At each site you will complete activities designed for family fun and nature exploration provided in English and Spanish. Teams will be eligible to receive a variety of prizes at the closing ceremonies to be held on July 10th at Zilker Park. Look for Nature Challenge flyers at Westcave and other participating sites this April.
WHO WE ARE BOARD, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Max Scoular, Chair Lee Walker, Vice Chair Buddy Steele, Secretary Bill Keenan, Treasurer Hayden Brooks Amon Burton Nourah Caskey Victor Emanuel Chris Harte Mike Luigs Pam Reese Laura Scanlan Cho Jennifer Vickers Peggy Winkler John Covert Watson, Member Emeritus
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE Buddy Steele, Chair Beryl Armstrong Rene Barrera Chris Caran Jarrod Depew John Gosdin Amber Gosselin Tom Hegemier Tom Martine Tom “Smitty” Smith Murray Walton John Worrall
EDUCATION COMMITTEEE
David Matthews, Chair Chris Caran Anne Cornell Flavia Gaskin Nan Hampton Robert Jackson Ethel Kutac Karen Marks Erich Rose Terri Siegenthaler Rob Lallier, Publicity George Perry, Technology
STAFF Molly Stevens, Executive Director David Bennett Steven Hubbell Vicky Mathews Jody Karr-Silaski Linda Wofford Interns Lenn Archer Melody Rose Baker Kala Berg Addie Broussard Josh Klaus
MAJOR DONORS FOUNDATION SUPPORT
Austin Community Foundation The Brown Foundation Davidson Charitable Foundation Foundation for Global Community Haggerty Family Foundation HEB Tournament of Champions Charitable Trust Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation The Junior League of Austin Lowe Foundation Mattsson McHale Foundation Meredith Family Foundation Powell Foundation Reese Foundation Shield Ayres Foundation St. David’s Community Health Foundation Trull Foundation Rachael & Ben Vaughan Foundation Tapestry Foundation Warren Skaaren Charitable Trust William & Salome Scanlan Foundation Winkler Family Foundation
CORPORATE SUPPORT
AMD Community Investment Corporation The Cooper-Free Group at RBC Wealth Management Graves, Dougherty, Hearon & Moody H-E-B Jackson & McElhaney Architects land/water/sky LCRA Locke Lord Bissell and Liddell LLP REI TBG Partners Thundercloud Subs Victor Emanuel Nature Tours WaxmanCavnerLawson Wells Fargo Bank
GROTTO GUILD
We are pleased to recognize our Grotto Guild Members for 2009. Grotto Guild members provide annual support of $1,000 or more and receive special benefits, including tours and events. Please consider joining at this generous membership level. You may contact
[email protected] for additional information. Bob & Margy Ayres Inelle Bagwell David & Shelly Bain Hayden & Lynn Brooks Amon & Carol Burton Bobby & Nourah Caskey Ken Cho & Laura Scanlan Cho Sibyl Deacon Victor Emanuel Michael & Jean Haggerty Jim & Linda Hargrove Chris Harte & Catherine Pope Robert & Dee Jackson Bill and Rita Keenan Mike Luigs La Tierra POA Keith & Ellen Lain Steve & Leslie McConnico Pam & Mike Reese Marika & Jonathan Schoolar
Nancy Scanlan Max Scoular William Scoular Thomas “Smitty” Smith Buddy & Maggie Steele David & Tara Tetreault Kate Watson-Toth Nick & Linda van Bavel Lee Walker & Jennifer Vickers Matt & Peggy Winkler Lucia & Paul Woodruff Jan & Neile Wolfe Ira Yates
Earth Share of Texas represents Westcave Preserve in workplace payroll contribution plans throughout Texas. For more information about how you can support Westcave Preserve and other leading environmental groups at your workplace, call 1-800GREENTX, or visit www.earthsharetexas.org.
MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES
Westcave offers a free year of The Grotto newsletter to anyone who requests it. Members receive the newsletter as our way of saying thanks and keeping you informed. Membership also includes free weekend visits to the Preserve and invitations to special events. If you are interested in becoming a member of Westcave Preserve or renewing your membership please visit www.westcave.org/join/.
Westcave Preserve 24814 Hamilton Pool Road Round Mountain, TX 78663 Phone: 830-825-3442 Fax: 830-825-3509 www.westcave.org
Printed in Texas on recycled paper with soy-based ink
VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
In this issue, our Volunteer Spotlight features Vicky Mathews. Back in 2004 Vicky participated in a Texas Master Naturalist course. Upon its completion she needed to find a location to satisfy the community service hours required by the program. Westcave was on her list of options…and that’s where our relationship with Vicky began. A long-time environmentalist, Vicky also has a strong commitment to service and has shared a great deal of her time and passion for science with students in the Dripping Springs Independent School District where her children attended school. From developing a 3rd grade program around the Space Shuttle, to creating science labs supporting the science curriculum, to organizing an environmental club and serving as a community judge in the DSISD Middle School Science Fair, Vicky has shared her love of science with kids of all ages.
Featured Westcave Volunteer Vicky Mathews
Vicky says she is enjoying volunteering as a group leader focusing on hydrology with Westcave’s Middle School Field Study program—she likes to get her hands dirty! Hydrology is no new topic for her; for a number of years she participated in a field program for 7th graders at Pedernales Falls State Park where she illustrated the benefits of cultivating native grasses using a rainfall simulator. She keeps coming back to volunteer at Westcave because the place is such an unexpected jewel and she values having the opportunity to share it. Vicky expressed that it has been a privilege to work with people like John Ahrns and David Bennett, who have a deep understanding of the local cultural and natural history of the area. NEWS FLASH: As of February 1, Vicky has joined our Westcave staff!
