winter 2014

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“New

Look, Same Great Programs

See Page 6 to learn about our new name and logo

FALL 2013/WINTER 2014 Westcave Receives Federal Trail Grant This May, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department announced the Texas recipients of grants through the federally funded Recreational Trail Program. We were thrilled to learn that Westcave had been awarded $70,192 toward trail development and repair. The Recreational Trail Program grant will provide Westcave with financial support for repairs to our current canyon trail, improvements to make an existing ¼ mile loop near our Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center ADA compliant, and the creation of a new ADA compliant ¼ mile trail to the Ahrns Grove, which was established in 2010 in honor of our founding Preserve Manager John Ahrns. The Recreational Trail Program grant includes funding for trail materials, labor costs, equipment, an ATV and trail signage. The existing loop trail and the Arhns School children on our existing canyon Grove trail will be trail. part of a new onemile trail system planned for the Preserve’s uplands which will allow visitors to take self-guided hikes. The completed trail system will include a butterfly trail and

a wildlife viewing station where visitors can stop to observe or photograph one of the many bird species who call the Preserve home, or a passing porcupine, white tail deer, or jack rabbit. Initially, the trail will be open for our weekend visitors but ultimately hours for self-guided hiking will be extended to seven days a week. We hope to be able to provide you with a date for the opening of the new trail system soon.

Vista across Westcave’s upland savanna.

The Recreational Trail Program is an assistance program of the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration and receives its funding from a portion of federal gas taxes paid on fuel used in non-highway recreational vehicles. The program provided a total of $5.7 million to 33 recreational trail projects across Texas.

Insights to Central Texas’ Drought History Found At Westcave Westcave has a unique cave for studying our region’s drought history. With its small size, above-ground location and its many openings to the outside, the internal temperature of our cave is very similar to the ambient temperature outside of the cave. In contrast, the temperature in most caves is a relatively constant 21oC regardless of the ambient temperature. Since temperature affects the chemical composition of the cave’s formations, historical and current temperature information can be gleaned from studying stalagmites at Westcave. Professor Jay Banner and graduate student researcher Richard Casteel at The Environmental Science Institute at the University of Texas have been conducting research at Westcave for a number of years. Their research provides a window into the changes in temperature through time for Central Texas and may ultimately help scientists make better predictions about future droughts. Visit www.Westcave.org/resources/ videos for a short video on the cave research at Westcave.

Dr. Jay Banner conducting research at Westcave.

New Programs for El Ranchito This summer marked the seventh successful season for El Ranchito Camp, a primitive tent camp where young people entering 4th - 12th grades can intimately experience the land, its plants and animals, its creeks and the starry night sky. El Ranchito is a project of the Shield Ranch Foundation in collaboration with El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. Westcave develops curriculum for all sessions of camp including the following two highly successful programs introduced this summer.

Living History:

Have you ever imagined living in the 1870s? During El Ranchito Nature Discovery Camp this year, the 6th and 7th grade campers took a two-hour journey back in time. Three family groups were formed with campers taking on roles of father, mother, grandpa, grandma, aunt, uncle and children. The campers met up with a wagon driver who gave them advice on the land conditions and driving cattle. The families also visited with a Travis County clerk to register a family brand as each family planned to enter the cattle business. A final stop was at a restored 1870s cabin. Inside two elderly women dressed in period costume shared their story of how exciting and scary it was to be on a wagon train. The living history program ended with a picnic lunch, mail delivery by a neighbor on horseback and an opportunity for the families to share their memorable journeys with each other.

A family group enjoying El Ranchito’s Living History Program.

Archery:

With the support of a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department archery kit, the 8th -12th graders were able to experience archery at El Ranchito this year. The site specific archery sessions used the National Archery in the School Program which introduces students to the safety and enjoyment of archery. In just 90 minutes, campers were introduced to the range, equipment and 11 steps to archery success. With targets set up twenty feet away the campers cheered for one another during various shooting challenges. Smiles and high fives were regularly exchanged between campers and overseeing staff. Archery received two thumbs up approval by El Ranchito campers!

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An El Ranchito camper developing his archery skills.

Celebration Event There is no event quite like the Children in Nature Awards Dinner – it’s definitely not your average “awards” ceremony. Instead, the CiN Awards Dinner is a joyous celebration of all those in the community focused on getting our local children out into nature. The evening consists of inspiring videos highlighting the award-winning organizations accompanied by brief talks from the children they serve, dinner on the shores of Lady Bird Lake and includes coveted butterfly themed centerpieces hand-crafted by Westcave Board Member Peggy Winkler. Each basket includes its very own Monarch chrysalis for guests to take home and watch emerge in the days following the event. So, with all of these unique and exciting things happening, how could this event possibly get any better? Here’s how: 100% of the funds raised at the event will support the Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin and its mission to get more kids outside more often. We invite you to join us on September 17th to help us honor our 2013 award winners: Sustainable Food Center - Sprouting Healthy Kids program, Heather Kuhlken - Austin Families in Nature, City of Austin Earth Camp and American YouthWorks - Texas Conservation Corps. Sponsorship opportunities and individual tickets are still available! Please visit www. Westcave.org to secure your seat today!

Westcave Membership Join the Westcave family! When you become a member of Westcave you provide the essential support that sustains our ongoing work throughout our community. Your membership plays an important role in protecting and restoring our Preserve, supporting the Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin, and helping us provide an inspiring outdoor camping experience for nearly 100 under-served kids each year. All Westcave members can enjoy the following benefits: a complimentary online or printed The Grotto newsletter, free admission to Westcave’s weekend public tours, reciprocal privileges at over 300 of North America’s top nature centers (including 15 in Texas) and a 10% discount on all special programs. Additional benefits apply at the $75, $250, $500 and $1,000 levels. Learn more about our membership program and join our family today by signing up at www.Westcave.org.

New! Greening Your School Yard Website Westcave’s Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin (CiNCA) is dedicated to getting more kids outside into nature more often. And since our children are largely in area schools 9 months of the year, where better to place our attention than on area schools! With a grant from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas, the CiNCA created a new website to help support teachers, children, parents and neighbors as they take on projects to green our school yards (or even our own backyards). The website focuses on outdoor classrooms, native habitat gardens, vegetable gardens, nature trails and water gardens. Check it out! www.GreeningYourSchoolyard.org

Zavala Elementary School, with the leadership of Zavala’s librarian Clare Bresnan, has completed a number of greening projects including native habitat, water and vegetable gardens. Zavala is one of the grant recipients from the CiNCA Greening Your School Yard initiative, also made possible through a Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas grant to Westcave.

Order Holiday Cards Spread holiday cheer and support Westcave! We are now accepting online pre-orders for our whimsical children’s nature art holiday cards. Each $20 set includes 10 cards with matching envelopes. Place your order by November 1st and you’ll have your cards in-hand by Thanksgiving. All proceeds will support Westcave’s mission to inspire people to develop a lifelong practice of enjoying and protecting nature.

Winter Tree Scape with Birds by Katherine Mondragon, 5th Grade, Hart Elementary, Teacher: Deborah Dono.

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Fall 2013 – Winter 2014 Program Calendar CHILDREN IN NATURE AWARDS DINNER September 17, 2013

Registration 5:00 p.m.

Wonder and Joy. It’s in our nature! Join us in Austin at the Four Seasons Hotel on September 17th to celebrate children in nature. Enjoy dinner by Lady Bird Lake and help us recognize regional organizations and individuals who exemplify the best in connecting kids to nature with an awards presentation. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit www.Westcave.org. Sponsorship opportunities are still available.

WEEKEND PUBLIC TOURS

Every Saturday and Sunday Weekend tours 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. Visitation to the Preserve’s canyon is only by guided tour to minimize the impact on this fragile site. Hours: 10:00 a.m., noon, 2:00 p.m. and 4:00 p.m. Fee: $10 adult (13+ years), $5 child (4 – 12years) or $25 immediate family. Members free.

STAR NIGHTS

August 31, 2013 8:30 -10:30 pm September 28, 2013 8:00 -10:00 pm October 26, 2013 7:30 - 9:30 pm November 9, 2013 6:00 - 8:00 pm December 7, 2013 6:00 – 8:00 pm January 25, 2014 6:30 - 8:30 pm February 22, 2014 7:00 - 9:00 pm Take a tour of the night skies at Westcave, a dark sky location convenient to the Austin area. Star nights are an ideal opportunity to enjoy an evening gazing at the stars through a high-quality telescope. Registration required. To register: e-mail [email protected] Fee: $10 adult, $5 child (4 – 12 years) or $25 immediate family. Members 10% discount.

ROUNDTABLE November 1, 2013

Come socialize with your local community and view My Life as a Turkey. This family-friendly (PG-rated) PBS movie is based on the true story of naturalist and writer Joe Hutto and how he raised a rafter of turkeys. Please RSVP to [email protected]. Hours: 6:30 - 8:30 pm

FALL NATURE FEST

November 17, 2013 Join us as we celebrate the natural fall heritage of Westcave. Activities will include guided tours to the cave and grotto, birding opportunities, child friendly crafts, family oriented games and more. Hours: Noon - 4 p.m. Fee: $10 adult, $5 child (4 – 12 years) or $25 immediate family. Members 10% discount.

WESTCAVE COMMUNITY HOLIDAY PARTY

December 8, 2013 Mark your calendars for the annual Westcave Holiday Party on Sunday, December 8th, from 5:30 - 8:00 p.m. Come a little early if you want to join the 4 p.m. tour. Bring your favorite side dish or dessert for a potluck dinner. RSVP to [email protected].

CHRISTMAS BIRD COUNT

DECEMBER 17, 2013 Practice your birding skills while taking part in the Westcave Christmas Bird Count. The count area includes Westcave, Hamilton Pool and Reimers Ranch Preserves, part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, the Shield Ranch and portions of the Pedernales River, Colorado River and Lake Travis. Any level of interest is acceptable. Call the Preserve at (830) 825-3442 for additional information. Registration required.

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2013-2014 School Resource Guide A field trip to Westcave 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: $6 per student/$5 per chaperone/teachers free. 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: 3 hours. Fee: $6 per student/$5 per chaperone/teachers free. 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: $6 per student/$5 per chaperone/teachers free.

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. Program Length: 4-6 hours. Fee: Call for pricing REGISTRATION: Advanced registration is required for all school group programs. To register for a program visit our website at www.Westcave.org and click “Book a Field Trip” on the homepage. On the programs page scroll down and click the green “School Trip or Group Tour Request” button. A description of our programming options is also available. Please complete and submit the online registration form and you will receive a confirmation within 48 hrs. If you would prefer to register by phone please call the office at 830-825-3442 and ask for Paul Vickery. You can also email: [email protected].

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New name, new logo and new website. Same great programs. (And we’re adding more!) This spring, just like the buds of our spectacular Texas wildflowers, Westcave blossomed. Not into a beautiful and bright flower, but into an organization that is about its Preserve and more. In May of 2012, with a generous grant from the Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, the Westcave Board of Directors and staff embarked on a thorough and thoughtful strategic business planning process to ensure Westcave’s sustainability and to clarify priorities for the coming years. After nearly a year of planning, the Board adopted Westcave’s Strategic Business Plan 2013-2015 which includes the Board’s unanimous decision to integrate the Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin (CiNCA) into our core prioritites, an expansion of our program offerings to utilize our “rim around the canyon” property and refreshed goals to help us move our expanded mission forward and inspire people to develop a lifelong practice of enjoying and protecting nature. With the inspiration generated by the new strategic planning process came the opportunity for us to update our website and refresh our name and logo to better reflect the dynamic organization we have become. Our new name, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, better represents our wide range of programs and projects including our leadership of the CiNCA, our partnership role with El Ranchito summer camp and the conservation of our magnificent Preserve. For our logo we chose a shape commonly found in nature, math and art – the Fibonacci spiral. Natural examples of this shape are all around us and include an ammonite, such as the one embedded in the floor of our learning center, a breaking wave and an unfurling fiddle fern. The Fibonacci spiral is also a representation of Westcave; as our story unfolds, we add new spirals and extend our reach while always being anchored by Westcave Preserve, the place. We are grateful for the opportunity to expand our advocacy efforts and commitment to nature and conservation for today and the future. It is because of your generosity that we are able to help more people experience the wonder and joy of nature. Visit our website, www.Westcave.org, to learn more about the new and improved Westcave, sign up to get involved and register for special events.

New Board Members

David Kauffman is the principal of LCPL Nicholas S. Perez Elementary School in the Austin Independent School District. Through collaboration with parents and community members, his school has developed a nature trail, a courtyard pond, an outdoor classroom, and other outdoor learning spaces. He is committed to providing students with numerous and varied opportunities to learn in and from nature. David also serves on the Advisory Board for the Harvard University Principals Center. In 2013, he was named the AISD Principal of the Year. He is an alumnus of both Stanford University and Harvard New Westcave Board Member University. David Kauffman with daughter, Natalia

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David Tetreault is a veteran in the semiconductor design industry and a program manager for Intel Corporation. He fell in love with the outdoors in his teens when he moved from LA to a small town in the Siskiyou Mountains. From there his playground has been the forests of Oregon, mountains of Arizona and finally the Texas Hill Country just a few miles from Westcave. David and his family own a small farm and participate in the local community through the farmers market, herb store and educational events. David and his wife, Tara, are longtime members of Westcave’s Round Table. New Westcave Board Member David Tetreault

BOARD, STAFF, VOLUNTEERS BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Hayden Brooks, Chair Max Scoular, Immediate Past Chair Peggy Winkler, Vice Chair Laura Scanlan Cho, Secretary Bill Keenan, Treasurer Carmel Borders Victor Emanuel Dr. David Kauffman Jennifer Mull Dr. Andrew Sansom Buddy Steele David Tetreault Lee Walker, Member Emeritus John Covert Watson, Member Emeritus

CONSERVATION COMMITTEE

Amber Gosselin, Chair Beyrl Armstrong Sue Barnett Chris Caran Jarrod Depew Tom Hegemier Tom Martine Sam Meacham Peggy Murphy Terri Siegenthaler Tom “Smitty” Smith Tara Tetreault Murray Walton John Worrall

EDUCATION COMMITTEEE

Flavia Gaskin, Chair Chris Caran Nourah Caskey Nan Hampton Faye Inglis Robert Jackson Ethel Kutac Erich Rose Nate Rosenberg

STAFF Molly Stevens, Executive Director Addie Broussard John Gerhart Amber Gosselin Jane Jones Kinsey Junek Paul Vickery Linda Wofford

MAJOR DONORS 2012-2013 FOUNDATION SUPPORT

Applied Materials Foundation Austin Community Foundation The Brown Foundation James A. “Buddy” Davidson Charitable Foundation Dell Children’s Medical Center Foundation Educational Foundation of America Greater Houston Community Foundation Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation Georgia B. Lucas Foundation Fund Lester E. Kabacoff Family Foundation Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation The Prentice Foundation Reese Foundation Shield-Ayres Foundation St. David’s Foundation Stark Martin Charitable Trust The Tapestry Foundation Trull Foundation Warren Skaaren Charitable Trust William & Salomé Scanlan Foundation Winkler Family Foundation Earth Share of Texas represents Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center 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 1-800-GREENTX, or visit www.earthshare-texas.org.

CORPORATE SUPPORT

Backwoods Blue Cross Blue Shield of Texas Cooper Free Moody Group at Stephens Financial FGI Services Henna Chevrolet HEB Robert Jackson & Michael McElhaney Architects, Inc. LCRA Locke Lord LLP Maxwell Locke & Ritter National Instruments Patagonia REI Riverside Resources Texas Parks & Wildlife Thundercloud Subs Wells Fargo Bank Whole Earth Provision

NON PROFIT SUPPORT

Community Investment Corporation El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission El Ranchito Explore Austin La Familia de la Tierra Owners Assoc. The Nature Conservancy

GROTTO GUILD We are pleased to recognize our Grotto Guild Members for 2012. 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 Holly & Jim Bohart Ann and William Boone Carmel & Tom Borders Anne Brockenbrough Hayden & Lynn Brooks David Braun Brandi Clarke Burton Nourah & Bobby Caskey Anu and Punit Chadha Laura Scanlan Cho & Ken Cho Mary & Bob Cocke Malcolm Cooper Victor Emanuel JoLynn Free Mike & Jean Haggerty Kathie & Dick Hanson Gary Hendrix Karen & Tim Hixon Mari and Dudley Houghton Dee and Robert Jackson Sylvia and David Kauffman Bill & Rita Keenan

Heather & David Kuhlken Carolyn Long JoAnn McKenzie Edward Moody Jennifer Mull Bettye & Bill Nowlin Pam & Mike Reese Patricia Henna Rowe & Mark Rowe Nona and Andy Sansom Nancy Scanlan Marika & Jonathan Schoolar Max Scoular Ellen and Jeremy Smitheal Buddy & Maggie Steele Grant & Margot Thomas David & Tara Tetreault Kate Watson-Toth & Vance Toth Lee Walker & Jennifer Vickers John Covert Watson Peggy & Matt Winkler Jan & Neile Wolfe Ira & Roxanne Yates

MEMBERSHIP PRIVILEGES

All Westcave members can enjoy the following benefits: a complimentary online or printed The Grotto newsletter, free admission to Westcave’s weekend public tours, reciprocal privileges at over 300 of North America’s top nature centers (including 15 in Texas) and a 10% discount on all special programs. If you are interested in becoming a member of Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center or renewing your membership please visit www.westcave.org/get-involved/membership.

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The Preserve: 24814 Hamilton Pool Road Round Mountain, TX 78663 Phone: 830-825-3442 Administrative Offices: 603 W. 13th Street, Suite 2D Austin, TX 78701 512-276-2257 www.westcave.org

Printed in Texas on recycled paper with soy-based ink

VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT We express our heartfelt thanks to Ethel Kutac and Dan Calloway who have been the co-coordinators of

the Westcave Christmas Bird Count (CBC) since it began 9 years ago. Ethel and Dan are long-time friends who met while birding in Austin with Ethel’s brother Ed Kutac. Between the two of them, they have 70 years of birding experience. This will be Dan and Ethel’s last year to serve as co-coordinators of the count. Beginning on Christmas Day in 1900, the Christmas Bird Count is the longest running Citizen Science survey in the world. Tens of thousands of participants collect data from over 2000 circles providing critical data on bird population trends. Dan and Ethel developed the 15-mile-diameter circle to include as many diverse natural areas as possible. The final survey circle includes Mansfield Dam, Lake Travis, Balcones Canyonland Preserve, The Shield Ranch, Reimers Ranch, Hamilton Pool Preserve and Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center. In the last 9 years, a total of 159 bird species have been identified through the Westcave CBC. Ethel and Dan will continue birding and participating in the CBC after their position as co-coordinator ends. They are passing the Westcave CBC coordinating torch to Jane Jones and are confidant that the Westcave CBC will continue to Featured Westcave Volunteers Dan Callaway and grow in the number of expert birders that are involved and Ethel Kutac. the number of bird species identified.