Nature Calendar

Jan. 5, 2012 7pm Important Bird Areas, program by Iliana Pena, Director of Conservation for Audubon Texas. Special joint meeting of Bexar Audubon Society and San Antonio Audubon Society at First Tee, 915 E. Mulberry. Click here for a map!

January 7, 2012, 9AM-12PM Headwaters Sanctuary Volunteer Work Days. . Meet at the main trailhead behind the baseball fields on the Incarnate Word University campus. Come prepared for work in the woods: long pants, gloves, and closed-toe shoes. No reservation needed, but we would like to know if you're coming. Contact Helen Ballew (828-2224 x232, helen@headwaterscoalition.org) or Howard Homan (557-0030, howard.homan@gmail.com).

Jan. 14 8:00 AM San Antonio Audubon Society Beginners' Bird Walk Meet Alan and Patsy Kuentz (493-2673) at the Judson Nature Trails. at the Judson Nature Trails. From Broadway at the 5900 block, turn west on Ogden Street to the stop sign at Greely St. and the sign to the Nature Trails. Turn left, go one block and turn right on Viesca

Jan 15 8:30 AM to 01:30 PM Winter Birds of Government Canyon Government Canyon State Natural Area Join Steve Hawkins, member of SA Audubon Bird Records Committee and Friends of Government Canyon Education Committee, on a hike to see birds that are wintering in Government Canyon SNA. Binoculars can be provided if the participant requests when making their reservation. Natural Area entry fees apply. Participants should be able to hike 3 miles (round trip) over rugged but beautiful trails with a fair amount of elevation gain. Dress for the weather, probably cold, and possibly wet. Wear sturdy shoes. Bring at least a quart of water, and a snack if you like Group size limited; participants under 18 years of age must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. Meet at the rainwater collection towers. No pets please. Reservations required; accepted from noon December 16 through noon January 13, 2012. For reservations/information, e-mail reservations@friendsofgc.org . Include name, e-mail address and telephone number for each reservation. Subject to cancellation. (210) 688-9055, ext 291.

Jan. 22 1pm-4pm Picture Your World: Mitchell Lake Audubon Center Green Spaces Alliance photo workshop for youth. Each workshop cost is $10.00 per student for Green Spaces members and $15.00 per student for non-members. Check-in time is 15 minutes before the start of the workshop. Digital cameras are available, or you may bring your own. Parents may attend. Fees may be waived for students demonstrating financial need. To apply for a waiver, submit a note from a teacher or other authority who can attest to the student's financial status. All workshops are from 1-4:30pm. Professional photographer Nancy Garcia and Project Manager Sherry Christensen will provide instruction on good photos and camera management. A master naturalist will also be in attendance at each workshop for instruction on plants and wildlife. This event requires registration.

Jan. 24 6:30pm Native Plant Society of Texas will feature a presentation by Donald Ewers, photographer and former photography professor at the University of the Incarnate Word, will share excerpts from his forthcoming book, The Song of the Cactus Flower, and will offer advice on how (and how not) to photograph plants. Don blogs on his photography "with an occasional philosophical reflection" at whileonawalk.blogspot.com. Native plant and seed exchange at 6:30 pm, followed by speaker at 7:00 pm. Free and open to the public. At Lions Field Adult Center, 2809 Broadway.Directions & information at: npsot.org/sanantonio

For even MORE outdoors and environmentally related activities:

Cibolo Nature Center--in Boerne: cibolo.org

Government Canyon State Natural Area: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/spdest/findadest/parks/government_canyon/#act

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center: mitchelllakeaudubon.org

San Antonio Audubon Society--lots of birding field trips, download their latest newsletter to get a complete listing: saaudubon.org

San Antonio Natural Areas:  sanaturalareas.org

Sierra Club, Alamo Chapter: outings page here: http://texas.sierraclub.org/alamo/Outings.htm

Consider becoming a Master Naturalist! Alamo Master Naturalist Chapter