Enjoy The Fall Colors!

So all around the country this autumn people experienced some unusual fall colors.  Up north they had a lot of early white….

Buffalo, NY, after the snow storm.

Buffalo, NY, after the snow storm.

…while here in Texas we had some nice shades of orange, yellow and red in the foliage. 

Reds from a Farkleberry 

Yellows from a Winged Elm.

Texas usually isn’t really the place to look for Fall colors.  But since the temperatures have dropped and warmed up again I’ve noticed that even in College Station, we have some nice coloration. 

Not sure what this is but it has a nice yellow-green color that contrasts nicely with the darker green in Yaupon.

Reds and russets of the (Blackjack?) Oak.

More colors in an Oak.

Why are the colors so nice this year?  Well, looking up information on the great and powerful internet I ran across this USDA Forest Service page.  

A much abbreviated summary of the USDA page:

Fall colors are produced from three pigments in leaves: chlorophyll (green), carotenoids (yellows, oranges), and anthocyanins (reds, deep reds).   Chlorophyll and carotenoids are always present in the leave whereas anthocyanins are present in the fall due to increased sugar levels in the leaves as well as bright light. 

Temperature and moisture conditions throughout a year will determine intensity of colors, too. “A warm wet spring, favorable summer weather, and warm sunny fall days with cool nights should produce the most brilliant autumn colors.”

It seems that cold snap/polar vortex temperature drop from earlier in the month may have triggered a chemical response in the leaves of some of the local trees.   Combined with a fairly consistent rainfall this summer these conditions create the wonderful autumn colors we can see outside.

The colors at Lick Creek Park this past weekend were pretty spectacular even if we’re on the back-side of the peak colors.  And it’s not just the leaves… berries are out and the colors are particularly vibrant, too!

Brillant red Yaupon berries.

Popping purple American Beauty Berry.

Deep black Farkleberry.

So while we’re enjoying the heat wave of late November/early December… go out and enjoy the fall colors while they last!

References:

USDA Forest Service Page:  http://www.na.fs.fed.us/fhp/pubs/leaves/leaves.shtm

Where’d You Dig Up That Old Fossil?!?

It’s the beginning of Earth Science Week!  Hooray!  What is Earth Science Week you ask?  It was started in 1998 by an organization called the American Geosciences Institute with the following objectives (from the AGI website):

“To engage students in discovering the Earth sciences.

To remind people that Earth science is all around us.

To encourage Earth stewardship through understanding.

To motivate geoscientists to share their knowledge and enthusiasm about the Earth.”

Pretty good objectives that can be related to our TMN mission statement, I think.  Educating the public and promoting good stewardship of the land.  This year Earth Science Week runs from October 12th to 18th.  So in light of Earth Science Week I present, the Stone City Fossil outcrop!

Railroad Bridge over the Brazos River at the Stone City Fossil Site

Stone City Fossils

It’s been called one of the most fossiliferous locations in Texas. The fossils here were deposited about 35 million years ago during the Eocene Epoch of geologic time. The rock type is a sedimentary rock meaning the rock is composed of sediment that has been compressed over time. However, because the rock here isn’t that old (in geologic terms!) it’s actually soft enough to dig into and that makes it perfect for locating fossils.

Loose fossils weathered out from the rock.  Pictured are gastropods (3 in the center), an oyster fragment (large piece to the left) and a pelecypod (to left).

The location is also called the Whiskey Bridge Fossil Site because legend has it that back in the old days Aggies desperate for a drink would cross the bridge over the Brazos River to get into Burleson County.  I prefer the Stone City name since it refers to formation name (where ‘formation’ is just another word geologists use to say ‘rock layer’).  The rock layer was named for the little town that used to exist here.

Fossils are the remains of organisms that lived in the geologic past and finding them in rocks can give you a great clue about Earth’s past environments. Today, certain animals and plants are only found in specific areas so, for example, whales are in the marine environments and bears are terrestrial. That’s exactly how it was in the geologic past. Each organism lived in a specific geological environment. Therefore, geologists can use fossils to interpret whether a location was on land or under the ocean and can get water depth, water temperature, salinity, and more.

Fossils in place in rock.  Large gastropod on the right called Conus.

More fossils in place.  Large pelecypod in center.

The Stone City fossils tell geologists that during the Eocene, 35 million years ago, the Bryan/College Station area was under about 100-200 feet of ocean water…. much different than today! Common fossils include gastropods (snails), pelecypods (clams), corals, ootoliths (fish ear bones), bryozoan, and you can sometimes find sharks teeth and squid beaks. Overall there are about 50 different types of fossils that can easily be found here. This is a great location for kids when the water is low so feel free to bring the little ones!

Hand-sample of the rock with gastropod fossils. 

Want to visit the site?

If you are going to visit the site, there are two parking areas here… one to the west side of the bridge on Hwy 21 and one to the east.  Both sides of the river contain fossils so either parking area can be used.  However, if the river is running a little high or it’s rained recently, the eastern bank of the river may be under water. Please stay on the county property near the bridges.

If you don’t want to go on your own… The Houston Gem and Mineral Society will be sponsoring a free field trip to the site on October 19, 2014, from 12-3 pm. Experts will be on hand to share their knowledge and answer any questions you may have.  More information can be found at: https://www.hgs.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=1492

And this counts as advanced training!

SAFETY NOTES!

1) There is POISON IVY here so beware!

2) Do not visit this cache when the river is high! The fossil site will be underwater and dangerous to approach. Also, right after the rain the location will be very muddy and possibly challenging. Use common sense and visit this site when the river is low.

References:

Earth Science Week: http://www.earthsciweek.org/about-esw

Stone City:  http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/hrs68

Fossil Info from the Houston Gem and Mineral Society: https://www.hgs.org/civicrm/event/info?reset=1&id=1492

Boonville Days

On Saturday, October 4, Texas Master Naturalists from the Brazos Valley Chapter set up five tables at the Museum of Natural History in Bryan, TX, for the 7th Annual Boonville Days Heritage Fair! Three members from our sister chapter, El Camino Real, also volunteered.

About 20 of our chapter members displayed native plants, gave away native seeds and posters, demonstrated how pioneer children might have made toys and containers from natural materials, and commemorated the extinct Passenger Pigeon. In addition, some of our members helped at our partners' (Rio Brazos Audubon, Museum of Natural History, and Friends of Lick Creek Park) booths and/or activities. It was a busy morning from setup at 8 a.m. to breakdown around 3 p.m. During the day one hundred and seven (107) children and one hundred and ninety-two (192) adults visited the Texas Master Naturalist tables.

Below, Laura Biddle talks to a visitor about some of our native Texas plants.

Below, Barbara Pritchard talks about the Passenger Pigeon and gives away native wildflower seed.

Later in the day, Katherine Bedrich from the El Camino Real Chapter helps with the seeds.

Below, Corey, grandson of Olivia and Elrey Ash, demonstrates how pioneer families would grind their own wheat (brought over by Europeans) and corn (native to North America) to make flour and meal. (Special thanks to Corey and his brother Riley, who helped with setup, cleanup, and demonstrations throughout the entire day.)

Below, Olivia demonstrates how pioneers might have made paper boxes from materials they would have had available to them.

Below, two visitors try out the paper box-making project.

Below, Texas Master Naturalists from the El Camino Real Chapter display a storyboard telling about the demise of the Passenger Pigeon. Ninety-nine of our visitors (47 children and 52 adults) asked questions about the pigeon and ninety-one (91) origami Passenger Pigeons were folded for the "Fold the Flock" project to remember the now extinct bird.

Below, John Cupps helps a visitor grind corn.

Below, Will McDaniel shows visitors how to make walnut toy critters made out of native materials like the pioneers might have done (using nuts, jute, seeds, beans, homemade play dough and homemade glue).

At the end of a great day, Katherine Bedrich bids "hello" and "goodbye" to the Museum's Buffalo mascot.

Thanks to everyone who made this day so successful. Brazos Valley Chapter volunteers in alphabetical order were: Jim and Kitty Anding, Elrey and Olivia Ash, Laura Biddle, Dwight Bohlmeyer, Joyce Conner, John and Katharine Cupps, Rick and Sarah Laughlin, Thomas "Will" McDaniel, Mark McDermott, Barbara Pritchard, Steve Simcik, Sharon Singleton, Betty Vermeire, Mike Wheeler, and Deborah Wilson. El Camino Real Chapter volunteers were: Katherine Bedrich, Cindy Bolch, and Donna Lewis.

Photographs are by Joyce Conner. Blog written and posted by Joyce Conner (with essential help of Mike Conner). Please send corrections or additions to joyce@conner.net.

Millican Reserve: Market on the Green

On Sunday, September 21, TMN set up a table at Millican Reserve’s monthly farmers market. If you don’t know what it is, Millican Reserve is almost 3,000 acres of land just north of the small town of Millican.  The land is being maintained by the Millican Reserve Land Conservancy, a group dedicated to building a community that is nature oriented, interesting in wildlife conservation, the arts, and farming. 

Millican Reserve

Millican Reserve

For the Market, the table was jointly hosted by both member of Rio Brazos Audubon and TMN as most of the members actually belonged to both organizations!  Thanks to Betty Vermeire, Laura Biddle, Abby Ince, Mark McDermott and Rick Laughlin for hosting! The market ran from 10 am until 2 pm with a steady stream of people throughout the day.  Along with the usual handouts and brochures, TMN had the animal tracks matching board which was a big hit with the kids.  Thanks to Mike and Joyce Conner for creating it!  At the end of the day, 67 people stopped by the table (20 kids and 47 adults).  Not huge numbers of people for 4 hours BUT (!) I think the event tends to concentrate nature-oriented people so we get good, quality contact with the public.  

Betty and Laura at the TMN Booth.  Thanks to everyone who helped out throughout the day!

Millican reserve is a great place to visit!  If you’ve never been out, I encourage you to participate in an RBAS or TMN activity on the property!  Hint hint! I’m going to shamelessly plug the 2^nd Annual Fall Harvest and Pumpkinpalooza coming up in October.  From the Reserve’s website:

“Celebrating local farms, arts, recreation, and wildlife, this three day event will serve as a festive celebration of Millican Reserve’s continued growth in the Brazos Valley community and will include a host of activities for all ages, including a farmers’ market, music festival, an outdoor carnival, pumpkin chunkin’, and much more. We invite you to join us at Millican Reserve as we share our vision of building healthy community around nature.” 

And by pumpkin chuckin’ they really mean pumpkin chuckin’… with a trebuchet! 

Want To Help Out At Pumpkinpalooza?

TMN is looking for people (like you!) to help out with hosting a booth for Sunday, October, 26^th, from 10 am to about 4 pm.  If you are interested in helping out, please contact Joyce Conner or Sarah Laughlin.

  

Millican Reserve Information:

http://millicanreserve.org/what-we-do/


Posted and written by Sarah Laughlin

A Day at Cedar Hill Ranch

Cedar Hill Ranch Trail (Photo by Permission of Carol Fox Henrichs)

On Saturday, September 20, 2014, fifty-five (55) people (including one child) participated in nature activities at Cedar Hill Ranch, a 700+ acre tract of land in Gause, Milam County, TX. The ranch is operated under a wildlife management plan.

The participants were members of Rio Brazos Audubon, Texas Master Naturalist (most in the Brazos Valley Chapter and the El Camino Real Chapter), Brazos Valley Wildlife and Nature Photography Group, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, and some of their friends and families.

The day began with misting rain and ended with hot, humid, and sunny temperatures.

One Group of Birders (Photo by Permission of Rick and Sarah Laughlin)

Around 8:30 am novice and expert birders broke into groups and walked three marked paths surveying birds and noting other items of nature that caught their interest.

Their totals were sent to eBird.org and show that 39 species were recorded for a total of 730 birds. Two new species were recorded for this site - one Great Egret and 27 Cattle Egrets (which are not native). The birds most seen were Northern Cardinals (179) and Blue-gray Gnatcatchers (131). The following is the complete list.

September 20, 2014   
Cedar Hill Ranch (Milam Co.)   
Total Species    39
Number of Individuals    730
Number of Checklists    3
   
Species Name    Species Count
Double-crested Cormorant    2
Great Egret    1
Cattle Egret    27
Black Vulture    8
Turkey Vulture    30
Osprey    1
Red-shouldered Hawk    4
Inca Dove    2
White-winged Dove    1
Mourning Dove    7
Eastern Screech-Owl    1
Ruby-throated Hummingbird    5
Red-bellied Woodpecker    20
Downy Woodpecker    13
Pileated Woodpecker    1
Crested Caracara    1
Olive-sided Flycatcher    2

Olive-sided Flycatcher (Photo by Permission of Rick and Sarah Laughlin)

Eastern Wood-Pewee    1

Eastern Wood-Pewee (Photo by Permission of Rick and Sarah Laughlin)

Acadian Flycatcher    1
Least Flycatcher        2
Eastern Phoebe        2
Great Crested Flycatcher    9
White-eyed Vireo    74
Blue Jay    3
American Crow    47
Purple Martin    2
Barn Swallow    3
Carolina Chickadee    45
Tufted Titmouse    28
Carolina Wren    51
Blue-gray Gnatcatcher    131
Northern Mockingbird    4
Black-and-white Warbler    3
Black-throated Green Warbler    1
warbler sp.    2
Northern Cardinal    179
Brown-headed Cowbird    7
Orchard Oriole    2
Baltimore Oriole    7

For a list of all Cedar Hill Ranch bird high counts go to http://ebird.org/ebird/tx/hotspot/L1440449. (Please note that when Mike Conner is listed that is only because he entered the data and not necessarily because he was one of the birders.)

Also during the morning, people hiked woodland trails in search of interesting wildlife and plants.

Sarah Laughlin (Photo by Permission of Rick Laughlin)

Rick Laughlin (Photo by Permission of Sarah Laughlin)

A three-toed box turtle, lizards, squirrels, butterflies, and other critters were reported as being seen. A few of the many sightings found by birders and others are shown below.

Pipevine Swallowtail Butterfly (Photo by Permission of Sarah and Rick Laughlin)

Pipevine Swallowtail Butterflies (Photo by Betty Vermeire)

Palafoxia (Photo by Betty Vermeire)

Eastern Fence Lizard (Photo by Permission of Sarah and Rick Laughlin)

Mushrooms were a hit this September with several great shots by participants.

Mushroom (Photo by Permission of Sarah and Rick Laughlin)

My all time favorite is this picture below taken by Milana Cypert.  

Mushroom (Photo by Permission of Milana Cypert)

Although this one by Carol Henrichs takes a high second place.

Mushroom (Photo by Permission of Carol Fox Henrichs)

For a sampling of 36 amazing photographs taken by the Photography Group go to http://www.meetup.com/BV-Nature-Photography-Group/photos/all_photos/?photoAlbumId=24628382.














Carol Henrichs also posted some of her pictures on the Brazos Valley Chapter Facebook page on September 20 at https://www.facebook.com/groups/361254733982438/.

Simultaneous with ranch activities, approximately one mile from the ranch, 14 trainees for the 2014 Texas Master Naturalist Program in the Brazos Valley Chapter climbed Sugarloaf Mountain. Along with the trainees were 11 guests including our hosts Kerri and Dave Cunningham (members of the Texas Master Naturalist program in the Brazos Valley and El Camino Real Chapters), and A&M esteemed professors Dr. Alston Thoms (expert in Anthropology), and Dr. Thomas Yancey (expert in Paleontology and Geology).

After birding, hiking, and/or climbing Sugarloaf Mountain, participants gathered at the ranch house for a potluck lunch. Billy Lambert and Tim Siegmund (with wife Kelsey and son August) from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department attended the event and were available to informally talk to attendees about wildlife management.

Nature Lovers (Photo by Permission of Katharine Cupps)

Thanks to everyone who provided refreshments for and helped with the event. In addition, special thanks to El Camino Real Chapter members Cindy Bolch and Donna Lewis who also helped with setup and cleanup.

At the end of the day it was discussed that we move the day of activities at Cedar Hill Ranch and the Sugarloaf Mountain field trip to October next year. This would give us the possibility of cooler and less wet weather.

Participants Discuss Next Year's Possible Cedar Hill Ranch and Sugarloaf Mountain Activities

Posted and written by Joyce Conner with help from Mike Conner. Thanks to everyone who sent pictures and helped with all data. Please send edits to joyce@conner.net for correction.