• Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Oraginzation Newsletter April 2011

VOLUME 23, NUMBER 4 APRIL 2011
FROM THE PRESIDENT’S DESK
Brazos Bend State Park is always a prime location for
In this issue:
spring break relaxing. This year park attendance was
bigger than in the past. Our volunteers and VITs again From the President’s Desk. . . 1
provided support to our many visitors. According to my March Meeting Notes. . . . . . . 2
count 120 shifts were worked by volunteers and VITs. I know our guests
appreciate this effort because they keep coming back, and in larger Staff Reports. . . . . . . . . . . . . 3
numbers. Nature Center Report. . . . . . . 5
At the first of this month Steve Killian, David Heinicke, Chuck Duplant, Spring Break Report. . . . . . . . 6
Congratulations. . . . . . . . . . . 6
Dave Armstrong, and I had an opportunity to meet with TPWD staff and
discuss a new Brazos Bend Environmental Education Center. They Meeting Night Dinners. . . . . . 7
were very positive about our organization and stated that they often use Thanks. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 7
us as an example when in discussion with other park support groups.
They understand our need and seemed pleased with the planning that Parking Lot Lights.. . . . . . . . . 7
has taken place over the last several months. We received the Nam e Tag Option. . . . . . . . . . 8
impression that they will support our project and after review by Austin
TPWD, we should expect to hear from them in the next few weeks. BBSP at the Rodeo. . . . . . . . 8
Outreach Report. . . . . . . . . . . 9
A contract has been signed for construction of the Elm Lake Nature Loan Me an Alligator.. . . . . . 10
Platform. A pre-construction meeting was held on March 31. We will Spring Migration Birding. . . . 10
see activity very soon.
Newsletter Help Request. . . 11
Please join us for our next monthly meeting on April 9. It is important for Basic Outdoor Skills. . . . . . 117
you to participate in the direction and project selections of our
organization. W ildflowers on Parade. . . . . 12
Calendar of Events. . . . . . . . 12
Prairie Hike Notes. . . . . . . . 13
Offie Walker
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 MARCH MEETING NOTES
submitted by Anna Dell Williamson
Office Walker called the March General Meeting to order on March 12, 2011. There were 16 volunteers,
4 staff members, and 2 VITs present. The minutes of the January meeting were approved as posted.
Staff members brought their reports, which are printed elsewhere in the newsletter.
REPORTS
Treasurer Dave Armstrong: The Treasurer’s Report was approved as presented.
The following requests for spending were approved:
Sharon Hanzik: replacement computer
Steve Killian: repair of the Big Foot tractor for upcoming growing season
Steve Killian: pumps and regulators for the Mud Buddy, airboat and ATVs, for aquatic vegetation and
tall grass prairie management.
Comptroller Rachelle Watson: The organization tax return is being prepared.
Gift Shop Beth Debenport: Sales are doing well and we are working to keep up with inventory. Sales are
good and beverage sales are up since we installed the new cooler, which holds more bottles and is visible
to visitors. Diane Carpenter compared January/February 2010 with this past January/ February, and drink
sales were up substantially. The new cooler has made a great difference and is much easier to keep track
of supply and easier to restock. Many visitors comment on our reasonable prices. Our stock includes items
campers forget, and they are very grateful we carry these items.
Building Program Chuck Duplant: Offie Walker, Dave Armstrong, David Heinicke, Steve Killian and
Chuck Duplant went to Austin to meet with TPWD leadership. Our project was well- received, and they
were impressed with the in-depth planning we have done. We had a good estimate on pricing. There are
still some concerns we need to work out, including a memorandum of agreement, choice of architect,
master plan for the project, an increase in our funds for up-front preliminary drawings, designs, and cost
estimates, We are steadily moving forward with this ambitious project, TPWD is interested in moving on with
this and will let us know in a few days if we’re approved. They need to run the proposal by some other
committees.
Wood Sales, Chuck Duplant: Wood sales are good but there is a lot of loss. The electrical outlets were
out on the 200 loop, and we suffered loss from there. The lights have been repaired. We are still operating
in the black, but not as much as we’d like. We plan to add a kiosk in overflow.
We plan to plant some more willow trees around the lakes. We can take branches and stick them in the
mud. They will take root and grow.
We are re-seeding the pocket prairie down the hill from the Nature Center. We have permission to turn the
empty fields by the observatory service road into flowerbeds - approved native plants only. Over several
years we can get enough seeds and plants, and then replant. We should have some good beds in several
years. Flowers attract bees and butterflies, who need flowers for habitat.
Nature Center, Teresa Jones: Updates are planned in the alligator viewing area in the Nature Center after
the slow down in summer.
Outreach: Offie reported for Judy Strauss that the outreach at Sea Center Texas last Saturday had very
good attendance
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Newsletter, Anna Dell Williamson: We need help with the newsletter. Reporters and writers for feature
articles, etc., are needed to help fill the pages.
Volunteer t-shirts, Cindy Peterson: We need orders for 8 more shirts before we can place an order. We
also have some unclaimed shirts on hand to resell. A notice of sizes, styles and colors will be sent out.
Training, Anna Dell Williamson: We have ordered lanyard holders for nametags. They will be offered
to the VITs, and we can print name tags on card stock to fit the holders. Current volunteers who would like
the lanyards can send a request to Anna Dell, and we will order them and make the cards. There will be
no charge for the first lanyard and name card. One caution: do not wear lanyards when using power tools
that might catch them and cause an accident or injury.
Offie encouraged attendance at the next meeting. We want all of the members to know what is going on
from the financial standpoint. Members need to keep informed on what we’re doing.
David will be leading a Red Buckeye hike on Friday morning. The area is gorgeous right now.
STAFF REPORTS
STEVE KILLIAN, SUPERINTENDENT
This February was the second best February for attendance. Current projects include spraying lakes and
repairing the Live Oak trail, adding some gravel and grinding stumps. We hope to finish this fiscal year.
Volunteer help is welcome. Restrooms are open in the camping loops. There is still some work on lighting,
ventilation and touchup to be completed soon.
Welcome back, Chris Bishop. Now we should always have a law enforcement officer on staff and in the
park.
Administrative staff attended a management conference recently, and Susie Taylor attended a training
conference for office managers. John Towers has joined the staff as the Utility Plant Operator (Water
Management). He came from another park and is well-suited to this position.
We recently passed the Internal audit of our fiscal operations with flying colors. Headquarters renovation
will be completed soon. We are adding three new offices and a break room. The administrative and gift
shop areas have been enlarged. Regional is adding funds to our budget to retile the Headquarters area and
upgrade the air conditioning.
Steve Killian and David Heinicke attended the Houston Wilderness Luncheon recently.
Visitors have been asking about gunshots they hear in the park. They probably come from private property
in Pecan Bend.
TPWD is facing a budget cut of possibly 30%, BBSP is all right in terms of maintaining what we have.
At the recent meeting in Austin about our new Environmental Education Center, TPWD officials were
impressed with BBSPVO. Brent Leisure, Director, used our organization as a model when talking to another
organization. Our presentation was well-received in Austin.
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Ted Stevens, Management Trainee, will be working in Galveston over the summer and will return to BBSP
in the fall.
CHRIS BISHOP, ASSISTANT SUPERINTENDENT
Chris stated he is very glad to be back on the job. After his nine months of training, he has a probationary
“Field Training” period under supervision for 6 months to a year. He is looking forward to settling back in
his role here.
Chris is looking into getting alternative funding for the park in two areas and will work on getting pesticide
licensing.
He thanked the organization for his “Welcome Back” cake.
SHARON HANZIK, INTERPRETIVE RANGER
There were 1104 visitors through the Nature Center today. We will need lots of help during Spring Break.
Please sign up for Nature Center and Gift Shop.
Welcome to VITs Sherry Sherbo and Ethan Hoover. We have a new maintenance volunteer, Gerry Reuter,
who will be working on maintenance projects around the Nature Center.
Sharon just returned from the State-wide Interpreters’ Workshop. This is a good opportunity for networking,
as well as classes and breakout sessions. Next year some volunteers might be interested in attending the
National Interpreters’ Association meeting in Austin.
BBSP participated in a booth at the Wildlife Show and Rodeo.
The newsletter has pictures and a report on the Stephen F Austin State Park field trip several volunteers
attended. The next field trip will be in April, at the Levi Jordan Plantation Site near Sweeny and Brazoria.
School groups are now on the volunteer events calendar and more will be added.
The last week of March, Monday through Wednesday, a student from Awty International School will be
observing and asking about what we do here.
DAVID HEINICKE, INTERPRETIVE RANGER
Thanks for all the work you do. We have a crazy nine days ahead of us for Spring Break. We expect good
weather and big crowds,
The new crocodilian panel is on its way. It was shipped to Regional, and will be moved here soon.
Hopefully it will be hung by mid-April. The next major project is to redesign the front counter in the Nature
Center. Construction of the Viewing Platform may start the week after Spring Break.
It was asked when the roof repairs will start on the Nature Center. David will check on that.
We hope the lights in the parking lot will be installed soon.
Dawn Tejero and David set up a table with an alligator skull, skin, etc. on the trail, Volunteers are
encouraged to do this during Spring Break and also set up with the spotting scope.
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 NATURE CENTER REPORT
MARCH 2011
Below are the totals of the various activities and attendance recorded for the Nature Center, hikes, and programs for March 1-31,
2011. March was Spring Break, and attendance was outstanding. See details in the article following. The photos below are of
the current alligator display in the Nature Center. Watch for changes soon. The side photos are VITs Christian and Peter Guzman
at work in the NC.
PROGRAM S TOTALS
NATURE CENTER ATTENDANCE Saturdays (4) - 3968
M arch 2011 - 12,427 High, 1140 (3/26)
M arch 2010 - 11,816 Average: 992
M arch 2009 - 9,669
M arch 2008 - 10,684 Sundays (4) – 2798
M arch 2007 - 6,835 High, 844 (3/13)
Average: 670
W eekdays (23) - 5661
High, 1077 (3/17)
Average: 246
CREEKFIELD HIKES (15) 313
ALLIGATOR PROGRAM S (5) 291
SNAKE PROGRAM S (7) 314
CHILDREN’S STORYTIM E (6) 112
OUTREACH (9) 1468
SPOTTING SCOPE (2) 94
BIRD PROGRAM S (6) 82
OTHER PROGRAM S (13) include Red
Buckeye hike, owls, ask the ranger, 274
arm adillo (2), pond life (2), defense
m echanism s, butterflies (2), under the
m icroscope, creatures of the night,
m am m als
TOTAL VISITORS SERVED IN HIKES 2639
AND ONSITE PROGRAM S
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 SPRING BREAK REPORT
by Anna Dell Williamson
Nine Saturdays in a row, that’s what Spring Break is like. Big Saturdays. Double lines at
Headquarters, crowds through the Nature Center, lots of Gift Shop sales, talking about baby gators
or snakes until you think you can’t talk any more, and beautiful weather. You can see the totals in
the Nature Center report, but here is a breakdown of daily attendance:
Saturday, March 12 1104 Thursday 1022
Sunday 844 Friday 976
Monday (the rainy day) 292 Saturday March 19 1058
Tuesday 969 Sunday 783
Wednesday 834 Total 7882
There were many volunteers present to help, and some individuals were there all day or for several
days during the break. I have the names from the signup calendar, and I can remember some who
just showed up. I hope I haven’t forgotten anyone. The following volunteers were at the Nature
Center, Gift Shop or led a Creekfield Hike or program during Spring Break: Justin Bower, Kevin
Brantley, Diane and Jerry Carpenter, Sherida Carpenter, Doris Dahse, Rick Dashnau, JoAnn
Davis, Ron Dearman, Beth Debenport, Doug DeVries, Nancy and Bear Dobbs, Chuck Duplant,
Jaci Elliott, Debbie and Kent Fewell, Carl Franke, Suzie Gann, Bill Godley, Maureen Goode, Eddye
Grizzaffi, Peter and Christian Guzman (VITs), Lisa and Drake Hacker (VIT), Virginia Harrison,
Ethan Hoover (VIT), Sid Jones, Teresa Jones, Candice and Tom Kanak, Linda Keltner, Rosemary
Kennedy (VIT), Mikki Kilgore, Mary Lockwood, Lara and Leah Malone (VITs), Tori Matta (VIT), Jeff
McMullen, Sammie Miller, Jane Minard, Cynthia Morales, Cathy Nevotti (VIT), Cindy Peterson, Tom
Prentiss, Carrie Sample, Michael Sanderson (VIT), Sherri Sherbo (VIT), Reyes Torres (VIT),
Elizabeth Villanueva, Marilyn Vossler, Connie Waltrip, Offie Walker, Rachelle, Bryan, James,
Joseph and Molly Watson, Anna Dell and Bruce Williamson. Thanks to each and every one of you.
Forty-eight regular volunteers and thirteen VITs helped out, and all sixty-one were kept busy.
The interesting thing is that those high attendance numbers haven’t stopped. Weekends and
weekdays alike in March were still busy with very high visitation. April has started out the same.
Come out and meet the visitors and share your knowledge of the park with them, walk the trails or
deliver water to the water stations. There are plenty of opportunities for service.
APRIL BIRTHDAYS MAY BIRTHDAYS
Richard Taylor (Staff) Mikki Kilgore Carrie Sample
Leah Malone VIT Rose Aden (Emeritus) JT Kalina (Staff)
Kevin Brantley Ethan Hoover VIT
APRIL ANNIVERSARIES Dennis Keprta (Emeritus) Kathleen Hosek VIT
Virginia and Charlie Suzie Gann
Harrison Virginia Harrison MAY ANNIVERSARIES
Jim and Jacqueline North Dawn Tejero Linda and David Heinicke
Patricia and Steve Marshall
Jo Ann and Chuck Davis
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 MEETING NIGHT DINNERS
by Judy Strauss
I would like to thank Anna Dell and Beth for taking care of the meeting night dinner in my absence on
the 12th. I understand that Anna Dell whipped up a delicious dinner that was enjoyed by everyone.
Please keep in mind that we would appreciate someone signing up to prepare the dinner on Meeting
nights. A different person (or two if you would like to work together), once each month, would really
help us out. We try to keep the expense as low as possible while still providing a delicious meal. You
will be reimbursed for the expense of the food purchased to prepare the meal. You can sign up for
this on the regular calendar under "meeting night dinner/supper". Thank you so much!
to Anna Dell Williamson for the meeting night supper in February.
to Teresa Jones for cleaning the alligator tank faithfully every week.
to Cindy Peterson for ordering the volunteer t-shirts
to Eddye Grizzaffi, Suzie Gann, Marilyn Vossler, Sharon Hanzik, Anna Dell Williamson
and Mary Lockwood (who introduced me to the cute little tarantula) for making my first
day of practical/hands-on volunteer training so much fun, from Sherri Sherbo
to Maintenance Volunteer Gerald Rueter and Park Host Gene Randolph for all the hard work
putting up the new parking lot lights near the Nature Center, from Richard Taylor
to Sherri Sherbo (VIT) for the article on the prairie, and Dennis Jones for his collaboration.
PARKING LOT LIGHTS
Maintenance Volunteer Gerald Rueter and Park Host Gene Randolph helped park maintenance staff
install new parking lot lights at the Nature Center. This addition should add to the security and safety
of the parking lot. The lights will be shaded by a shroud to cast the light downward to prevent light
pollution. The lights were installed on existing poles, which have been shortened to the proper height.
Photos by Lead Ranger Richard Taylor.
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 NAME TAG OPTION
We can purchase name-tag lanyards for use by volunteers who would prefer them to the pin-on or
magnet style name tags. We can provide one lanyard free to every volunteer who requests one (after
that, they are $.50 each), and we can make an insert with the name and other required information
printed on card stock, so you don’t have to buy a plastic name tag. This is an option, not a
requirement. The plastic name tags are still allowed for anyone who wants to purchase one. The only
caveat about the lanyarads is that if you are doing maintenance work, you might not want to wear a
lanyard while using power equipment.
If you would like to use a lanyard name-tag, contact Anna Dell Williamson at
by April 20. Please specify the name you want on the tag. We will
order the lanyards and print name tags for those requesting them. New volunteers will be given the
choice of using the lanyards or purchasing their own plastic name tags when they enter the training
program. Every time we have a class, we can make the lanyards and new card stock name tags
available to interested members.
BBSP AT THE RODEO
BBSP volunteers participated in the Houston Livestock and Rodeo
exhibits at a State Parks Booth set up by Regional Interpretive
Specialist Walt Bailey. Eddye Grizzaffi, Pam Tatge, Mike Manley and
Noel Duncan participated in staffing the booth.
This was a very busy event, especially on Sunday. Walt Bailey wrote
to thank Amanda Adair and Katherine Crippens for providing the
hands-on activities, and Sharon Hanzik (and the volunteers she sent)
and Ben Horstmann for making this event the success that it was. He
also sent the pictures included in this article. Pictured are Pam Tatge,
Eddye Grizzaffi and Walt Bailey.
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 OUTREACH REPORT
by Judy Strauss
The Sea Center Texas Outreach went well, despite the cold and rainy weather. We had a total of 485
visitors by our booth on Saturday, March 5th . My sincere thanks to Ron Dearman, Jim North, Christine
Kovack, Offie Walker and Tyler and Riley Teague (Jr. Vols) for their help with the program.
We received a "thank you" letter (below) from Connie Stolte of Sea Center Texas praising our booth
and participation in their program. It was a very good day!
There are two other events coming up that are on the events calendar, one in April, and the other in
May. At this time, I have not officially been notified of any other upcoming events. As I receive
information, they, too, will be posted on the events calendar.
Thank you again to everyone who has helped/signed up to help. We really appreciate your dedication
to the BBSP Volunteer Organization.
LETTER FROM SEA CENTER TEXAS
Thank you for participating in Nature Day at Sea Center Texas and providing an educational
opportunity for our visitors. Your exhibit was wonderful! We had a total of 565 registered guests.
We have tentatively scheduled Nature Day 2012 for Saturday, February 25, 2012. I hope you will save
the date on your calendars and plan to attend again.
I have attached some photos from the event. Please let me know if you need any other information.
Have a great weekend.
Sincerely,
Connie Stolte
Volunteers Offie W alker, Judy Strauss and Ron Dearm an
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 LOAN ME AN ALLIGATOR
Assistant Manager Chris Bishop received an email from Beth Tragus, Volunteer Coordinator at San
Jacinto Historic Site Complex, that attests to the popularity of BBSP. Enjoy.
Subject: Loan me an alligator?
I went to Sonic this morning on my way to work, so I was in uniform. The kid comes out of the building
with my food, hands it to me in a very disgruntled fashion, and then actually looks at me. He
immediately changed demeanor and says excitedly, "Do you work at Brazos Bend?!"
I reply, "No, I work at San Jacinto."
"AWW...."
"Where the Battleship is!"
"Uh huh.."
"We have alligators too!"
He wandered off.
SPRING MIGRATION BIRDING TOUR
The Spring Migration Birding Tour will take place at the Matagorda Island WMA on April 9, 2011 from
9:00 AM to 2:00 PM. With it’s seclusion, Matagorda Island is a great place for birding. Staff will take
you to the various birding sites via truck and trailer. The island is only accessible by boat and there is
no state-provided transportation to or from the island. All visitor access is by chartered boat or private
boat. This birding tour is limited to 20 people. Participants are required to possess either a Limited
Public Use Permit or Annual Public Hunting Permit. Permits are available anywhere hunting and
fishing licenses are sold and will not be available for purchase on the island. Reservations required and
will be accepted by phone from April 4 – 7 between the hours of 8:00 AM – 4:00 PM. Contact Phone
(979) 323-9669.
Photos by Jerry Zona: Carolina Wren, Blue-winged Teal, Couch’s Kingbird, American Coot
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 NEWSLETTER HELP REQUEST
I'm looking for volunteers who are willing to help out with the newsletter. Many volunteers send me
articles about what they see and do at the park, or what their committee is up to at the moment, and
I really appreciate it. However, I'd like to add some specific articles and features to the newsletter and
have some additional reporters who write for the newsletter. The more people looking for news, the
better.
Below are a few of the topics I'm thinking about. Some would be regular feature articles, and others
would be current news items, seasonal events, or special features. Other suggestions will be
welcomed.
Spotlight on a volunteer - interview a volunteer each month and have a picture so we can get
better acquainted with each other.
Share experiences on the trail, in the Nature Center, etc.
Interpretive continuing education - write articles on "nature" topics to inform the membership
and add to their interpretive information. We can always use this type of article.
Myth or Reality - Question something you have heard in the NC or on the trail by a volunteer
or visitor, send it to David and Sharon for clarification, and write up the response.
Articles or reports about BBSP committee work, volunteer business and events, park
improvements, any new information you learn abou.
Other articles/features that YOU come up with. The list goes on.........................
I could also use help editing articles for publication. This can be handled by email. Cynthia Morales
will be helping me with the layout starting in May.
If you are willing to help, please send me your name and your interest, and I will put your email address
on my distribution list to inform you of the newsletter deadline for the next issue (which is about a week
after the meeting). Even if you don’t want to be a member of the newsletter staff, you can send articles
and/or pictures at any time, and I will publish them based on time constraints, space available, topics,
etc., so it might not come out the very next issue, but it will be used.
Thank you for your support of the newsletter.
Anna Dell Williamson, Newsletter@brazosbend.org, 713-817-1393.
BASIC OUTDOOR SKILLS AND
ADVANCED OUTDOOR SKILLS WORKSHOPS
Texas Parks and Wildlife Urban Outdoor Programs will be sponsoring training for group leaders April
26-28 at Parrie Haynes Ranch in Killeen. The deadline for registration is April 18th. The Basic Outdoor
Skills and Advanced Outdoor Skills Workshops are inexpensive training programs that help you lead
a group in the Outdoors. Everything you need for under $100. Food and lodging included! Come join
us and gain greater knowledge and insight into the outdoors and Texas Parks and Wildlife programs
and facilities.
Topics include basic camping skills, outdoor trip planning, hiking, wilderness first aid, archery, paddle
sports basics, and fishing. Registration fee of $95.00 includes two nights lodging, instruction,
materials, participation certificate, resource guide and six meals. For more information contact Tim
Spice, tim.spice@tpwd.state.tx.us or call (512) 389-8141.
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 WILDFLOWERS ON PARADE
Roadside Wildflowers 5,000! That’s the number of wildflower species
in Texas. And if it’s springtime in Texas, it’s time to go scope them
out, so pack a picnic and grab your camera. While winter cold snaps
and rainfall (or lack thereof) influence their appearance, experience
tells us that yes, there really will be wildflowers.
Wildflower worshippers can find 700,000 acres along Texas highways
to indulge their passion. Find safe stops to admire, photograph and
smell the flowers at more than 90 state parks. Some of the most
prolific wildflower crops traditionally are found in rolling, verdant
Washington County along twisting rural roads and at places like Washington-on-the-Brazos State Park.
Before taking the family for a drive to view the wildflowers, encourage your kids to learn what they may
see on their next road trip.
Many Texas State Parks will host spring nature walks, such as
Dinosaur Valley State Park’s Two-Step Across Texas Wildflower
Walks in March and April. Check the TPWD website events calendar
for these and other hiking and plant walk opportunities that will take
you up close and personal to Texas’ native blossoms.
Photos by Bruce Williamson, March, 2011
CALENDAR OF EVENTS
April 8 Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms, then Migration Madness, Quintana
(optional)
April 9 BBEEC (New Building) Committee, 1:00 PM, open to all interested
Budget and Executive Meetings, 3:00 PM
Regular Business Meeting, 5:30 PM (Supper, 5:00 PM)
April 15 Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms, then Migration Madness, Quintana
(optional)
April 17 Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms
April 22 Good Friday, very busy weekend
Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms, then Migration Madness,
Quintana (optional)
April 24 Easter Sunday, busiest day of year
April 29 Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms, then Migration Madness, Quintana
(optional)
May 6 Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms
May 7 Outreach: Sweeney event. Check events calendar for times and to sign up
Bird photography Photo-walk #2, 5 PM.
May 14 BBEEC (New Building) Committee, 1:00 PM, open to all interested
Budget and Executive Meetings, 3:00 PM
Regular Business Meeting, 5:30 PM (Supper, 5:00 PM)
May 15 Bird Hike, 8:00 AM, 40-Acre Lake Restrooms
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 PRAIRIE HIKE NOTES
by Sherri Sherbo
(These notes were taken during the training hike led by Dennis Jones on February 19, 2011. Thanks to Dennis
for his additions and clarifications.)
-Brazos Bend State Park has close to 500 acres of Coastal Prairie. This is the only remnant of original
Coastal Prairie in the state parks system, consisting of some 250 - 300 species of plants and grasses.
-Grass propagates via rhizomes, stolons and seeds. Rhizomes of the Prairie grass, as clones of the
original, may be as much as 1000 years old!
-Grasses - The four most abundant prairie grasses in the park are: Little Blue Stem , Switchgrass,
Indian Grass and Big Blue Stem. Big and Little Blue Stem Grasses can be told apart by their "flowers"
or inflorescences. Only the stems/stalks are bluish. If there are no flowers present, the thickness of
the stalk is an indicator of the type.
-The Prairie is dotted with Mima mounds and potholes which alter the "lay of the land" and allow for
water collection in the wet season and so a wide array of plant and wild life. The topography of the
prairies adds to its diversity, although the mounds and "holes" go almost unnoticed. These prairies
are called "mesic"; sometimes very wet and other times very dry.
-The Prairie and Plains grasses are quickly disappearing because of cattle grazing, (cattle like native
grasses best), agriculture (John Deere invented the steel plow in 1837), fire suppression, urban
development and fragmentation.
-One resident of the prairie is the slender glass lizard, which has no legs but is not a snake because
it has eyelids and external earholes.
-If you see what looks like a fire ant mound but it has no ants, it is the work of
a pocket gopher. The soil also looks different; it is not as granular. The
gopher is about 6 inches long and he seals the opening of the hole so it's very
difficult to find. (Good online resource: Mammals of Texas.)
And finally.....when differentiating between Coyote and Bobcat scat, both are
hairy, but the Bobcat scat may be smaller with a "tootsie roll" appearance.
This may be a subjective differentiation; coyote and bobcat scat do look
different, however.
(Note from Dennis: A good source for understanding prairies and "prairie
reconstruction" is a site called The Prairie Ecologist. Chris Helzer with the
Nature Conservancy produces some very informative articles about
prairies. I highly recommend it. A recent article was about why prairie fires
don't contribute to "global warming".)
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 Brazos Bend State Park
Texas Parks and W ildlife
21901 FM 762
Needville, TX 77461
NEXT MEETING FIRST CLASS MAIL
SATURDAY, APRIL 9, 2011
***********
REGULAR VOLUNTEER EVENTS
The Brazos Bend Bunch Bugle is the newsletter of the
Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization, A.K.A.
Creekfield Hikes Every Saturday and Sunday at
The Brazos Bend Bunch. It is distributed m onthly to
10:00 AM, led by volunteers
Photo Hikes First Saturday of each month volunteers through the BBSPVO web site. For further
Volunteer meeting Second Saturday of each month inform ation on this newsletter or the volunteer program ,
at 5:30 PM, supper at 5:00 PM contact David Heinicke or Sharon Hanzik at Brazos Bend
Bird Hikes See schedule in calendar State Park, phone 979-553-5101.
BRAZOS BEND STATE PARK
Opinions expressed in this newsletter are the opinions of the
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION author of the article and do not necessarily reflect the official
position of Brazos Bend State Park Volunteer Organization nor
VOLUNTEER ORGANIZATION OFFICERS of BBSP administration. The deadline for Newsletter
contributions is the 18 th of the month prior to publication.
President: Offie Walker Articles may be emailed to the editor at any time and will be
Vice-President: Mary Lockwood published as space permits. Send time-sensitive event
announcements well in advance of the event. Send articles to
Secretary Linda Heinicke

Treasurer: Dave Armstrong
or .
NEWSLETTER TEAM In the end, we will conserve only what we love,
we will love only what we understand,
we will understand only what we are taught.
Editor Anna Dell Williamson
Production Assistant Bruce Williamson Baba Dioum, Senegal
Distribution Carol Ramsayer African Conservationist
Web Master Anne Shelton