Author: NPSOT-Wilco

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Tonkawa Chapter News-Doug Tallamy on Jan 8

News from the Tonkawa Chapter:

The Tonkawa Chapter’s in-person meeting on January 8, 2024 will have guest speaker Dr. Doug Tallamy, co-founder of Homegrown National Park.

Dr. Tallamy will join the meeting remotely, not in person.

The meeting will be at Barrow Brewing, 108 Royal St. in Salado and will start promptly at 5:30pm with the guest presentation.

Due to technology limitations, for folks who cannot attend in person, Dr. Tallamy’s presentation will be recorded and available for viewing on the Tonkawa Chapter YouTube channel at a later date.

For the Tonkawa Chapter’s full meeting announcement which contains much more information about Dr. Tallamy and the planned presentation, see the Tonkawa Chapter website https://npsotcentx.org/

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Trip Report: Jan 1’s First Day Hike

— by Cindy Chrisler

Gary Bowers led 18 enthusiastic hikers on a trail at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock to learn about tree identification and habitats found in the area.  Attendees were treated to Gary’s expertise, augmented by the collective knowledge of several local NPSOT members. 

In addition to learning a new term (marcescence), the group was entertained by a squirrel entering its nest cavity in an elm, the sight of a very large poison ivy vine, luminescent soapberries, colorful possumhaw berries, and an enormous live oak. We also learned Native American uses of some trees from a NPSOT-Wilco member and botany student at UT Austin, Arnan Pawawongsak.

Two children who dutifully accompanied their parents often engaged Gary with questions about leaves, bark, and other observations on the plants seen on the hike. Several non-members attended the hike, and were eagerly invited to attend our next meeting. This delightful outing was the perfect beginning for the new year.

group on field trip
Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria
Possumhaw, Ilex decidua

Plant images: Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria and Possumhaw, Ilex decidua.
Photos by Cindy Chrisler.


See more photos from this field trip and others=>

Field Trip Photo Album
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January 11 Chapter Meeting: “Fire Ant Management” with Wizzie Brown

Join NPSOT-Williamson County for our first meeting of the new year!

On Thursday, January 11, 2024, our featured topic will be “Fire Ant Management” with Wizzie Brown.  Free and open to the public. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM.  Our guest speaker’s presentation begins after a short business meeting.

This month’s presentation will NOT be recorded for YouTube.

==> If you attend in person, we’re at the Georgetown Public Library, 2nd floor, 402 West 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626.  Come early (6:30 PM) for expert advice, to check out the seed swap board, or just to visit.

==> To attend via Zoom, register at https://npsot-org.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZUoduqspjosG9SR4dkBtog7kAzHTbz3K710#/registration

About our topic: Learn about fire ant identification, history, and biology. We’ll also talk about how to manage fire ants.

About our speaker: Wizzie Brown is a Senior Extension Program Specialist-IPM with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. She received her Bachelor’s of Science in entomology from Ohio State University and a Master’s of Science in entomology from Texas A&M University. After leaving Texas A&M, Wizzie worked in structural pest control before taking a job with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service in Austin. She is a Board Certified Entomologist with a specialty in Urban Entomology and holds a non-commercial license from the Texas Structural Pest Control Service.

At every meeting, we give away a book — about native plants or the meeting topic — to one randomly chosen in-person attendee!

Have an idea for a speaker?  Let Program Leader Susie Hickman know via  email to wilco-chapter@npsot.org.

NPSOT-Williamson County meetings are free and open to the public. We hope you attend!  Meetings may be in person, virtual, or both, so be sure to check details in the meeting announcement. Meetings are announced on our website, our calendar and Facebook. See upcoming topics on our page Wilco Home or on our Calendar.