Category: Collaboration

Collaboration with other Organizations

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NEST Butterfly Garden Project and NPSOT-Williamson County Chapter

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— by Randy Pensabene

In February 2019, the Williamson County Chapter – NPSOT received a request from the Georgetown NEST Empowerment Center to design and install a Butterfly Garden.   It would be located at their facility at 2201 Old Airport Road, Georgetown, Texas and needed to be completed for their open house celebration on May 16, 2019. The NEST (Nurturing, Empowering, Supporting for Tomorrow) is operated by The Georgetown Project, a local nonprofit providing services that support their mission:  “A community where no child is hungry, hurt, alone, or rejected, and where all children and youth believe they are loved, respected and treated with dignity”.  The NEST Empowerment Center is a safe haven after the bell rings offering basic needs, counseling, academic and enrichment support for GISD high school students who are homeless, at-risk or living in transition. Gary Bowers and Randy Pensabene met with NEST personnel, Dennis Dalton, Case Manager, and Bebe Johnson, NEST Empowerment Center Coordinator, to better understand their vision and our role. The NEST’s objectives were to:

  • attract butterflies to collect and raise caterpillars as an enriching, science-based activity for the youth;
  • support other pollinators and hummingbirds;
  • provide a relaxing nature area for the staff and kids to enjoy; and
  • have a beautiful garden by the main entrance to the NEST building.
image of garden
Area at project start

We soon came to an agreement for an all native plant butterfly garden and determined each organization’s responsibilities for the various project aspects and costs. The specifics of how we would work together were documented, which facilitated a stress-free working relationship throughout the project. Next, Randy Pensabene and Pat Perkison met with Barbara Wright, Wright’s Nursery, to consult on native host and nectar plants for butterflies. Pat researched and drafted a preliminary list of native butterfly plants and whether they were a butterfly larval host plant or a nectar source and in which season of the year they provided this service. This list was utilized in choosing the final plants.

garden with bubbler

At this point, Beth Erwin, a long-time horticulturalist, joined the project, jumped right in and began searching for plants, making changes as needed with consideration for a pleasing garden design. While Beth procured the native plants, Gary and Randy built a screened butterfly enclosure. We found a small birdbath that was perfect to use as the “butterfly puddler” (i.e. water source). Additionally, NEST got the kids involved to clear the bed, set the pavers, assemble the tool shed and install the trellis.

image of garden trellis

On planting day, the plants were arranged in the bed space and it didnt take long to get them all in the ground. They received a good watering-in and later were mulched and plant labels added so that everyone could identify the native plants. Beth also installed a drip-irrigation system to ensure the plants survived.

group by butterfly cage

Hooray! We met the deadline, attended a wonderful dedication party for the new NEST building and celebrated with our new friends. Beth continues to check on the plants, adjust the irrigation and fight the good fight against the weeds while our plants get established and flourish. We want to thank all our wonderful volunteers and the Williamson County Chapter – NPSOT wants to thank the NEST for including us in this very worthwhile project and for the important work they do in youth development in Georgetown, Texas! We encourage our members to go by and visit the NEST Butterfly Garden.

image of garden plan

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Garey Park Bird Blind Planting Volunteers THANK YOU!

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image of people digging holes

— by Randy Pensabene

Several months ago, NPSOT-Wilco received a request from the Good Water Texas Master Naturalist team. They asked us to add plants around the newly built Garey Park Bird Blind that would invite and support local and migrating birds. In response, the request was brought before the board and funding was approved, as long as they agreed to a plan using all native plants. To better understand their requirements and desires, we met with Garey Park personnel at the bird blind.

  • It was agreed that we could plant whatever we chose, but the plants and overall design should support and bring in birds for a good viewing experience.
  • The area immediately in front of the viewing windows has to be left clear so that birdseed could be spread and bird and hummingbird feeders could be hung in that area.
  • The view to the river must not be blocked off, small portions could be obscured.
  • The area will be left natural, not be mowed and not receive any special care or irrigation.
  • One area adjacent to the bird blind building was reserved for the Master Naturalists to put in a Butterfly Garden; the rest was ours to enhance.
  • The close-up viewing area would have a feral hog fence, and the deer would visit our plantings.
  • A rain barrel will be filled from the roof of the bird blind, and the City of Georgetown will fill it with water when there are no rains.
  • The path through the fence gate must remain clear.

After we understood what they had in mind, we wanted to better understand what would naturalize well in the area. So, we looked at the soil, sun/shade, and views from the bird blind and we observed the native plants that were growing in the area. Our next step was to approach Barbara Wright of Wright’s Nursery to assist NPSOT-Wilco in choosing the locally-native plants preferred by the birds, deliver them to the site and guide us in their placement; she enthusiastically agreed!

At 10:00 AM on Friday, November 2, 2018, an excited group of volunteers showed up at the bird blind with shovels in hand. The group included: Gary Bowers, Randy Pensabene, Sue Hickman, Kathy and Walt Henderson, Linda Reed, Christie Gardner, Dave Gage, Penny Villanueva and her 3 delightful grandkids, Carolyn Doolittle, Donald Preble and Cynthia Edgar (who had heard about the call for volunteers for planting day through the Master Naturalists). And, of course, Barbara Wright was there with her big shiny trailer full of beautiful locally-native, bird-friendly plants.

We encourage everyone to go visit Georgetown’s newest park and enjoy the Bird Blind at Garey Park, 6450 Ranch Road 2243, Georgetown TX 78628 (https://parks.georgetown.org/gareypark). Nestled along the South San Gabriel River, the 525-acre ranch was donated by Jack and Cammy Garey in 2004. Amenities at the park include a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, a bird blind, fishing ponds, the Garey House event facility, pavilions, picnic shelters, and more than 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.

It was a remarkable opportunity, and NPSOT offers a sincere THANK YOU! to everyone who participated.

Click here to see a photo gallery from the bird blind installation.

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