Cordillera Nature Club

Message from the President –

Spring is officially here and we are just starting to see some wildflowers. The cooler ground temperatures are delaying the germination process but there is still hope for another good display of Spring flowers. One woody plant that is currently showing off are the Red Bud trees. The pinkish flowers are hard to miss.

The March 19th outing to Pedernales Falls State Park included over 20 club members. Our interpretive park ranger did a terrific job explaining some of the parks history and the geology that creates the signature falls. Check out the photos. https://photos.app.goo.gl/uAvoABf9Y1bpvoNz5

Our next event is a tour of the Cibolo preserve on April 3 and 4. Very limited space is available on this outing. Bill Lende had the foresight to establish the Cibolo Preserve in 2008 as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization.  It protects and preserves his former ranch, now 653 acres in size, with one and one-half miles of the Cibolo Creek flowing through it.  When Bill first acquired the Kendall County property in 1981, dead cypress trees lined the creek and ashe juniper covered most of the rest.  Through his stewardship, the ranch activities evolved over time from initial cattle raising, to a vineyard, to axis deer harvesting, and finally to plant nurturing.  When a wildlife biologist told Bill that he had had no tree regrowth in 25 years, he realized something had to change.  Now the Cibolo Preserve is a place that truly protects nature through research.  It is a model for how private land can be protected and preserved.

One last item – Two members have volunteered to join the Nature Club board – Paula Rimel and Ed Livingston. Be sure and acknowledge Paula and Ed when you see them at club events.

Members Spotlight on Patty and Curt Stanley

This month’s “Spotlight” shines bright on Curt and Patty Stanley.   Long time club members who attend the majority of meetings and outings, these two nature enthusiast are often working  behind the scenes to support the club.   Patty was a board member for many years and one of the key event planners.  Curt often volunteers his time and truck to help the club and is part of the “Bucker”  organization which raises funds to support the many club activities.

** let us know if a club member’s recent nature activities should be spotlighted