March Newsletter
A number of things happened in March to add some variety to the Friends of the Parks
of Lakeway activity list. Early in the month the new shed at the Canyonlands was completed. Then
the scheduled workday on Sat. 3/10 was postponed due to rain (Yeah!!!). The highly anticipated
Bamberger Ranch tour was held on Thu. 3/15. We then rounded out our busy schedule
with a make-up workday on St. Patrick's Day (3/17).
Workday photos are here.
If you have not yet renewed your membership for 2012, please do so by clicking
here.
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Upcoming Events
- Apr. 2 - FOP Board Meeting at LAC at 6:30PM
- Apr. 14 - Workday City Park 8AM to 12 noon, more information to be emailed on Wed 4/11.
- Apr. 21 - 14th Annual Wilderness Run/Walk kicks off at 9:30AM
- Sept. - A second Bamberger Ranch tour for FOP members
Visit the FOP website at www.lakewayfop.org for more information.
New members joining in Mar.
- Dave & Rita Cross
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Canyonlands Shed
Bob Underwood and Bernie Reding caulked all seams earlier in the week.
George Blume, Bob Underwood and Bernie Reding completed painting around 9:30 AM Saturday, March 3.
Shed is complete. Thanks to the many voluteers who worked for several months on all phases of
construction.
submitted by Bernie Reding
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Bamberger Ranch Tour
On March 15, 2012, 37 members and guests of Lakeway Friends of the Parks boarded a flat bed
trailer and took a 3 1/2 hour tour of Bamberger Ranch located just South of Johnson City,
Texas. As we rode along the cliche road, David Bamberger's vision unfolded before our eyes!
The once wasted ranch land is now well into the reclamation process and the results are stunning.
We could clearly see the land coming back to life. Springs long dormant were again flowing
and the birds were singing in endless song all across the ranch. Stands of native grasses
graced the landscape catching precious water and returning it to the soil. The endless
erosion of the earth was re-markedly slowed. Rain water no longer washed the unprotected
soil rapidly down into the rivers and streams and into the Gulf of Mexico.
An impressive demonstration showed us the value of native grasses as their complex root
system captures the water and helps restore the aquifers deep in the earth. When
Mr. Bamberger purchased the ranch in 1969, the native cedars were taking over the
landscape and the soil was totally void of vegetation under the cedar canopy. It was
impossible to hold the rain water that came all to infrequently in the Hill Country.
By thinning out the ceders and planting native grasses, the ranch is being restored to
it's native state. Springs are flowing, wildlife is returning and David Bamberger is a
happy man!
The highlight of the tour was to actually meet and visit with the 83 year old, Bamberger.
He mesmerized us with his colorful stories and genuine, folksy demeanor. We all felt
very privileged to be with him as he shared his visionary work first hand. Amazing!
Because of the overwhelming response, we have scheduled a second tour on September 27,
2012. All those on the March waiting list will have first priority. Watch for our announcement.
See you in September!
submitted by Carlisle Pearson
Photos by Bernie Reding
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Mt. Lakeway
First, I would like to gratefully thank our newest volunteers!
The Bolners, Steve, Cathy and their son JD
The Tylers,Elmer and Shirley
Courtney Ford
It was a pleasure to work with and get to know these great families and individuals during our work day.
With their help there was a great deal of progress made on the Mt Lakeway trail during the workday .
In fact, perhaps the most significant, single day progress to date on this trail.
The team progressed the trail along an extended ridge-line leading up to the base of the final climb to the Mt Lakeway summit.
The volunteers then completed 3 (and nearly 4) switchbacks leading roughly two thirds of the way up to the summit.
These switchbacks were cut into steep treacherous terrain requiring significant amounts of manual work with Pick Axes, Shovels, Saws, Stiff Rakes and McLeod tools.
As that group progressed up the aforementioned climb another group performed finishing work on the freshly cut trail.
In addition, the group improved an existing switchback on an earlier section of the trail by extending the radius of a difficult uphill corner. The team re- routed around a beautiful Madrone tree. The improvement enables safe traverse and a more sustainable trail while preserving another of the numerous Madrone trees that adorn this section of trail.
Thanks to all who contributed to what was perhaps the most productive workday on this trail system to date.
Volunteers in the photo to the right
In Front (R-L)
Sunny Heath - Border Collie, Trail Boss, Class Clown and Kelly Heath
Standing (R-L)
Courtney Ford a New Volunteer!
Ann Parmerter
Cathy Bolner a New Volunteer!
Steve Bolner a New Volunteer!
Elmer Tyler a New Volunteer!
Shirley Tyler a New Volunteer!
Kerri Heath
George Ferrie
JD Bolner a New Volunteer!
George Blume
Not Pictured
Chris Parmerter
Ken Parmerter
submitted by Ken Parmerter
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City Park
Kay Kimball and Bob assisted Kathie and Wayne King in cleaning out the old growth in the Butterfly Garden. They were
later joined by Jerry and Mirielle. Some of the volunteers proceeded down the trail to the Retama Garden and continued
the cleaning process.
submitted by Jim Dunn
A crew consisting of Lamar Bolling, Dar Moneyhon, Pat McDermott,
Mike Taylor, Dave Cross, Ed Lalone and Bernie Reding cut down a
large multi-trunk Spanish Oak, two bald cypress and four smaller
unidentified trees. All were probably victims of the severe drought.
Lakeway's City Forester previously marked the trees as ready for removal..
New member Dave Cross saved the day by bringing his personal
chain saw. Dave demonstrated his expertise in using it.
photos and story submitted by Bernie Reding
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Canyonlands Cactus Garden
Jerry Cooper, Mirielle Kirmsee, Jim Dunn, Mike & Mason Ard finished the clean-up
at the triangle cactus garden in The Canyonlands. Grass was removed and additional
rocks were placed around the cactus and yucca plants.
submitted by Jerry Cooper
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Smith Greenbelt Bridge
Early on in the workday activities Mike and Mason Ard and Jim Dunn went to the Smith Greenbelt bridge location and removed
the remaining yellow tape, rebar and wood scraps. The excavation for the two bridge piers
were filled in with soil. The bridge project is on hold for the near future. We then assisted Jerry and Mirielle in finishing
the clean up project at the Canyonlands Cactus garden. The crew ended up in City Park for the final hour of the workday.
submitted by Jim Dunn
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Lunch
Ximena pre-cooked the hot stew but was unable to attend the workday. Carlisle Pearson and Doris McDermott brought
the food and veggie trays. Dessert was provided by Sterlene Bolling, Carlisle Pearson,
Donna Ferrie and Yvonne Connell. HOT coffee was provided by Mike Ard and Starbucks.
The lower picnic area was a great place to end the workday.
submitted by Cindy Berdan
More workday photos are here.
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