Learn About Invasive Species

The Rolling Plains Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists is hosting a full day training on invasive species on Saturday, September 19, 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM at River Bend Nature Center.

The intent of the workshop is to train volunteers for the Texas Invaders citizen science program. The class is $10, which covers the cost of materials. Spaces are limited so call River Bend if you are interested in taking part or contact the President of the Rolling Plains TMN, Lila Arnold at larnold5138@aol.com. Participants will learn how to identify common invasive species and how to report them to the Invaders program. Participants should bring a sack lunch. There will be some field work on the grounds at River Bend Nature Center, so dress for the weather. Since it will probably still be hot on this date, you may also want to bring extra drinking water, although River Bend does have water fountains.

Many thanks to River Bend for providing the location for this training.

Recycling in Wichita Falls

I received an email yesterday from a newcomer to Wichita Falls asking about recycling. We do not have (yet) a curbside recycling program, but there are many opportunities available if you are willing to work a little.

Any organic items can be placed in your yard waste container. That includes paper, cardboard, and garbage. Yes, it costs you $3 per month to have this extra container, but you can also pick up free compost from the city three times a year. Personally, I think the city should charge extra to those who don't set aside compostables and therefore have more trash--I probably set out my regular trash every fourth pick up.

If you want to recycle plastics, things are less easy. If you have access to Sheppard AFB, you can take your plastics to the recycling center there. You can also take them to Wal-Mart--they have containers for plastic bottles and plastic bags there.

For more information about recycling in Wichita Falls, you can call me for a (large) poster published by the Clean and Green committee. You can also download a brochure published by the League of Women Voters of Wichita Falls and the Rolling Plains Group of the Lonestar Sierra Club (once you click on the link, scroll down to the publications section and click the recycling brochure.)

Next Meeting of the North Texas Bird and Wildlife Club

The next meeting of the North Texas Bird and Wildlife Club is Tuesday, August 18, 7 PM at the NALC Building on Southwest Parkway (next to Wichita Valley Landscaping.)

I will be doing the program on pollinators. We will (briefly) talk about birds as pollinators, but the majority of the time, we'll be talking bees and other insect pollinators and their conservation. I will have a list of plants and other information about helping these important critters.

I also have the food detail--I am thinking of testing a few of the recipes we'll be including in the EcoFair Meat-less Cookbook by the Sierra Club.

Hope to see you on Tuesday!

EcoFair

We're looking for vendors, sponsors and speakers. If interested, call River Bend Nature Center at 940-767-0843.

Upcoming Classes

I received my Horticulture Newsletter from Tara McKnight at the County Extension Office and there are two upcoming events of interest.

One way we can live more sustainably is to grow some of our own food. The extension office is offering a FREE workshop on fall gardening on August 20. Here is the information from the newsletter:

Fall Vegetable Gardening
Date: August 20th, Thursday
Time: 6-8 p.m.
Cost: Free
Location: MPEC, Room 8
Call our office to RSVP (so we can make sure we have enough handouts) at 716-8610. This course will cover: location of your garden, soil prep, weed control, insects, diseases, what to plant, mulching, watering and composting. If you have ever thought about starting a fall garden or already have one and are interested in learning more, this will be a great class for you.

Also, the next compost giveaway is coming up to help get that fall garden in shape. The only bad thing is this is the same day as the EcoFair--we must deconflict schedules better!!!!

City of Wichita Falls Compost Giveaway
Date: October 3rd, Saturday
Time: 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Location: Wylie Road Landfill-(West of Wichita Falls)
Cost: Free to Wichita Falls Residents who pay the $3 charge for the green recycle bins
*Must be a resident of Wichita Falls and have the $3 charge show up on your water bill. Bring your current water bill to the landfill in order to receive the compost. Bring a tarp! Must cover and tarp load before you leave the landfill.

Upcoming Pollinators Program

I will be presenting a program on pollinators at the next North Texas Bird and Wildlife Club meeting at 7:00 PM on August 18. The meeting will be at the NALC building on Southwest Parkway (next to Wichita Valley Landscaping.)

We'll be talking about the importance and conservation of pollinators. If you're interested in this topic and can't attend the meeting, I suggest the Pollinator's Home Page and the Xerces pollinator conservation page.

EcoFair Planning Continuing

The EcoFair planning is still under way. Reserve the date now: October 3, 9:00 - 4:00 at River Bend. If you are interested in helping plan the event, contact River Bend Nature Center.