Aug 16, 2010; 6:30 P.M., Red Rock Community Center - Rachel Bauer, Bastrop County Extension, will provide an introduction to Agrilife Extension: What they do, and what resources they have available for us as Master Naturalists.

Sept 20, 2010; 6:30 P.M., Lockhart State Park - Steve Box, of Environmental Stewardship, will discuss Water resources and protection planning.

Third Thursday of the month, through February. Bring the family, sit at the amphitheater under the night sky and learn about the native animals that inhabit the land in and around the Colorado River. The LCRA wildlife instructor will focus on the natural history of and folklore about one animal each month. Program will be held indoors during inclement weather. No registration is required.

Join other night-sky revelers for a chance to marvel at the beauty of the planets and be awed by our Earth's place in the galaxy. The wonders of the universe will come to life when viewed through our Dobsonian telescopes. Our astronomer will tell stories about the constellations and point out other wonders as they appear. Bring lawn chairs and blankets for comfort. Fun for the whole family! Program will cancel for inclement weather. Call (512) 303-5073 before 5 pm to confirm or call our 24-hour community program hotline at 1-800-776-5272, Ext. 7530. Registration is not required.

This workshop is designed to inform landowners with land in Houston toad habitat about the various incentive programs available, including grants and cost-share programs. U.S. Fish and Wildlife, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Bastrop County, LCRA McKinney Roughs, and Environmental Defense Foundation are a few of the organizations involved in putting together this workshop. For more information, contact Meredith Longoria at 512-332-7280 or meredith.longoria@tpwd.state.tx.us.

This workshop is designed to give landowners and managers a basic understanding of the use and application of prescribed fire in a wildlife and/or grazing management program. Topics will include historical perspectives on fire, the role of fire in vegetation management, fire weather and safety, planning the burn, fire line preparation, suppression equipment and smoke management. Participants will conduct a burn if conditions permit. Bring your lunch, drinks, leather gloves and boots and wear cotton outerwear. Accessible for the mobility impaired. 8 AM-4 PM (830) 424-3407.

Reporting Forms

Please report your volunteer and advanced training hours each month, using the new (7/2010) Volunteer Activity reporting form. Send your completed reports to Marsha Elrod.

Three new forms are available:

1. A PDF file for those of you that complete time sheets manually and mail them to Marsha,

2. A Word document in which you can insert your scanned signature, or scan after signing and email to Marsha, and

3. A word document including the statement needed for an electronic signature. If submitting your report electonrically, e-mail back to Marsha. Marsha Elrod. If submitting by regular mail, send to 187 Billingsley Hgts., Cedar Creek, Tx 78612).