July-Oct 2008-Final.qxp:Jul 97 Issue

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Volume XXVI, No. 3

July-October 2008

BexarAudubonSocietyis a chapter of theNational Audubon

Society. Its primarygoals are to promotespecies and habitat

conservation and envi-ronmental educationin the community.

Where Did the Bluebonnets Go?Somebody Messed with Texass Wildflowers! A Discussion of Invasive Exotic Species

Thursday, September 11 6:30PM gathering; 6:45 announcements; 7:00 programTrinity University Cowles Life Sciences Building, Room 149 (see map, p. 4) Free; open to the public

Bexar TracksFor the latest news & updates, see http://www.bexaraudubon.org & http://www.sa-naturecenter.org

Due to the mobility and innovation of humans, species aremoved around the planet at a rate unprecedented in the his-tory of Earth. As novel species, some become inva-sive, altering natural and managed ecosystems andhomogenizing landscapes. Texans are proud oftheir natural heritage, as embodied in the legacy ofLady Bird Johnson; however, the coveted wild-flower displays that once graced our roadsides andranches are in decline. A number of factors have

been identified to explain this decline, but one ofthe primary culprits is the widespread seeding and manage-ment of the non-indigenous, invasive grass, King Ranch(KR) Bluestem (Bothriochloa ischaemum).

The research of Kelly Lyons is focused on assessing why

invasive grasses are successful, why and how they displacenative species, and how to restore native species to grasslandecosystems. In this talk, Dr. Lyons will discuss her researchon the control of KR Bluestem through active-season

burning and the reintroduction of native species, such as theTexas bluebonnet, among other approaches.

A native Texan, Dr. Lyons is Assistant Professorof Biology at Trinity University. She left the stateto earn a bachelors degree from AmericanUniversity in Washington, D.C., in InternationalRelations, U.S.Latin American Affairs. Afterreceiving her Masters and doctoral degrees fromthe University of California at Davis in PlantPhysiology and Plant Ecology, she conducted post-

doctoral studies in Sonora, Mexico.

Returning to Texas after a 20-year absence was a bit shock-ing as a Texan and a botanist, she says of the increase ininvasive weeds. As a result of these introductions, Texanshave lost and continue to lose major components of their nat-ural heritage. Fortunately, local land owners are now gettinginvolved in native prairie restoration. Through her teachingand research, Dr. Lyons is working to help remedy this loss.

Saturday, September 13, Crownridge Natural Area, 911:30 a.m.

Grass Identification WalkJoin us for a leisurely walk to learn the native grasses ofthis Hill Country park in northwest San Antonio. Wellencounter the many native grass species, along with thenon-native KR Bluestem. Some fall-blooming wild-

flowers will also be out. Bring binoculars if you want to

check out the birds. Dr. Floyd Waller will be our guide.Floyd has a Ph.D. in grass systematics from TexasA&M. Call Patty Leslie Pasztor for reservations anddirections at 210-824-1235.

Chapter Program Meeting Thursday, November 13 Falconry & ConservationJohn Karger of Last Chance Forever Bird of Prey Conservancy Time and location as above

San Antonio Environmental Network Public Issues Forum Vegetated RoofsThursday, October 9 Time and location as above See page 2 for details

July-Oct 2008-final.qxp:Jul 97 issue 7/7/08 8:52 PM Page 1


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July-October 2008 2 Bexar Tracks

On a recent Saturday, my wife Maria and Istaffed a booth at a Government CanyonState Natural Area Family Day, represent-

ing Bexar Audubon, San Antonio Audubon,and Mitchell Lake Audubon Center, spelledin late afternoon by Georgina Schwartz.

The three organizations cooperate a lot. Atthe same time, there is something amisswhen three people must represent threeorganizations in one booth for a whole day.

It happened because everyone else wastied up, mostly in other conservation-related activities. There is a mismatch

between our regions conservation needsand its conservation manpower.Overworked people put on so many won-derful activities to meet the overwhelming

needsonly to overstretch themselves.I often joke that San Antonio has 200 con-

servation groups and only 100 conservationactivists, so we attend each others meet-ings and take turns being president of eachothers groups. And indeed we always seethe same small group of friends at meetingsand special events.

Now, there is satisfaction in being part ofa small band of merrie men defendingBexarwood Forest against the Sheriff ofDeveloperham. There is insight inShakespeares words: we happy few, we

band of brothers.

But dadgummit folks, unlike Henry V, weusually dont win our Battles of Agincourt.Recently a damaging rezoning wasapproved by City Council, which paperedover the harm with a compromise that cutimpervious cover (on vulnerable rechargeland) from 45 percent to42 percent! One

problem: not enough people showed up tooppose the short-notice action.

Yes, it should be obvious that if theaquifer goes belly-up, our economy will,

too. But it seems our local leaders need tokeep hearing that from we the people.

In short, being an environmentalist orconservationist in this area is an experiencefilled with rich personal relationships. It isfun, but it is not robust enough, and it is notgetting the mission done. We need to buildinstitutions that can get more done, withoutthe turnover and burnout associated withtodays personality-based activism.

Pursuing Other Options

One approach is to develop more produc-tive, less stressful strategies that can beexecuted with less labor and mental blood-shed. Bexar Audubons board is trying towork smarter, to get more bang for the

buck, with win-win solutions that involveallying with business instead of fighting it.

This may entail abandoning some tradi-tional battlefields altogether, in order towork in growing fields. It is not wrong tofight battles. But if you keep losing them, itis foolish not to consider other options.

Were pragmatists. We want better conser-vation results on the ground, not more ideo-logical purity in conservation heaven.

For example, maybe we can expand treecanopy more by allying with business to

plant a thousand trees in a protected naturalarea, than we can by fighting 50 rezoningsto save 800 trees on private property, win-

ning half the time (if only we had such abatting average!), saving maybe 400treesand then facing 50 more rezoningswhen we are too tired to fight at all. (Thisvignette refers to no specific issue. It is justan illustration of a pragmatic strategy.)

But in the end, folks, we cannotinstitutionalize this process or safe-guard our families physical andmental health, or protect our real long-

term property values and the localeconomy without MORE PEOPLE.

Bexar Audubon has about 1,200 members.I estimate less than two dozen ever attendmeetings and only about a dozen (1 per-cent) are involved in chapter administrationor actions. We get occasional feedbackindicating that other members do read thenewsletter and perhaps express opinions totheir congressmen, etc. But folks, we des-

perately need local manpower.

Things YOU Can Do

If even a few more of you turned out, itcould make an amazing difference. If youdont want to hold office or sit in booths,there are other ways to help, things we

arent doing now due to lack of peopleeducational programs at schools and civicclubs, attending local-government meetingsand speaking up, writing more letters toelected leaders, the media, etc.

In the end, this chapter can only be aseffective as you, its members, want it to be.We earnestly solicit your support.

Harry Noyes

P.S. Let me briefly report my dismay at thelast-minute cancellation of this yearsWildFest San Antonio, once scheduled forthe first weekend in May. This was a primeexample of a win-win collaboration

between business and the conservationcommunity, and its cancellation was heart-

breaking. The good news: there has been afollow-up meeting in which a consensuswas reached on trying again next year witha stronger leadership structure. Be assuredBexar Audubon is involved and will doeverything it can to keep WildFest on trackand to strengthen the already world-classofferings.

The Unexpected President

Vegetated Roofs October 9 ProgramA vegetated-roof is just what the name implies, a roof cov-ered largely or entirely with plants. Such rooftops are one ofthe most promising trends in urban conservation, for residen-tial, commercial, and public buildings.

Buildings with such roofs incur lower heating/cooling costs.

We all benefit from the resulting reduced demand for energy,reduced heat-island effect on urban weather, cleaner air, andexpanded habitat for birds and beneficial insects.

Additional potential benefits for business include increasedcustomer traffic; more usable business space (rooftop breakareas, snack bars, and boutiques); even tourism (think aboutthe famous Hanging Gardens of Babylon).

At the October 9 meeting, San Antonio City Arborist DebbieReid will briefly present the design, history, and

benefits of vegetated roofs. Then she and other members ofour panel of experts will discuss how vegetated roofs are

built and the advantages they confer. The panel will thenanswer questions from the audience.

The panel was not fully identified at press time. Additionalinformation will be posted on the Bexar Audubon website at and may be avail-able by the time you receive this newsletter.

To foster this emerging trend, Bexar Audubon is offering acash prize for Best Vegetated Roof finished in the year end-ing April 18, 2009. First prize: $2,000 for the building owneror renter who finances construction and $500 for the primarycreator. Second prize: $1,000 and $250. (For more details,visit .)



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Bexar Tracks 3 July-October 2008

At a recent Environmental Networkworkshop, City Arborist Debbie Reidoffered the following tidbits on vege-tated roofs:

(1) California adopted Title 24 in2005, apparently requiring cool roofs.

Since then the state has had no black-outs or brownouts.

(2) Because of the heat here, it takesonly 2.75 years of reduced A/C use foran owner to recapture the cost of acool roof in SA.

(3) In SA, most cool roofs are reflec-tive. Reflective roofs need periodiccleaning for best efficiency, but fewowners do that. It is now far cheaper toinstall a cool roof than a conventionalone, when electricity and maintenancesavings are counted. However, only afew contractors do cool roofs.

(4) Vegetated roofs are complex, andtheres still a lot to learn about which

plants and media work best here. Someexisting roofs arent built for heavyloads; fortunately there are some verylight artificial planting media. Water isnot a hindrance. A/C condensate pro-vides huge amounts. (The SA centrallibrary generates about 40,000 gallonsa week; Debbie said they should haveinstalled a wetlands at the libraryinstead of a xeriscape garden!)Vegetated roofs demand careful water-

proofing, but methods are well-knownand proven.

(5) Vegetated roofs actually last farlonger than conventional ones. Theroof of a London department store,

built 1938, is still going strong. Also, avegetated roof next to a neighboringhigh-rise offends no one. Reflectivecool roofs in such locations can meanwar. Finally, of course, vegetated roofscan be USED by people, as safe oasesfor walking, resting, etc.

NOTE: Green Roofs for Healthy Citiesis sponsoring an Accredited GreenRoof Professional Designation course(Design 101) in San Antonio onTuesday, July 22, 8-4. Tuition $399.Visit www.greenroofs.org to register orfor more information.

2008 Birdathon Results!Editors note: Much to our dismay, Marge

Lumpe moved to Missouri last year, butshe is still supporting Mitchell Lake with herBirdathon. And our good friend Susan Rust

got in on the act, too! Heres her report.

You may be surprised to hear from meagain this year, but I simply could notquit doing Birdathon. Audubon

Adventures for our local schools willbe supported by Missouri Departmentof Conservation at least this year, so I

decided I could continue to raise fundsfor the schools in the San Antonioarea, as long as you are willing to sup-

port me. If you have not already con-tributed to Mitchell Lake AudubonCenter, please consider this request tocontinue funding Audubon Adventuresand other environmental education foryour area.

Last spring when Ron and I were inMissouri, the weather was so gorgeousand the birds so plentiful, I decided todo my Birdathon as close to that timeas possible: May 10. I was delighted tohave with me for the Birdathon in theCole Camp area my sister, Jan Neale,and my long-time friend, Susan Rust,who was visiting from Ashland, OR.

After spotting a Brown Thrasher inour back yard, I suggested we start ourBirdathon early, because it was likelywe would not see the thrasher againthe next day. They are somewhatsecretive. We counted a few minutes

back and settled on our 24-hour periodbeginning at 5:45pmon May 9.

Other yard birdswere AmericanGoldfinch, BaltimoreOriole, Ruby-throatedHummingbird,American Crow (flying over),

Northern Cardinal, Carolina Wren,Blue Jay, Gray Catbird, and ChimneySwift (also flying over). As we madeour way to dinner at Charleys Buffet(voted the best home cooking inMissouri), we continued to bird. We

saw or heard Eastern Meadowlark,Mourning Dove, Eastern Bluebird,Red-winged Blackbird, EuropeanStarling, Common Grackle, AmericanRobin, Canada Goose, Barn Swallow,Killdeer, Turkey Vulture, Red-tailedHawk, Great-crested Flycatcher, GreatBlue Heron, Summer Tanager, andChipping Sparrow.

The next morning at 5:45 we wentout on our deck to hear and/or see theEastern Towhee, Eastern Phoebe (nest-ing under the deck), Tufted Titmouse,and Northern Bobwhite. As we drovedown our lane, we heard theGrasshopper Sparrow with its click-

click-buzz and saw the Brown-headedCowbird. We turned left down Hwy 52and left again on Klink Ave. near theHi Lonesome Conservation Area. Weheard the Dickcissels and got a stun-ning look at two Horned Larks in theroad. We listened and watched in the

parking lot and heard the Bells Vireoand Common Yellowthroat.

Driving around the Hi Lonesome CAwe saw Eastern Kingbirds, Henslows

Sparrow (calling from a percha raresight), White-crowned Sparrows,

Northern Mockingbird, Blue Grosbeak,Scissor-tailed Flycatcher, AmericanKestrel, and Orchard Oriole. Lookingdown in a narrow stream that wentunder the road, Jan spotted a Sora! Itwas quite a surprise to find one there.We also got a Field Sparrow, with its

ping-pong-ball-like song.

Proceeding on to another birdy area,we got an Indigo Bunting, Red-belliedWoodpecker, Eastern Wood Pewee,House Wren, and Great-tailed Grackle.

It was time for a coffee/cocoa stop inCole Camp, and while there we gotPurple Martin, House Sparrow, andEurasian Collared Dove. Driving southof town we heard/saw a Blue-grayGnatcatcher, Wild Turkey, and White-eyed Vireo. On a lovely wooded prop-erty, we got Yellow Warbler,Blue-winged Warbler, PileatedWoodpecker, Blue-headed Vireo,Ovenbird, Cedar Waxwings, NorthernParula, Northern Rough-wingedSwallow, Tree Swallow, and Yellow-

breasted Chat.

Trying another route out of ColeCamp, toward Lincoln and Warsaw, wesaw Cliff Swallows under a bridge,Black-and-White Warbler (winding itsway around a tree trunk), KentuckyWarbler, and Magnolia Warbler.

We hoped for some shore-type birdsat Warsaw and were not disappointed:Caspian Tern, Forsters Tern, andRing-billed Gull. We were, however,caught in a thunder storm, which wasnot conducive to further birding. Wewere glad we began the prior evening.

We went back to Cole Camp to see ifwe could get a House Finch, as we hadseen one earlier in the week. Susanremembered the spot, and sure enoughit was there again.

As we tallied our list, I noted we didnot have an Upland Sandpiperaspecies I was really counting on. Itwas 5:30, so we had 15 minutes. Justas I was making a U-turn to returnhome, an Upland was spotted up thefence post right at 5:45. What a strokeof luck, and what a wonderful day!!

P.S. We saw three Bobolinks the pre-vious Tuesday but could not find anyon Saturday. Look it up. It is beautiful.

Its not too late to contribute. Justmail your tax-deductible checkmarked Marges Birdathon toMitchell Lake Audubon Ctr, 10750Pleasanton Rd, SATx 78221. Afterall, if Marge can support MLACwith a 24-hour effort in Missouri,we can write checks from here.

Notes & News



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Cowles

Cowles is just uphill from the Laurie Auditoriumand between the Library and the ChapmanGraduate Center. Park by the Laurie or inlots or on streets to the west. Handicappedparking is across from Cowles. Enter fromOakmont or Rosewood. Call Patty for addition-al directions (210)824-1235 or see additionalmap at bexaraudubon.org/map.jpg

LauriLibrar

Cha

pman

Map to Cowles Life Sciences Building, Trinity University, west of Highway 281

Earth Share of Texas raises money for environmental

and conservation organizations through workplace

giving. If your employer participates in such programs,please ask them (if they dont already) to add Earth

Share to your giving options. By designating the

Audubon Foundation of Texas (AFT), Bexar Audubon

Society can benefit. BAS receives credit for our sup-

port getting the word out and promoting participa-

tion. Then BAS receives funding annually from AFT.

Want more info? 1-800-GREENTX,

[email protected], or www.earthshare-

Were proud of you, Jill!

A team at the Army Institute of SurgicalResearch (BAMC burn center) has wonone of the Armys 10 Great InventionsAwards for the year 2007. One of theteam members is Dr. Jill Sondeen, aformer Bexar Audubon board memberand Bexar Tracks editor.

Nominations for the program weresubmitted from the Armys laboratorycommunity. The ten winning programswere selected based on their impact onArmy capabilities, inventiveness, and

potential benefit outside the Army.

The teams project was: DamageControl Resuscitation of SeverelyInjured Soldiers. Since its fielding inJanuary 2007, this new standard of carefor the most severely injured soldiersrequiring massive transfusions, has dra-matically improved survivability. By

limiting fluid resuscitation, the patientsblood pressure is stabilized to minimizerenewed bleeding from recently formed

blood clots. Also, adding plasma whichhas clotting factors, in addition to nor-mally administered red blood cells,makes a difference in these massively-transfused patients. This technique hasdrastically cut mortality in the worstcases. Civilian trauma centers are find-ing out that when they implementDamage Control Resuscitationmethods they save lives, too.

Jills and herteams work hasalready helpedsave many lives,and in comingdecades will helpsave thousands,maybe millions,more. As stated inthe award pro-gram, The magnitude of the improve-ment has been likened to theimprovement after the introduction ofantibiotics to medical care.

Jill remarked, The best thing was thatit was a committee of soldiers whoselected the projects that were submit-ted. We made a difference to THEM.

This is just one more example of theimportant role military facilities in SanAntonio and the talented people whowork there play locally and globally.

Thank you to Jill and her team!

Whos What? and how to contact them

President & Webmaster, Harry Noyes 210-490-3124 [email protected]

Vice President, Tony Wood 210-867-2363 [email protected]

Treasurer, Caryl Swann 210-653-2860 [email protected]

Secretary, Anita Anderson 210-533-8726 [email protected]

At-large: Amy L. Whitley 210-340-0114 [email protected]

Kathy Ikerd [email protected] & VACANCY care to volunteer??

Editor, Michele Wood 210-492-4684 [email protected]

Programs/Outings,Patty Pasztor210-824-1235 [email protected]

San Antonio AudubonBeginners Birdwalk Each Second

Saturday of themonth at 8:30am inAugust and 8:00amSeptember andOctober. Begins atthe Judson NatureTrails House onViesca St. From the5900 block ofBroadway, turn weston Ogden St., go tothe stop sign atGreeley St., turn leftand then right at thenext corner, to the

small parking lot onthe left before theswimming pool. 210-342-2073. Binocularsavailable to lend.

Report bird sightingsto SA AudubonSocietys Birdline:210-308-6788.www.saaudubon.org



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In the November-December 2007 issueofBexar Tracks, an article advised youabout the border barrier proposed for theRio Grande Valley and that plans were

for it to isolate Sabal Palm AudubonCenter on the other side, between thefence and the river. It was anticipatedthat input would be solicited from affect-ed parties and given due consideration.Today, however, the Department ofHomeland Security (DHS) appears to bemoving forward with with little regardfor stakeholder interests or input.

In June I was invited to speak on apanel on this topic for the Association ofAmerican Editorial Cartoonists. As I

prepared my remarks, I became angry atthe enormous damage planned for theRio Grande Valley and the people andwildlife who live there. If this barrier is

built as planned, successful efforts of thepast decades to rebuild the regions habi-tatonce 95 percent lost to agricultureand developmentwill have been sothoroughly compromised, I doubt itcould be recovered in my lifetime.

A Unique Functional EcosystemOver three decades, $100 million was

patchworked together to create the90,000 acre Lower Rio Grande

National Wildlife Refuge and the SantaAna NWR and to create a wildlife cor-ridor that encompasses more than100,000 acresa unique functionalecosystem for wildlife. Its plenty hardto gather together $100 million forhabitateven over 30 years. In con-trast, it seems easy enough to come upwith much more than a billion to begin

building a fence to slice it back up.

Sabal Palm Audubon CenterSabal Palm Sanctuary was establishedin 1971. Today, it provides youth edu-cation, world-class nature viewing, and

protection for 557 acres of unique habi-tat. A forest of Sabal Palms once domi-nated the Rio Grande delta. Almostlost, Audubon and our partners, such asthe Nature Conservancy, the U.S. Fishand Wildlife Service, and countless vol-unteers, have been carefully restoringthis palm forest. Walking the trails andhearing the Gulf breezes rustling the

palm fronds is something one neverforgetsits truly magical.

Each year 3,000 school-age childrenpass through Sabal Palm Center, experi-encing this amazing spot and learningabout its importance with our knowl-edgeable Audubon staff demonstrating

their own love for this place and theresults of dedicated, thoughtful stew-ardship. Its education about their ownlocal natural community first-hand.

There are plans to expand visitor andeducation facilities at the historic(c1876) Rabb Plantation House on the

property, helped by an economic devel-opment grant from the BrownsvilleCommunity Improvement Corporation.

200,000 Visitors Every YearBesides education for children, SabalPalm is part of the draw for 200,000visitors each year, who come from allover the U.S. and the world to see theunique wildlife of the Rio GrandeValley. Sabal Palm is a GlobalImportant Bird Area designated byBirdLife International and a Texas

Parks & Wildlife Tier I High-PriorityEcoregion. Visitors spend $150 millionannually on items such as meals andlodging, creating a huge economicimpact on a community where the aver-age income is only $15,000 a year.Sabal Palm itself contribute $6.9 mil-lion annually to the local economy.

Forget the LawsThe citizens of the Rio Grande Valleyhave received considerable benefit fromthe environmental laws and regulationsthat have protected some of the wildlifethese visitors come to see. They areamong thirty or so now being waived byDHS in order to build this border barri-er without requisite review and over-sight! The Supreme Court in June declineda request by conservation and Congres-sional allies to review the legality ofmeasures granting those exemptions.

One restriction that has come intoplay in Texas is a provision of theInternational Boundary Waters Com-mission and our treaty with Mexico.This prohibits the building of barrierswithin the Rio Grande flood plain thatwould increase Mexicos risk of flood.For that reason, and that federal owner-ship of the property reduces the need to

negotiate with private landowners inTexas, the barrier is planned to runalong the tops of the Rio Grandes lev-ees. Sometimes these are as much as amile inside the U.S. border, officially atthe centerline of the Rio Grande.

Of course, Audubon doesnt hearmuch about any of this first hand. DHSdoesnt seem to have to pay muchattention to Sabal Palm because the

proposed fence doesnt actually cross

Audubons property. All 557 acres areon the Mexican side. So, theyre notrequired to provide Audubon withnotice or other communications about

whats happening or whats proposed.Close the DoorsBut, whatever DHS thinks, the fact isthat Sabal Palm willbe affected. In fact,unless drastic changes are made or

plans for the fence are blocked, itslikely the actions of DHS will not onlythwart Sabal Palms programs and itsdevelopment plans, but they will forceAudubon to close the center.

The children and families of this com-munityas well as visitors from everycorner of the globemay forever bedenied unique wildlife experiences, ifSabal Palm is closed forever and the

integrity of the refuges is lost. And itwont be good for the wildlife, either.

Go ThirstyA fence at Sabal Palmor anywhereelsewont stop illegal crossings. (ToAudubons knowledge there are rela-tively few illegal crossings each monthat Sabal Palm itself.) But a wall or afence willinhibit terrestrial wildlife,like ocelots, indigo snakes, Texas tor-toises, birds such as the FerruginousPygmy Owl, and even butterflies. Andit could deny them their only reliablesource of water. Just imagine that!

Property Rights and TakingsHomeland Security doesnt plan to pro-vide any compensation to landownersfor the taking of property on theMexican side of the barrier. Thisincludes Audubon, which must alsorepay its economic development grantin the event of the centers closing.

If your land were on the other side,you might wonder what it would beworth, even if it had been in your fami-ly since the Spanish land grants.

In the mid-90s, property rights andtakings were in the headlines, as centralTexas land prime for development was

being considered for critical habitatdesignation for the Golden-cheekedWarbler. Opponents cried take backTexas! Today no one seems to defendthe property rights of many poor citi-zens along the Texas-Mexico border.

A Campus DividedOn July 1, UT Brownsville and DHSwere ordered by a federal judge to seekan alternative to the current fence plan,


Opinion: Proposed Border Barrier Threatens

Sabal Palm Sanctuary & Audubon Center



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which would cut through the universitycampus, snubbing its mission of bina-tional education. UT Brownsville presi-dent Juliet Garcia said, Of course, we

believe in protecting our borders. Ofcourse, we believe in strong immigra-tion policy. But we also understand thata fence, no matter how high or howwide, is no substitute for either. A

report to the judge is due July 31.While the entire UT Brownsville golf

course would fall on the Mexican sideof the fence, the nearby private RiverBend Resort and golf course falls at a

break in the barrier. So does selectedother private property on the border.

Chad Foster, mayor of Eagle Pass andchair of the Texas Border Coalition, hassought answers to such questions ashow and why the fence route was cho-sen, but he claims to have received nological answers from DHS.

An Expensive Band-Aid

A January 2007 story from theAssociated Press reported theCongressional Budget Offices costestimate of $3 million per mile, whilethe U.S. Army Corps of Engineersestimated a double-layer fence wouldcost a little over $1 million a mile, notincluding buying the land on which itwould be built, according to theCongressional Research Service. Inaddition, maintenance could run from$16.4 million to $70 million a mileover 25 years, the Corps said.According to National Defense maga-zine, the life-cycle cost for the entire

proposed fence (California to Texas)

could be as high as $47 billion.In Texas, 153 miles of fencing wereplanned to be built before the end of2008. That expanse alone would costsomewhere between $2.7 and $11.2 bil-lion over its proposed 25-year lifespan.

For an environmental yardstick, $20billion is the projected cost to rehabili-tate the Everglades. Then thered even

be $27 billion left over for maintenance.

Does the fence actually solve a prob-lem or just throw money at a symptom?

Where To Put Your MoneyThink about the results of a few billion

dollars of economic development inTexas border communities: schools andday care, health programs, job training,infrastructure improvements.

And, as Mayor Foster suggests, usefunds to eradicateor at least con-trolinvasive salt cedar (tamarisk) andCarrizo cane on the Rio Grandes

banks, reducing cover and hiding placesfor those attempting to enter illegally

by crossing the river. This has the

added environmental benefit of reduc-ing transpiration and improving habitat.

Other technological and engineeringcontrols should also be tried. Initial prob-lems shouldnt terminate these efforts.

The Mexican government has inter-ests, too, in stemming the flow of $10

billion in drug money and a substantial

number of high-powered firearms thatmove south every year from the U.S. Itbelieves its efficiencies could beimproved if Mexican border technologywere comparable to that on the U.S.side. The Bush administration has re-sponded with a proposed $500 millionaid package to assist Mexican lawenforcement in its fight against the drugcartels, according to National Defense.

Questions If Sabal Palm Center remained openon the other side of the fence, howcould you go to visit? Would you needa passport to enter or return?

How could Audubon maintain staff onthe property? Who would mind thegate? Who would have security codes?If preserve managers had keys or codes,would that put them in danger?

What happens in the case of fire?Wild fires are not uncommon there.Wheres the emergency access?

Whats to be done about the inevitablesoil erosion on the flood plain?

How could school children enjoy fieldtrips and gain environmental education?

Why would donors choose SabalPalm for their support?

Does the area between the barrier andthe river become, in fact, a no-mans-land? A militarized zone? Mexico?

If we follow the money, who stands togain? At the leastor mostconsul-tants and contractors tasked with con-struction and maintenance.

Mexico & Texas Are NeighborsIn May 2007, a binational technical-scientific workshop was convened onthe potential environmental impacts ofthe border fence. Adrin FernndezBermauntz, president of Mexicos

National Institute of Ecology, wrote inhis introduction to the proceedings, A

Barrier to Our Shared Environment:The relationship between the UnitedStates and Mexico has lived throughcomplex situations over the course ofhistory; nevertheless, most of the differ-ences have been resolved through con-structive and respectful dialogue. At the

National Institute of Ecology, we believethat the issue of the border fence shouldnot be the exception. Let us give ourexperts and our institutions the chance to

work together, to find solutions thatmake us proud, that bring our peoplecloser together, and that serve as anexample for other borders in the worldthat face similar problems.

SolutionsFirst: stop construction of the barrier now.Second: reject one-size-fits-all thinking.

Third: find a real solution that suits Texasand protects Texas wildlife. Susan Hughes

Sources

A Barrier to Our Shared Environment:The United States-Mexico Border Fence.Proceedings of a workshop, May 3-4,2007, at El Colegio de la Frontera Norte.[Nineteen essays by 55 recognizedexperts from both countries.]www.ine.gob.mx/publicaciones/consultaPublicacion.html?id_pub=519 Audubon. Action alerts, fact sheets,articles, and other communications. Brezosky, Lynn. Judge ordersresumed border fence talks. San

Antonio Express-News, July 1, 2008. Brown, Anne. Personal communica-tion. June 2008. Defenders of Wildlife. Border wallthreatens refuge wildlife and SouthTexas economy. October 4, 2007. del Bosque, Melissa. Holes in thewall. Texas Observer, February 22, 2008. Lower Rio Grande Valley NationalWildlife Refuge, Texas fact sheet.Defenders of Wildlife, 2008. Magnuson, Stew. Cost of new borderfencing could reach $47 billion.

National Defense, July 2008.

__________. Contentious debate overborder fences wont end soon. NationalDefense, July 2008. Martin, Gary. Border fence gets tacitapproval. San Antonio Express-News,June 24, 2008. Nijhuis, Michelle. The border: nomans land. Audubon, May-June 2008. Texas border mayors: border fencewont go up. Associated Press, January17, 2007.


Presentation of the preceding opin-ion piece is sponsored by Save theLaja, Inc., a Texas 501(c)(3), formedfor the purpose of fostering watershed

and habitat protection in the Texas-Central Mexico corridor.The views expressed are those of the

author, and not necessarily of BexarAudubon Society or Save the Laja.

Save the Laja has joined forces withBexar Audubon to increase knowledgeand understanding of corridor and bor-der issues. Contact Save the Laja at825 E. Guenther St., San Antonio, TX78210-1237. Contributions are tax-deductible and welcomed.



7/10


First Saturday Walks, 9-11am

The first Saturday of each month, theSan Antonio Natural Areas Programof the San Antonio Parks andRecreation Department holds a nat-

ural and cultural history interpretivewalk at one of the Natural Areas.Contact 210-564-6400 for the sched-ule, locations, and reservations. $2per person donation suggested.Limited to 15 persons per hike.

Second Saturday programs areco-sponsored by SA Parks andRecreation Natural Areas Programand Bexar Audubon. Reservationsrequired; details occasionallychange. Call 210-564-6400. $3 eachor $5 per family donationsuggested.www.sanaturalareas.org

For future schedules, please call 210-564-6400.

Wild! Wednesdays

Extraordinary Experiences in Nature!A familiy-oriented program targetingages 711. $3/class, maximum$6/family/class.

Friedrich Wilderness Park21395Milsa. Contact Peggy Spring, 210-564-6402, or e-mail for moreinformation or reservations .

July 16 & 23Mammal series byRichard Heilbrun, TPWD biologist.

July 30Tough plants and makingpaper.

August 6 &13Bugs, bugs, bugs.

August 20Thorns and stickers:How plants protect themselves andspread their seeds.

Mitchell Lake Audubon Center

10750 Pleasanton Road, SanAntonio, TX 78221, 210-628-1639;[email protected].

Birding Tours Every 2nd Tuesdayat 8am; every Wednesday from4:30pm until dusk; every 2nd Sundayat 8am; every 3rd Sunday at 8am;every 4th Saturday at 8am. $5 fornon-members; $3 for members. Noreservation necessary, however,please call to confirm since timesmay vary by season.

The following programs are free, but

reservations are required:

August 9Welcome to My Web:Spiders of Mitchell Lake 7-9pm

September 6Good Bugs, BadBugsPesticide-free Garden Careby Molly Keck 9-11am.

September 13Kids Birding 101 9-11am.

September 13Drip Irrigation MadeEasy by Tom Harris 1:30-4pm.

September 27Monarchs, Milk-weed, & More! Part Two 1-4pm.

October 25Fall Wildlife Festivaland Plant Sale 9am-4pm.

August 8-9Panhandle Wind andWildlife Conference, Amarillo. TexasAgriLife Extension Service, TexasParks & Wildlife, and Texas WildlifeAssociation.

Texas leads the nation in windpower development according to theAmerican Wind Energy Association.With four of the five largest U.S. windfarms now located in Texas, it is nec-essary to study the impact onwildlife, particularly:

bat populations and movements; waterfowl movements and survivalthrough the Central Flyway; and wildlife survival and reproduction inboth the installation phase and longterm.

Land fragmentation is also anissue for wildlife.

Fee is $60 by July 15 or $75thereafter. Contact Kassi

Scheffer at800-839-9453.

image by TPWD

Cibolo Nature Center 830-249-4616.

July 19Rainwater HarvestingClass, 9am-noon. Pre-registrationrequired. Call for fees (non-members$30).

July 26Songs and Stories Concert:Nobuko, 7pm. Cibolo Nature Center.$7.50 CNC members, $10 non-mem-bers, $5 seniors.

August 9Rainwater Harvesting(see above).

August 9Songs and StoriesConcert: Marks Brothers band. 7pm.See above for series fees.

August 23Songs and StoriesConcert: Lost Mule Band, 7pm. Seeabove.

September 8Science in Nature,10am-noon. Pre-registration recom-mended. Fees. Science for familiesand children 7 and up. Monarchs inMotion, Seedy Business, SKULLS,Snakes Lizards and Frogs, Birdingfor Kids, Pond Life, and more.

September 13RainwaterHarvesting Class. See above.

September 13Songs and Stories

Concert: One Minute to Midnight.8pm.

September 17Upper Cibolo CreekWorkshop I: What makes a healthycreek? 9am-12:30pm. Non-mem-bers $20. Registration recommend-ed; class size limited.

September 30Upper Cibolo CreekWorkshop II: Is the water clean?9am-12:30-pm. See above.

San Antonio Audubon Society

August 7The San Antonio Zoos

Whooping Crane ConservationProgram by Josef San Miguel,Curator of Birds at the San AntonioZoo, 7pm. Lions Field, 2809Broadway (Broadway at Mulberry)

September 4Wildlife in SouthTexas into the Future by Mark Klym,Texas Parks and WildlifeDepartment, 7pm, Lions Field.

October 2SAAS Annual Dinnerwith speaker Winnie Burkett,Sanctuary Manager, HoustonAudubon Society, 6:30pm, LaFondaOak Hills, 350 North-haven Dr. off

Fredericksburg Rd.November 6Birds of Polynesia andCook Islands by Ron Huffman, 7pm,Lions Field.

October 24Generations on theLand: Working for Land Stewardship.TX A&M University.www.generationsontheland.com.

Events & News



8/10


Promote Green Buildings forBiggest, Easiest Cuts in NorthAmerican CO2 EmissionsBuildings responsible for overone-third of continents CO2emissionsVancouver, 13 March 2008

Promoting the green design, construc-tion, renovation, and operation of build-ings could cut North Americangreenhouse gas emissions that arefuelling climate change more deeply,quickly, and cheaply than any otheravailable measure, according to a newreport issued by the trinational Com-mission for Environmental Cooperation(CEC). North Americas buildingscause the annual release of more than2,200 megatons of CO2 into the atmos-

phere, about 35 percent of the conti-

nents total.

Rapid market uptake of currentlyavailable and emerging advanced ener-gy-saving technologies could result inover 1,700 fewer megatons of CO2emissions in 2030, compared to project-ed emissions following a business-as-usual approachnearly equal the CO2emitted by the entire U.S. transportationsector in 2000. More advanced green

buildings routinely reduce energy usage by 30 to 50 percent over conventional buildings, with the most efficient per-forming more than 70 percent better

than conventional properties.Despite proven environmental, eco-

nomic, and health benefits, green build-ing today accounts for only a smallfraction of new home and commercial

building constructionjust 2 percent ofthe new non-residential building mar-ket, less than half of 1 percent of theresidential market in the U.S. andCanada, and even less in Mexico.

The report, Green Building in North America: Opportunities and Challengeswww.cec.org/pubs_docs/documents/index.cfm?varlan=english&ID=2242, is

the result of a two-year study by theCEC Secretariat, prepared with advicefrom an international advisory group of

prominent developers and architects,sustainability and energy experts, realestate appraisers and brokers, and localand national government representatives.

Improving our bulit environment isprobably the single greatest opportunity

to protect and enhance the natural envi-ronment. This report is a blueprint fordramatic environmental progressthroughout North Americamostlyusing the tools and technology we haveon hand today, says CEC Executive

Director Adrin Vzquez. Green building represents some of the ripestlow-hanging fruitfor achieving signif-icant reductions in climate changeemissions.

Even with rapid growth projected inthe green building market across allthree countries, public and private sec-tors must embrace substantial changesto the planning, development, andfinancing of commercial and residential

buildings to overcome significant barri-ers to the widespread adoption of high-

performance buildings throughout

North America.Jonathan Westeinde, managing partner

of The Windmill Development Groupin Ottawa and the CECs advisorygroup chair, states, As a developer, Irely on the fact that green building is a

proven conceptwith constructioncosts and market benefits that are rapid-ly improving. This report shows what isneeded to scale up and put green build-ing at the heart of a healthy, energy-secure North America. The reporthighlights the importance of green

building in urban development. Seattle

Mayor Greg Nickels, whose city hosteda CEC symposium on green building inMay 2007, states, Green building is acornerstone for creating strong, sustain-able communities. In Seattle, we areconvinced that cities that make thecommitment and investment in greendevelopment now will have a signifi-cant advantage in the long run.

Report authors describe a number ofdisincentives to green building to beovercome and recommend ways toaccelerate the market uptake of green

building and make it the standard prac-tice for all new construction and reno-vation of existing buildings in NorthAmerica.

The CEC study notes several govern-ment and industry initiatives that pro-mote agressive energy performanceimprovements in the buliding sector.One study completed for the report sig-nals the potential of green building toyield tremendous energy improvements

and greenhouse gas emissions reduc-tions in the buliding sector by 2030, andsuggests a path toward zero net-energyand carbon-neutral buildings. Thereport was produced by the Secretariatof the CEC, prepared under Article 13

of the North American Agreement onEnvironmental Cooperation (NAAEC)and is not intended to reflect the viewsof the Parties to that agreement.Information for the report came from

background reports prepared by inde- pendent experts and from two publicmeetings. The report and associated

background reports, along with a port-folio of selected green buildings inCanada, Mexico, and the U.S., areavailable at www.cec.org/greenbuilding/

The CEC was established by Canada,Mexico, and the U.S. to build coopera-

tion among the North American FreeTrade Agreement (NAFTA) partners inimplementing NAAEC, the environ-mental side accord to NAFTA. Itaddresses environmental issues of con-tinental concern, with particular atten-tion to challenges and opportunities

presented by continent-wide free trade.

Editors note: Stephen Colley of BuildSan Antonio Green commented,given that the average age of anAmerican residence is 37 years, thepotential for contribution of pollutantsby buildings extends over a much

longer period than the average car.Transportation efficiency, while certain-ly important, has the potential to turnaround much faster than building effi-ciency. Thats an important reason, notto be ignored, to begin adopting greenbuilding initiatives now! SKH

WelcomeYour NewEditor!

Michele Wood is the new editor ofBexar Tracks, beginning with theNovember-December issue. Shellbring a new voice, a new perspective,and new energy to your newsletter.

Please provide her with feedback, inputand appreciation. Take this opportuni-ty to help her make Bexar Tracks yourvehicle for news and views.

A hearty thank you, Michele!

Im not sure how many times I havebeen your newsletter editor since 1991,but each time has been a pleasure.Thank you for the opportunity.

Green Buildings Cut CO2 Emissions



9/10


Texas Crawdads ANEW Field Guide to this keycritter in riparian zones.

Authors: Sterling K. Johnson andNathan K. JohnsonISBN 978-0-9801103-0-2; $24.95.

Learn about the life and habitat of Texascrayfish and how to identify, locate,catch, show, grow, collect, photographand draw them. The text reviews thirty-seven species and several varieties andgives a synopsis of how the presentunderstanding of them developed.

The book also depicts animals likely to be caught along with crawfish. Morethan 140 color photos present Texascrayfish in actual size. Species are pre-

sented individually and as recognizablegroupings. Multiple photos of eachspecies help readers better understandthe potential for variation of appearancein an individual species.

Texas s Rivers Need You!Stakeholders are needed to help setwater-flow goals.

How much water do our rivers and baysneed to stay healthy? How much watercan we use in cities, on fields, and infactories before we do serious harm?

Texas is growing faster than any otherstate in the nation. As human water useincreases, many of the states rivers andestuaries could lack enough fresh water,

particularly in drier years.

A new state law creates a stakeholder process to set standards defining howmuch water needs to remain in our riversto sustain healthy ecosystems. Strong

participation from committed peoplewho care about these two unique water-sheds will make a real difference.

1. San Antonio River and San AntonioBay systemincluding the Guadalupe

and San Marcos Rivers.2. Colorado River and Bay systemincluding the Highland Lakes and tribu-taries such as the Llano.

Learn about the Environmental FlowsAllocation Process atwww.texaswatermatters.org/flows.htm.Then contact Jennifer Ellis, NationalWildlife Federation, 512-476-9805 [email protected].

Deep and Punkin PreserveA couple of years ago, Bexar Auduboncontributed toward the acquisition ofDeep and Punkin Preserve by the TexasCave Management Association. Geary

Schindel of the Bexar Grotto did a pre-sentation on the property at a BAS meet-ing. He recently provided us with a birdlist from a brief survey and news thatGreat-horned Owls were nesting suc-cessfully in Punkin cave. In addition,Punkin cave is home to a fern that isvery rare for Texas. About 30,000 batsreside there in the summer. These geo-logically uncommon, very pretty cavesalso support a cave-adapted scorpion.

This habitat includes Juniper/Oakwoodlands where Golden-cheekedWarblers nest, rocky open ground whereCommon Nighthawks nest, Yucca for

Scotts Orioles, tall deciduous treesalong dry riverbeds for SummerTanagers, and caves for Cave Swallowsand Great-horned Owls. Walk the dryJuniper areas for sparrows, and visit thecreek bed for migrating songbirds springand fall.

This list was created 4/28/08 by DarcyStumbaugh and Alfred Nsom, TexasA&M: Wild Turkey, Bewicks Wren,

Northern Mockingbird, Golden-cheekedWarbler, Cave Swallow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Common Nighthawk,Turkey Vulture, Black Vulture, ScottsOriole, Summer Tanager, Nashville

Warbler, Vesper Sparrow, TennesseeWarbler, Great-horned Owl, NorthernCardinal, White-winged Dove, Blue-gray Gnatcatcher, Swainsons Thrush,Western Scrub-jay, Red-eyed Vireo,Ladder-backed Woodpecker, Black-crested Titmouse, and Red-breasted

Nuthatch.

Population & National SecurityA Different Perspective Real investment in family planningwill protect the environment and relieve

pressure on natural resources. Resource scarcity and other population

pressures place stress on fragile govern-ments and other social structures.

Many poor countries struggle to main-tain health care, schooling, and urbaninfrastructure in the face of rapid popu-lation growth.

Countries without the means to ade-quately feed, house, educate, and employtheir citizens risk civil insecurity.

High fertility rates often lead to dispro-portionate populations of young peo-

pleyouth bulges. As these youngpeople reach their childbearing years, population numbers skyrocket.

Large numbers of young people withouteducation and employment leave nationsripe for instability and civil conflict.

Access to family planning serviceseases such demographic bumps and

promotes civil security.

Real investment in family planningwill encourage social stability anddecrease conflict.

Pakistans population has quadrupled

from 46 million in 1960 to 164 milliontoday. It is projected to add another 51million people in the next 15 years.

The 60+ countries with pronouncedbulges include Afghanistan, Pakistan,Haiti, Nigeria, Kenya, and Uganda.

Forty percent of the populations ofIraq, Yemen, and the PalestinianTerritories are under the age of 15.

Seventeen of the top 20 failing stateshave high population growth.

For FY 08 Congress provided $461million for USAID and $40 million forUNFPA, but again the administrationhas not released the approved fundingfor UNFPA. Ask your senators and con-gressman to support increased fundingfor international family planning in theForeign Operations Appropriations Actfor 2009 and reverse the historic declinefor population programs. Its in all ourbest interests. Susan Hughes

News & Notes

Little Did He KnowI didnt know I was a tree huggeruntil this happened. Its like the landhas been raped. I dont even want tolive here any more. But I dont think I

could sell my house; not with a 250-space parking lot in front of it. comment from a Fayetteville, NC,homeowner after a local collegedenuded a much-loved wooded land-scape without notice to neighbors andwithout preserving even a thin line oftrees to protect the neighborhood fromthe glaring lights and ugliness.(Source: Fayetteville, N.C., Observer)



10/10

Non-profit

Organization

U.S. Postage Pai

San Antonio, TX

Permit #590

Bexar Audubon Society, Inc.P.O. Box 6084San Antonio, TX 78209-0084

Membership and Support for

Your Environmental Voice in Our Community

Bexar Audubon welcomes new members to join Audubon through the chapter. This brings 100 percent of thefirst-years dues directly back to support local work. The same applies to gift memberships placed through the

chapter. Your additional tax-deductible donation is greatly appreciated. Bexar Audubon receives only a fewthousand dollars each year from National Audubon Society as dues share. The rest we must raise ourselves.Your help is needed, and your donations will be put to good use right here in South Central Texas to provideenvironmental news and education to the community, including the newsletter, programs, San AntonioEnvironmental Network Issues Forums, Second Saturday programs, and other activities you may or may nothear about.

Individual introductory memberships are $20; seniors and students join for $15.Please provide the following information for each personal subscription or gift:

Name __________________________________________________________________________

Mailing Address with ZIP code ______________________________________________________

AC & Phone________________________________e-mail ________________________________Do you wish to opt out of other mailings by Audubon or those with whom it shares lists? ___yes ___no

Make checks payable to Bexar Audubon Society and mail to the address above.

Enclosed: $__________for subscription(s) $_______ additional donation

Bexar Tracks is the official newslet-

ter of the Bexar Audubon Society, a

Chapter of the National Audubon

Society. The Chapters primary

goals are to promote species and

habitat conservation and environ-

mental education in the community.Your membership includes

National Audubon and Bexar

Audubon and subscriptions to both

Audubon and Bexar Tracks. TheEconomyis

awhollyownedsubsidiaryoftheEnvironment.TimWirth

NOTE: If you change address or cancel membership, you do NOT need to contact Bexar Audubon but MUST contactNational Audubon (and we will automatically get the change when we download labels). Save time and energy by mailingyour change of address information to National Audubon Society, Membership Data Center, PO Box 52529, Boulder CO80322-2529; phoning 1-800-274-4201; or e-mailing [email protected].


Documents

July-Oct 2008-Final.qxp:Jul 97 Issue