HOUSTON AUDUBON SOCIETY SEPTEMBER FIELD TRIP # 2 – SABINE WOODS AND MCFADDEN NATIONAL WILDLIFE REFUGE WITH ART MACKINNON AND DAVID SARKOZI
Date: Sat, Sep 23
Time: 8 am
Location: Meet at Sabine Woods Texas Ornithological Society Bird Refuge; see below for more detailed directions
Fee: $5 or $10 per person entrance fee to Sabine Woods
Contact: Skip Almoney at (713) 524-4285 or skipalm@aol.com

Complete Description:
Leaders: Art MacKinnon and David Sarkozi
Description of Event & Birds: The main woods at Sabine Woods consist of three conjoined sections with ponds. Large oaks predominate, but there are also large mulberry trees and many areas of thick undergrowth. There are fairly grassy areas, ponds, wet areas, and areas of medium-sized trees. The sanctuary is intended to provide a protected stopping point on the coast for neo-tropical migrants. Warblers, vireos, grosbeaks, flycatchers, thrushes, tanagers, and orioles are common visitors from late March through mid May, and, in lesser numbers, from early September through late October. The grassy areas will often produce Blue Grosbeaks and Indigo Buntings; Sparrows and other species will surely be present. Depending on the time and birds, the group will also travel to McFadden National Wildlife Refuge for wetland birds.
Location & Directions for Sabine Woods: This is two hours from Houston. Take I-10 east to the Winnie exit and go east on U.S. 73 toward Port Arthur. Turn on Texas 82 (south) and go for about 1.5 miles. At the traffic light, turn right on Texas 87 (south) toward Sabine Pass through the Clark refinery and across a high bridge over the Intracoastal Waterway. Continue for about 9 more miles to Sabine Pass and turn right (west) at the stop sign in the town’s main square. Proceed about 4.2 miles until you see a woodlot on the right (north) side of the road, just past the Petroleum Helicopters base. The road’s shoulder is a reasonably firm parking area. Access the woods through a “gate” that is a removable section of the fence.

PINEY WOODS WILDLIFE SOCIETY – SEPTEMBER MONTHLY MEETING – TOADS AND FROGS OF THE HOUSTON AREA
Date: Tue, Sep 19
Time: 7 pm Social & Refreshments, 7:30 pm Program
Location: Mercer Arboretum, 22306 Aldine Westfield Road
Fee: Free
Contact: (281) 443-8731
 
Complete Description:
This presentation by Scott Kiester centers on learning to recognize the calls of different frogs and toads native to Houston and the surrounding area. It includes a bit of natural history about frogs and toads in general and some information about each individual species. There will also be some discussion of current threats to amphibian populations. The program will include a short introduction to the Texas Amphibian Watch, a Citizen Monitoring Program sponsored by Texas Parks & Wildlife Department and the US Fish and Wildlife service. Formal training sessions for the Texas Amphibian Watch are held throughout the year at several locations around the Houston area. After the presentation, we will visit the Mercer lily pond in front of the building and see who is calling that evening, so bring your flashlight if you have a good one.

RICE DESIGN ALLIANCE LECTURE – DAVID LAKE & TED FLATO, ARCHITECTS
Date: Wed, Aug 30
Time: 7 pm
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 348-4876 or www.rda.rice.edu

Complete Description:
David Lake and Ted Flato, of the San Antonio firm Lake/Flato, will present their new work and their new publication, Buildings and Landscapes. Lake/Flato Architects is one of the most outstanding architecture practices in Texas. In 2004, it received the National Firm Award from the American Institute of Architects, the highest award the AIA bestows on an American architectural firm. Lake/Flato is also the recipient of numerous design awards.

HOUSTON AUDUBON SOCIETY GALVESTON COUNTY GROUP – SEPTEMBER MEETING – HAWKS
Date: Thu, Sep 28
Time: 6:30 pm Social, 7 pm Program
Location: Rosenberg Library, Wortham Auditorium
Fee: Free
Contact: Alice Anne O’Donell at (409) 772-3126

RICE DESIGN ALLIANCE CIVIC FORUM – THE PUBLIC REALM: KIRBY CORRIDOR
Date: Wed, Sep 6
Time: 7 pm
Location: Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, Brown Auditorium (enter via Main Street)
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 348-4876

Complete Description:
Panelists: Bob Eury, Guy Hagstette, David Crossley
The public realm is a constantly shifting concept that once included fields and rivers, wildlife, and plants. Today we think of it mostly in terms of the built places and networks in which we conduct our daily lives, hopefully in safety, with convenience, and with some comfort. Its influence on our quality of life is enormous, and because it is public, it is the place where individuals and communities can have the greatest effect on the quality of life. So where is the public realm? What are its boundaries and how are those decided? Who is responsible for its integrity and maintenance? These civic forums will explore change in our complex human habitat, and the places and people that are involved.

JESSE JONES PARK VOLUNTEERS MONTHLY MEETING
Date: Mon, Aug 28
Time: 7 pm
Location: 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
The Jesse Jones Park Volunteers invite everyone to their monthly program and meeting. Call for information on volunteer opportunities. For ages 16+.

URBAN HARVEST CLASS – SELL WHAT YOU GROW AT A GREEN MARKET
Date: Mon, Aug 28
Time: 4 – 6 pm
Location: Urban Harvest, 1900 Kane
Fee: $30 ($15 for Urban Harvest members); Pre-registration required
Contact: Register at (713) 880-5540; www.urbanharvest.org for details

Complete Description:
Backyard gardeners in the city as well as farmers in the countryside can sell at a local farmers’ market. Find out how to set up shop, including packaging, displays, pricing, and market rules. Instructor Jim Bundscho is a market gardener and managed the Bayou City Farmers’ Market.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM URBAN NATURE SERIES – KEEPING LIZARDS AS PETS
Date: Sun, Aug 27
Time: 2 pm
Location: 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
Speaker: Gina Disteldorf

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER URBAN NATURE SERIES – LIZARDS AS PETS
Date: Sun, Aug 27
Time: 2 pm
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
Instructor: Gina Disteldorf, East Texas Herpetological Society
To be a responsible pet owner requires education on providing the best possible care for your animal, and lizards are no exception. Learn what’s required to keep a pet lizard healthy. Find out what types of lizards make good pets and how to properly care for them after bringing them home from the pet store. Live animals will be available to practice handling. Bring your questions!

JESSE H. JONES PARK & NATURE CENTER – HUNTER EDUCATION CERTIFICATION
Date: Sun, Aug 27
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: 20634 Kenswick Drive
Fee: $10 per person
Contact: (281) 446-8588

Complete Description:
Meet the mandated Texas Parks & Wildlife hunter education requirements for Texas by completing this two-day course. A $10 fee covers materials. For ages 12+. Reservations required beginning Wednesday, August 16.

ARMAND BAYOU NATURE CENTER – SUNSET CRUISE
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: 6:30 – 8 pm
Location: Armand Bayou Nature Center, 8500 Bay Area Boulevard (boat leaves from Bay Area Park)
Fee: $15 for member, $20 for non-member
Contact: (281) 474-2551

Complete Description:
Join us for a relaxing and educational trip on the bayou in the cool of the evening. Sunset on the water is a peaceful experience as you observe the wildlife of Armand Bayou. Depart from Bay Area Park aboard the “Bayou Ranger”, a 28 foot pontoon boat.
Pre-registration and Pre-payment required.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER – WEEKEND NATURE TRAIL TOURS
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: 2 pm & 3 pm
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER – ANIMAL FEEDING
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: 1:30 pm
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: Free
Contact: (713) 681-8433

FRIENDS OF TEXAS WILDLIFE – FUNDRAISER
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: 10 am – 4 pm
Location: Spring Creek Feed Center in Magnolia, TX; please call for details
Fee: small fee; please call for details
Contact: (281) 259-0039

Complete Description:
Come on out to Spring Creek Feed Center for a unique opportunity to see Radar, the World’s Tallest Horse. Radar is coming to Spring Creek Feed Center on August 26 from 10 am to 4 pm. This event is also a fundraiser for Friends of Texas Wildlife, so bring your friends and family and show your support!

MERCER ARBORETUM – BAMBOO MEETING
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: 9 am – 12 pm
Location: 22306 Aldine Westfield Road
Fee: Free
Contact: (281) 443-8731

Complete Description:
Meetings feature a morning presentation and an afternoon of hands-on training in Mercer’s bamboo garden. Bring a sack lunch.

HOUSTON ARBORETUM & NATURE CENTER NATURALISTS EXPLORERS CLASS – MEADOW MANIA (AGES 5-8)
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: 9 – 11 am
Location: Houston Arboretum & Nature Center, 4501 Woodway Drive
Fee: $10 for member, $20 for non-member; pre-registration required
Contact: (713) 681-8433

Complete Description:
For ages 5-8 years. The meadow is teeming with life in late summer. We will explore what makes up a meadow ecosystem. From the roots of the meadow plants to the birds that fly above, we will discover how it is all interconnected and the special characteristics that help meadow creatures live successfully in our grassland habitats.

HOUSTON CANOE CLUB – SAN MARCOS RIVER CANOEING
Date: Sat, Aug 26
Time: All-day; please call for time
Location: Please call for location
Fee: Non-members pay $10 fee
Contact: Christy Long at (281) 485-3046 or clong1956@sbcglobal.net

Complete Description:
Day trip on one of the prettiest rivers around.
Carpool from Garden Ridge, put in at Pecan Park, take out at Sculls.
Bring: ACA number, paddle gear, water, sunscreen, boating gear, lots of water, lunch.
Level: Beginner 3, may be some high wind or high waves.