2011 - 2012 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Many thanks to our educational speakers who share their expert knowledge of Enchanted Rock SNA's natural wonders with us! The generous gift of their time allows us to offer the activities free of charge. While not required, we gratefully accept your donations! Let us know if there is a topic you would like to see explored.

•  FRIDAY, JANUARY 27, 2012, 6pm  TEXAS BALD EAGLE PROGRAM

Texas Parks and Wildlife Specialist, Dale Schmidt, will give a power point presentation on the Bald eagles of Llano county. He will discuss the two types we have here and the nesting pair on Highway 29 outside Llano. To enrich the experience, Dale will meet those interested at the nesting site on Saturday. The presentation will be held at the group pavilion. Check in at headquarters before parking at the pavilion. Bring a hot thermos and warm clothes!  Please email m.mial@wildblue.net if you plan to attend.

The decline of the Bald Eagle coincided with the introduction of the pesticide DDT in 1947. Birds of prey at the top of the food chain, such as eagles, ingested relatively high levels of the pesticide, which was concentrated in the fatty tissues of their prey. Eagles contaminated with DDT failed to lay eggs or produced thin eggshells that broke during incubation. In 1972, DDT was banned in the United States, and a slow recovery for the Bald Eagle began. Loss of nesting habitat due to development along the coast and near inland rivers and waterways also has resulted in decreasing numbers of Bald Eagles. READ MORE >

•  SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2012,   9am  WINTER BIRD WALK

This bird walk is sponsored by the Texas Ornithological Society and led by member, Jane Crone. In a show of support for public land stewardship in the state, Texas Ornithological Society is sponsoring bird walks in parks and natural areas all over the state. Attending these walks will show support for Texas State Parks, put much needed funds in the coffers at each location and allow birders and other interested people the chance to explore these special Texas places. (Sounds like Texas Ornithological Society has a great idea! Visit their website for other Texas Park bird walks.) Meet at the office at 9am. Bring binoculars, water and snacks. For more info contact jcrone@austin.rr.com

Tuesday, April 24  SPRING TREE WALK  9:30am

Join us for a spring tree walk with Texas Forest Service Biologist II, Robert Edmonson. Robert has been educating the public about Hill Country trees and land stewardship for over 17 years. We will take a leisurely walk through the flower laden park while learning how to identify our favorite trees by bark, twigs, leaves, buds and site. Bring your binoculars, cameras, water, a hat and a snack. Meet at the Gazebo at 9:30am. Walk is weather permitting. For more info contact m.mial@wildblue.net

Friday, May 24 LLANO UPLIFT ARCHEOLOGY 6-pm

Join us for an overview of Llano Uplift archeology with archeologist Dan Potter. Dan’s interest in Enchanted Rock goes way back. He was part of the team that surveyed ERSNA for archeological sites some 30 years ago when TPWD first acquired the property. 

Dan received a bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and a master's degree from Harvard, both in anthropology. His archeology work has included projects in New England, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Texas, Mexico, Guatemala, Belize, and Africa.  Now retired, Dan worked at the Texas Historical Commission and at the University of Texas (both in Austin and at UTSA).  

Please check in at park headquarters before meeting at the group pavilion. You are welcome to use the pavilion for a picnic supper afterwards. See you there! For more info: m.mial@wildblue.net

TRAIL PROJECT DAYS 2011 - FOR DETAILS CLICK HERE >

SEPTEMBER 2011

Saturday, September 17  

OCTOBER 2011

Saturday, October 15  

NOVEMBER 2011

Saturday, November 19  

DECEMBER 2011

Saturday, December 17