Plant Rescue Success!
Over the course of the summer and the months before, many people of Austin have been affected by the severe droughts. Water is a pressing issue and a vital resource to us all. Many have also been voicing their opinions in favor of increased water conservation plans instead of the proposed development of an additional water treatment plant. Since the summer, City Council approved the development of Water Treatment Plant #4 (WTP4).
In preparation for clearing the land for development, the city organized three days for volunteers to go out to the site location to rescue some plants! Volunteers contributed some saved plants to the city, which will be put in parks and other public beautification projects. After that contribution, volunteers were able to rescue and take home any plants from the site they wanted.
The location for WTP4 is a beautiful and peaceful place, with the great hill country feel. I'm glad to have been able to visit it before the land is cleared and the plant is built. Truly wonderful to also be able to share the experience with others; there were hard workers from the E-Corps at American Youthworks / AmeriCorps, residents of College Houses Co-operative living, Native Plant Society of Texas experts, citizens, and a number of the Austin EcoNetwork community.
Some types of plants collected and rescued were:
(1) elbow bush
(2) red oaks
(3) yucca
(4) twisted leaf yucca
(5) persimmon
(6) mullein
(7) tall grasses
(8) bunch grass, sedge
(9) cacti
(10) escarpment black cherry
(11) mexican silk tassel
(12) evergreen sumac
(13) marble seed
(14) carolina buckthorn
(15) Nolina Lindheimer, bear grass or basket grass
(16) Nolina Texana. devils shoestring
(17) Lindheimer's Crown Beard
(18) white mistflower
(19) live oak seedlings
(20) rusty blackhaw vibernum
(21) agarita
(22) frostweed
(23) heart-leaf scull cap
Thanks to all who participated! The plants thank you, too :)
- Jackie Sy's blog
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This week - the Winter Series starts Thurs; Cit. Gard., on Sat.
In its 5th year, by popular demand - the Winter Series of [Permaculture] Talks is back at the Habitat Suites Hotel starting this Thursday, Jan 13 from 7:00-8:30. Note that we are on Thursdays this year, a change from Wed. night.
We start off with a talk by Dick Pierce - Introduction to Permaculture & Sustainable Living. Come and join a great group of Permaculture grads, new students, and folks that are brand new to the subject. Fun, Free, [In]Formative.
The 2nd week, Jan 20 - same time, same place - is the classic video, The Global Gardener - Permaculture Projects Around the World, with PC-Founder Bill Mollison.
For week #3, Jan 27, we'll have the ever popular, incredibly informative "Texology:- Austin, TX?, Where'd it come from?; Where's it been?; who/what Done it?; and, What's that mean to us today?" by Dick Pierce
Stay tuned to AustinPerm, www.permie.us....for the rest of the exciting schedule that will run every Thursday through March.
And, for all of you who have thought about having a home garden, but haven't gotten 'round to it - this should be the decade, the year, and the season. That's what the Citizen Gardener Courses are all about - mix you up with a great group of folks, have you learn via hands-on, and send you home confident and competent to do your own home garden. To ensure your success, it's important to start planting in mid-January - that's why the 1st Course starts this Saturday, Jan 16 - there is room for a few more folks and you can sign up easily at www.citizengardener.ning.com. The Course Fee ($50) is waived if you pledge 10 hours of volunteer time with a Citizen Gardener Partner.
And, since it's Spring and Planting Season, and the New Year/Decade - there is the 10-day Permaculture Design Course that starts on Sat Jan 30 and runs until April 3rd. Fun, informative, life-changing. Jenny Nazak would be happy to discuss your questions and take your enrollment - jnazak@yahoo.com or www.permie.us for more info.
Thanks for listening - over and out - see you soon, I hope
Dick Pierce