January 04 2007
1.9 inches of rain!
Worked with drainage for erosion control along gravel road and throughout.
Posted in 2007 Journal, Erosion
January 02 2007
Treated 21 oaks with fungicide for Oak Wilt.
Caretaker's note: Oak Wilt is a fungal disease that affects Live oaks, Shumard oaks, Red oaks (also called Spanish oaks), Black jack oaks and other members of the Red oak family. Experts have developed this Eight Step Program to correctly identify the problem. The fungus spreads through the root system and can be carried by beetles that are infected with the fungus. Proper pruning and careful wood storage can help prevent the spread of the disease. Oak Wilt, and other tree diseases are another reason to preserve Ashe juniper species in a woodland.
Treatment was provided by Paula Johnson's company Oak Wilt Specialists of Texas.
Posted in 2007 Journal, Habitat
November 12 2006
Planted:
- 1 pound Buffalo grass seed
- Deer resistant mix (Native American Seed Farm)
- Butterfly Friendly Wildflower Mix Seedballs (Native Plant-Its)
Caretaker's note: This Monarch butterfly was flying south to its wintering grounds in
Mexico. They cannot survive freezing temperatures and in the fall
travel in large groups to warm winter climates. The
Oak Wilt scare on southeast corner of property. Texas Forest Service will visit for identification.
Posted in 2006 Journal, Census, Habitat
October 23 2006
Planted new plants from Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Fall plant sale:
- Blackfoot daisy
- Virginia blueflag
- White yarrow
- Flame leaf sumac
- White salvia
- Cross vine
- Gulf muhly
- Mexican feather grass
Other activities:
- Planted Buffalo grass seed at the edge of road
- Continued removal of KR (king ranch bluestem)
- Removed Johnson grass
- River trail maintenance
Posted in 2006 Journal, Habitat
September 05 2006
Rain! Finally, 1 inch or more, a good slow soaking. Birds very active in drizzle after rain.
Planted Buffalo Grass and watersto_jennystone mix around edges of roads near house
Many hummingbirds (20 or more) - Ruby Throated, Black Chinned, Rufous. Continued to feed hummingbirds and keep ant guards full. Yellow jacket wasps visiting hummingbird feeders, but harassing hummingbirds. Put up wasp trap.
Caretaker's note: The cup of water hung above the feeder keeps ants out of the hummingbird food. The water guards also provide another drinking place for thirsty birds in the drought.
The hummingbird feeding mixture is 4 parts water to 1 part plain white sugar. Do not cook to dissolve, just stir very well and keep refrigerated. It is not necessary to add red dye to the feeding mixture because the red color on the feeder will attract the hummingbirds.
Observations:
- Saw Swallows feeding in clearing after rain.
- Many White Wing Doves
- Many Cardinals
- Inca Doves
- Scrub Jay
- 2 large Deer families (plan to "Harvest" deer this fall)
- Fox seen at feeding area
Caretaker's note: Continued feeding stations. Animals benefit from supplemental feeding, black oil sunflower seeds are a favorite for many species. Using 900 pounds a week
Posted in 2006 Journal, Census, Habitat, Food, Water