Water Quality Education03/08/08 – 03/15/08 The City of Austin is seeking volunteers from March 8-March 15 to help with a dog waste campaign at Bull Creek district Park.  Bacteria, particularly that associated with pet feces, has become a problem in Bull Creek.  In order to be able to maintain the off-leash pet area and all uses of the park, including swimming and wading, the city needs your help.Volunteers will help distribute 8educational information (March 8-15).   For more information please contact sara.heilman@ci.austin.tx.us or 974-3540  Dates: March 8th – March 15th, distribute educational information Time:  flexibleContact:  sara.heilman@ci.austin.tx.us or 974-3540  

Smith Creek Cleanup03/14/2008 4-H AmeriCorps will be teaming up with community neighbors over AISD spring break in order to clean up Smith Creek.  The first creek clean up occurred over MLK Day and the mess we found in the creek was disgusting; approximately 2 tons of trash, used oil filters, a refrigerator, dozens of tires, and more. We are looking for as much help as we can get! Food and beverages will be provided.  For more information on volunteering contact Nora Frank at eefrank@ag.tamu.edu Date: March 14th Time:  9am-3pmLocation:  1600 Smith Rd (East Austin – 78721) near 183 and Bolm Rd.Contact:  Nora Frank at eefrank@ag.tamu.edu 

Water Quality Education03/08/08 – 03/15/08 The City of Austin is seeking volunteers from March 8-March 15 to help with a dog waste campaign at Bull Creek district Park.  Bacteria, particularly that associated with pet feces, has become a problem in Bull Creek.  In order to be able to maintain the off-leash pet area and all uses of the park, including swimming and wading, the city needs your help.Volunteers will help distribute 8educational information (March 8-15).   For more information please contact sara.heilman@ci.austin.tx.us or 974-3540  Dates: March 8th – March 15th, distribute educational information Time:  flexibleContact:  sara.heilman@ci.austin.tx.us or 974-3540  

REI AUSTIN & WHOLE FOODS MARKET PRESENT…THE SHOAL CREEK TRASH HUNT: Saturday, March 15th 8:00 AM-12:00 PM:  Shoal Creek Greenbelt at 9th St. Can you…spot a cigarette butt from a mile away? decipher aluminum from plastic? pick up trash faster that you can say, "Pollution?"  If you answered, “Yes,” to any of these questions, then you are qualified for the Shoal Creek Trash Hunt!   Join Enviro-Girl, REI Austin's Trail Rangers, and Whole Food Market's Green Team for our March workday along the Shoal Creek Greenbelt.  We'll pick up trash as far north as 12th St. and south to Lady Bird Lake.  Wear sturdy shoes and bring work gloves.  Poison ivy is prevalent along the trail: please dress accordingly.  We'll provide trash claws, trash/recycling bags, water, coffee, and snacks. Meet at the Shoal Creek entrance just south of 9th and Henderson near REI Austin Downtown (6th & Lamar).  To sign up, please contact REI Austin Downtown Customer Service at (512) 482-3357. RAIN PLAN:  In the case of questionable weather/work conditions, workday cancellations will be posted on the REI Downtown events website under the workday listing by 5:00 p.m. on the Friday prior to the clean up.  Date: March 15th Time:  8am-12pmLocation:  Shoal Creek entrance just south of 9th and Henderson (Central Austin – 78701)Contact:  To sign up, please contact REI Austin Downtown Customer Service at (512) 482-3357. 

Race Recycling03/15/2008  On March 15th at 8:00 AM, the Austin Runners Club's will be hosting the Daisy 5K benefiting the Marathon Kids program.  Following the 5K is the TNT 2 mile race to benefit the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society.  It should be a great day of racing, but it will also generate a lot of plastic bottles that we would like to recycle.  Volunteers interested in helping out the recycling effort can register at http://daisy.austinrunners.org/ARCDaisyVolunteer.html  Please list that you’d like to help with recycling in the comment box. Date: March 15th  Time:  8am Location:  http://daisy.austinrunners.org/daisy2008coursemap.pdf (East Austin - 78702)Vol Registration:  http://daisy.austinrunners.org/ARCDaisyVolunteer.html 

Butterfly Garden Workday03/15/2008 Please join the Austin Butterfly Forum from 9 am - noon to help make sure the Blachly Butterfly Trail at Zilker Botanical Garden Center will be in prime shape for spring butterflies and for the Zilker Garden Festival (http://www.zilkergarden.org/) . After some hands-on work in the flower beds,there will have a short Butterfly Walk at noon to practice butterfly and caterpillar identification skills in the garden. Date: March 15th  Time:  9am-noonLocation:  Zilker Botanical Garden, 2220 Barton Springs Rd (Central Austin – 78746)For more information see: http://www.austinbutterflies.org/calendar 

Brodie Wild Workday03/15/2008 Come help keep Brodie looking wild, natural, and clean too! The Native Plant Society is continuing to restore the native savanna--hopefully this recent rain event will trigger some spring growth and flowers.Volunteers will be moving brush piles closer to the street, so that the City can come haul away some of the stuff that has been cut down lately. The grass can be tall and lush and there aren't many trails, so wear long pants and sturdy shoes. There is a seasonal creek area, so rubber boots are not a bad idea.  Bring your own work gloves and tools like loppers and pruners. Drinks and snacks will be provided. Park in one of the plazas around the corner and take the cross walk to Brodie Wild.Date: March 15th  Time:  9am-11amLocation:  Brodie Wild, SW corner of Slaughter Lane and Brodie Lane (S Austin – 78745)Contact: kirstiharms@att.net or 512-296-9160More Info: http://brodiewild.org/ 

Weed Beds/Cleanup Neighborhood Green03/16/2008 Bruning Green is a neighbor-maintained green space that was established in 2001 and has been developed into a beautiful little public space with a butterfly bed, path, stone seating walls, and bench. It is very precious to the neighborhood and needs regular maintenance to keep it in top condition.  Please bring work gloves, a pitchfork if you have one, and bottled water for yourself. Contact keeper@northfieldna.org to sign up for one of the work days Date: March 16th   Time:  4pm-5pmLocation:  Bruning Green @ 52nd, Evans, and Bruning Avenue (N. Central Austin - 78751)Parking:  along neighborhood streets, please be courteous of neighbors and do not block drivewaysContact:  keeper@northfieldna.org to volunteerNote:  Please bring work gloves, a pitchfork if you have one, and bottled water for yourself. 

Red Bud Isle Maintenance Workday03/22/2008CANCELLED DUE TO LOW RSVPs  Please join us at Red Bud Isle Park, Austin’s only island dog park!  Our workdays are dog and kid friendly.  Activities will include the following: 

• Installation of small lost and found basket (on kiosk)
• Installation of small dog ball/toy box (on kiosk)
• Trash and poop pickup
• Removal of cane root
• Clipping honeysuckle vine

 Date: Saturday, March 22nd; Time:  9am – 12pmLocation: 3401 Red Bud TrailParking:  Fees, residential area, limited parking spaces…Contact: berna@austin.rr.com 

“Beautification is Education!”:  Bamboo Logic Offers Free Workshop at Town Lake Bamboo Grove Shooting season is about to begin for “Golden Bamboo”--the invasive giant grass which has plagued many Central Texas homeowners.  Bamboo Logic offers its free monthly workshop on Saturday, March 22, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at the Town Lake Bamboo Grove (east side of Barton Creek, near the bridge).  Learn how to contain running bamboo to prevent its spread, how to prune bamboo for optimal health, and how to build a bamboo fence.  Participants will also be introduced to the non-invasive “clumping” species of bamboo, many of which thrive in Central Texas.  Meet and greet old and new friends, while beautifying the Town Lake Hike & Bike Trail, and learning about bamboo! There is ample parking along Toomey Road.  The first 10 participants to register (www.bamboo-logic.net) receive a free t-shirt or cookbook.  Handouts, snacks, and water provided.   This free event is open to the public.  For more information and details contact Jinji Willingham at bamboologic@mac.com, 350-8505 or visit www.bamboo-logic.com.  For directions to Toomey Road visit www.casadeluz.org. 

Dig-In03/29/08Join the Green Corn Project (www.greencornproject.org) during the 2008 Spring Dig-In!  Volunteers will build organic vegetable gardens for families, at schools, and in community centers all over town. Dig-In dates this season, March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 29th, and 30th. Volunteers are also needed who are interested in the following opportunities to get more involved with GCP and ensure success in bringing healthy, affordable to food to folks in Austin!*Become a Dig-In Leader (see training requirements below)*Mentor a new gardener (no experience necessary; approximately 4 hrs/month)*Deliver compost, seeds, and starts to garden sites before the Dig-ins (owning a truck is very helpful!)*Help put together garden packets on the Wednesdays before the Dig-insPlease email greencornproject@usa.net with the following information:*Your full name, address, phone number, and preferred email*What opportunities you are interested in*What SPECIFIC dates you are available Dates: March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 29th, and 30th.Time:  9am-2pmContact:  greencornproject@usa.net 

Ecological Literacy Workday03/29/2008 Combining volunteer work with learning about local ecology, the Ecological Literacy Day at Hornsby Bend begins with several hours of outdoor work - ranging from trail maintenance to habitat restoration to work in the native plant nursery - and ends with at least an hour of learning about local ecology - birds, bugs, and more! Wear boots and work clothing, and be sure to bring your binoculars. When:  Saturday, March 29th   9am-1pmWhere:  Hornsby Bend, 2210 South FM 973 (SE Austin – 78725)Contact:  Kevin Anderson at Kevin.Anderson@ci.austin.tx.us or 512-972-1960 

Slaughter Creek Trail Building03/29/2008 Hosted by the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club (This Event Is Eligible For Pay Dirt Hours).  The proposed target date for completing and opening the Slaughter Creek Trail is March /April 2008, so come on out and lend a hand.   Date: Saturday, March 29th      Time:  9am-1:00pmLocation:  9901 Camp Ben McCullough Rd. (aka: FM1826) at Slaughter Creek, (SW Austin-78737) What to Bring: sturdy shoes or boots, sun block, bug repellent, work gloves, eye protection, WATER, & food (i.e., energy bars and/or sandwich).  Directions:

• From Austin, go to the Y in Oak Hill.  Continue west on Hwy 290 and turn left onto  Camp Ben McCullough Rd./FM1826 (third traffic light after the Y). Drive approximately 2 miles, cross the low water bridge over Slaughter Creek and the property/gate entrance will be on your left.  Drive up the driveway to the parking lot.
• From Circle C and other areas in South Austin, take Slaughter Lane to Camp Ben McCullough Rd./FM1826. Turn left on Camp Ben/1826. Drive approximately 1 mile. Cross the low water bridge over Slaughter Creek and the property/gate entrance will be on your left.  Drive up the driveway to the parking lot.

Contact: Britt Jones at bikejones2426@yahoo.com or call 512-423-0889

Dig-In03/30/08Join the Green Corn Project (www.greencornproject.org) during the 2008 Spring Dig-In!  Volunteers will build organic vegetable gardens for families, at schools, and in community centers all over town. Dig-In dates this season, March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 29th, and 30th. Volunteers are also needed who are interested in the following opportunities to get more involved with GCP and ensure success in bringing healthy, affordable to food to folks in Austin!*Become a Dig-In Leader (see training requirements below)*Mentor a new gardener (no experience necessary; approximately 4 hrs/month)*Deliver compost, seeds, and starts to garden sites before the Dig-ins (owning a truck is very helpful!)*Help put together garden packets on the Wednesdays before the Dig-insPlease email greencornproject@usa.net with the following information:*Your full name, address, phone number, and preferred email*What opportunities you are interested in*What SPECIFIC dates you are available Dates: March 1st, 2nd, 8th, 29th, and 30th.Time:  9am-2pmContact:  greencornproject@usa.net 

Slaughter Creek Trail Building03/30/2008 Hosted by the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club (This Event Is Eligible For Pay Dirt Hours).  The proposed target date for completing and opening the Slaughter Creek Trail is March /April 2008, so come on out and lend a hand.   Date: Sunday, March 30th       Time:  9am-1:00pmLocation:  9901 Camp Ben McCullough Rd. (aka: FM1826) at Slaughter Creek, (SW Austin-78737) What to Bring: sturdy shoes or boots, sun block, bug repellent, work gloves, eye protection, WATER, & food (i.e., energy bars and/or sandwich).  Directions:

• From Austin, go to the Y in Oak Hill.  Continue west on Hwy 290 and turn left onto  Camp Ben McCullough Rd./FM1826 (third traffic light after the Y). Drive approximately 2 miles, cross the low water bridge over Slaughter Creek and the property/gate entrance will be on your left.  Drive up the driveway to the parking lot.
• From Circle C and other areas in South Austin, take Slaughter Lane to Camp Ben McCullough Rd./FM1826. Turn left on Camp Ben/1826. Drive approximately 1 mile. Cross the low water bridge over Slaughter Creek and the property/gate entrance will be on your left.  Drive up the driveway to the parking lot.

Contact: Britt Jones at bikejones2426@yahoo.com or call 512-423-0889

Sow Native Grasses 03/30/2008 Sow native grass seeds in some areas that were disturbed when juniper were removed this winter. For more information and/or to volunteer contact daniel.dietz@ci.austin.tx.us or call 263-6443. Date: Sunday, March 30th Time:  9:30am-12:30pmLocation:  Edwards crossing tract, just west of Shady Hollow.  Directions will be sent upon registration. Contact: daniel.dietz@ci.austin.tx.us or call 263-6443. 

RESTORE East Slaughter Lane 03/30/2008 Emmaus Austin with Keep Austin Beautiful is sponsoring another East Slaughter Lane Clean Up.  To see pictures and learn more about our last even go to http://emmausaustin.com/Emmaus_Austin/News_and_Photos/Entries/2008/2/17_restore%3A_slaughter_lane.html Emmaus Austin would like to team up with the citizens of South Austin to help make our corner of the City a more beautiful are to live in and be proud of.  Volunteers will be spending 3 hours on Sunday the 30th picking up the trash that haunts East Slaughter Lane, please join us, our city needs our care! Date: Sunday, March 30th Time:  9:30am-12:30pmLocation:  At the corner of East Slaughter and Narrow Glen - East of I-35Parking:  You can park inside the Crossing at Onion Creek Subdivision.Contact:  Matthew Hansen email at Mdh1199@gmail.com or you can call him at512.652.8793Note:  Emmaus Austin needs your help in Making South Austin a More beautiful place to live!  And don't forget to bring gloves if you have them! 

New Plantings/Mulch Beds Neighborhood Green03/30/2008 Bruning Green is a neighbor-maintained green space that was established in 2001 and has been developed into a beautiful little public space with a butterfly bed, path, stone seating walls, and bench. It is very precious to the neighborhood and needs regular maintenance to keep it in top condition.  Please bring work gloves, a pitchfork if you have one, and bottled water for yourself. Contact keeper@northfieldna.org to sign up for one of the work days Date: March 30th Time:  4pm-5pmLocation:  Bruning Green @ 52nd, Evans, and Bruning Avenue (N. Central Austin - 78751)Parking:  along neighborhood streets, please be courteous of neighbors and do not block drivewaysContact:  keeper@northfieldna.org to volunteerNote:  Please bring work gloves, a pitchfork if you have one, and bottled water for yourself. 

CLEAN SWEEP -  04/05/2008 Join KAB and thousands of volunteers for our BIGGEST event of the year!  Organize your own cleanup or join an existing one and then come together for a huge volunteer party. Last year more than 25 TONS of trash was removed from public spaces in just 2 hours! Date: April 5th  Times:  Cleanups (all over town):9AM-11AM/Volunteer Party (Waterloo Park): 11:30am-2:00pm  More Info:  www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/clean_sweep 

Wild Basin Workday04/12/2008 Like to get dirty, work hard, and have fun? Then join us for trail maintenance, invasive plant removal, revegetation, erosion control, and other land management projects on the second Saturday of each month.  Date: 2nd Saturday of every month, April 12th   Time:  8:30am-12:00pmLocation:  Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, 805 N. Capitol of TX Hwy (West Austin-78746)  Contact:  For more details, email hike@wildbasin.org or call 512-327-7622, ext 17.Note: Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes and long pants with a long-sleeved shirt; bring bottled water and gloves, plus a day/fanny pack to carry personal items. You need your hands free! Dress for the weather: hat & sunscreen for solar protection; raincoat/light jacket if it's chilly or raining lightly. We don't go out in thunderstorm conditions.Website: www.wildbasin.org  

It’s My Park Day!04/12/2008 Join the Austin Parks Foundation for “It’s My Park Day!” on April 12th.  Individuals and community groups lead projects in Austin’s parks ranging from general cleanups and repairs to trail building and playground installation.  Learn more at: www.austinparks.org/itsmypark.html  Date: Saturday, April 12th    Time:  varies by projectLocation:  All over AustinGeneral Info: www.austinparks.org/itsmypark.htmlRegistration:  http://salsa.democracyinaction.org/o/1205/t/3511/event/distributedEventSearch.jsp?distributed_event_KEY=380  

Green your Home or Business while Supporting Small Middle SchoolWhat: Small Middle School Plant Sale - featuring the most student raised plants the school has ever offered. The emphasis is on native plants but they will also have some non-natives that are well suited to Austin's climate. A limited amount of Big tooth maples, as well as other trees, perennials, shrubs, grasses, and cacti available.  Where: Small Middle School - in front of the schoolWhen: Saturday, April 9th, 9am-1pmSmall Middle School Students are active gardeners with native plant beds now surrounding the school. Each year students raise plants for a spring plant sale. The proceeds will go toward the construction of the campus greenhouse, which they finally have a building permit for. The greenhouse is dedicated to Margaret Bamberger with the mission to study, propagate, and distribute native plants in their community.