Garden at Casa Marianella!06/08/2008 Casa Marianella is an emergency shelter in East Austin and volunteers are putting in a small garden in our lawn so guests will have fresh organic produce. Volunteers are needed to prepare the beds and plant some transplants.Date: June 8th   Time:  8am-noonLocation:  828 Gunter Street (East Austin -78702)Parking:  along neighborhood streets, please be courteous of neighbors and do not block drivewaysContact:  Jenn Svetlik at jennifer.svetlik@gmail.com to volunteerNote:  Bring gloves and a waterbottle 

Weed Beds/Prune Plants Neighborhood Green06/08/2008 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: June 8th   Time:  9am-10amLocation:  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. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Slaughter Creek Trail06/14/2008  Join the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club for a rewarding workday on the Slaughter Creek Trail.  Volunteers are currently working on re-routing a portion of the trail.  This re-route is approximately 500+ yards in length and we have about 100 yards of it completed.  The sooner it’s complete, the sooner the trail can open to the public. Date: June 14th Time:  8am-noonLocation:  9901 Camp Ben McCullough Rd. (aka: FM1826) at Slaughter CreekDirections:

• 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 512-423-0889Notes:  Bring: sturdy shoes or boots, sun block, bug repellent, work gloves, eye protection, WATER, & food (i.e., energy bars and/or sandwich).  In the case of rain, please attend the next scheduled trail work day. 

Garden at Maplewood Elementary06/14/2008 & 06/15/2008 Join gardening volunteers to help spruce up Maplewood Elementary School’s garden after the storm and to plant a habitat garden!  Projects will include cleaning up the garden beds, watering, and planting native and adapted plants. Please rsvp. Date: June 14th & June 15th Time:  9am-11amLocation:  Maplewood Elementary School, 3808 Maplewood Ave (Central E Austin – 78722)Contact:  If you are interested, please contact Karen at KLS572000@yahoo.com  

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve06/14/2008  The second Saturday of every month is Trail Maintenance at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. Volunteer work starts promptly at 9am with a brief orientation and safety talk, before breaking up into teams and go out to work on the trails.  Many of the volunteers are master naturalists or have been working at the preserve for years, so this is a great opportunity to pick up some fun factoids about Central TX ecology. Date: June 14th Time:  9am-noonLocation:  805 N. Capitol of Texas Hwy. (West Austin – 78746)More Information: www.wildbasin.org 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Garden at Maplewood Elementary06/14/2008 & 06/15/2008 Join gardening volunteers to help spruce up Maplewood Elementary School’s garden after the storm and to plant a habitat garden!  Projects will include cleaning up the garden beds, watering, and planting native and adapted plants. Please rsvp. Date: June 14th & June 15th Time:  9am-11amLocation:  Maplewood Elementary School, 3808 Maplewood Ave (Central E Austin – 78722)Contact:  If you are interested, please contact Karen at KLS572000@yahoo.com  

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Slaughter Creek Trail06/21/2008  Join the Austin Ridge Riders Mountain Bike Club for a rewarding workday on the Slaughter Creek Trail.  Volunteers are currently working on re-routing a portion of the trail.  This re-route is approximately 500+ yards in length and we have about 100 yards of it completed.  The sooner it’s complete, the sooner the trail can open to the public. Date: June 21st Time:  8am-noonLocation:  9901 Camp Ben McCullough Rd. (aka: FM1826) at Slaughter CreekDirections:

• 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 512-423-0889Notes:  Bring: sturdy shoes or boots, sun block, bug repellent, work gloves, eye protection, WATER, & food (i.e., energy bars and/or sandwich).  In the case of rain, please attend the next scheduled trail work day. 

Invasives Removal – Stennis Tract06/21/2008  Volunteers and staff will remove invasive woody plants from the riparian corridor at the city’s Stennis Tract.  Work will begin close to where Bull Creek crosses exits the tract.  Volunteers will use weed wrenches and hand tools to pull up invasives, including their roots.  Some of the target species include ligustrums, nandina and photinia. City staff will help identify invasives as necessary.   The Goal is to reduce the amount of woody invasives in the riparian area before it becomes inundated and invasives start to spread into the surrounding landscape.  At the moment, the infestation is still manageable.  Project requires participants to be able to transverse rough terrain, carry heavy and sharp tools.  Under 18 must be accompanied by parent or guardian.  Date: June 21st Time:  8:30am-12pmLocation:  Participants will park in the Stennis trail parking area (NW Austin near Spicewood Springs and 360).  Work will begin near this location.  Directions will be sent upon registeringContact:  Daniel.Dietz@ci.austin.tx.us or 512-263-6443  Notes:  Volunteers should bring a water bottle that can be refilled and carried and a snack. Gloves and tools will be provided.  If you have a weed wrench you can bring, please inform city staff.  

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Barton Creek Greenbelt – Spyglass Entrance06/22/2008 The Austin Eco Police are sponsoring a Clean Creek Cleanup along the Barton Creek Greenbelt from Campbell’s Hole to Spyglass entrance (one mile upstream).  The Barton Creek Greenbelt is the granddaddy of all hiking trails and is conveniently located within the Austin City Limits.  It is very precious to the neighborhood and needs regular maintenance in order to keep it environmentally safe and in top condition.  Volunteers are needed to help beautify this area by removing trash, glass and miscellaneous debris. Date: June 22nd Time:  10:00am-12:30pmLocation:  Spyglass Greenbelt Entrance (intersection of Barton Skyway and Spyglass Dr.) right across the street from Taco Deli (1500 Spyglass Dr. Austin, TX 78746)Parking: Along neighborhood streets; however, please be courteous of our neighbors and do not block their drivewaysContact:  Please feel free to call (512) 507-2255 and ask for Naomi in order to get more information or to volunteer.  Also, she can be reached via email me at nikieast@gmail.com.Notes:  Please bring gloves and plenty of bottled water 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Maintain Recycling Bins06/24/2008 Each year Keep Austin Beautiful helps divert TONS of recyclables from the landfill through our event recycling program where event organizers can check out recycling bins for FREE.  More information at: www.keepaustinbeautiful.org/recycle  After a lot of use during the busy spring season the bins can use a bit of tlc.  Help us for an hour as we wash, repaint, and hang new signage on our recycling bins.Date: Tuesday, June 24th  Time:  6:00pm-7:00pmLocation:  near Lamar and Oltorf, Central Austin – 78704 (more details sent upon registration)Volunteer Registration:  Jessica@KeepAustinBeautiful.org  

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Friends of Eilers Park WorkdayJune 28, 2008 Friends of Eilers Park and Austin Parks and Recreation will spend two hours weeding and mulching the new plants on Saturday June 28 from7:30- 9:30.  The newly installed plants have taken hold- now to keep them going through this HOT summer.  Come and lend a hand if you can! Date: Saturday, June 28th   Time:  7:30am-9:30amLocation:  Eilers Park, 400 Deep Eddy Ave (Central Austin – 78703)Contact/Vol Registration:  info@friendsofeilerspark.org More Information: www.friendsofeilerspark.org 

Ecological Literacy Workday06/28/2008     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, June 28th   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 

Colorado River CleanupJune 28, 2008 Join volunteers from Texas NORML for a cleanup of the Colorado River! Date: Saturday, June 28th   Time:  11:00am-3:00pmLocation:  Levander Loop, (link to map at www.texasnorml.org)Contact/Vol Registration:  Brad@TexasNORML.orgParking: plenty of free parking (careful near the entrance road is rough) 

Recycle at Keep Austin Weird 5KJune 28, 2008 The Keep Austin Weird 5K delivered by H-E-B & AT&T is Austin’s favorite running event.  On June 28th, we celebrate all the things that make Austin great with a 5K run/walk/jog, music on Auditorium Shores and great local businesses like Amy’s Ice Cream, Mangia Pizza, Zen, Texadelphia, Toot Sweet Cupcakes and more!  This year, event organizers want to step up their commitment to keeping Austin green through recycling plastic at the event.  Volunteers are needed to help with this effort!  Date: Saturday, June 28th   Time:  3pm-10pm (volunteers may sign up for a shorter shift)Location:  Auditorium Shores – downtown Austin, TXParking:  One Texas Center, Palmer Garage and along the streetsContact/Vol Registration:  brendajkolas@yahoo.com; ader320@gmail.com Note:  Volunteers get a 2008 Keep Austin Weird Crew T-shirt and a wristband into the festival! 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Nominate a TreeNow till June 30th   Wanted: Tree of the Year nominationsIt’s time to send in your pick for “Tree of the Year 2008.” Nominations are due June 30th.   Each year, one large and one small tree within the Austin city limits will be recognized. Look for trees that are native, healthy and beautiful.  A nomination form may be found at www.cityofaustin.org/treeoftheyear. A form may also be picked up at local plant nurseries or the Zilker Garden Center. The winners will be chosen by a committee that includes representatives from Austin Energy, Parks and Recreation, Watershed Protection and Development Review, the University of Texas and the community. More information: Check the Web site or call (512) 505-3726. 

Red Bud Isle Workday07/06/2008     Friends of Red Bud Isle are going to have a short workday on Sunday, July 6th from 8-11am. Volunteers will be filling 100 sandbags in preparation for the stairway project that will begin the following day.  The work will be done on the far point of the island next to the eroded shoreline. This is not back breaking work, unless you’re assigned to stacking the filled sandbags, but provided everyone behaves properly one of the leaders will do the stacking.  This is just staging work; we will not be building a sandbag wall.  All ages are welcome.   When:  Sunday, July 6th 8am-11amWhere:  Red Bud Isle, 3401 Red Bud Trail (Central Austin – 78746)Contact:  berna@austin.rr.com  

YardWise Workshop, AustinTuesday, July 8 9:00 a.m. – NoonLadyBirdJohnsonWildflowerCenter4801 La Crosse Ave.Austin, TX78739 Agenda  9:00 a.m.        Welcome / Introductions                                         Alan Watts - TCEQ 9:10                YardWise: a Resource for You                              Alan Watts - TCEQ 9:30                Planning & Planting:  Native Species Options  Andrea DeLong-Amaya                                                                                                            LBJ Wildflower Center 10: 10             Wildflower Center Tour                                           Deryn Davidson                                                                                                            LBJ Wildflower Center 10:30              Building and Maintaining Soil Health                 Susan Decker                                                                                                            Travis Co. Master Gardeners 11:10              Problem-Solving: Integrated Pest Management              John Gleason                                                                                                              City of Austin – Grow Green 11:50              Wrap-Up 12:00              Adjourn  Directions to the LadyBirdJohnsonWildflowerCenter:Take  MoPac Expressway (Loop TX-1) south.  Turn left at the first stop sign past Slaughter Ln. -  La Crosse Ave. –  look for entrance on the right.