New Texas Activity Report
for 30th May 2014

In attendance: Scott Cohen, Katie Flinn, David Ross, Mike Waltz, Bob Gray.

Location: Texas Serpentine Barrens Area M, and small grassland leading to Area M. 

Accomplishments: Weather was very favorable - a bit cloudy and damp in the morning from the previous night’s rain, with temperatures in the low 60’s at the start. The sun appeared by noon. We started at 9:00 and ended at 14:00.

We started by inspecting the area for birds nests and the rough green snake.  Mike Waltz spotted one birds nest in a over-hanging cedar - so that tree was avoided. We cut green briar, invasive Red Maple, Red Cedar, Virginia Pine and other brush with loppers and brush cutters, using the weed wrench where pulling was possible. Mike Waltz cut cedar and pines that were overhanging the grasslands.The trees and brush were dragged into several selected wooded areas outside of the prime serpentine grassland area. 

Consistent with management recommendations for other barrens preserves, Mike also girdled several Virginia Pines on the perimeter of the grasslands to create dead snags as roosting spots for raptors and habitat for woodpeckers. A few Highbush Blueberry were preserved in the grasslands as a food source for birds. Katie Flinn discovered a Deerberry (Vaccinium) in bloom, which was also preserved. Numerous spring wildflowers were in evidence including Bluets, Chickweeds and Stargrass. 

Scott Cohen and Mike Waltz

Before

After

Total person time worked: 22 person-hours

Issues: none.

Reporter: Bob Gray