It’s Purple Martin Time… Are You Ready?

by Donna Lewis

Yes, it is already that time when our Purple Martin friends will start their migration from Brazil back to North America.  Yes, the early ones will still face freezing and other harsh weather events.

I wish I could ask them to wait a little longer, but instinct is urging them onward.  The scouts (who are not the youngest birds) hope to find the best housing first…

As of today,  1/30/2025, sightings have been called in for San Antonio, Austin, Houston, and a few more Texas sites. Central Texas does not have a certified sighting as yet. I hope that myself or our Landlord in Buckholtz will win that honor.  We’ll know soon. I am watching for them all day..

First of all, your houses (gourds, or apartments) should be cleaned, and with added pine-needles if you do that. I also added pine-needles to my Blue-bird houses.  The openings should be blocked off so no sparrows, other birds, or insects can get in them.  You need to check yourself. Do not open the housing until the first scouts land on the houses.  If you are looking for the Martins you will see or hear them.  Then open a few of the cavities, not all of them. I usually will pick four to open. 

You do not want the non-native birds (House Sparrows or Starlings) to get in the houses. These birds will kill the Martins for the nests. Trust me, it is not a pretty thing to see. I think keeping predators and non-native birds out is the hardest thing landlords have to deal with.

Right now my gourd rack is lowered and ready to open.  This coming week I will get the apartment house ready to raise up.

I have had back issues this past year, so I will have to have some help caring for my friends this year..  But I will help them out as long as I can. Their song is so addictive that most Landlords that love and care for these native birds will do it until the end of their life.  A gift from Mother Earth.  Their songs are like no other.

Here are some photos showing me stuffing the gourds with fresh pine-needles that will help keep the birds warm and give them a start on nest building that will come later.

We can expect to have Martins here with us for about six months, until they leave for their winter home in Brazil. again.

Birds can lift a sad spirit. No matter what the world is going through, every day they go about their business with joy and sing to us. How lovely.

Remember who you want to call to your home, and furnish what they need. They will come.

El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists Launch Community Seed Library

by Linda Burgess

[This article was submitted to the Cameron and Rockdale weekly newspapers.]

The El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists, in partnership with the Cameron Public Library and the Little River Basin Master Gardeners, are thrilled to announce the launch of a new and exciting initiative: the Community Seed Library. This innovative program, housed at the Cameron Public Library, is designed to inspire the community to embrace native gardening and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant local ecosystem.

The Community Seed Library offers a wide variety of seeds, all available for free to the public. Residents can pick up seeds and plant them in their own gardens, encouraging the growth of native plants specifically adapted to thrive in the local environment. By growing these plants, community members can enjoy numerous benefits, including:

● Supporting Native Pollinators: Native plants provide essential nectar and habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are critical to maintaining biodiversity.

● Improving the Ecosystem: Native vegetation helps create a balanced ecosystem, promoting healthy soil, clean air, and vibrant wildlife.

● Preventing Soil Erosion: The deep roots of many native plants help stabilize soil and reduce erosion, particularly in areas prone to heavy rain or wind.

● Beautifying the Landscape: Native plants create a stunning, natural aesthetic that reflects the unique beauty of our region.

The Community Seed Library is more than just a place to pick up seeds; it’s an opportunity to learn about the importance of native plants and how they benefit the environment. By participating in this program, residents can help create a greener, more sustainable future for Cameron and the surrounding areas.

“Linda Burgess, a Texas Master Naturalist, has been a driving force behind getting this project off the ground and ready to go. This project is a labor of love for our community,” said Carolyn Henderson, President of El Camino Real Master Naturalists. “We hope the Community Seed Library will inspire people to reconnect with nature and take an active role in preserving our local environment.”

The El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists are deeply grateful to the Cameron Public Library and the Little River Basin Master Gardeners for their support in bringing this project to life. Their shared vision and collaboration have made it possible to provide this valuable resource to the community.

The Community Seed Library is open during regular library hours. We encourage everyone—from seasoned gardeners to those planting for the first time—to stop by, pick up some seeds, and start growing!

El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists Launch Community Seed Library

The El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists, in partnership with the Cameron Public Library and the Little River Basin Master Gardeners, are thrilled to announce the launch of a new and exciting initiative: the Community Seed Library. This innovative program, housed at the Cameron Public Library, is designed to inspire the community to embrace native gardening and contribute to a healthier, more vibrant local ecosystem.

The Community Seed Library offers a wide variety of seeds, all available for free to the public. Residents can pick up seeds and plant them in their own gardens, encouraging the growth of native plants specifically adapted to thrive in the local environment. By growing these plants, community members can enjoy numerous benefits, including:

● Supporting Native Pollinators: Native plants provide essential nectar and habitat for pollinators such as bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, which are critical to maintaining biodiversity.

● Improving the Ecosystem: Native vegetation helps create a balanced ecosystem, promoting healthy soil, clean air, and vibrant wildlife.

● Preventing Soil Erosion: The deep roots of many native plants help stabilize soil and reduce erosion, particularly in areas prone to heavy rain or wind.

● Beautifying the Landscape: Native plants create a stunning, natural aesthetic that reflects the unique beauty of our region.

The Community Seed Library is more than just a place to pick up seeds; it’s an opportunity to learn about the importance of native plants and how they benefit the environment. By participating in this program, residents can help create a greener, more sustainable future for Cameron and the surrounding areas.

“Linda Burgess, a Texas Master Naturalist, has been a driving force behind getting this project off the ground and ready to go. This project is a labor of love for our community,” said Carolyn Henderson, President of El Camino Real Master Naturalists. “We hope the Community Seed Library will inspire people to reconnect with nature and take an active role in preserving our local environment.”

The El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists are deeply grateful to the Cameron Public Library and the Little River Basin Master Gardeners for their support in bringing this project to life. Their shared vision and collaboration have made it possible to provide this valuable resource to the community.

The Community Seed Library is open during regular library hours. We encourage everyone—from seasoned gardeners to those planting for the first time—to stop by, pick up some seeds, and start growing!

For more information about the Community Seed Library or to learn how you can get involved, visit the Cameron Public Library or contact the El Camino Real Texas Master Naturalists at elcaminorealmasternaturalist@gmail.com. Together, we can cultivate a healthier environment and a stronger community, one seed at a time.

A Sunny Day for Wildscape Work

by Catherine Johnson

We were surprised by the sunny and pleasant weather as we cleaned some bird, bee, and butterfly water features at the ECRMN Wildscape.

Fire ants were eliminated and delicate plants protected from the upcoming hard freeze. Next chores will include cleaning the frog pond and cutting back grasses. 

Final Seed Collection for This Winter

by Catherine Johnson

Linda, Carolyn, Debra, Catherine, Rosie, and Master Gardener Monica attended the last seed collection of the season for the Little Free Seed Library.

Chilly seed collectors. Photo by Rosie Johnson.

Natives that beat the freeze include Yarrow, Evergreen Sumac, Skeleton Leaf Goldeneye, Nolina, Agave, and Wax Myrtle. Asters and Coneflowers were greening up again.

Wildscape friend Rosie, expanded a 30-foot Bluebonnet strip.

Now that it’s winter, our Mason bees can be viewed walled in their houses.

Meanwhile, we are continuing to make preparations for upcoming Wildscape programs.

Come visit the garden and see what Winter interest YOU can find.

January’s First Friday at the Rockdale Library

Members of our chapter participated in another successful First Friday at the Rockdale Library. Congratulations to our coordinator Debbi Harris and all who participated. There was a great turnout, and the refreshments were enjoyed by all.