Nature Along the El Camino Real
Blog of the El Camino Real Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists, Milam County, Texas
by Linda Burgess
WOW! On Tuesday afternoon, 17 volunteers working together (Master Naturalists and Master Gardeners) enjoyed our united project and friendship as we packaged seeds for the Seed Library (located in the Cameron Public Library).
I know it’s been cold, but this next week’s weather will get us excited as we plan for Spring planting.
We have free seeds available to the public at the library, and also don’t forget about the Master Gardeners’ Plant sale coming up on Saturday, March 1st.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Nature Along the El Camino Real 