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.

Transforming My Property into a Modern Prairie

by Eric Neubauer

Thanks to google maps updating the satellite view in my neighborhood, I have a recent look at the part of my property that is turning into a three-acre modern prairie with little help from me except for pulling up Johnson Grass.

As you can see, I’ve been wandering all over the place during the last year pulling the damned stuff except for the upper right, where I suspect there was a large rattler about a month ago. I’d also done little in the lower left until recently but have begun expanding and deepening an area prone to flooding. The property is generally flat, and there is a drainage swale running across the northeast corner. The runoff from an eight-acre hay field comes in from the southwest along several terraces.

After a dry spell, about the first 2″ of rain disappears into the Blackland cracks. So, there is little runoff except in winter and early spring, and flooding is rare; it can even skip a year. When they form, vernal ponds last a week to two weeks and make the frogs, toads, and plains crayfish very happy.

I believe the multiple paths have been a plus for wildlife. During the last year I’ve seen the return of jackrabbits, at least three does dropped their fawns in my yard, and at least the pairs of dickcissels have nested. Several other species of birds have brought their fledglings in for foraging. Recently a bobcat has been around at night, although I’ve never gotten a good look at it. Pretty good for a place with no permanent surface water.

Did I mention how many wolf spiders I host?