Williamson County Native Plant Society meeting minutes on February 11, 2009 from Marilyn Perz

Janet Church began the meeting at 7:12pm by greeting and welcoming all the members and guests. The guests introduced themselves and there were 58 people present.

Kathy Galloway reported that there was $9177.10 in the treasury.

Janet asked that you please take time to volunteer and sign up for the March 14 Market Day Plant Sale. The Wildflower Plant Sale will be the 10, 11, and 12 of April. Since Sunday April 12 is Easter, the sale will not open until 1:00pm that day. There are sign up sheets at the rear of the room. Janet reminded everyone that we usually make $3000 through these plant sales and this money allows us to donate to and support such projects as the Bamberger Ranch and the library books.

Billye Adams who had organized the library book donation project reported that all of the books had been delivered in December. There had been 13 books on the list and each library had been surveyed to see if they had or needed the listed books. Originally, the budget had been set at $500 but with each group of 13 books costing about $70, the cost had risen to $750.11. Many of the libraries had sent thank you letters. Leander reported that all of the books had been checked out the very next day after they had been set out. Billye asked for a volunteer to pass this job on to in the spring. Susan Waitz volunteered to take over the lead on this project. Janet Church will also stay on the group. Sue Wiseman suggested adding “The Remarkable Plants of Texas” by Matt Turner to the new list. Billye showed the sheets of bookplates that are affixed to each donated book. They had our Williamson County winecup logo and group identification. Billye had an extra copy of “100 Wildflowers of Texas” and it was suggested that it be donated to library at Pickett Elementary. Christine Davis and Marie Camp were present from the school to gladly accept the book.

Agnes Plutino spoke about posting information on the web site. She will group the information and try to keep it updated.

Kathy McCormack reminded everyone of the field trip to Bob and Lynn Pool’s property on February 28 from 2-4pm. Directions will be in the newsletter and on the web site. On March 21 there will be a rugged walk at the Balcones from 1-4pm, on April 18 there will be a trip to Enchanted Rock with Lance Alred. This will be early morning with a 9:00 start (Allow 1 ½ hours to get there from Georgetown). On Saturday May 2 from 8:30-1130am there will be the Spring Plant survey at the Gault site (this time we will see the excavations). On Saturday July18 there will be an Introduction to Botany class with Steve Bostwick held at the REI Community Room.

Janet needs a vote to give more books to area libraries but fist a list must be developed and then a budget can be provided. The Committee will ask for funds at a later meeting.

Agnes spoke about working with the Master Gardeners and students at Pickett Elementary. She said that the Principle was so impressed with the work that she would like all the remaining Asian Jasmine removed and replaced with gardens. Marie Camp a resource teacher at Pickett has received a grant to create a Pioneer Garden on the site. She was presented with a “Remarkable Plants of Texas” book.

Agnes also reminded volunteers about the Sun City Non Profit Fair on Friday February 20 from 10-2 and Earth Day at the Georgetown Library on Saturday April 18 from 10-2.

Billye Adams introduced Matt Turner, the speaker for the evening.