August 13, 2009 Meeting Minutes of the Williamson County Chapter of NPSOT from MarilynPerz

Janet Church opened the meeting at 7:05pm with 64 members and visitors present.

Kathy Galloway reported that there is $7347.30 in the treasury and that some checks are outstanding and need to be cashed.

Janet let everyone know that she was sending around sign up sheets for the Second Saturday Market Day in Georgetown on September12 and the Wildflower Center Plant Sale on October 9,10, 11. She said that since we had donated $500 to help sponsor the Texas Plant Conservation Conference on September 16, 17, 18 at the Wildflower Center, we were given 25 free spaces. She was sending around a sign up sheet for those places also.

Flo Oxley, the Education Director at the Wildflower center who is organizing the conference, encouraged the NPSOT members to attend. She said that we are all stake holders and need to be represented in the decision making at the conference. She also stated that this conference would not be happening without the support of NPSOT and the Master Naturalists. The people on the ground in conservation need the help of volunteers from our groups. To get more information go to www.wildflower.org/tpcc/

Kathy McCormack spoke on the Field Trip agenda. She has added Bob Kamper and Vicky Husband to her Committee. She also encouraged everyone to check out the example of Nostock at the back of the room. Field Trips: Hill Country Natives Annual Open house on September 26 & 27, Perz Orchard on October 4, Husband Family Plant Sale on October 9 & 10, Fall Gault Site Survey on November 1, The Bamberger Ranch tour on November 11, and possibly a hike on Thanksgiving weekend.

Dennis Perz spoke on our Chapter’s latest involvement in water conservation education. Ben Trollinger, the editor of the Williamson County Sun, had requested an op-ed piece to which many members contributed. The article is printed in the Grapevine along with a letter from Christine Powell and Drought Monitor maps and web sites from Kathy McCormack. Dennis will continue to educate himself on this issue by talking to local officials. He stated the Williamson County has the second highest per capita water consumption in the State and that the City and County need to work together on educating the public. Dale McQuinn spoke up about his work on a template to educate his HOA on landscape and water usage. Dennis also stated that NPSOT and the Master Gardeners were included in the County’s Roadside Maintenance plan because our groups are seen as credible consultants. Dennis will keep in touch with all of these projects and report back.

Janet greeted and welcomed all of the many visitors.

Billye Adams introduced her Program Committee: George Ohlendorf, Susan Waitz, & Sue Wiseman. She then presented the speaker, Flo Oxley.