“Springtime in the Texas Edgelands” presented by Christopher Brown
A presentation based on the author’s 2024 literary nonfiction book about urban nature, rewilding, and biodiversity.
“Birding the Unexpected Places” presented by Jennifer Bristol
Cemeteries were the first parks in the United States. Since that time, they have gone through a myriad of changes- some good, some not so good- to become the space we know today. While researching cemeteries in Texas for my book, Cemetery Birding: An Unexpected Guide to Discovering Birds in Texas, I was careful to select locations that had the perfect nexus of habitat and history. Once spaces sought out by naturalists for native plants, cemeteries are now often over mowed and sometimes sprayed for insects. Let’s discuss how we can improve these natural spaces for birds, insects and native plants.
“Constellation of Living Memorials” presented by Julie Fineman, Corrin Breeding, Matthew Orwatt, and Monica Newberry
Quoted from Jonathan Garcia, 2025 Class President, Barack Obama Male Leadership Academy, ” I understand that CLM aims to: Revitalize neglected cemeteries to improve community well-being and the local environment. Engage diverse stakeholders including artists, scientists, educators, and community members in a collaborative, interdisciplinary approach. Leverage partnerships with organizations such as Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, the 4-H program, and other youth initiatives to drive sustainable, long-term impact.”
“Introducing the New Native Plant Primer – 225 Plants for an Earth-Friendly Garden” presented Andrea DeLong-Amaya
Introduction of a new book on gardening with Texas native plants.
Student Research Studies: "Quantifying Carbon Dynamics of Adaptive Multi-Paddock Grazing Across Spatial and Temporal Scales in Northern Texas” presented Chali Simpson
This study examines the impact of Adaptive Multi-Paddock (AMP) grazing on soil carbon dynamics by comparing annual soil carbon budgets of two AMP and CG ranch pairs under similar climate and soil conditions. We hypothesize that AMP systems enhance soil carbon storage, reinforcing their role as grassland carbon sinks.
Using a soil carbon budget model, we track key carbon inputs (aboveground biomass, fine root mortality, manure deposition) and carbon losses (microbial respiration, livestock consumption). Monthly measurements (May 2022-May 2023), isotope sampling, and continuous weather data provide insights into environmental drivers of carbon fluxes.
Preliminary findings suggest AMP retains more soil carbon than CG, particularly during drought years, but high spatial variability and potential underestimation of microbial contributions highlight the need for long-term monitoring. To improve accuracy, we are integrating eddy covariance measurements and the TIMBCA model to assess ecosystem-scale carbon fluxes and internal plant carbon allocation.
“Pollinators of Texas” presented by Wizzie Brown
Learn how to identify common pollinators found in Texas from bees and butterflies to beetles and flies.
