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Early 19th century Texas explorers described the Hill Country landscape as savannahs interrupted by groves of sparse timber with “real thickets” existing only in the “ravines of water courses.” Buffalo and bear were found near Town Creek in what is now downtown Kerrville, while the Pedernales river is described as “smart and clear.” By the 1860’s, much of the timber had been cut for human dwellings, and livestock had already begun to take a significant toll on the prairie grasses.
Fast forward to the late 20th century, and we find the balance of savannah and woodland landscapes trending towards more shrubby woodlands threatened by invasive species and unchecked populations of white-tail deer, exotic species, and livestock that place pressure on our botanical resources. Burgeoning human populations with increasing thirst for our water resources further aggravate the issue by destroying or fragmenting native habitats. Exceptional drought, wildfires, and tree diseases have created new stresses.
What will the future landscape of the Hill Country resemble? Mother Nature proves to be ever resilient in re-balancing our natural environment in ways that are not always initially evident to us and on time scales that humans cannot always appreciate. Fortunately, we are learning from past mistakes. Awareness and appreciation for our natural resources are increasing, and we are gaining new insights on becoming better stewards. Interest in conservation of water resources serves as a catalyst for using native plants in landscapes and for preserving native habitats. But will our efforts be effective, and will they come soon enough?
The changing landscape of the Hill Country will be theme of the 2012 Fall Symposium, which will be headquartered at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center in Kerrville on October 4 – 7.
Symposium 2012 will explore the history of the Edwards Plateau eco-region, highlight the factors that have influenced its transformation, and debate the issues that we face today in conserving our native plants and habitats. Speakers will share their research and best practices on how to positively influence the future evolution of the landscape, improve stewardship of our natural resources, and preserve unspoiled natural habitats in the Edwards Plateau. Field trips to diverse locales will showcase beautiful examples of endemic habitats and efforts to restore or preserve endangered areas.
Underwriting support is welcome! In an effort to attract more students and educators, scholarships will once again be offered to qualified applicants. You can support the attendance of educators and students and ensure the future of the Society and the vitality of our mission statement by making a small donation to support the symposium.
A Photo Contest featuring photos of native plants and landscapes will once again be a highlight this year. Go to the Symposium 2012 website for rules and the “How to Enter the Photo Contest” process, or for inquiries and questions contact Jim Latham . The Designing with Natives flower arrangement contest returns and will be bigger and better with even more entries. Check out the rules and entry procedure on the website, or contact Maggie Livings.
The proceeds from the Symposium 2012 Silent Auction will continue to go to the Kate Hillhouse Scholarship Fund. With a goal of exceeding $20,000 in the fund, a successful Silent Auction in 2012 should achieve that and allow the Society to begin offering scholarships in 2013.
Additionally, the Quilt Block Challenge will be repeated in 2012 and will provide another stunning hand-crafted quilt for raffle at the Symposium. The first time raffle of the quilt in 2011 was a great hit and provided a significant boost to our Silent Auction proceeds and a unique prize for the winner. Talented textile artists should get busy and submit their beautiful quilt blocks for review at our July Board meeting. The contest rules were previewed in the Spring issue of the member magazine, but for more information you may contact Tricia Hopkins at Tricia@quiltcat.net.
Book your accommodations now! If you have not booked your room reservation at the YO Ranch Hotel and Conference Center in Kerrville, you can do it now. There are many other events happening in the area on this weekend, so rooms at other hotels will be increasingly scarce. For information on the hotel go to www.yoresort.com. (Note that the hotel is not associated with the YO Exotic Game Ranch.) You can book accommodations online at the hotel or call 830.257.4440. Be sure to request the special room rate using Attendee Code “NPST1012.”
Find out more and keep up to date by visiting http://www.npsot.org/symposium2012/
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**ARCHIVED POST AUTHOR: lonnie