The details of the events are posted on Meetup. If you would like to join an event as a non-member, please contact us to RSVP and get details.
Our monthly meetings are every 4th Tuesday of every month. Anyone is welcome to attend. We offer both in person and Zoom options based on the current health advisories.
We welcome speakers on various outdoor related topics at every monthly meeting. If you have expertise on a topic or know of someone who does, please contact us.
Hike at Brushy Creek Lake Park
Outing leaders: JennyF & JanB – Please RSVP to MeetUp or email Jenny.
When: Thursday, Sept. 21, 2017 @ 10 a.m.
Where: Brushy Creek Lake Park – meet at Cypress Pavilion – 3300 Brushy Creek Rd. Cedar Park, TX
Cost: Free
Who: members, friends, family & leashed dogs
Length: approx. 5 miles
Difficulty: easy
Please RSVP to MeetUp or email JennyF.
Bring for hike: water, sun protection and anything that will make you comfortable.
Bring for after hike: picnic lunch.
Hope to see you there!
PS – It’s Jan’s birthday! Yep, 39 againJ
Jenny
THIS OUTING IS FULL!
Devil’s River Extreme Adventure Kayaking & Camping Trip
September 9/21 – 9/25.
Outing Leader/RSVP: CarrieL
What: Devil’s River Extreme Adventure Kayaking & Camping Trip
Where: Devil’s River State Natural Area – Located in the Middle of Nowhere (67 mi. from Sonora & 65 mi. from Del Rio)
When: Departing Austin area Thurs., Sept. 14, and arriving back home early evening on Mon., Sept. 18
Who: TOWN Women only
I’m so excited to announce this awesome trip! I have wanted to see the Devil’s River SNA since it was established in the 80’s! I’ve called for information many times through the years, but could never find a good or easy way to see it. I have a contact who is arranging a two day kayaking trip which will involve camping on the river one night. We will be escorted down the river. This trip will also (tentatively) include a third day of scenic hiking (4 mi.) across a hilltop ridge and down to Finnegan Springs along the river’s edge. And . . . we will also be given a private tour of prehistoric pictographs. This is an incredible opportunity! It would certainly test our “Outdoors-Woman” skills as the SNA is extremely remote and this would be a rugged wilderness experience! We would be primitive tent camping for three nights – one on the river and two in the SNA. Fortunately, we will be able to drive in our food, water, gear, and belongings.
This trip must be limited to approx. 10 paddlers who have some paddling experience and a kayak, and who are willing to bring a small telescoping fishing pole and do a little fishing along the way. I realize the fishing may be new for many of us. Campers must also be willing and able to “rough it”. And you’re wondering about the cost . . . it is not unusual for local river outfitters to charge in excess of $500 per person just for a trip down the Devil’s. However, for you as an “Outdoors-Woman”, this trip will be very affordable (well under $100). We will likely carpool (even with kayaks) as much as possible, and share cost of lodging on Thurs. night. Of course, we will have added costs of gasoline and food.
The Devil’s River is the most pristine river in Texas, with the cleanest, bluest water in the state. It is the last undammed river in the state. The Devil’s River snakes its’ way through some of the roughest country in Texas. Covering three ecosystems, the landscape is desert with rugged limestone and rocky hills, cliffs and canyons mixed with brush country, and green vegetation along the river. It’s currently a wild place that’s had very little human disturbance, and that’s the thing that makes it such a unique and beautiful place. It’s truly a peace filled oasis in a part of West Texas that is still, for the most part, “unsettled”.
At this time, I will take the names of those who are seriously interested, and I will have more to share as the remaining logistics are being worked out. J
Yours truly,
CarrieL
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am. Group will finish before 9:30 as Marsha needs time to prep for church.
Water is required as well as good walking shoes. Sticks are also helpful.
Dogs must be on leash. Prepare to pick up your dog’s poop. Furnish water for your dog.
Contact MarshaK via email by Saturday evening if you wish to walk with her.
Our TOWN-Austin monthly meeting occurs each month on the fourth Tuesday.
Our agenda is typically the following: bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack; we gather at 6 pm & socialize; 6:30-7:00 greetings, introductions, business, outings reports and planning; 7- 8 speaker; 8 – 8:15 adjournment and cleanup.
Our speaker for this September meeting is Dr. Karen McGraw and her presentation will be Save the Night—Life on Earth Depends on Natural Darkness. Almost every living thing on our planet uses the cycle of light and dark to trigger life processes. Humans have come to depend on artificial light for nighttime activities. So, how does our artificial light at night effect fauna and flora? It’s hard for us to see what habitat destruction by artificial light looks like. This program helps us understand the effects of artificial light on living things, including ourselves, and how we can reduce the negative effect of our lights.
Additionally, participants will take home a new awareness about the lighting practices, which allow humans to have the light they want or need for nighttime activities while minimizing the negative effects of artificial light. You will see how these practices save energy costs, reduce glare, increase safety, reduce light trespass, limit the negative consequences on the environment, and create a more aesthetically pleasing nocturnal environment for humans.
Dr. Karen McGraw has been passionate about nature for most of her life. Her parents report that one of her first 2-syllable words was “outside,” and that is still where she prefers to be. Karen is a Texas Master Naturalist with the Balcones Canyonlands Chapter, a member of the International Dark Skies Association, a water monitor for the Colorado River Watch Network, and a native gardener and herbalist.
Professionally, Karen is the president of Silver Bear Group, a business and consulting firm in Bee Cave. Karen facilitates workshops on topics ranging from organizational improvement and change management, to naturalist topics such as Texas’ dark skies initiatives and creating Monarch waystations.
Join us and bring a friend!
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.
Guadalupe River State Park Camping
Sept. 28-Oct. 2, 2017
Outing Leaders/RSVP: KayS & MarilynF
What: A delightful setting for some early Fall fun, this state park is in the hill country northwest of San Antonio.
When: Sept. 28-Oct. 2
Where: Guadalupe River State Park – 3350 Park Rd 31, Spring Branch, TX 78070
Who: TOWN members and their partners and guests, dogs, guinea pigs
Reserve your campsite today in the Cedar Sage camping area! As of this mailing there are 21 campsites in this part of the Park. Tent campers do not need to reserve unless they want their own space.
Activities:
Kayaking, swimming, tubing, birding, hiking, bicycling, and a led-tour Saturday of the Honey Creek State Natural Area.
Saturday evening we’ll have a Potato Pot Luck.
More on that and other activities as the date approaches.
MarilynF
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am. Group will finish before 9:30 as Marsha needs time to prep for church.
Water is required as well as good walking shoes. Sticks are also helpful.
Dogs must be on leash. Prepare to pick up your dog’s poop. Furnish water for your dog.
Contact MarshaK via email by Saturday evening if you wish to walk with her.
Touring the American Botanical Council Garden
October 7th – 10 am
Outing Leader/RSVP: Jacque Austin cell – 512.426.2576
What: This is a tour of the ABC (American Botanical Council) garden with particular focus on gardening and growing medicinal plants in central Texas with highlights of the medicinal aspects of a wide variety of plants. http://abc.herbalgram.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Homepage
Who: I enjoyed this tour twice and believe it’s worth offering to our group again. Many of you wanted to attend last October, but were working during the week. This is your chance since you missed the previous tour. Friends and family members are welcome to attend with a $5 donation for each person.
When: Saturday, October 7th at 10 am. Tours are typically offered only during the weekdays. But Toby Bernal has agreed to provide a special Saturday tour for our group. The tour will last about an hour.
Where: 6200 Manor Rd, Austin, TX 78723 – actually you have to turn from Manor Road to Walnut Hills to enter the parking area. The garden is located in the old Case Mill Homestead. The intriguing background of this homestead is located at this link and worth reading! http://cms.herbalgram.org/herbalgram/issue100/hg100-feat-casemillwp.html
Details: Our guide will be Tony Bernal, the head ABC gardener. Tony is an excellent speaker and very entertaining as well. Bring your camera or phone for photos.
Cost: A $5 donation is requested for each attendee. We need a minimum of ten attending this tour.
After tea: We will have lunch, location as yet undetermined. Suggestions are welcome. We met at Luby’s on 183 last October and that worked out fine for everyone.
Wear: Tennis shoes, hiking shoes, sandals, flip-flops – all fine; hat, sunscreen
Bring: Water – if you like.
Restroom: Restroom is available.
Pets: No pets, leashed or unleashed.
Binoculars: Bring if you desire. When I took the tour before, I was wishing for mine.
Strollers: Surface is fine.
Directions:
From North via I-35
Exit 51st Street. Turn left (East) and proceed to Manor Road. Turn left and go approximately 1 mile to Walnut Hills drive. Look for our sign on the left as you get to the corner. Turn left and take an immediate right into the driveway.
From South via I-35
Exit Manor Road. Turn right and go approximately 4 miles to Walnut Hills drive. Look for our sign on the left as you get to the corner. Turn left and take an immediate right into the driveway.
From East via 290 or 183
If you are on 290, take it to 183 (Ed Bluestein Blvd.) and turn south. Take the Manor Road exit and turn right if you are coming from the north or left if you are coming from the south. Follow Manor Road for approximately 1 mile. After Manor Road and Springdale Road diverge, Walnut Hills will be the third road on the right. Turn right and take an immediate right into our driveway.
For questions or to RSVP, email JacqueA.
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am. Group will finish before 9:30 as Marsha needs time to prep for church.
Water is required as well as good walking shoes. Sticks are also helpful.
Dogs must be on leash. Prepare to pick up your dog’s poop. Furnish water for your dog.
Contact MarshaK via email by Saturday evening if you wish to walk with her.
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.