Feb

A Retrospective: Looking Back On 2023

TRAIL CREW

This group creates and maintains trails, removes invasives, cleans up storm damage and trash dumps, installs signs, benches, and kiosks, and more.

RIVER RECHARGE KIOSK

RIVER RECHARGE TRAIL BUILDING

WELCOMING THE PIONEER

NEW BENCHES

WORKING AT THE BARN

REMOVAL OF LIGUSTRUM AT PROSPECT PARK

REROUTING BEATRICE

CELEBRATION OF SESSOM CREEK IMPROVEMENTS PHASE 1

WORKING ON THE PARAISO EXTENSION IN UPPER PURGATORY

MORE PHOTOS FROM THE TRAIL

TRAIL CREW AT CITY HALL TO SHOW THEIR SUPPORT FOR THE NEW LAND USE PLAN

COFFEE AT WAKE THE DEAD

TEAM FLORA

This group focuses on the removal of invasives and the planting and watering of natives. Many SMGA members serve on both Trail Crew and Team Flora.

RESTORATION AT PROSPECT MEADOW

INSTALLING POLLINATOR PLANTS IN RIVER RECHARGE NATURAL AREA

MORE PROJECTS

CLEANING SEEDS FOR PLANTING IN THE NATURAL AREAS

OUTREACH

The Outreach team participates in a variety of community events throughout the year, all geared to spreading SMGA’s message about conservation, as well as recruiting new volunteers and members.

EARTH DAY AT THE MEADOWS CENTER

SNAKEFEST AT THE DISCOVERY CENTER

Twice each month, SMGA helped host “Wonderful World,” a local radio program devoted to environmental issues.

MERMAID PARADE

Kermit was all decked out for this special occasion. Our entry also included cyclists and walkers.

Local photographer Winifred Simon won SMGA’s Naturescapes award for 2023.

EDUCATION

Throughout the year, SMGA works with a number of elementary school classes as well as classes at Texas State. It also provides opportunities for interns and students in need of projects.

For his Eagle project, Rowan Cockrell organized the Boy Scouts of Troop 18 (in San Marcos) to install a bat box and interpretive signs at the pond in the Spring Lake Natural area.

Engineering students at Texas State designed three projects—two bridges and a revamped trail to alleviate flooding—for SMGA.

(left) Former Outreach chair Susan Hanson receiving an award from the Geography Department for her work with classes in Environmental Interpretation (right) SMGA intern and Geography major Lauren Thompson

BIRD WALKS

SMGA offers monthly bird walks with Stephen Ramirez and Colton Robbins. Members also participate in the Christmas Bird Count. Thanks to Jennifer Bauerkemper and Julie Crum for the excellent bird photos.