Gail Woods and the Birds of Commons Ford Prairie

Birds of Commons Ford Prairie

Original Watercolors and Prints

 Sale Benefits Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Project

Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization (CFPRO) is proud to support the work of an artist who is dedicated to our cause and donating the proceeds from sales of her work to prove it.

Gail Woods, a well-respected local artist, is having a showing at the Laura Bush Library - Westbank Library System - featuring her lovely watercolors of Birds of Commons Ford Prairie. Gail has been a local illustrator since the 1980s and her work has been published in the Austin Chronicle, Texas Monthly, Texas Observer and many other publications, including children’s books. Gail has generously offered to donate all the profits from the sale of these works to the CFPRO native prairie restoration efforts at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park. Both original watercolors and prints will be available.

Gail will be present at the Opening Reception featuring her work at the Laura Bush Library, 9411 Bee Caves Road (at the intersection of Cuernavaca and Bee Caves) from 3:00 - 5:00 p.m., Sunday, January 13, 2013. Her work will be on display and available for purchase at the library gallery from the opening until February 28, 2013. Purchased works will be shown at the Library throughout the show for the benefit of the whole community and can be picked up after the exhibit. Her artwork will also be available at the Commons Ford Big Day in the Park fundraising event on April 7, 2013.

To arrange purchase after the Reception, please contact Gail at gwoofy@hotmail.com. You can also purchase at www.etsy.com/shop/BirdsOfCommonsFord. 

Fall 2012 Mixer and Committee Initiative

We had a great mixer, meeting and prairie walk on September 30, 2012.  The prairie continues to progress and is seeding out nicely for the fall and winter.  Bird experts have already reported an effect on the numbers and types of bird species using the park since the prairie restoration started.  

At the mixer, we began a committee initiative by establishing two committees to help keep this great effort moving forward.  Several supporters formed a Fundraising Committee which will engage in efforts and plan activities for 2013 to raise funds to support the next phases of the prairie restoration.  We also formed an Education Committee which will work toward providing more information about the prairie to the local community and encouraging local schools and organizations to conduct field trips and other activities to learn about the importance of native prairies.  If you can help with either or both efforts, we need your energy.  Please send us an email with a request to join the email list of either committee and from the communications on those lists you may identify little pieces of work that you can contribute to see the prairie restoration complete and see this prairie endure.

Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Project – Summer Update

Summer is in full force in central Texas. Last year, the scorched prairie at Commons Ford was covered with dead, brown, invasive grasses. This year, thanks to the success of our February seeding, the Commons Ford Prairie is sea of color, all abloom with native Texas wildflowers! Many of the native seeds that were laid down in February, both grasses and forbs, have already emerged.

Regular park visitors have been amazed at the changes in the prairie. No one can remember ever seeing this many wildflowers in the park. The flowers have been attracting wildlife as well as human visitors. This is because the seeds produced by the flowering forbs and native grasses provide excellent forage for birds. Mourning Doves have been increasing in numbers, from being a rare sighting to a common one. Painted Buntings and Lark Sparrows have also flocked to the prairie this summer. There had also been an increase in the number of Northern Bobwhite calls heard by regular park visitors. Northern Bobwhites are currently a species of concern in Texas. It has been our hope that the prairie restoration process would create ideal habitat for this species. During the weekend of June 9th our Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Project volunteers conducted a post-restoration vegetation analysis. This study allowed us to document what was coming up in the prairie. We sampled in the same areas where we had sampled before the restoration process. The change was incredible. On previous surveys, we found mostly Bermuda grass, Johnson grass and King Ranch bluestem. On the June survey, we found species such as common sunflower, green sprangletop, windmill grass, Indian grass, lemon mint, American basketflower, black-eyed susan, plains coreopsis, clasping coneflower, winecup and white prickly poppy. We even had some big bluestem and little bluestem sprouting, which is great because these are important components of a healthy prairie system and it can sometimes take these grasses years to sprout and establish dominance over the invasives.

On Saturday June 9th, after the survey was complete, George Cates of Native American Seed in Junction gave a presentation entitled, “The Seeds Have Sprouted – Now What?” at the Laura Bush Community Library near Commons Ford. He presented to an audience of approximately 60 people. George explained some of the most common issues that can arise after a restoration process. The audience consisted of both Commons Ford Prairie Restoration members as well as concerned local landowners. A reporter from the Westland Picayune was also present. Her article can be read here.

And so, the prairie continues to evolve. Every week brings new surprises. If you have time to visit, you will witness the blooming of giant Maxmillian sunflowers which are currently replacing the common sunflowers that have been blooming for the past couple of months. It is exciting to imagine how the prairie will look a year from now, when the natives have become established and mature. Many thanks to all of our members and volunteers who have made this project possible! All of this beauty would not have been possible without your support!

While we are all excited about the success of the March planting, there is still work that needs to be done. There are still invasive grasses in the prairie, namely Bermuda grass and King Ranch bluestem. Further work will be required in order to remove these pest plants so that they do not choke out the native species. We will have to continue to monitor the progress of the prairie. Stay tuned for future volunteer opportunities and work days that will be needed in order to keep the invasives out.

COMMONS FORD PRAIRIE BEGINS TO TAKE SHAPE

Less than ninety days after planting, many of the native wildflowers are showing signs of life on the Commons Ford Prairie. Common Sunflower, Lemon Mint, Drummond phlox, mealy blue sage and Plains Coreopsis, Mexican Hat and Lazy Daisy are but a few of the forbs which are already blooming thanks to the nearly 4 inches of rain over the past two weeks. Native grasses such as Texas cupgrass and green sprangletop have also sprouted. In the last photo, you can see that a male Lesser Goldfinch is already excited about the Common Sunflower. As we move into summer, we expect much more activity. Photos are courtesy of Neal Tuttrup.

MAINTENANCE OF NATIVE PRAIRIES PRESENTATION

We are pleased to offer a presentation by George Cates of Native American Seed Company in Junction. George will discuss steps to be taken to maintain native prairies once the newly planted seeds have sprouted. Seating is limited so register early if you are interested. Click on the "Native American Seed Presentation" link about for details.

ESTABLISHMENT OF NEWLY SEEDED NATIVE PRAIRIES - “The Seeds Have Sprouted – Now What?”

The Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization is pleased to announce a very special presentation by George Cates of Native American Seed Company. The presentation is entitled "The Seeds Have Sprouted - Now What?" and will focus on the establishment of a newly seeded native grassland prairie and how to maintain it.


Native prairie restoration requires much more than simply planting native grass and wildflower seeds. A rigorous monitoring and maintenance program is essential, especially in the early stages, to create the best opportunity for success. Based on his experience in planting, maintaining, and restoring native prairies as a part of his work with Native American Seed, Mr. Cates will emphasize the key steps required to establish a native prairie for the long term when it is held in the public trust.


George Cates began interning for Native American Seed in 2002 and was hired full time after graduating Austin College in 2006 with a B.A. in Environmental Studies. For the past decade, he has participated in and led many NAS prairie restorations utilizing seeds harvested across the many eco-regions of Texas. George also manages NAS farming and seed production operations in Junction, TX. He has a remarkable capacity for looking at problems as “challenges” to be met, and the kind of willingness to learn that is a priceless asset. He loves to teach and share what he has learned through his experiences.


Native American Seed of Junction, Texas, is based at the center of nine eco-regions. The company’s mission is to help people restore the earth by offering a wide diversity of 100% locally adapted native species. Practical solutions for ecological land management and responsible beauty are goals that we can all achieve by working together using the best management practices available.


Commons Ford Prairies Restoration Organization is a community organization which has developed a partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation Department to carry out its goal of implementing a native prairie restoration project at Commons Ford Park. The organization has worked with other partners on the project including Austin Parks Foundation, Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, Travis Audubon Society and Native Prairies Association of Texas and has received grants from Austin Parks Foundation, TogetherGreen (National Audubon Society/Toyota), Field Guides and Patagonia.


This event is open to the public. Given the limited seating, registration is required. To make a reservation, please contact Ed Fair at commonsfordpro@gmail.com.


When: Saturday, June 9, 2012 from 1:30 – 2:30 PM Where: The Commons, Laura Bush Community Library 9411 W. Bee Caves Rd./Austin, TX


Brought to you by Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization and the Laura Bush Community Library

VEGETATION SURVEY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - June 9-10.

We seeded the tract with native grasses and wildflowers in late-February. The future prairie is starting to green up a bit. We now need to determine exactly what we have coming up so we can respond and insure the best result. The data collected from these semi-annual surveys, as well as the bird surveys, will also provide the basis for analyzing the impact and effectiveness of the restoration efforts.

To that end, we have scheduled a vegetation survey to be conducted on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10. WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP CONDUCT THE SURVEYS! We can use volunteers with every level of experience. We certainly need some volunteers who have experience with native plant identification, however, you need not be an expert. We can also use volunteers to help record the data and assist with all other aspects of the survey. No experience needed for this part; only energy and enthusiasm! You can participate for all day both days or for a few hours on either day. More specific information regarding survey times will be provided to volunteers at a later date.

This is a very important phase of the project. This is also an opportunity for you to become directly involved in this important restoration project and experience it first-hand. We hope that you will take the time to assist.
Thanks for your continued support.

If you are interested, please let us know by sending an e-mail to commonsfordpro@gmail.com

VEGETATION SURVEY VOLUNTEERS NEEDED - June 9-10.

As you know, we seeded the tract with native grasses and wildflowers in late-February. The future prairie is starting to green up a bit . We now need to determine exactly what we have coming up so we can know how to respond and insure the best result. The data collected from these semi-annual surveys, as well as the bird surveys, will also provide the basis for analyzing the impact and effectiveness of the restoration efforts.

To that end, we have scheduled a vegetation survey to be conducted on Saturday, June 9 and Sunday, June 10. The survey will be coordinated by our project intern Andrea Julian along with Aaron Brewer and Scott Havill.

WE NEED VOLUNTEERS TO HELP CONDUCT THE SURVEYS! We can use volunteers with every level of experience. We certainly need some volunteers who have experience with native plant identification, however, you need not be an expert. We can also use volunteers to help record the data and assist with all other aspects of the survey. No experience needed for this part; only energy and enthusiasm!

If you are interested, please let us know by responding to this e-mail. You can participate for all day both days or for a few hours on either day. More specific information regarding survey times will be provided to volunteers at a later date.

This is a very important phase of the project. This is also an opportunity for you to become directly involved in this important restoration project and experience it first-hand. We hope that you will take the time to assist.
Thanks for your continued support.

COMMONS FORD NEWS SEGMENT ON KXAN

News reporter Jim Swift produced a great news segment on the Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Project for KXAN Channel 4 in Austin (NBC). You can read and see thehttp://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif segment here

NATIVE SEED PLANTING AT COMMONS FORD

Major developments in the last few weeks at Commons Ford. The initial seeding plan called for use of a broadcast seeding technique with the assistance of volunteers. Behind the scenes discussions led to the development of a new partnership with Native American Seed based in Junction, TX. While discussing the seed mix alternatives for the prairie, NAS suggested that a no-till drilling process would likely provide a higher seed germination rate. Unfortunately, the restoration budget was not sufficient to allow for the no-till drilling process. NAS, having taken a significant interest in the project and understanding the importance of every native prairie restoration effort, offered to conduct the no-till drilling for a substantially reduced fee resulting in a in-kind contribution to project.

The end result is that, on the weekend of February 24, 2012, we completed the seeding process using the no-till drilling method. The seed mix was prepared in consultation with NAS, Travis Audubon Society and Balcones Canyonland Preserve representatives as well as research conducted by Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization volunteers. The mix contains 67 native grasses and forbs which are appropriate for the sandy loam soil type and which are geared toward attracting and sustaining prairie bird species which depend on such vegetation for food, nesting and cover. Some of the species in the mix include little and big bluestem, side-oats grama, bush sunflower, American basketflower, Texas cupgrass and many more. Check out the pictures!

Restoration of Commons Ford: Progress Report

The arrival of cooler weather has spurred the restoration process at Commons Ford. With each passing day, the site is approaching the day when the native prairie seeds will be returned to the soil. When the restoration process was begun, the 40 acre site was covered in invasive grasses and shrubs. In the past, shrub growth here was limited by periodic fires, which used to sweep across the state in regular patterns. With the arrival of European settlers, fires began to be suppressed due to both safety issues and the monetary damage they would cause to crops, cattle and property.

In addition to the loss of fire, the widespread practice of planting exotic grass species has also had an impact on the native prairie ecosystems. Commons Ford, in its state prior to restoration, was the perfect example of what happens when a prairie system is disrupted by a combination of loss of fire and invasion by exotic plants. The woody plants, mainly mesquite, had taken over the prairie. Invasive grasses, namely Johnson grass, Bermuda grass and King Ranch Bluestem dominated the plant composition.

Here is a picture of the prairie, pre-restoration....






And here is a picture of it today....







The prairie is now in the process of being tilled and disked. This process breaks up the soil, which serves multiple purposes. First, it helps to break up and kill any remaining live roots. Further, it aerates the soil, inundating it with oxygen. This gives newly planted seeds the best chance of succeeding and taking over the prairie patch.

The disking and tilling is done using this machine, which is called a mole board plow.








The mole board plow process is then following by disking with a different device which smoothes the soil, preparing it for seeding. The smooth soil ensures direct contact with the seeds.


Seeding is scheduled for late March, early April. It will be exciting to see what changes this spring will bring!