Don't Miss Out on the Last Commons Ford Bird Walks of 2014

The summer heat has officially given way to crisp, fall weather. And with that fall weather, comes fall birds! Common's Ford is a popular destination for wintering and migrating fall bird species, due in no small part to the abundance of food sources in the prairie.

Join us for one (or both!) of our two final bird walks in 2014:

Sunday, November 30, 2014 - Lead by Deb and Lee Wallace

Sunday, December 7, 2014 - Lead by George Kerr and Ronnie Kramer

The walks are free of charge but space is limited. Reserve your spot now by going to the Travis Audubon website  and registering.

Commons Ford Priaire Organization - News and Updates for 2014

Within just a few short weeks the hot and humid days of summer will come to a close. Fall is right around the corner, which is exciting for us because Fall is the best time of year to work in the prairie. However, despite the summer heat, we did have a  very successful spring and summer. Our dedicated core of volunteers braved the July heat to conduct our annual vegetation survey. This was our fourth year conducting the survey, and it has allowed us understand how drastically the vegetation has improved, as well as identify problem areas where invasive species continue to emerge and vex our restoration efforts. However, you can see from the below photos that the prairie is in full recovery, blessing us each year with a striking array of color as well as attracting a broad diversity of wildlife.

We are also happy to report that we are back on track and will be immediately moving forward with the prairie work scheduled for 2014.  Special thanks to Brian Block at PARD and Jeff Larsen, our new Park Grounds Manager at Commons Ford, for their support and assistance in moving the project forward.  We expect to continue our great working relationship with Jeff, Brian and others at PARD.

The main portion of the prairie is in excellent shape and is setting up for an interesting winter with lots of prairie birds expected.  As most of you know, the 2014 work focuses on expanding the "good portion" of the prairie to the north and east.  This buffer zone includes roughly 8-10 acres although it is laid out in more of a strip that runs east-west and then north-south on its eastern edge.  The work includes mowing and shredding which took place on August 27, followed by assessments and limited herbicide treatment only as needed in the buffer zone, followed finally by planting of a modified native seed mix in this zone.  We also expect to smooth out the uneven ground which exists in a portion of the buffer zone to insure better seed contact.  All of this work will be performed by our good friend and project partner, George Cates and Native American Seed Company. George has continued to work with us throughout the summer to modify the plan as necessary.

Given the excellent native growth in the prairie this spring and summer, and with decent rain throughout the summer, we are anxious to see the resulting impact on birds and other wildlife in the prairie.  Wintering sparrows and other prairie species should begin to arrive in late-September with the pace picking up in October.  Of course, we will be conducting our winter prairie bird surveys later this winter, but you should come check it out for yourself either on your own or as part of our monthly bird/nature walks (see below).

 Our monthly walks are continuing with August's walk led by Laurie Foss and Shelia Hargis.  Laurie and Shelia came up with an interesting concept for their two summer walks which focused on examining bird behavior rather than just ticking off the species.  As always, both of their walks were full and successful.  Thanks to both of them for their continuing support.

Ed Fair will be leading the next walk on Saturday, September 27 followed by Diane Sherill's plant walk on Saturday, October 18.  You can register for the walks through Travis Audubon Society by clicking here.  All walks are free and, although we encourage everyone to join and support Travis Audubon Society, membership is not required to participate in the walks.

Now that we are again moving forward, we can refocus on our future plans which include our educational outreach program.  We will be looking for volunteers soon, so stay tuned.

We are also re-visiting the kiosk concept and considering other alternatives which would allow us to achieve the same result and more as the kiosk is extremely expensive.  We will be discussing with Jeff and PARD the possiblity of placing some educational signs along the southern edge of the prairie which would contain the same information as the kiosk.  Additionally, we will consider and discuss the possibility of placing one or more shaded benches along the trail encircling the prairie.  Finally, we will look at adding a picnic table near the one located northwest of the main house.  All of these items are up for discussion, so feel free to pass along your thoughts.

Thanks again to all of you who have helped sustain this important and worthwhile project.  Enjoy the fall!   

   

April's Monthly Prairie Walk--Plants of the Commons Ford Prairie 

Bill Carr, retired botanist at The Nature Conservancy, now owner of Acme Botanical Services, led a plant walk at Commons Ford Prairie on April 20, 2014. Bill identified over 65 plant species, most of which were native. The diversity, as well as the high percentage of native plants, is due to the restoration efforts  of Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Organization. The participants enjoyed Bill's encyclopedic knowledge of native plants and botany, as well as his enthusiasm and sense of fun.

Bill Carr leading a group through the Commons Ford Prairie on April 20, 2014.

Wildflowers blooming in the Commons Ford Prairie, April 2014

Whack-a-Weed Day: Round 2

Our first Whack-a-Weed Day was a great success, thanks to our dedicated volunteers! However, spring is in full swing and the invasive grasses are continuing to sprout in the prairie. So a second round of weed whacking is being organized by park manager Joan Singh. 

Whack-a-Weed Day: Round 2 is scheduled for Saturday, April 26. You can register for the event and find out more details here.  Volunteers of all ages and skill levels are welcome. 

Prairie restoration is a long-term process. It takes years, even decades, to completely eradicate invasive plants and return a tract of prairie to its native state. By assisting in this process, you are helping to ensure that this natural treasure will continue to awe and inspire park visitors with its vibrant wildflowers, butterflies and birds for years to come.

Wack-A-Weed Day

Commons Ford in full spring bloom in the summer of 2012.

Join us in our continuing fight to remove more invasives as a part of the Commons Ford Prairie Restoration Project.  Our restoration project is entering its fifth year and in that time we have made great strides.  Still, we must make every effort to remove any remaining invasive grasses in order to allow the natives to grow and flourish. For the volunteer day, we will especially be concentrating on the King Ranch bluestem.

NPS volunteer removing invasives as part of a prairie restoration project

If you are interested, bring your shovel (we will have a few on hand if you do not have your own) and gloves and join us. We will be there from 8 a.m. to noon, but feel free to choose your own time and work as little or as much as you would like. This project qualifies for Master Naturalist volunteer hours.  Let us know if you need documentation. It's also a great opportunity to see and ask questions about native plants and prairie restoration.

Effective tools for battling invasive grasses and forbs in the prairie.

 We will also provide water and snacks.  Since we will be working in the prairie, although the grass is very low, long pants and long sleeves are recommended.  No experience necessary and everyone is welcome.  Come be a part of this important restoration project. Registration is not necessary but if you have any questions, email Diane Sherrill at nativeearthscapes@gmail.com.

Sunday March 23 8am -12pm

Commons Ford Ranch Metro Park

614 N. Commons Ford Rd.