Reduce. Reuse. Recycle.....Duh.

As the death-grip loosens on this heat wave and we can all let out a long needed sigh of relief, we must remember the long term effects of this suffocating summer. Plants and trees have been lost and many will continue to be stressed until the rains come again. Populations in wildlife will plummet and take many years to return to normal. The soil has been deprived of water for so long that we will need torrential, flooding downpours to return it to its average saturation levels. Grasses and forbs that our livestock feed on are gone, forcing ranchers to sell off whole herds just to break even. The ever present threat of wildfire has reared its ugly head this summer, not soon to be forgotten. And most importantly, our lakes, rivers and aquifers are at alarmingly low levels.
I hope the 'take away' from this whole season for folks living in Central Texas, or all of Texas for that matter, is that water is the most precious natural resource we have. Without it, life would cease to exist. For those of us living in Texas, water cannot be taken for granted anymore, there are simply too many of us that depend on it. We, as Texans, can be sure of one thing...this type of weather pattern WILL repeat itself. Sooner than later, no doubt. Conservation is a choice we all need to pledge ourselves to. All of us must be mindful on our water usage no matter how mundane it may seem. It does add up.
One could certainly get political here and discuss future tax hikes on water, innovative water technology and conservation ideology, well drilling restrictions, industrial water consumption ect., ect. There are as many questions and concerns as points of view. But I ask each of you, 'what are YOU doing in your life to address this issue?' Think about it.
Now, just because you don't wash your car one month does that mean you can save a few acres of oaks? No. But what if 1000 people didn't wash their cars for several months? Think of all that water that could be used for something life sustaining. And no, golf courses are NOT life sustaining (- : Or, the next time you brush your teeth leave the water ON. Yes, that's right, leave it on. Fill up a bowl of water and then put it outside for the birds to drink. Wildlife, especially in Central Texas this year, are having to travel further and further away from their home ranges in order to locate water and food. This causes stress and population declines.
Or in the Spring, when you think about re-landscaping your yard, plant only native Texas heat tolerant species that require very little water. Lawns and gardens are the heaviest outlets for water usage for urban dwellers.

We've all heard it before: reduce, reuse, recycle. Pretty simple.

Conserving water by consuming less, wasting less and re-using more reduces costs and postpones or eliminates the need for expensive and environmentally damaging new dams or similar water projects. As well, water conservation is a cost effective way to meet increased water demands. A study by the LCRA (Lower Colorado River Authority) surveyed various methods of procuring additional water, including de-salination of brackish water in area aquifers, piping water in from an East Texas aquifer, building new reservoirs on the Colorado river and dredging the Highland Lakes to provide more storage. The LCRA determined that each of these is substantially more expensive on a per acre-foot basis, than investing in an additional water conservation program.
The results of such a program are best illustrated by our neighbor to the south, the city of San Antonio. In less than 20 years, San Antonio lowered water usage, per capita, from 225 gallons per day to 130, through an aggressive water conservation plan involving a rebate program. For every $ spent on conservation, San Antonio saved $3 it would have spent on buying, treating and redistributing water.
And just in case you'd like to compare numbers, the most recent studies I found showed Dallas at the head of the pack at 244 gallons per day, Round Rock at 206 gpd, Ft. Worth at 192, Austin at 172 and San Marcos at 124.
As many of you know, I myself utilize a rainwater catchment system on my house. Of course, when it doesn't rain, the only thing I catch is dust. Early last month I was forced to purchase 1500 gallons of city water to put into my cistern, something I hadn't had to do in 2 and a half years. I will be receiving another delivery next week. After doing some basic arithmetic, I discovered that I utilized, on average 28.8 gallons a day. Now, full disclosure, I had to 'break-up' with my garden this summer early on ( I was giving so much and getting nothing outta' that relationship) so I saved quite a bit of water there. Being on a catchment system forces you to be very connected with your water supply and very aware of your water usage. I'm constantly discovering new ways to save 'just a little bit more'.

Climate models project that Central Texas will receive less rainfall in coming decades, as well as the tributaries to the west and northwest that feed our rivers. Furthermore, the amount of water loss due to evaporation is projected to increase as average temperatures rise. Add that gloomy statistic to the report that the Texas population is projected to double by 2060, one can see the potential for disaster. For the record, the populations in the five county Austin area (Bastrop,Caldwell,Hays,Travis and Williamson) grew by over 40% from 2000-2010. That's some rapid growth, folks.

I know many of you have received recent rains. Cousin Julie in New Braunfels informed me of some good soakings that passed through last week. As well, friends and family in Ft. Worth told me of storms that brought rain too. Unfortunately, Rockmoor received virtually nothing from these passing clouds and it is as dry as ever here. And it goes without saying the fire danger is still extremely high. So please be reminded as you visit Rockmoor in the coming months to be very cautious. Something as innocuous as a charcoal grill or driving your truck in an open field of tall grass can have disastrous results now. We will need several good rains before the burn ban is lifted.

On a happy note, today is indeed the first day of Autumn! (September 23) and we can all look forward to some much needed cooler temps.

Until next time,

Sally Anne

One of a kind

Several years ago when I was searching for a site to build my house on I was keeping in mind things like: close to an existing road, near power lines, flat spot, good drainage, ect., ect. I wasn't thinking diversity of trees. Well, maybe I was hoping the area had something beside cedars. A nice giant live oak or pecan would have been ideal but since those are more likely to flourish near a streambed I was going to have to settle for a lesser tree, such as a red oak or shin oak. (our easement restrictions forbid construction, rightfully so, near a water source) A lovely red oak is certainly a beauty to behold, especially in the fall. However, I was pleasantly surprised to discover that I had chosen a spot at Rockmoor that happened to be the home of the biggest madrone tree on the property(at least in my scouting around)
The Texas Madrone(arbutus texana) is one of the loveliest, native ornamentals in the state. And it happens to be quite rare. While it lacks the ubiquity of our state tree, the pecan, and the grandeur of an old growth live oak it makes up in attention grabbing beauty. It is truly a welcome sight in a sea of cedar in the Hill Country. It is a multi trunked, 20-30 foot, evergreen tree, that favors the moist rocky soils and limestone based caliche of the Edwards Plateau. The thick, papery,peeling bark of the tree is its most distinguishing characteristic, for it reveals a polished red inner bark. In my 'Native Plants of Texas' book by Sally and Andy Wasowski, it is noted the change in bark begins each fall "when old skins peel away to reveal the soft cream colored new bark. The color then changes to peach to coral to Indian Red to chocolate and then peels away to start the process over".
Not only is the bark an eye catching attribute, but each Spring it blooms tiny bell shaped white blossoms that scent the air with a wonderful fragrance. Followed in the fall by bright, glowing orange/red edible berries. Birds of many species savor the delectable berries as do other wildlife. The berries are edible to humans as well, reportedly rich in vitamin C and zinc. Deer will even browse the dark green leathery foliage. I heard the young madrone referred to as 'deer candy'.
Botanically speaking, the madrone is a member of the Heath family, Ericanae. As such, it is related to blueberries, cranberries and azaleas. The Texas Madrone is one of more than a half-dozen species of madrones found primarily in California, New Mexico, the Mediterranean, Mexico and Guatemala. The Texas version is considered by many to be the same as the Mexican species which derive its name from the latin word, 'arbutus' meaning 'strawberry tree'.
Many scientists consider the Texas madrone to be a 'relict', or a species from an earlier time that managed to survive even after the surrounding environment had undergone significant change. Which is easily believable to me, being that the madrone looks unlike any other tree in Texas I've seen.
Because the inner layer of bark has such a smooth, pinkish, red/brown appearance the madrone earned many nicknames over time, some rather humorous. Most notably, Naked Indian tree and Lady's Leg. In Mexico the madrone is often referred to as Manzanita.
The wood is hard and heavy, but actually rather brittle and not very durable. Historically, the wood was used in making tool handles, stirrups, mine timbers and such. The Kickapoo Indians favored the madrone wood to make their deer calls. The tree's striking bark, which is high in tannins, was once very much valued in the tanning industry. In Mexico, both the leaves and bark were used at one time as astringents and diuretics. The roots were used in dyes as well. The 'Useful Wild Plants of Texas' book mentions the Tarahumara Indians of northern Mexico, using the berries of the madrone to produce and alcoholic beverage called 'tesguino' and using the fragrant blossoms to flavor their tortillas.
If you'd like to plant a madrone in your backyard so you can harvest your own berries for some homemade tesguino, think again. The madrone is notoriously difficult to transplant, much less germinate from seed. I read about one study that started out with 10,000 madrone seeds planted in carefully controlled greenhouse conditions. Only 2, of the 10,000 seeds germinated and became established. Madrone seedlings require very exacting soil and moisture requirements. Too little water at the outset and too much water later can spell doom for the madrone. Efforts at transplanting are difficult in part, it is thought, to the tree's tiny fibrous root system. As a result, madrones remain uncommon in most parts of our state and next to impossible to find at a local nursery. I did, however, learn of a fellow in Kerrville that specializes in madrones and has actually been very successful in propagating them.
The madrone grows extremely slow and can take over a century to attain an adult height of 20-30 feet. The one by my house has two 28" trunks that reach close to 20 feet tall, with a canopy spread of about 30 feet. The Texas Forest Service records the state champions as a 27 footer with a 38 foot canopy and 93" trunk, as well as a 45 footer, with 30 foot canopy and 70 inch girth. Both of these trees reside in the Chisos Mountains of Big Bend, where I have seen many large madrones before. They actually are able to flourish at altitudes of up to 3000 feet.
Kevin, our land manager with the City of Austin Wildlands Division, once told me that where you see a big madrone there are usually smaller ones within a short distance on the same elevation. I have been unable to find any documented studies of this claim. However...there are indeed about 6 smaller madrone trees within a short distance of the 'mother' tree. I've also explored the areas around other madrones on the property and have found the same to be true. Kevin has mentioned to me many times that madrones are "very special trees worth keeping an eye on and protecting." He reminded me of how very lucky Rockmoor is to be home to this rare, beautiful tree.
With that in mind, this 'no-end-in-sight' drought has me concerned for the well being of my big madrone behind my house. Several smaller limbs have died and the leaves are most definitely showing signs of stress. Although the madrone is extremely heat tolerant, this year's record breaking heat is taking its toll. I will most certainly have to start watering soon. But then I am reminded of the drought of 1950(much worse than current condition) and suppose my madrone was around then and it survived.

Till next time,
Stay cool and pray for rain.

Sally Anne