To all LEAS members:
Hoping your week is shaping up to be a wonderful one with possibly some rain
ahead.
It has been two weeks now since the new officer elections. We have been busy
getting ideas and plans together for the group. We have many ideas and
objectives and plan to offer new opportunities to include learning as well as
educating others. To say we are excited is an understatement.
Over the last two weeks, with Rob Lee at the helm, we have successfully planted
over 100 cottonwood poles (trees) in two City of Lubbock parks. 40 trees were
planted at McCullough Park and 60+ trees were planted at Mackenzie Park. A
group of approximately 7 volunteers (Texas Master Naturalists and LEAS members)
have worked closely on this project. The City of Lubbock provided equipment and
manpower to assist in planting these trees. We are thrilled to successfully
partner on a project such as this one with our city. It could mean the start of
a wonderful relationship whereby we can see some positive changes. It is
important that our voice is heard, and a stronger group can make that possible.
Rob is quoted as saying, “If this experiment works half as much I hope, it will
transform the esthetics, biodiversity, and biological diversity of this part of
Mackenzie & McCullough Parks.” The poles at McCullough Park are being
hand-watered to give them a good chance for survival. Please consider becoming
a part of this project by volunteering to water 10, 20, 30 or 40 trees at
McCullough Park. It is both rewarding to watch the project’s development, get
outdoors and enjoy some exercise and fresh air, and observe the birds in this
park while you are at it.
The Bird City Texas Initiative is something our group is interested in tackling
for our city. This initiative could bring socioeconomic gain, improve
conditions for our birds and wildlife and raise awareness overall within our
community. If you have not heard of this initiative, please consider learning
more by visiting: https://tpwd.texas.gov/wildlife/birding/bird-city-texas ;
<https://tpwd.texas.gov/wildlife/birding/bird-city-texas>. This initiative is
sponsored by Audubon and Texas Parks & Wildlife. Any positive changes we make
through this initiative, whether we ultimately become a recognized “bird city”
or not, will be for the good.
We hope to begin growing LEAS membership. Approximately 10 new members were
recently signed up. More to come is the goal.
You will hear more from us soon. We will be conducting an organizational
meeting for all members to share thoughts and ideas about the future of LEAS. A
date will be announced soon.
Please mark your calendars for Saturday, March 28, 2020 @ 10:00am to hear guest
speaker Susan Burgoon of Amarillo speak on the subject of Black-tailed Prairie
Dogs. This free lecture will be held at Lubbock Lake Landmark in the
auditorium. Reminders of this event will be sent.
On April 22, 2020 from 12pm – 5pm, LEAS will participate in the Earth Day
Festivities (50th anniversary) at LHUCA on The Plaza. Please plan to volunteer
to tell others about LEAS and celebrate Earth Day.
To volunteer for the Cottonwood tree project in McCullough Park, please contact
me directly @ glendakelly13@xxxxxxxxx <mailto:glendakelly13@xxxxxxxxx> or by
phone/text @ 432.349.8288. The needs for volunteers will be ongoing and is
critical to success. Your help is greatly needed!
Glenda Kelly
President – Llano Estacado Audubon Society