nature: The Benefits of Composting - 09/22/09 03:02 AM
Here are some eye-opening statistics: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, yard trimmings and food waste account for 23 percent of the U.S. waste stream. That means things that break down quite well naturally, like grass clippings and apple cores, are sitting in landfills creating tons of methane gas. Why is that so bad? "Methane is a greenhouse gas that remains in the atmosphere for approximately 9-15 years. Methane is over 20 times more effective in trapping heat in the atmosphere than carbon dioxide (EPA)."
The EPA and many private companies are working on ways to turn methane and … (8 comments)
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nature: The Austin Science and Nature Center - 05/14/09 03:56 AM
Hidden in the midst of the hike and bike trails that lead through Zilker Park is an Austin jewel: the Austin Science and Nature Center. The nature center offers many educational and interesting features, including interactive displays, hands-on exhibits, science trails with recorded information at each stop, and a live wildlife collection.
The center also is home to the Discovery Labs, which include seven mini-labs that explore the study of mammalogy, ornithology, herpetology, and geology, and there are collections of butterflies, bats, and bones along with the labs and other displays. There is also an authentic Texas cave to explore, … (0 comments)
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nature: Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum in Austin - 03/24/09 12:35 AM
One of the most interesting and beautiful places to visit in the Austin area is called Umlauf Sculpture Garden and Museum, which is located near Zilker Park on Robert E. Lee in southwest-central Austin, across from the softball fields and Barton Springs. Umlauf Garden and Museum was named for contemporary sculptor Charles Umlauf, and the museum features his sculptures as well as the works of other local artists, some of whom studied under Umlauf at the University of Texas, where Umlauf taught.
The sculpture garden and museum hosts a very popular yearly fundraising event called the Garden Party, and this … (0 comments)
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nature: Zilker Park is an Austin Gem - 11/16/08 10:37 PM
Zilker Metropolitan Park is perhaps the brightest jewel in Austin's golden crown of parks and other outdoor venues. It is 351 acres of endless amusements for all ages and interests. There is something for every season of the year, from the Trail of Lights at Christmas to a dip in the cool waters of the spring-fed pool on a steamy summer day.
It can be hard to pick a spot to begin exploring, but Barton Springs Pool is probably the best known attraction in the park. The three-acre pool is an average sixty-eight degrees year around. The grassy hills sloping … (0 comments)
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nature: The Recent Introduction Of Raspberry Ants To Texas - 10/29/08 04:57 AM
It's been years since the red imported fire ant first made an appearance, and the situation is still not entirely under control. Now a new species has arrived. They are known as `crazy raspberry ants' and they are concentrated in 8 counties in and around Houston. The ants have been in Texas since 2002, but their growth has exploded in the past year, with three more counties added to the list of those already infested.
The ants are called "crazy" because they scurry about in a seemingly random pattern, and they're called `raspberry' not for their appearance, but for Tom … (0 comments)
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nature: Swimming Holes Around Austin - 10/29/08 04:48 AM
Trying to come up with things to do with out of town visitors in the height of summer? The Austin area offers a wide variety of activities to entertain even the most difficult audience. During the summer months, your primary goal will be trying to stay cool, and Austin and the surrounding area offers swimming holes a-plenty.
The iconic Barton Springs near the Barton Hills neighborhood is open from early spring to late autumn. Sometimes called the soul of Austin, this spring fed pool maintains a steady 68 degrees in all seasons. And don't forget to impress your visitors with … (0 comments)
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nature: Excellent Resource for DIY Landscaping in Austin - 09/19/08 10:53 PM
If you are looking for direction on what to plant in that achingly empty plot outside your front door and the thought of watering every day has you retreating to your living room sofa before you can say soil-prep you will not have to look any further.
The City of Austin has excellent recommendations for you. You will be the smartest person on the block with minimal maintenance and delightful results. Writing a smaller check to Austin energy for water consumption helps too.
Earthwise, sustainable plants that are native to or have successfully adapted to Central Texas are the … (0 comments)
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nature: The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary - 09/15/08 04:07 AM
The Austin Zoo and Animal Sanctuary is home to over 100 different species of animals, and there are over 300 animals living at the zoo. The zoo is located west of Austin on Rawhide Trail, which can be found by turning off of Highway 290 West shortly after its intersection with Highway 71 West, onto Thomas Springs Road, which intersects with Rawhide Trail a few miles down the road
The Austin Zoo includes educational facilities and beautifully landscaped grounds and gardens, as well as habitats for bears, lions, and numerous exotic birds and reptiles. A petting zoo allows visitors to … (0 comments)
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nature: Austin, Texas: Home of North America's Largest Urban Bat Community - 09/07/08 11:55 PM
Austin is home to many things: live music, the University of Texas, the state capital; but many people don't realize Austin is also home to the nation's largest urban bat community-and it's right downtown. More than 750,000 Mexican Free-Tail bats make their home under the beams of the Congress Avenue bridge. Following renovations of the iconic bridge in 1980, the bat population took up shelter under the bridge, and it has been their home each summer since.
During the cooler months, the bats make their home in Mexico, but every year during March and April they make their way North … (0 comments)
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nature: Five Ways to Cut Energy Usage & Save Money Around the House - 08/24/08 03:52 AM
It takes unimaginable amounts of energy to power the United States, and the needs is constantly growing. As global warming and fuel crises gain more and more public attention, people everywhere are now looking for ways to live a greener lifestyle. But this doesn't mean rebuilding your home to run on solar energy, or overhauling your current lifestyle. There are plenty of small, simple things you can do every day to help reduce your household's energy consumption (and even waste). Here are five effective changes you can make right now. 1.Turn Off the Lights We've all heard this a million times, … (2 comments)
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nature: Hamilton Pool Preserve - 07/01/08 05:42 AM
One of the most beautiful and unique attractions Austin has is Hamilton Pool Preserve, located just a half an hour out of the city, in the gorgeous Hill Country. The historic swimming area and its surrounding grounds were designated a preserve by the Travis County Commissioner's Court in 1990, and this idyllic, untainted spot is like an oasis, offering an accessible get-away from the hustle and bustle of the city. With 232 acres of nature preserve, the emphasis is on preservation of natural habitats, and environmental education, but the crown jewel is the pool and grotto.
Formed from the collapse … (1 comments)
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nature: LADY BIRD JOHNSON WILDFLOWER CENTER - 06/20/08 01:21 AM
Texas wildflowers are celebrated throughout the state of Texas thanks to the efforts of the late former first lady Lady Bird Johnson, and Austin is home to the institution she helped created, named in her honor. The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center is a unique attraction, paying homage to the woman who helped elevate and preserve the native plants and the natural beauty of Texas.
The Wildflower Center works daily to educate the public on sustainable use and conservation of native wildflowers, plants and landscapes. With beautiful gardens, expansive meadows, and woodland trails to explore, visitors can experience the plentiful … (0 comments)
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nature: Bats In Austin Texas - 06/08/08 12:49 AM
One of the most unique and celebrated attractions in Austin is a naturally occurring phenomenon and costs absolutely nothing to enjoy. The 1.5 million Mexican Free-tailed bats that live under the Congress Street Bridge from March to October emerge at dusk in a breathtaking display. This nightly (almost) occurrence can be viewed in a number of different ways, and is the kind of event that makes living in or visiting Austin so memorable.
Bats are much maligned and misunderstood in society. Often associated with vampires, belfries, and bad hair days, the bat holds a mystique of fright, and is tragically … (2 comments)
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