Month: October 2010

Rainwater Harvesting Course Scheduled in Texas

Water is important to every form of life, especially in the arid and semi-arid regions of Texas. Animals have to depend on Mother Nature and wildlife habitat or livestock water supplies, but homeowners and landowners can use rainwater collection systems to make the most of the liquid from the sky. And if you would like to learn how, the Texas AgriLife Extension Service and San Antonio Botanical Garden will sponsor a Rain Barrel Workshop from 9 am to 12 noon on November 6, 2010.

The rainwater collection workshop will be held at the botanical garden, 555 Funston in San Antonio. Bryan Davis, Texas AgriLife Extension agent for agriculture and natural resources in Bexar County, stated:

“Rainwater harvesting is a tried-and-true way to capture free water from rainfall. You can save money by collecting and storing rainwater and using it to irrigate your trees, shrubs and flower beds, even provide water to pets or wildlife.”

Continue reading Rainwater Harvesting Course Scheduled in Texas

Mountain Lion in Frisco, Texas

Mountain lions are majestic animals that cover a lot of country and hunt big game animals. So the question some folks are asking is, “What is a mountain lion doing in Frisco, Texas?” As it turns out, nobody knows why this animal is here, but there have been 3 separate sightings recently of what appears to be a mountain lion along the hiking trail area on the north side of Frisco Commons Park, located at 8000 McKinney Road.

While there have been reports of bobcat sightings in Frisco in recent years, all 3 people who saw the animal along the Frisco Commons Park trail say it was not a bobcat, but a mountain lion. Frisco Commons Park remains open, and parks management reminds residents and visitors that operating hours for all city parks are from dawn until dusk. Signs will be posted around the park alerting park visitors of the recent sightings. Everyone using the area is encouraged to use caution while in the area. Continue reading Mountain Lion in Frisco, Texas

Deer Management Means Deer Hunting

The white-tailed deer hunting season has arrived and bowhunters will get first crack at the deer again this year. It looks like there are more deer in Texas than there were last year because estimates of high fawn production have been reported. More than a 100 percent fawn survival was observed on some intensively managed ranches, causing deer overpopulation on some native deer habitats.

Add that with quality native food supplies and that should give hunters a lot to look forward to this season. It also means that like last year that deer hunting over feeders may not be as productive because of the abundant natural forage available. According to Alan Cain, Texas Parks and Wildlife Department whitetail deer program director: Continue reading Deer Management Means Deer Hunting