The Loop
December 15, 2020
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Editor's Note
This year has been eloquently described by some as a “dumpster fire,” and though I find that accurate in many respects, I also think we need to recognize successes where we find them. Difficulties notwithstanding, 2020 has been an outstanding year for SMGA. We received a prize of $60,000 and the national recognition that came with it. In spite of having to work in socially distanced ways, volunteers have contributed almost as many hours as accrued last year. The first SMGA Fellowship recipients completed and presented their research, and two more exceptional recipients were announced. Team Flora was established and made good progress reseeding the natural areas. The Loop became a monthly publication, and a YouTube channel was created to let viewers know what’s happening on the trails.
Surprisingly, these and other accomplishments were made in the midst of a pandemic, and without the board being able to meet in person for the last 10 months. As we look ahead to 2021 and the prospect of a year without quite so many restrictions, we have good reason to hope for even more success.
Susan Hanson,
SMGA Board and chair of the Outreach Committee
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Featured Video:
Yaupon Holly vs. Ligustrum
Learn the difference between invasive Nandina and native Yaupon Holly in the latest video from our SMGA YouTube channel.
Watch here >>
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2020 Christmas Bird Count
The annual San Marcos Christmas Bird Count isn’t an official SMGA event, but it’s nonetheless one that many of our members enjoy. Spearheaded by Rebekah Rylander, this year’s event will take place on Sunday, Dec. 20.
Read more >>
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Birding in the Time of COVID
The monthly bird walks began the year strong with a visit to the SMRF East Side Preserve in January and 26 guests coming out to the San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center in February. In April, the bird walks began adapting the programming to the pandemic.
Read more >>
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They Call the Bridge Matilda
One of the most impressive and visible accomplishments of SMGA in 2020 was the completion of Matilda, as the bridge in Lower Purgatory is known.
Read more >>
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The Value of Volunteers
The San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance would not exist if not for its committed volunteers. Many who do volunteer find it rewarding and fun, a cool way to give back and plug into their community. For the past few years, SMGA has been tracking these volunteer hours.
Read more >>
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Creating Team Flora
In February, Team Flora was created as a subsidiary of the Trail Crew to work specifically on restoration where invasive plants have been removed. Unfortunately, buying native grass and wildflower seeds is expensive. The work-around is harvesting ripe seed from the fields and collecting donations of native seeds from the public.
Read more >>
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SMGA Collaborates with Texas State University
The pandemic notwithstanding, 2020 was a good year for collaboration between SMGA and Texas State University. It marked both the completion of the inaugural SMGA Fellowship projects, and the creation of promotional/educational materials by two Texas State classes.
Read more >>
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Moments of Nature
During this stressful time, we suggest getting outside to enjoy nature. The following images were taken by SMGA Board Member, Susan Hanson, while enjoying the Spring Lake Natural Area and at Spring Lake in San Marcos this past month. Take a few minutes to enjoy and de-stress!
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In this time of COVID, the trail crew is in hiatus and only working individually at the direction of the stewardship committee.
Trail Building
Trail maintenance is a tough job and volunteers are always needed! Join the SMGA Trail Crew every Thursday from 7-8:30 am. Email us or follow @SMGreenbelt on Twitter to receive location, directions, and last-minute weather cancellations.
Gloves, hard shoes, eye wear required. Water bottle, long pants, hat recommended. We supply tools and bug repellent.
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Giving Back
The mission of SMGA is to create and conserve an interconnected system of parks and natural areas for our community and future generations.
We can't do it alone. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to SMGA.
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