Volunteers and City staff continue to make strides in restoring the natural area behind the Patrick Heath Public Library.
On Saturday, April 23, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m., there will be another opportunity as the Native Plant Society of Texas will not only bring out crews to help improve the area but also provide a learning opportunity for the public.
Cheryl Hamilton, a Texas Master Naturalist and member of San Antonio Chapter of Native Plant Society of Texas, will be on hand to discuss, “Plants Misbehaving: Native Alternatives.”
Hamilton, also the founder of the Balcones satellite of the Invaders of Texas, will highlight how plants from other countries are invading the Texas Hill Country and displacing the native plants that our pollinators and wildlife depend on.
It will be a hands-on presentation at the Amphitheater behind the library, suitable for all ages. Since the talk will begin at noon participants are encouraged to bring a “brown bag” lunch and enjoy the presentation.
Full restoration of the natural area is expected to take years to complete. Last fall, more than 64 volunteers from First Baptist Church of Boerne rolled up their sleeves and helped remove and stack brush, remove old fence posts and wire, as well as pick-up trash and flood debris. The fall event, which was spread across four locations in Boerne, was also assisted by 10 city staff from the Boerne Parks and Recreation Department and Special Events Office worked to help facilitate these projects, which were made possible by more than 130 volunteers.