So here's your chance to jumpstart your learning and your AT hours for re-certification by attending this special Bonus Advanced Training Event. The day will offer up to six hours of advanced training and includes a free catered lunch and snacks.
TEXAS MASTER NATURALIST PROGRAM
CRADLE OF TEXAS CHAPTER
BONUS ADVANCED TRAINING
JANUARY 20, 2018
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
It's a Wild, Wild Life on the Mid-Texas Coast
1em;">CRADLE OF TEXAS CHAPTER
BONUS ADVANCED TRAINING
JANUARY 20, 2018
9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
SCHEDULE
Speakers: Peggy Romfh and Dr. Russell J. Miget, Environmental Quality Specialist, Texas A&M University Corpus Christi.
This session will take an in-depth look at the unique coastline environment of our Mid-Texas Coast, from the tides and wrack line, to the function of the dunes, and the importance of the estuaries and bays. It will also include a review of some of the plants and vegetation of the coastal shoreline and dunes, and a discussion about beach finds — items deposited on the beach by storm surges and flooding, as well as man-made trash and pollution. Participants will have the opportunity to examine vegetation samples firsthand in break-out groups, and will also learn about specific volunteer opportunities related to the topics discussed.
Shorebirds
Speaker: Kristine Rivers, Professional Birding Guide / Master Naturalist, Cradle of Texas Chapter
Not every bird found at the shore is a shorebird, and not every shorebird is found at the shore! This session will review lifestyle, behavior, and identification techniques of common Mid-Texas Coast species within the avian taxonomical group known as shorebirds, which can often present a challenge in identification even for experienced birders. Participants will have the opportunity to practice their newly-learned identification skills using their own field guides, as well as comparing them with those used by other participants. In addition, participants wll learn about specific volunteer opportunities related to the topic.
Beach Invertebrates
Speakers: Pete Romfh and Peggy Romfh, Master Naturalist, Cradle of Texas Chapter,
This session will cover the amazing variety of fascinating invertebrates that live along our Mid-Texas Coast beaches, including crustaceans (hermit crabs, fiddler crabs, barnacles, and shrimp); gastropods (Atlantic moon snails, our official State Shell the lightning whelk, pearwhelks, and lettered olives); bivalves (angelwings, disk dosinia, coquina, and oysters); and many others (jellyfish, plumed worms, Portuguese Man O' War, anemones, and sand dollars.) Participants will have the opportunity to examine samples firsthand in break-out groups, and will also learn about specific volunteer opportunities related to the topics discussed.
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Sea Turtles, Snakes & Alligators
Speakers: Kristine Rivers, Phil Huxford, and Ruby Lewis, Cradle of Texas Chapter, Texas Master Naturalists.
This session will discuss some of the special reptiles that can be found along the Mid-Texas Coast, with an emphasis on the various species of snakes that live in our dunes, and the many alligators which are present in our area. Participants will have the opportunity to handle live animals, including non-venomous snakes and alligators, and will also learn about specific volunteer opportunities related to the topics discussed.
