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Withers 5K

NPNA supported runners with 2 water stations.

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Neighborhood Yard Sales

Over 25 planned to participate, but because of rain some moved into the garage or into tents or opted out of participating. 

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Tadpoles Spotted

September 2018.
Against the odds, a hatch of tadpoles born just after July 4th, survived both a mini-drought that sapped the water from their shallow pool, and a downpour that swept all traces of them downstream, leaving the site covered in sand and rock shards. Viewing this scene just after the rain, it seemed that none could have survived, but that evening, a dozen or so of the smallest toads imaginable were seen hopping into nearby yards. With each leap covering perhaps 10 times their length, they made quick progress. Smaller than a small fingernail, or the width of a blade of grass, however, their survival appeared doubtful.
 
Yet, weeks later, a few small toads could still be seen around the yard. One was recently observed catching and eating an unwary carpenter ant. Motionless and perfectly camouflaged in ground cover, the toad struck with one swift silent motion – the ant vanished quicker than could be seen – 100% effective and 100% organic pest control!
 
The Texas Toad needs from 18 to 30 days in the water before its ready to leave, and begin life on land. After that, the estimated life span is only 2-3 years. While not considered endangered or threatened as a species, like all amphibians, the Texas Toad  is susceptible to pesticides or chemicals that runoff, or in some instances, are deliberately dumped into the creek. Thus the toad’s absence can signal polluted or contaminated water, just as the canary would alert miners to dangerous air. If we can avoid pesticides, and discharge of pool or other chemicals, hopefully these small miracles will not be strangers in our gardens. And no, they do not cause warts or represent a poison threat to humans, although their protective toxin may be irritating to skin or cause cats or dogs to foam at the mouth.
 
At least two of the Joe’s Creek Toads headed west, nearly reaching Cox Lane, where they were rescued from a swimming pool by our own alert newsletter publisher. Though only about a half inch long, and the other slightly larger, their prey was larger than either – a cricket. Can you picture a teenager gulping down a 6-foot candy bar in one bite?
 
Photos below show: 1. Numerous tadpoles still in the water, having reached the stage where legs are developing, 2. A tiny new toad in its first day or days on land. And 3. A growing juvenile late in the summer.
    
Vince Punaro, Creek Leader

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Coffee Klatch, July 2018

Linda and Steve Love hosted the Summer Coffee Klatch on July 12th . We all enjoyed strolling in through their beautiful tropical pond area.  We also enjoyed the tasty treats they provided.

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Great Blue Heron

July 2018.
Anyone can fish a well-stocked pond, but only the wisest and most persistent anglers will succeed in a drought. The Great Blue Heron fishing Joe’s Creek July 4th and 5th was not deterred by the lack of water, the distant boom of fireworks, or a pesky photographer. In fact, this veteran fisher found and worked the few remaining pools with minnows. Motionless for long moments, then  followed a quick strike into the water. Occasionally, the heron turned its gaze, and its long dagger like beak to the creek bank, likely hunting.
 
According to the Cornell Ornithology Lab, the Great Blue Heron will eat fish, reptiles, small mammals – almost anything in reach of its beak. While the heron frequents marshes, it can be seen in urban areas, very rarely in backyards, unless these have gold fish or koi ponds. Cornell helpfully recommends that such installations include a length of drain pipe to afford a hiding place for the fish!
 
There is no single action that will preserve the natural character of the creek, but the quality of the water, and thus the welfare of the wildlife depends upon the avoidance of any runoff of pool chemicals, filter powder, excessive fertilizer, or pesticides, as well as ordinary erosion control. Neighbors are encouraged to make a quick check whether any of these apply to their own properties. For more info, see All About Birds – Great Blue Heron.
 
Vince Punarov, Creek Leader 

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Backyard Garden Tour

More than 130 people explored the 10 lushly landscaped backyards (and one front yard) that day. Stops were also made to the beautiful Withers Elementary School Children’s Garden and the da Vinci School butterfly and hummingbird gardens.

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