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Conservation Insider - December 2024
Hello {{Constituent First Name}},
The season of giving and gratitude is upon us and words can't begin to describe my appreciation for you. 2024 has been a transformative year for Comal Conservation. We started by changing our name and our brand, then we developed a new brand script to help members of our community connect with our work. Shortly after that we developed a new website and created a new vignette to spread the word. After that our board dug deep and developed a three year strategic plan that will guide our efforts and increase our impact well into 2028.
This year we mobilized in support of our County Commissioners as they passed the Parks, Open Space, and Natural Areas Master Plan and we watched as disbursements from the Comal Land Conservation Fund helped close a conservation easement at John Knox Ranch (300 acres) and spur conservation efforts at the Barker Property adjacent to Landa Park. We rejoiced as we for the first time helped put acreage into conservation here in Comal County!
Over the course of the year we engaged in 14 separate outreach events and hosted six community programs connecting with thousands of people across the county. In October we successfully planned and carried out our largest fundraiser to date. The Keep It Country Music Jam brought over 300 people together and raised over $30,000 for the cause.
As we reflect on 2024 I want to ask each of you one last time in 2024, will you help to sustain these incredible efforts in the new year. Join us and become a Comal Conservation Champion. By simply making a pledge of 25 dollars a month for one year you can join this incredible group of conservationists and make a huge difference in Comal County. As an incentive, those of you who make the pledge will receive one Comal Conservation Bandanna, 4 stickers, 2 Comal Conservation Koozies and a Tote to take it all home in. Click on the link below and sign up today!
On behalf of the board and all our volunteers I want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and wish you a happy holidays and a wonderful new year!
Ryan Spencer Executive Director
Join the Comal Conservation Champions Today! By supporting Comal Conservation monthly you provide sustaining revenue that helps us focus on conservation impact in Comal County.
January 14, 2024 - Comal Conservation Community Program Learn more about Camp Bullis and Conservation Funding in Comal County!!!
Join Our Team!!!! Do you love natural areas and want to work protect them? We're looking for our next Administrative Coordinator and it could be you. Learn more about the job on our website and send your application in today.
John Knox Ranch Goes into Conservation! Hill Country Conservancy and the Comal Land Conservation Fund Partner
Earlier this year, Comal Conservation made its first disbursement from its Comal Land Conservation Fund. This disbursement went to Hill Country Conservancy, a land trust, in support of a conservation easement being placed on John Knox Ranch. The Comal Land Conservation Fund was created to preserve open spaces in the rapidly growing county, making the 300-acre John Knox Ranch an ideal recipient for support from this fund.
We are so grateful for the leadership of the Hill Country Conservancy and Henry Owen who worked for years to protect this incredible place. "It is a privilege to be a part of this incredible project and we are so pleased that HCC made an application to the CLCF." - Ryan Spencer
Comal County Aims to Expand Habitat for Endangered Warblers! By Liz Teitz - San Antonio Express- News
"Comal County is looking to set aside more land for an endangered bird species, protecting its habitat from the encroaching sprawl of development in the fast-growing area.
Commissioners voted this week to apply for federal funding to protect 474 acres of land for golden-cheeked warbler habitat in an area between New Braunfels and Canyon Lake adjacent to the Morton Preserve, an existing nature sanctuary.
The county bought the 288-acre Morton Preserve in 2008. The property, which sits high above the Guadalupe River on Bluff End Road, is intended to protect habitat for the endangered songbird that nests in Central Texas.
Texas Faces $160B GDP Loss by 2030 if Water Infrastructure Investments Are Not Made, Report Finds
The United States and Mexico reached an agreement in mid-November aimed at improving the latter's water deliveries under a 1944 water treaty with the goal of providing South Texas farmers more consistent access to water after recent periods of extensive droughts in the area which have led to record-low water level in the Rio Grande.
Nevertheless, the economic risks from water supply shortages might just be getting started, as a new report by commissioned by the nonprofit Texas 2036 points at severe economic and social impacts if the state does not prioritize water infrastructure investments to address vulnerabilities exacerbated by droughts and infrastructure deterioration.
Executive Director Ryan Spencer joins Chris Decker on the Podcast Creative Potential
Ryan Spencer sits down with Chris Decker at Creative Potential
Ryan talks about his experience as a first time Executive Director, he shares his gratitude for Comal Conservation and their approch and highlights whats needed to help preserve land, water, and wildlife in Comal County.
Didn't Make it to the Last Community Program? No Worries We've Got you Covered - Watch the Video Below!
Learn about the Bats of Comal County - Kudos to Krystie Miner and BCI!
COMMUNITY EVENTS
Christmas Tree Recycling Programs
Starting the day after Christmas, the following locations near New Braunfels will be offering free of charge Christmas tree recycling programs for non-artificial trees and greenery. Trees and greenery need to have all decorations removed prior to drop off.
Locations:
1. Pedernales Electric Cooperative: Trees Only
Address: 1530 FM 3673, Canyon Lake
2. Moe Schwab Recycling Center (Free mulch available for pickup as well.)
Address: 281 Resource Drive, New Braunfels
3.The City of New Braunfels Recycle Center (Free mulch available for pickup as well.)
Address: 488 S. Castell Ave
Details on exact drop off dates and times to follow shortly.
Check Out These Cool Events Courtesy of the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service Comal County
Jan 8 - Spring Gardens
12-1 pm & 2-3 pm
Learn tips for preparing your spring garden, selecting seasonal plants, and creating a thriving outdoor space. Perfect for all skill levels.
Click on your library choice below for more information and to register.
Thank you for being a FRIEND OF COMAL CONSERVATION!
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Comal Conservation PO Box 2804 Canyon Lake, TX 78133
