April 11, 2012: 10 River Watch students tested water on Waller Creek and then took our recyclables to the Ecology Action Recycling Center across the street at 9th St. and IH 35. Ecology Action is one of our cohort organizations that raises funds through Earth Share of Texas.
River Watchers host Kazakhstan delegation
March 7,2012: 19 River Watch students host a Center for Safe Energy delegation from Kazakhstan at the Hornsby EcoHouse. The delegation was made up of Environmental Scientists, Educators, and Journalists. Students and staff participated in an hour question and answer session about Austin Youth River Watch and Kazakhstan environmental issues. It was an exciting and transformative experience for both parties.
Rich Experiences at Open House
February 26, 2012: Six current River Watchers, Four River Watch Graduates and about 50 other family members, friends and community members came out to the EcoHouse for the Open House. Three hours of Archery, Kite Flying, BBQ, pie, and Interpretive Nature Hiking later all had met good people and had a good time. Our Executive Director enjoyed visiting with one River Watch Graduate in particular. Brent asked him, “What did you get out of participating in Austin Youth River Watch?” And he replied, ” I learned to love the environment.” Program Director, Elisabeth Welsh, relished seeing three graduates she had not seen in more than five years and taking a couple of their kids on the nature hike. It was clear that these children loved being out in nature too, just like their Dad had loved it when he was in River Watch. One current River Watcher fell in love with Archery. It was beautiful to see the multi-gernerational, multi-lingual kite flying and other interactions. We sincerely appreciate everyone who participated in making this a special event. Thank you.
Thank You Volunteers for a Great Work Day at the EcoHouse
February 25, 2012: 26 Volunteers cleared growth from along the fence in the back yard, cleaned the inside of the house, did some landscape work and generally got the house ready for the Open House the next day. In the morning many volunteers came out from the Hornsby Bend EcoLiteracy Day. Others came as part of a school project from LBJ high school and other local schools. Others were already part of the River Watch community – current and former students and their family members. Everyone did such a great job. And we really appreciate all the help.
Young Men’s Retreat – Friends and Fun
February 17 – 18, 2012: 14 Young Men of Austin Youth River Watch from six different school got together and made new friends in the River Watch community. On a rainy night River Watchers played Apples to Apples, Pit, Spoons, Uno mod (new), Dominoes, and other fun games that broke the ice and help them get to know each other. In the morning some played basketball while others hiked down to the river by the Big Tree and used the leaves of grass to make musical instruments and duck / other bird calls. We also played with bedstraw – sharing cleavers with our neighbors is so cute. Everyone came back wearing some.
River Watchers listen and call for Night Creatures
February 9, 2012: Seven River Watchers hiked toward the river and walked through the forest calling for owls and coyotes. The students heard barred owls responding just thirty feet or so from where we walked – Hooo Hooo Hoo Hooooo!
River Watch Open House
Please join us for an Open House on Sunday, February 26th, 2-5 p.m. Come learn about our programs and relax with River Watch students, staff, Board members, and our families.
If you’ve come to our open houses over the last couple of years, you know to expect fun conversations, tasty snacks, and family-friendly activities. This time, we’ll have archery from 2:30 – 3:30 and a nature hike from 3:30 – 4:30. We’ll also have some kites on hand for anyone who wants to give that a try in the open area next door.
The River Watch EcoHouse is at 10611 Platt Lane.
Directions: Take 71 east, just past the airport, to FM973. Turn left at the light, and go north 2.2 miles. Turn left on Platt Lane, which then doglegs to the left. River Watch is the third house on the left.
An RSVP is not necessary, but we would love to hear that you’re coming: Contact Brent Lyles at brent@ayrw.org or 512-773-9789.
In case of bad weather, check message at 512-773-9789.
Feel free to forward this invitation to other friends and family! See you there!
Volunteers needed for EcoHouse work day on Saturday, Feb. 25th
Volunteers needed! On Saturday, February 25th, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., we need 10-15 people to help us tidy up and get ready for our Open House the next day. Come do some light cleaning around the River Watch EcoHouse; do some yard work; and help set up tables, chairs, and decorations. There will be two shifts, from 10 to 1, and from 1 to 4. If you’re interested and available, please email our Executive Director, Brent Lyles, at brent@ayrw.org
Flashlight Tag – Playing in Nature
February 7, 2012: Seven River Watchers played flashlight tag in the forest. It was so fun to see the exuberant childlike joy flashlight tag brought out in the students.
River Watchers attend Financial Education Workshop
February 1, 2012 Seventeen AYRW students attend Financial Education Workshop at the Wells Fargo Bank on Congress Ave. The workshop was led by Wells Fargo associates: Patty Lopez, Sherry Cooper, Francis Agulto, and Lalo Estrada.
