Texas Outdoor Woman Network, Austin Chapter

First kayaking trip of the season!! Gorgeous day —photo credit Janice Bittner.

Just a reminder that we have a membership meeting tomorrow, 3/25. Everyone is welcome!

The Meeting will start promptly at 6:30p.m. at the NW Recreation Center and on Zoom. The room will be available at 6 for meet and greet and setup.

We now have a special presentation from Texas Parks and Wildlife's Dani Beisert, Program Supervisor, with their Customer Service Center. Her presentation will be about navigating the Texas Parks and Wildlife online reservation system for camping or day use. This is not to be missed!

If you cannot attend in person, email us at [email protected] for Zoom info.

The days are getting longer and warmer. And that means that our kayaking program will start in April! We already have events listed on Meetup. No experience necessary. We look forward to seeing you on the water.

State Rep. Pat Curry (R-Waco) filed House Bill 4938, which would transfer the functions of TPWD to other state agencies. The bill would also disburse the funds designated to the department to the agencies that take over those responsibilities. If approved, the bill would take effect on Sept. 1, 2025. (see just some of the stories associated).

WHAT CAN YOU DO?
PLEASE CONTACT YOUR REPRESENTATIVES and ask them to oppose this bill (House Bill 4938). Find your representatives at: https://wrm.capitol.texas.gov/home
Spread the word to everyone to contact their representatives, so we can fight this travesty.

Some of related news stories:
https://cbsaustin.com/news/local/bill-to-dissolve-texas-parks-and-wildlife-sparks-concern-among-nature-lovers

Bill to dissolve Texas Parks and Wildlife sparks concern among nature lovers
cbsaustin.com
https://www.khou.com/article/news/local/texas/bill-texas-parks-wildlife-abolish/285-04ab16bd-62c8-4f4c-8189-53fbc6fd4bab

Texas lawmaker files bill that would get rid of Texas Parks and Wildlife
www.khou.com
https://www.statesman.com/story/news/state/2025/03/17/texas-parks-and-wildlife-department-pat-curry-house-bill-hb-4938-representatives/82490153007/

Proposed bill could eliminate Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, transfer duties If passed, House Bill 4938 would get rid of the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Its duties and employees would transfer to other state agencies.

Just a reminder: There will NOT be a regular Tuesday membership meeting in October.

Our TOWN Austin Membership Meeting is tomorrow evening -- 6-8pm! This meeting will be both in-person at the Northwest Recreation Center, 2913 Northland Drive, Austin TX or via Zoom.

Our guest speaker is Nona Evans of Texas Sassy Bees 🐝. We’ll learn all about bees, beekeeping and have some honey tasting. She will also have honey for sale- so bring your cash.

HEADS UP. Our May Membership meeting on May 28 will be Zoom only. This is because our presenter will be presenting on Zoom. Please check your email and/or Meetup for Zoom info.

Our speaker is Kaylee French. Her bio is in the comments.

Come and learn about El Camino trail from Jody Richardson at our monthly meeting this Tuesday, April 23. If you are a member, you should get an email with all the details. If not, the in person location is on our website -- townaustin.org. Or send an email to [email protected] to get Zoom information. Look forward to seeing you all!

Wow! I remember the first time I participated in the Goliad Flotilla, the take out was a mud hole. Such a nice addition to the park!

Today was Leader appreciation event for everyone who were on the board and/or who led activities in 2021. We are so grateful to all of them for making our Chapter so fun, active, and educational.

The TOWN Austin birders saw a total of 52 species at Choke Canyon the weekend of Feb 19-20! This citizen science data was submitted to Ebird and will be part of Cornell Ornithological Society and Audubon's data. AND we had a great time! Photo Credit Janet Fitzsimon

For March, we’re heading to Caddo Lake SP and Palmetto SP. See our calendar for details -- https://townaustin.org/wp/calendar/ Hope to see you camping!

BOW 2020 is going VIRTUAL!!!

Save the Date: Sat. Oct. 3rd, 2020

Details here:

https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/TXPWD/bulletins/2a28b4b