Wells Branch Wild

05/02/2026

They left out what great horizontal scratching "posts" they make, which does hasten their disintegration a bit. :)

04/25/2026

Another reason to shop locally, and thank HEB.

H-E-B partnered with community groups to fund 16 pollinator projects across Texas. The initiative put $50,000 into native bee and butterfly habitat restoration.
That doesn't sound like a lot until you realize it created 16 nectar corridors running from San Antonio to Dallas. Monarchs and native bees now have 16 new pit stops in a state where highway medians and parking lots used to be the only options.
The projects are community-based. Local people planting local plants. H-E-B gets good press, sure. But the bees get actual forage. The butterflies get actual milkweed.
In a corporate landscape full of greenwashing, this is literally dirt-level work. Sixteen corridors won't save the migration alone. But they connect the dots between the big preserves.
That's how you build a network. One parking lot garden at a time.

04/25/2026

Many new cultivars and "improvements" are for looks only, but fail at fulfilling their vital role in our environment. Look for the original variety; they are still beautiful and support our pollinators.

04/21/2026

Jill Douglass
10:19 AM (7 minutes ago)
to Wells Branch Neighbors
Tree ID Walk April 2026 (Instagram Post (45)).png

Learn how to identify native trees and participate in documenting trees on iNaturalist during the Wells Branch BioBlitz week!
Native plants will be given for free to participants!
All ages welcome.

Register here: https://forms.gle/Rrur7VRSPwDM7E2P8
SignUp for our BioBlitz (https://www.inaturalist.org/projects/wbwc-spring-2026-bioblitz)

📍Meet-up location: Mills Pond — the picnic table near the bathrooms below the dam

04/21/2026

Several neighbors have reported issues with street lights shining directly into their homes at night, lighting up bedrooms and living spaces. This is often referred to as light trespass—when outdoor lighting spills into areas where it’s not wanted.

Light trespass can be caused by:

* New, high‑intensity LED streetlights
* Lights that are angled incorrectly

Fixtures that cast a very wide light pattern
Most of Wells Branch receives power from the City of Austin, and these issues can often be corrected by adjusting the light or adding shielding.

How to report a street light issue to the City of Austin:

*Online: Use the Austin 3‑1‑1 website or mobile app
*Phone: Call 3‑1‑1 or 512‑974‑2000

When reporting, you’ll need the 6‑digit pole number, which is printed on a yellow tag on each street light.

We are also trying to gather information about light trespass issues in Wells Branch to better understand how widespread the problem is. If you’re experiencing this and are willing to share details, please contact me at:

[email protected]

Even if you’re not sure whether your situation “counts,” reporting it can help the city identify and fix problem areas.

04/19/2026

New York State plans to require native plants in public spaces.

New York is undergoing an ecological transformation as state leaders prioritize native flora to combat habitat loss and climate change. Through the NYSDEC Protected Native Plants Program and landmark legislation like Assembly Bill A3030A, the state is strictly monitoring endangered species and mandating the use of native vegetation on public lands. Even in the heart of the city, New York City’s Local Law 11 ensures that parks and streetscapes act as vital corridors for wildlife, proving that urban development and biodiversity can thrive together.

This movement extends beyond government mandates, offering everyday residents the tools and incentives to restore their own local ecosystems. From SUNY Westchester’s sustainable gardening certifications to municipal rebate programs in towns like North Hempstead, New Yorkers are being rewarded for choosing native species over invasive ornamentals. By leveraging tools like the New York Flora Atlas, homeowners can introduce high-impact plants like Bee balm and Wild columbine, turning private backyards into essential sanctuaries for the state’s pollinators and birds.

source: The New York State Senate. (2024). Key Aspects of NY Native Plant Initiatives. Official Government Website of the New York State Senate.
Reposted from .alghaili

04/17/2026

04/12/2026

This looks interesting!

Wild Ones: Native Plants, Natural Landscapes promotes environmentally sound landscaping practices to preserve biodiversity through the preservation, restoration and establishment of native plant communities.