Garden & Community Events

 Gardening and Other Community Events
Around 
the
 Hill Country

Visit the Burnet Farmers and Craft Market on the Burnet Town Square on Saturdays from May through Thanksgiving from 9 to 1.  Go to the Burnet Farmers Market Page.

 If you would like to be reminded of these garden related events around one week before, sign up for our Gardening Event email reminder list 

Current Programs


Special Notice: The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s physical meeting scheduled for June 4th at the Agri-Life Building in Burnet has been cancelled due to Covid-19. 
 
There is a replacement “Zoom” meeting scheduled for 10:00 AM. 
 
This Month’s Program with Ms. Karen Kilfeather:
The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s June 4th “Zoom” meeting will have a presentation by Ms. Karen Kilfeather, nature photographer and wildlife management consultant, entitled “Water 4 Wildlife – If You Build It, They Will Come”.  Karen was a long-time member HLBWS before to moving out of the area. Prior to moving she worked for “The Trust for Public Land”, overseeing the care and management of Peaceful Springs Nature Preserve as it became part of Balcones Canyonlands NWR. Part of the management included working with the owners of Peaceful Springs for 12 years on their goals of protecting that 526-acre unique habitat before its sale to USFWS and organizing workshops on nature-based programs like birding, native plants, and wildlife management.
 
Zoom Meeting at 10:00 AM on Thursday 6-4-20.  Wouldn’t hurt to log on a little early. Be sure to watch for the zoom invite on groups IO.  If you haven’t tried “Zoom” and/or have some questions, please e-mail me at gobucks80@verizon.net.
 
 
If you would like more information on The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society, please contact Greg White at gobucks80@verizon.net.


Tuesday, May 26th - The Highland Lakes Master Gardeners will present free "Plant Talks" programs for the public on the 4th Tuesday of most months at the AgriLife office on the Town Square at 409 Pecan St. in Lampasas from 12 to 1 PM.  Master Gardener Christy Stephens will present a hands on program on "Propagating African Violets"  Click on Green Thumb Program for more info on future Green Thumb and Plant Talk programs.  Check back here for possible cancellations.


Saturday, June 6th - The Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market is cancelled for all of 2020 because of covid-19.  You can read about it at www.yantislakesidegardens.com/burnet-farmers-market  Check back here for any change in schedule.


Get Notified:   Be sure to sign up to be notified about these great programs presented free by the Kingsland Garden Club, the Master Gardener's Green Thumb Program, Native Plant Society, Birding and Wildflower Society and other local gardening and community events.

Learn more about the Green Thumb Program

Drop us an email if you have any questions about any programs.

Past Programs



Thursday, January, 5th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society 10:00 AM at the Marble Falls Library.   Our speaker will be Lisa O'Donnell. A native Texan, Lisa has lived in Texas most of her life and has devoted the major portion of her life-work as an Endangered Species Biologist to investigation of the ecological history of the Edwards Plateau and the Texas Hill Country.  More info about the program and other club activities here.  AT credit for MN and MG
  •  
    Friday, January 6th - "Living with Purple Martins" with Master Gardener Robert Yantis.  Learn how to attract a colony of these amazing birds to your yard.  This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information on the program.  AT for MN

  • Tuesday, January 10th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club will host Jodi Zachmann, the owner of Jackass Honey Farms from Liberty Hill at its meeting on Jan. 10th at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main.   Jodi will explain the importance of the honey bee as a major pollinator of our gardens.  Social at 1:00, Program at 1:30 p.m.  The public is welcome.

Wednesday, January 11th -  "Tomatoes Year Round" with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Saturday, January 21st - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at 1:30 at the Marble Falls Library. Our speaker will be Steve Nelle.  Steve is widely recognized for his gift of inspiring landowners to become thoughtful land stewards by developing a long term commitment to follow those management practices that best protect and enhance their property.  Steve will talk about "The Great Grasslands Myth of the Texas Hill Country".  He will explain what the historic vegetation of the Hill Country looked like based on numerous eyewitness accounts.  The public is encouraged to attend.  More info here.  Approved for AT for MG and MN.

Monday, January 23rd - Meeting of the Birding and Wildflower book club in the Marble Falls Library conference room at 11 AM.  The discussion will be on Dragonflies.  Click here for full information.

Thursday, February, 2nd - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society 10:00 AM at the Marble Falls Library. Our speaker will be Greg Lasley, nationally known naturalist and photographer. Greg will be presenting a program in February on "Damselflies and Dragonflies".  More info about Greg and the program and other club activities here.  AT credit for MN and MG

Friday, February 3rd - "Butterflies in Your Backyard" with Master Gardener Sheryl Yantis.  This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information on the program. AT credit for MG and MN

Saturday, February 4th - The 13th Annual SparrowFest (Sparrow Indentification Workshop)
hosted by the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Click here for more information and registration.  Registration is now full.


Wednesday, February 8th -  "Houseplants For Fresh Air" with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, March 2nd - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Meeting and public program at 10 AM. "Ornithology! Migrating birds, with special attention to the Golden-cheeked Warbler and the Black-capped Vireo", our two Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge protected birds.  Program speaker is Dr. Craig Farquhar, TPWD ornithologist extraordinaire.  
More info here.   AT credit for MN and MG

Friday, March 3rd - "Growing Tomatoes: From Germinating to Preserving" with Debbie Sapp - Program includes soil preparation, seed germination, hardening off, transplanting to the garden, maintenance and preserving.  This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information on the program.  AT credit for MG

Every Saturday and one Sunday in March - Backbone Valley Nursery will present free gardening programs at the Nursery each Saturday in March.  There is a Kids Tomato Workshop on Sunday, March 19th with a $15 charge for materials.  All these programs are approved for AT credit for MG.  Click here for full information on all the programs including February 25th. 

Wednesday, March 8th -  "Gardening In Deer Country" with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Saturday, March 18th - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at 1:30 at the Falls on the Colorado Museum, 2001 Broadway, behind Marble Falls Elementary School. Our speaker will be photographer Marvin Bloomquist. He will present "The Digital Camera as a Tool for Flower and Wildlife Identification" The public is encouraged to attend.  Click here for more info.  Approved for AT for MN and MG.

Thursday, March 23rd - The Burnet Middle School Plant Sale will be 8 AM to 4 PM on March 23rd.  You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program.  Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance marked "Food Service".  Proceed right to the greenhouse.

Friday, March 24th - The Marble Falls High School Greenhouse Project is having a plant sale at their greenhouse from 8 AM to 4 PM.  They will have a good selection of plants at good prices to help their program.  The greenhouse is located directly behind the High School.

Saturday, March 25th - Hill Country Lawn & Garden Show presented by the Highland Lakes Master Gardener Association at the Burnet Community Center from 9 AM to 3 PM. Check out the demonstrations and get all the plants you have been looking for and other interesting vendors.  Don't forget the Native Plants Society Plant Sale. Click here for more information.

Saturday, March 25th - Texas Bluebird Society 2017 Season Kickoff at Waco Convention Center, Waco Texas from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. This annual kickoff promotes the conservation of bluebirds and teaches the public how to attract and provide quality habitat for bluebirds across Texas.  Get complete information and registration at www.texasbluebirdsociety.org
 

Monday, March 27th - Our next book group for HLBWS meets on Monday, March 27, at the Marble Falls Public Library conference room, 11:00 a.m.  Click here for more information on the Birding and Wildflower webpage.


Now thru April 15 - Get your application in for the Highland Lakes Master Gardener Scholarship Program for horticulture college students.  Get full information here.

Saturday , April 1st -  Kingsland Garden Club Annual Plant Sale at the Kingsland House of Arts & Crafts Spring Sale behind Wells Fargo Bank on Chamberlain St. We will be on the East side. Get good home grown Hill Country plants at very reasonable prices. Come early for best selection. Open Saturday 10-4. Sunday 11:00 until sold out

Saturday's in April - Backbone Valley Nursery will present free gardening workshops at the Nursery on Saturdays in April at 10 AM. Current topics are Rose, Hanging Basket, Staghorn Fern and Color Bowl workshops.  Classes are free, materials are a la carte.  Click here for the latest information on all the programs.  All these programs are approved for AT for MG.

Thursday April 6th - Meeting and program of the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society 
at the Marble Falls Library.  Meeting and public program at 10 AM.  Botanist 
Bill Carr's  presentation will explore the relationship of surface geology to plant distribution, or more specifically, "The Botany of the Llano Uplift of Texas".
 
More info on Bill Carr and the program here.  AT credit for MN and MG

Thursday - Sunday, April 7th - April 9th -  Enjoy the many activities and vendors at the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival.  Don't miss the free wildflower displays and other activities with the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society show at the Herman Brown Free Library on the Square on Friday from 2 to 5 and Saturday from 9 to 5.

Wednesday,  April 12th - "The Highs and Lows of Raised Beds including Keyhole Gardens". with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Friday - Sunday, April 21st-23rd - 17th Annual Balcones Songbird Festival, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Registration opens February 14, 2017.  More information www.friendsofbalcones.org/festival

Thursday, May 4th - Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Meeting and public program at 10 AM.  
Enjoy 
birding experts Sherry Bixler and Joan Mukherjee speaking about their recent birding trip to The Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica.  More information here and read about the freedom flights on Lake Buchanan.  AT credit for MN

Thursday, May 4th - Burnet Middle School Greenhouse will have their final clearance plant sale on Thursday May 4th, 8 to 4 at their greenhouse.  The greenhouse must be cleared out for the summer, so remaining plants are priced to sell - vegetables, plants, a few flowering plants and tomato hanging baskets. Thank you for supporting the greenhouse.

Saturday, May 6th - Opening of the Burnet Farmers and Craft Market each Saturday through November 18th at the Burnet Town Square  9 AM -1 PM.  Click here for more information

Wednesday,  May 10th -  "Soil and How to Make It Better" with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Saturday, May 20th - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at 1:30 at the Marble Falls Library.  Science illustrator Samantha Peters will present  “Botanical Illustration:  Why and How”.  She is currently employed at the Dallas Zoo. AT credit for MN and MG   More information about the Society here.

Thursday, June 1st - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Photographer and expert birder Karen McBride will present a beautiful program on the Birds of Thailand from her recent trip.  Bird Walk at 8:30.  Meeting and public program at 10 AM. 

Saturday, June 3rd - 
You're invited to "A Festival in the Garden". Join the Master Gardeners in The Helping Center Garden From 9:00 AM Until 12:00 PM, 1315 Broadway, Marble Falls, TX.  Click here for full information.

Thursday, June 8, 2017 -  
MONARCH BUTTERFLY WORKSHOP 
9 am - 4 pm 
Workshop Topics Include:
Milkweed ecology, monarch biology and life cycle investigation, monarch migration & reasons for decline, citizen science, preferred native nectar plants, and in field monitoring.  Presenters: Cathy Downs of Monarch Watch & Craig Hensley of TPWD - Bring your lunch - $70 General Admission, 
$50 Master Naturalist or Student  AT for MG and MN.  Click here for info and registration.
 
Friday & Saturday, June 9th - 10th - Burnet County Area Fair at the Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St., Burnet, TX.  Great vendors on Saturday and exhibits for your enjoyment.  Enter your exhibits at the Fair.  This is for all counties around Burnet County.  Don't miss the barbecue lunch for the 4-H.  Click here for full information on the Area Fair.

Thursday,  June 22nd -  "Best Potting Soil Around" with Master Gardener Rosalyn Lackey in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 10:30 at the Burnet Library, 100 E. Washington, Burnet, TX.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday,  July 27th -  "To Be Or Not To Be; Asexual Or Sexual" with Master Gardener Rosalyn Lackey in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 10:30 at the Burnet Library, 100 E. Washington, Burnet, TX.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Wednesday,  August 9th -  
"Growing Sprouts and Microgreens for Health, A Hands on Lesson"
 with Master Gardener Amy Parke in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 2:30 at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy.261, Buchanan Dam, TX.  
This is a free program however you must call the library at (325) 379-1174 to reserve your spot.

Thursday, September 7th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  We will hear about all the ins and outs of the formation of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge from Valarie Bristol who was instrumental in guiding the process. She is also a highly entertaining and interesting speaker. More info about the program and other club activities here. 


Friday, September 8th - 
Charlie Flatten with the Hill Country Alliance will talk on "Water Conservation" 
This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information on the program.
"The Mission of the Hill Country Alliance is to bring together an ever-expanding alliance of groups throughout a multi-county of Central Texas with the long term objective of preserving open spaces water supply, water quality, and the unique character of the Texas Hill Country."  AT credit for MG


Saturday, September 9th - It's hard to beat Fall Gardening.  There is such a wide variety of vegetables we can grow in this area. Join Mary Kay Pope at Backbone Valley Nursery at 10:00 AM to learn everything you need to know about starting your Fall Garden now to enjoy fresh homegrown produce for months to come. Click here to get full information and directions.  AT credit for MG
 
Wednesday, September 13th -  "Fall Colors" with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, September 14th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club welcomes Dr. Don C. Elfving, Emeritus Professor of Horticulture,  Washington State University, who will give a power point presentation at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main, about the apple, pear and sweet cherry industry in Washington State’s “cold desert”, its success due to the state’s unique physical location and the role of agricultural technology.  Social begins at 1:00, program at 1:30 p.m.  The public is invited.  Please reserve your seat by calling Janice Cleavinger 830-598-1063.

Saturday, September 16th - The next meeting of the Native Plant Society should be a fun one. We are going to meet at Betty Blackmond’s home in Whitewater Springs at 1 PM. She is going to share her gardens with us and talk about starting from scratch and how you need to use native or adaptive plants. AT credit for MG and MN.  Click here for full information and directions.

Saturday, September 23rd - Mary Kay Pope will present “Fall Lawn Care" 10:00-11:30  at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls.  AT for MG (1.5 Hrs.)

Thursday, October 5th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Bill Reiner, biologist who is a member of the team that monitors and manages the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Click for Club and program info here. AT credit for MN

Friday, October 6th - Master Gardener Holli Beckwith will speak on "Culinary Herbs and Their Many Uses." Holli grows her own herbs which she uses in many of her chocolate recipes .  
This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information on Holli and the Club.   AT credit for MG

Saturday, October 7th - Nothing says "Texas" like bluebonnets.  Learn how to grow these and other wildflowers and attract native wildlife and butterflies in a free program at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls at 10 AM.  
AT credit for MG

Saturday, October 7th - Native Plant Week Celebration 9 AM TO 1 PM - FALLS ON THE COLORADO MUSEUM MARBLE FALLS. This year’s Native Plant Week celebration will feature Dr. Alice LeDuc, Adjunct Professor of Horticulture at Texas State University. She has a Ph.D. in Botany from The University of Texas. She will speak at 10:30 a.m. on Propagation of Native Plants Using Seeds. Native Plant Sale and tour available.  More information here.  AT credit for MG and MN

Thursday, November 2nd - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Dr. Chuck Sexton will discuss Birding in the Corners of Texas. Click here for more information on the club and the program.  
AT credit for MN  

Thursday, November 9th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club meeting will feature a program on Oak Wilt presented by Clay Bales, CF AF CA/Texas A&M Forest Service, at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main.  Bales has worked with the Texas A&M Forest Service for over 18 years and is currently handling the Oak Wilt and Land Stewardship for Travis and Hays Counties.   Social begins at 1:00 and program starts at 1:30 p.m.  The public is invited to this free program, but reservations are requested.  Contact Jennye Keys at 830-953-0404.  
AT credit for MG

Saturday, November  18th - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at the Marble Falls Library. Social at 1:00, program at 1:30. The speaker will be Park Interpreter and Naturalist Craig Hensley. He will be speaking on "Butterflies and Native Wildflowers: Making Connections". Read more about Craig, the program and the club here.  AT for MN and MG

Thursday, December 7th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Dr. Byron "Doc" Stone will present "
WINTER SPARROW RESIDENTS OF THE HILL COUNTRY"
Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  Click here for more information 
AT credit for MN  

Monday, January 1st - Friends of Balcones 3rd annual 1st day hike at Doeskin Ranch at 1:00 PM.  A great way to start out the New Year. Click here http:friendsofbalcones.org/event-2750070 for full information, directions and registration.

Thursday, January 4, 2018 - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  The January speaker is Steve Nelle. Widely recognized for his expertise in range management and wildlife biology.  He will address the controversial issue of Ashe juniper (cedar) and how we need to understand Hill Country ecology.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  
AT credit for MN and MG

Friday, January 5th - Master Gardener Sheryl Yantis will present "Hill Country Wildflowers and More"  
This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information on the program.  AT for MG

Wednesday, January 10th -  "Vegetables Year Round" with Kelly Tarla, Burnet County Extension Agent, in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, January 11th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club presents a program on Garden Therapy using Essential Oils by Dusti Elfving on Thursday, January 11th, at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main.  Social at 1:00 p.m., program begins at 1:30.  The public is invited.  Call Jennye Keys at 830-953-0404 for more information.

Saturday, January 20th - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at the Marble Falls Library. Social at 1:00, program at 1:30. 
The speakers for this meeting are going to be Patsy and Tom Inglet, from the San Antonio area. Both are avid birders and Master Naturalists. They are both bird educators, outdoor classroom instructors and citizen scientists at Cibolo Nature Center. They will be speaking on “Native Plants and Native Birds: A Relationship Worth Nurturing.”
AT credit for MG and MN

Thursday, February 1st - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library. Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Paul Yura, Warning Coordination Meteorologist, NOAA, National Weather Service, will speak on "Extreme Weather in 2017, Will it Continue?" Check at the meeting for information on a field trip to the Weather Center. 

Friday, February 2nd - Master Gardener Sheryl Yantis will be presenting a new program "Drought Tolerant Plants And Sustainable Landscape Practices For Texas" .  
This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information.  AT credit for MG

Saturday, February 3rd - 14th Annual SparrowFest at the Flying X Ranch 6:00 AM to 6 PM.  Click here for full information and registration.  
AT for MN

Wednesday, February 7th -  "Rain Water Collections" with Retired Extension Agent Wade Hibler in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, February 8th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club presents a program 
discussing buying, planting and pruning roses in our area with Sherie Clarkson
 at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main.  Social at 1:00 p.m., program begins at 1:30.  The public is invited.  Call Jennye Keys at 830-953-0404 for more information.  AT credit for MG

Friday-Saturday, February 9th-10th -
 The Highland Lakes Quilt Guild presents their annual Quilt Festival from 9 AM to 4 PM at the Burnet Community Center, 401 E Jackson St in Burnet.  For complete information on food, vendors and activities click here.

Saturday, February 17th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is tiny invasives - not just zebra mussels and fire ants, now it's Invasive Tropical Pathogens with Dr. Jungking. 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.

Thursday, March 1st - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. The March speaker is photographer Greg Lasley
 and he will be talking about his recent trip to the 75,000 acres of wetlands in the Brazilian Pantanal
.  This will be a very beautiful and informative program.   Click for Club info and more information on Greg Lasley.

Friday, March 2nd- Dr. Stuart Nunnally will present "Healthy Garden, Healthy Food, Healthy Body". 
This free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the First Baptist Church, 3435 Highway 1431, in Kingsland (near the Kingsland Community Center) because of the election.  The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30.  Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM.  Click here for more information.  
AT credit for MG

Saturday, March 3rd - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Native Peoples - Sacred Gardens, Sacred Plants.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.

Wednesday, March 7th -  "Composting Made Easy" with Master Gardener Willard Horn in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, March 8th - 
The Highland Lakes Garden Club meeting will feature 
Sammye Childers, from the Native Plant Society of Texas, talking about landscaping with native plants.
  Social begins at 1:00 and program starts at 1:30 p.m.  The public is invited to this free program, but reservations are requested.  Contact Jennye Keys at 830-953-0404  
AT credit for MG

Saturday, March 17th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is "Predators of the Hill Country - with beak and tooth, fang and claw, mandible and jaw".  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.

Saturday, March 17th - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at the Marble Falls Libra
ry. Social at 1:00, program at 1:30.
 
The speaker will be Bob Mione, Meadow Nature Preserve Manager, The Meadow Nature Preserve is part of the Connemara Conservancy, and is located near Allen, TX  (Dallas area). He will talk about restoration efforts at the Meadow Nature Preserve.  Click here for more information.  AT for MG and MN

Thursday, March 22nd - The Burnet Middle School is ready for their Annual Plant Sale.  You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time.  It will be 9 AM to 4 PM at their greenhouse.  Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance marked "Food Service".  Proceed right to the greenhouse.   Lots of beautiful vegetables , hanging baskets, and plants.

Saturday, March 24th - 
Master Gardener's Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show will be held on March 24th at the Burnet Community Center, 401 East Jackson St., in Burnet from 9 AM to 3 PM.  Come choose your spring plants and see excellent speakers and demonstrations.  Click here for full information and program schedule.

Saturdays in February and March - 
Backbone Valley Nursery will present gardening programs on Saturdays in February and March at 2 to 3 PM at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls. The following classes will be presented: Feb.24 - Pruning & Maintaining Roses, Mar 3 - All about Tomatoes,  Mar 10 -  Veggie Gardening I, Mar 17 - Veggie Gardening II, Mar 24 - Deer Resistant Plants, Mar 31 - Growing Roses.  Click here for more information.  These programs will count for AT for MG
 
Saturday, March 31st - This is the morning for the Lions Club Pancake Breakfast and the Kingsland Garden Club Annual Plant Sale at the Kingsland Community Center (7 AM to noon), 3451 Rose Hill, in Kingsland, just past the First Baptist Church on RM 1431.  Come have a good time and help the Lion's charities and get some good home-grown plants at great prices.  They will be serving from 7 AM to 11 AM.  We hope to see everyone there.

Thursday, April 5th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library. 
Our speaker for April is botanist Michael Eason who will be talking about his new wildflower guide.
 Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  Click here for complete information on the speaker and this interesting program.   AT for MG and MN 

Saturday, April 7th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is "Native Peoples - how they lived, survived and lessons they can teach us".  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.

Wednesday, April 11th -  "Trees of Texas and Landscaping" with Burnet County Extension Agent Kelly Tarla in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy 261, Buchanan Dam.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, April 12th - The Burnet Middle School will be having a plant sale at the school greenhouse.  
You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time.  It will be 8 AM to 4:30 PM at their greenhouse.  Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about t
he third entrance marked "Food Service".  Proceed right to the greenhouse.   Lots of beautiful vegetables and plants.

Friday afternoon and Saturday all day, April 13-14, 2018 - 
HLBWS participates in the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival with a beautiful and informative free wildflower exhibit at the Burnet Library. 
The Birding and Wildflower Society will host the show in the meeting room of the Burnet Herman Brown Library. 
 It is open to the public Friday, April 13, 2:00-5:00 and Saturday, April 14, 9:00-5:00.  The Festival is open on Sunday but you can only see the wildflower exhibit on Friday and Saturday.

Friday - Sunday, April 27th-29th - The Balcones Songbird Festival is a celebration of nature through a collection of interpretive events to experience both birds and their habitat.  Click here for more info and registration information.

Saturday, April 28th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is "Geology of the Hill Country - rocking with cool rocks".  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.

Thursday, May 3rd - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.   Our speaker, botanist Minnette Marr, MS is Plant Conservationist at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and will help explain the endangered species ranking system and values. Her presentation will cover Texas rare and endangered native wildflowers and is entitled “Conservation Ranks For People In a Hurry”.  Click here for complete information on the program and speaker.  AT for MN

Starting Saturday May 5th at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 P.M., The Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market Will be will be open on the Burnet Courthouse square every Saturday until November 17th 2018. They will have seasonal vegetables, plants, jellies, salsas, tamales, eggs and handcrafted items. Items change weekly. Local backyard gardeners, we would love to have you join us on the weeks you have too many vegetables, berries,or peaches. Garden booth is open for questions. Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market is sponsored by the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners. For more information or to become a vendor contact Roxanne Dunegan at 512-756-9396.   Click for Market webpage.

Saturday, May 5th - Growing citrus in Central Texas takes some know-how. Backbone Valley Nursery will help guide you through it. Find out what citrus you can grow in the ground in our area, what citrus needs to be grown in pots, how to keep your citrus happy and healthy in a free program at 10 AM at the Nursery.  Click here for more information.  AT for MG

Thursday, May 10th -  "What's Bugging Y'all Now? (Entomology) " with Master Gardener Suzy Rowley in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Saturday, May 12th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering a discussion on "Butterflies - dancers on the wind" at the Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.

Saturday, May 19th - Meeting of the Native Plant Society at the Marble Falls Library. Social at 1:00, program at 1:30.  The speaker will be Clay Bales of the Texas Forest Service.  We have asked Clay to speak on all things trees - which trees are invasive to the Hill Country; what native trees do best in the Hill Country; tree diversity; should we avoid planting oak trees because of the threat of oak wilt; the latest science on ashe junipers; "under-story" trees; trees as nurseries; identifying oak wilt.  Approved for AT for MG 

Thursday, June 7th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Marble Falls Library.  Bird walk at 8:30, Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  Bill Neiman, founder/owner of Native American Seeds, will talk about Using Native Plants and 
Ecological Restoration
 for
 article on the program and info on the club. Everyone is invited.  AT for MG and MN

Friday and Saturday, June 8th & 9th -  It's time for the Burnet County Area Fair.  This includes all counties surrounding Burnet County.  The theme this year is "Hill Country Wildflowers".  It is time to get your entries ready for the Fair at the Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St. in Burnet.  Come visit the many vendors and Car show on Saturday. Click here for full information on the Show.
es Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Wednesday, June 13th -  "Multiplying Succulents by Propagation" with Master Gardener Amy Parke in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG


Friday, July 27th -  "Water Conservation and Home Landscaping" with Retired Burnet County Extension Agent Wade Hibler in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy 261, Buchanan Dam.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG


This program has been canceled  Wednesday, August 8th -  "Fall Gardening" with Master Gardener Violet Carson in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, September 6th - Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Agri-Life Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. Bird walk at 8:15 (see link below for location), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  Our speaker is Kelly Tarla, Burnet County Agri-Life Extension Agent since 2015. Kelly’s presentation will center on the Plants of the 98th Meridian.

Thursday, September 6th and the first Thursday of each month - The Lakes Photography Club meets at the Falls on the Colorado Museum at 6:00 PM.  Everyone is welcome.  Bring some photos on a flash drive or just come and visit.

Friday, September 7th - Kari Hines, Wildland Urban Interface Specialist with Texas A&M Forest Service 
will talk about Firewise Landscaping to 
decrease their chance of home loss during a wildfire.
 T
his free program is presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the program which starts at 1:30. Everyone is invited to the Club meeting at 1 PM. Click here for more information.  
AT credit for MG
 

Wednesday, September 12th - 
 

“Art and Architecture Inspired by Plants” by Allison Bennett, Master Gardener.

  This talk will explore the impact the shape, form, and function of plants have made on artists (architecture, sculpture, painting and photography) 

in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG


Thursday, September 13 - Meeting of the Highland Lakes Garden Club at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main St. at 1 PM.  Bill and Martelle Luedecke will present "
Raised Bed Gardening in the Fall and How to Listen to the Birds."  
It will combine their Master Gardening and Master Naturalist interests with a power point presentation which is open to the public.  
AT credit for MG
 

Saturday, September 15th - Meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society at the Marble Falls Library. Social at 1:00, program at 1:30.  The speaker will be
Kathy Lyles of the Fredericksburg Chapter of NPSOT and a 2015 recipient of the Benny J. Simpson Fellows award.  Her topic will be:   “Lessons learned in 18 years of Hill Country Gardening.” 
Approved for AT for MG and MN  
 
The Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is hosting a Level 1 Native Landscape Certification Class on Saturday, September 29, 2018.  The class will be at the Marble Falls Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive from 8:30-4:30.   
AT credit for MG 


Saturday, September 22nd -" Invasive Invaders of Texas"  This free workshop will cover the Invaders of Texas citizen scientist program, focusing on training citizen scientists to identify and report invasive plants. It will include data entry using the TX Invaders mobile application. The workshop will also present general information on invasive species, managing the spread of invasives, invasive pests of regulatory concern and the Sentinel Pest Network, and best management practices for control and eradication of selected species. We will demonstrate the "Eradicator Calculator", which is designed to help organize and record volunteer-based eradication efforts. Space is limited to 30. Registration is first come, first served.

Please bring your smart phone or tablet, or laptop computer. We will be outside for a brief period, otherwise indoors, so please dress appropriately. Bring your own lunch or $10 for Subway  sandwiches.  

Satellite: Highland Lake Invaders

Location: Agrilife Extension Office, 607 North Vandeveer Street #100 (Burnet, TX)
Trainers: Dr. Hans Landel 
Time: 9:30am - 4:30pm  
Registration is open: https://www.texasinvasives.org/invaders/workshop_results.php.  AT is approved for MG and MN

Wednesday, September 26th -  The City of Horseshoe Bay will present 2 lectures regarding at-risk pollinators from 1:30 to 3 PM. at the Horseshoe Bay City Hall. The first will be by Julian Chavez, a researcher at UT-San Antonio.  Julian will discuss the life cycle and biology of the Monarch butterfly, as well as how we can help conserve this valuable insect.  The 2nd lecture will be by Sheri Pollard, a bee keeper and administrator for the City of Horseshoe Bay.  Sheri will discuss the importance of bees, both honey bees and Texas native bees, as pollinators and efforts to conserve them, as well as what to do to relocate a honey bee hive should you find one on your property.  Following the lectures, you will have the opportunity to visit the Steve Hawley Drought Tolerant Gardens next to City Hall. The talks are free and open to anyone interested.  AT credit for MG

Saturday, September 29 - 
The Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is hosting a Level 1 Native Landscape Certification Class. The class will be at the Marble Falls Methodist Church Fellowship Hall, 1101 Bluebonnet Drive from 8:30-4:30.   
AT credit for MG 

Saturdays in September and October - 
Backbone Valley Nursery will present gardening programs on Saturdays in September and October at 10 to 11 AM at Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls. The following classes will be presented: September 29th - African Violet Workshop; October 6th - Deer Resistant Plants; October 13th -Orchid open house and re-potting with Jessica Robertson    October 20th - Fruit Trees with Wade Hibler   Click here for more information. 

Thursday, October 4th - Scott Summers, Environmental Protection Specialist, will be the speaker at the October 4th meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society. Scott has worked at Fort Hood, Texas in numerous capacities the last 22 years. He will be enlightening us about bird research at Fort Hood, namely Black-capped Vireos, Brown-headed Cowbirds, and Golden-cheeked Warblers. 
Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society at the Agri-Life Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. Bird walk at 8:15 (see link below for location), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. AT for MG  Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Friday, October 5th - Linda Wells, County Extension Agent, presents "Critter Cuts" showing how you can have fun with animal shapes and vegetable art at your house.  Join us for this free fun program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM. 
AT for MG  
Click here for more information.

Wednesday, October 10th - 

 “A CACTUS PRIMER: Care and Handling of Six Species of Texas Cactus” by Alice Liles, Cactus Specialist,

 in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 12 noon at the Kingsland Library, 125 W Polk.  

The talk will cover planting, propagation, and care of six popular Texas species of cactus, including helpful tools and 

methods of  handling cacti , helpful resources for information on cacti and a caution about collection practices that endanger the survival of certain species of cacti. Door prizes.  AT credit for MG and MN

Thursday, October 11th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club will host a program on identifying wildflowers presented by Elias Guerrero on Oct. 11th at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main.  Guerrero is a garden and landscape designer and horticultural consultant and is a consultant for the golf course at Escondido.  This is the perfect time to make plans for planting wildflowers because the seeds should be sown during October and November for spring blooming.  Social at 1:00 and Program starts at 1:30 p.m. 
AT for MG and MN
 For more information, call Janice Cleavinger 830-598-1063.

Saturday, October 13th - Come Celebrate Native Plant Week from 9 AM to 1 PM at Horseshoe Bay City Hall and Park. Take FM 2147 to #1 Community Drive.  The Native Plant Society will have a sale of native plants and enjoy our expert speaker, Deedy Wright, who will speak at 10:30 in the council chamber on "Using Native Plants in Landscapes from Wild to Formal".  This event is hosted by the Highland Lakes Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas and City of Horseshoe Bay.  AT credit for the program for MG and MN

The Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market Will be will be open on the Burnet Courthouse square every Saturday until November 17th 2018. They will have seasonal vegetables, plants, jellies, salsas, tamales, eggs and handcrafted items. Items change weekly. Local backyard gardeners, we would love to have you join us on the weeks you have too many vegetables, berries,or peaches. Garden booth is open for questions. Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market is sponsored by the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners. For more information or to become a vendor contact Roxanne Dunegan at 512-756-9396.   Click for Market webpage.


Thursday, November 1st -  Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society Program will bring back a longtime favorite speaker, Dr. Chuck Sexton. Dr. Sexton is well known for his birding expertise which is documented on the “eBird” web site by checking the lists of top ten birders for our local counties.  His presentation is titled “BIOBLITZING ON VACATION IN WESTERN PANAMA”.  
Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society is at the Agri-Life Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. Bird walk at 8:15 (see link below for location), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  Click here for full information on the program and directions.


Saturday, November 3rd - Backbone Valley Nursery will present a program on trimming trees at the nursery from 10 AM to 11 AM. Learn why we prune trees, when we prune trees, proper pruning principles, and the proper pruning cuts. Maybe you have heard that there are special pruning times for live oaks to prevent Oak Wilt, This seminar will cover the why and how of that as well.  Click here for more information.   AT for MG

Thursday, November 8th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club will welcome Master Gardener and Master Naturalist Dr. Ray Buchanan speaking on Japanese Landscape Gardens.  Social at 1:00 and Program starts at 1:30 p.m.  For more information, call Janice Cleavinger 830-598-1063.

Saturday, November 17th - 
The November meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society of Texas will be from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Marble Falls Public Library. Our speaker will be Josie Overton of Marble Falls. She will show us natural ways to dry wildflowers and native grasses to use in making note-cards and floral arrangements.  AT for MG

Thursday, December 6th - The December 6th Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society Program will have Mr. Ed Sones, President of the Austin Area Wildlife Rehabilitation, Inc. and a member of Austin Wildlife Rescue.  Mr. Sones will present a program entitled “Adventures of a Wildlife Rehabber” and will have some live raptors at the meeting.  
Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. Bird walk at 8:15 is cancelled. 
The monthly bird walk before the December 6th meeting is cancelled and will restart January 3rd at the City of  Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29),Burnet. 
(see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00.  Click here for full information on the program and directions.

November and December - This is the time to sign up for the classes to become a Master Gardener.  Get full information here.

Sign up now. The 15th Annual SparrowFest is February 2, 2019.  This Sparrow Identification Workshop is hosted by the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. Registration opens November 22, 2018.  This usually fills up fast so reserve your spot now.  The central Texas Hill Country is one of the best locations in the United States for the study of native sparrows in late winter. Click here for more info and registration.
 
Thursday, January 3rd, 2019 - The January 3rd Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society program will host Mr. Bob Rose, Chief Meteorologist for the Lower Colorado River Authority. Mr. Rose will present a program entitled “The Return of El Nino and It’s Role in Recent Flooding and the Effect on Our Future Weather.   
Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. 
The monthly bird walk before the meeting  will be at the City of  Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet. 
(see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. 
AT for MG 

Friday, January 4th - Highland Lakes Master Gardener and Earth-Kind Specialist, Sheryl Yantis will present "Hill Country Landscaping" using landscape design principles to enhance our Hill Country Gardens.   Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM. AT for MG   Click here for more information.

Saturday, January 5th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Chuck Hixson with a discussion of "Archaeology of the Hill Country" 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics.

Thursday, January 10th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club meets Thursday, Jan. 10, at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St.  Social time is at 1 p.m. Program is at 1:30 p.m. Billy Hutson, President of the Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center will give a talk about the operations, activities and native plants of the UHLNC. The public is welcome. RSVP to Jennye Keys at (830) 953-0404.

Saturday, January 19th - Dr. Hans Landel will be doing the animal invasive workshop, that compliments the invasive plant workshop he gave us in September. The date is January 19th from 1:00 to 4:00 at the Agri-Life Extension office in Burnet.  Click here for full information on this free workshop and to register

Saturday, January 19th - 

 
The January meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society of Texas will be from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Marble Falls Public Library.  Native Plant member Deedy Wright will be talking about a variety of plants to use in a Hill Country wildscape. 

Her program is "Native Plants Add New and Surprising Dimensions to Landscape Gardens"  AT for MG and MN   


Saturday, January 19th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Charles Beierie with a discussion of "Geology of the Hill Country" 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics.

Friday, February 1st - John Caballero of Apple Valley Orchard will show us which apple and other fruit varieties are best to grow in the Texas Hill Country and what are the preferable growing conditions.  Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.  AT for MG

Saturday, February 2nd - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Martelle Ludecke with a discussion of "Vultures" 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics

Thursday, February 7th - 
The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s February 7th meeting will have a presentation by Mr. Billy Hutson entitled “Life Cycle and Importance of Bees.” Billy has been “bee keeping” since the early 70’s and will share his experiences about the world of bees. 
Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. 
The monthly bird walk before the meeting  will be at the City of  Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet. 
(see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. 
 

Thursday, February 14th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club meets Thursday, Feb 14th at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St.  Social time is at 1 p.m. Program is at 1:30 p.m.  Master Gardener Sheryl Yantis will present a program on "Gardening for Wildlife - Birds, Bees and Butterflies" (not deer and raccoons). The public is welcome.  AT for MG  RSVP to Janice Cleavinger at 830-598-1063.

Saturday, February 16th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Matt Carley and Kaye Barr discussing "Bats: Curious Critters of the Night".  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics

Friday, March 1st - Growing Lavender allows you to craft items from the bounty of your own lavender flower garden.  Join Beth Patterson for a program "Lavender Crafter's Garden".  Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.  AT for MG

Saturday, March 2nd - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Dr. Ray Buchanan discussing "Native American Gardens" 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics

Thursday, March 7th - 
The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s March 7th meeting will have a presentation by  Ms. Rebekah Rylander entitled “Family First! Uncovering the secret social lives of the Black-crested Titmouse”.  
Meeting of the Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. 
The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of  Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet. 
(see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. 
 

Friday, March 8th - The Burnet Middle School is ready for their Annual Plant Sale.  You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time.  It will be 9 AM to 4 PM at their greenhouse.  Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance marked "Food Service".  Proceed right to the greenhouse.   Lots of beautiful vegetables , hanging baskets, and plants.

March 8th, 2019 - Comal Master Gardeners Association is hosting its annual seminar on March 8, 2019 from 8:30-4:00 in New Braunfels. The seminar is entitled “Dynamics of the Four Seasons,” and will include four prominent speakers: Dr. Calvin Finch (garden color); David Rodriguez (vegetables); Skip Richter (maintenance); and Dr. Larry Stein (fruit trees).  Registration and details for the event, as well as more information about the speakers, can be found at the Comal Master Gardeners website or by following the link below. Seating is limited, and seminar slots usually fill quickly. Lunch is included in the $55 seminar fee, and 6 hours of AT will be given for MG.


Tuesday and Friday, March 12th and 15th - Master Gardener Willard Horn will be presenting a free talk on "Organic Vegetable Gardening" at Canyon of the Eagles March 12th from 1-2 pm, and repeat the program March 15th same time. He will also lead an interpretive nature walk on Saturday, March 16th at 10:30 AM .  Free parking on Tuesday.  AT for MG for program

Wednesday, March 13th -  "Edible Wild Plants" with Master Naturalist Jerry Stacy in a free Highland Lakes Master Gardener Green Thumb Program at 2:00 PM at the Lakeshore Library  Click here for the Green Thumb Page.  AT credit for MG

Thursday, March 14th - The March meeting of the Highland Lakes Garden Club will present Architect Marley Porter who will make a 25 minute presentation about The Philosophy of Living Architecture, Landscapes and Gardens and will show examples of his and other's work.  In addition he will share his plans for a "community garden" of rentable garden plots in Cottonwood Shores that ties in with a larger development including a Farmers Market.  The presentation is  at 1:30 at the Marble Falls Library.

Saturday, March 16th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for this day is Rhonda Spray discussing "Native American Tool Making" 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics

Saturday, March 16th - 
The March meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society of Texas will be from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Marble Falls Public Library.  The speaker will be Elias Guerrero, formerly with the Wildflower Center and now with the Escondido Golf and Lake Club near Horseshoe Bay.  His topic is: "One is the loneliest number, garden fails by failing to go bold!” AT for MG  Click here for more info.

Wednesday, March 27th - It's time for the second plant sale at the Burnet Middle school.  
You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time.  It will be 9 AM to 4 PM at their greenhouse.  Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance just before the baseball fields.  Proceed right to the greenhouse.   Lots of beautiful vegetables, , hanging baskets, and plants.

Saturday, March 30th - 
Master Gardener's Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show will be held on March 30th at the Burnet Community Center, 401 East Jackson St., in Burnet from 9 AM to 3 PM.  Come choose your spring plants and hear excellent speakers. The best vendors in the area will be there in addition to the Native Plant Society, the Master Gardeners, Master Naturalists and the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society. Be sure to get your tickets for the beautiful raffle quilt to be awarded at the show and participate in the large silent auction.  There are also children's activities.There are three programs presented at the show. At 9:30, the head gardener at the Helping Center Garden, Master Gardener Ricky Lane, will present Tomatoes 101 - a complete guide to growing wonderful organic tomatoes.  At 11:00, Master Gardener Sheryl Yantis will present a very informative and beautiful program on "Hill Country Wildflowers and More" and at 12:30 learn about our Hill Country Butterflies in "Let's Talk Butterflies".    AT for MG for all 3 programs and AT for MN for Wildflowers and Butterflies.  Click here for full information, directions and program schedule.


Thursday, April 4th -
  
Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. 
The April 4th meeting will have a presentation by Mr. Dennis Markwardt with the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) entitled “TxDOT’s Wildflower Program”. 
 
The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of  Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet. 
(see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. 
 

Wednesday, April 10th - The Master Gardener Green Thumb program for April is Burnet County Extension Agent Kelly Tarla with a free program on "Native Plants for Landscaping"  at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy 261, Buchanan Dam at 2 PM   AT for MG

Thursday, April 11th - Penny Adams from the Wedding Oak Winery in San Saba is coming to the Highland Lakes Garden Club to present her program on identifying types of succulents and the environment necessary to keep them healthy.  The presentation is at 1:30 at the Marble Falls Library and is open to the public.  AT for MG

April 12th-14th - The second weekend in April means it’s time for the Burnet Bluebonnet Festival and the wildflower show from the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society. This display is held at the side room of the Burnet Public Library from 2:00 – 5:00 p.m. on Friday and 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. on Saturday. Many of the Hill Country Wildflowers will be identified and on display in this free public service event.  Get full information at https://bluebonnetfestival.org

Saturday, April 13th and 27th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for the 13th is Martelle Ludecke discussing "Vultures: Nature's Clean-up Crew" 
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 27th is Master Naturalist Sondra Fox discussing "Monarchs and other Butterflies"  Click here for a listing of upcoming discussion topics

Wednesday, April 17th - It's time for the clearance plant sale at the Burnet Middle School.  
You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time.  It will be shortly after 8 AM to 4 PM at their greenhouse.  Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance just before the baseball fields.  Proceed right to the greenhouse.   Lots of beautiful vegetables, , hanging baskets, and plants.

Saturday, April 20th - The Kingsland Garden Club presents their annual home grown Plant Sale in conjunction with The Lion's Semi-annual Charity Pancake Breakfast at the Kingsland Community Center 7 AM to 12 PM.  Get quality plants at great prices.

Thursday, May 2nd - Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s May 2nd meeting will have a presentation by Mr. Richard Heilbrun with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD) entitled “The Future of Wildlife Conservation”.  The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:15. (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Starting Saturday May 4th at 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 P.M., The Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market will be open on the Burnet Courthouse square every Saturday until November 16th 2019. They will have seasonal vegetables, plants, jellies, salsas, tamales, eggs and handcrafted items. Items change weekly. Local backyard gardeners, we would love to have you join us on the weeks you have too many vegetables, berries,or peaches. Garden booth is open for questions. Burnet Farmers and Crafts Market is sponsored by the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners. For more information or to become a vendor contact Jim Woodul (830) 220-1213 or email jim.woodul@gmail.com   Click for Market webpage.

Wednesday, May 8th - (This program has been canceled) The Master Gardener free Green Thumb program for May has been canceled.

Saturday, May 18th - 
The May meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society of Texas will be from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Marble Falls Public Library.  Minnette Marr will be the speaker for the May 18, 2019 meeting. She will be sharing her work in "Seed Conservation" and three current projects. Minnette is a plant conservationist and curates the herbarium and the seed bank at the Wildflower Center where she is the Conservation Program Manager.  Click here for more info on the speaker and program.  AT for MG

Saturday, May 25th - "Landscaping for Pollinators"  Learn what to plant to bring in the bees, birds, and butterflies! You'll both beautify your yard and will help improve the health of your environment. 10 AM at Backbone Valley Nursery.  This free program is approved for AT credit for Master Gardeners.  Click here for program description and directions.

Thursday,June 6th - The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s June 6th meeting will have a presentation by Mr. William “Bill” Lindemann with the Fredericksburg Nature Center entitled “Hill Country Wildflowers a botanical kaleidoscope”  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 7:30 A.M. (new time). (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Friday and Saturday, June 7th & 8th -  It's time for the Burnet County Area Fair.  This includes all counties surrounding Burnet County.  The theme this year is "
Homegrown, Handmade, and Farm Fresh
".  It is time to get your entries ready for the Fair at the Burnet Community Center, 401 E. Jackson St. in Burnet.  
Burnet County 4-H clubs will be serving barbeque lunch on Saturday.  
Come visit the many vendors and exhibits on Saturday. Click here for full information on the Show.


Wednesday, June 12th - The Master Gardener free Green Thumb program for June will present Master Gardener Amy Parke with a program "Why Herbs" at the Kingsland Branch Library, 125 W. Polk at 1 PM.  AT for MG

Wednesday, July 10th - The Master Gardener free Green Thumb program for July is Master Naturalist Sondra Fox with a free program on "Gardening for Butterflies" at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy 261, Buchanan Dam at 2 PM   AT for MG

Saturday, July 13 - Canyon of the Eagles. The itinerary is as follows:

9- 10- A one mile walking discussion of native flora and fauna lead by Willard Horn.  1 hr. AT for MG

10-10:30--brief break

10:30-11:30 am--Power point presentation "Native Texans". An in-depth look at the plants that call Texas, and only Texas, home sweet home.  1 Hr. AT for MG

Please contact Willard Horn for more  information and reserve your spot for this unique event. Canyon of the Eagles will waive admission fees and you will also receive a free parking pass.  Email or call Willard at 512-963-5713.  

Wednesday, August 14th - The Master Gardener free Green Thumb program for August is Master Gardener Willard Horn with a free program on "Container Gardening - Year Round" at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy 261, Buchanan Dam at 2 PM   AT for MG

Thursday, September 5th - The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s meeting on September 5th brings back Ms. Kelly Tarla, Burnet County Agri-Life Extension Agent, with a presentation entitled “Quail Research in Burnet County”. Kelly Tarla has been a Burnet County Agri-Life Extension Agent for the Texas A&M Agri-Life Extension since 2015.  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:15 A.M. (new time). (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program. Click here for full information on the program and directions.


Friday, September 6th - Brian Fraus, owner of Texas Big Worm in Bertram, will be speaking about vermicompost and vermiculture. Vermiculture is the processes of raising worms, and vermicomposting is the use of worms to break down (or compost) organic matter. Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.  AT for MG
 
Wednesday, September 11th - The Master Gardener Green Thumb program for September is gardening expert Violet Carson with a free program on "Gardening in Deer Country" at the Kingsland Branch Library, 125 W Polk at 1 PM.  AT for MG

Friday, September 20th -  Native Plant Society is sponsoring a workshop: "Native Landscaping For Birds" at Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery on Friday, 20 September, 8:00 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. (7 hrs credit) - Excellent speakers (Bixler, Campbell, O'Nan).   Fee = $65 for non-npsot members, $50 for members, preregistration is required (limited space, sign up now): (1) go to npsot.org (click on education); (2) click on Native Landscape Certification Program; (3) scroll down to Burnet, Native Landscapes for Birds and click on "register".  7 hours AT credit for MG and MN.

Saturday, September 21st - 
The September meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society of Texas will be from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main Street.  Nicholas Cowey will speak on "The Edible Plants of the Lewis and Clark Expedition That Are Found in Texas." This program is approved for AT credit for Master Gardeners and Master Naturalists.  For full information on this free program and Mr. Cowey click on the HLNPSOT site.

Thursday, October 3rd - The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s October 3rd meeting will have a presentation by Mr. Stephen Garmon with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. Mr. Garmon is the “Park Interpreter/Volunteer Coordinator” at Pedernales Falls State Park outside of Johnson City and will give a presentation entitled “Pedernales Falls; A History of Change”. This is a wonderful place to visit.  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:15 A.M. (new time). (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program. Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Wednesday, October 9th - The Master Gardener free Green Thumb program for October is Master Naturalist Sheryl Smith-Rogers with a free program on "Spiders in Gardens, Homes & Texas" at the Kingsland Branch Library, 125 W Polk at 1 PM.  AT for MG

Wednesday, October 9th - The City of Horseshoe Bay is presenting a program on Oct. 9th at City Hall on Pollinators, namely butterflies and bees.  The butterfly presentation will emphasize the Monarch and will be given by Julian Chavez,  a UT-San Antonio researcher.  The bee presentation will include honey bees and  native bees and will be given by Sheri Pollard, a beekeeper and administrator for the City of Horseshoe Bay.  This program will conclude with a visit to the drought tolerant gardens next to City Hall.  The program is free and is from 1:30 p.m. to 3 p.m., HSB City Hall, #1 Community Drive, and all interested persons are welcome.

Backbone Valley Nursery will be offering gardening seminars every Saturday until November 30th except October 19th which is their annual Tree Sale.  These seminars are approved for advanced training for Master Gardeners.  All seminars start at 10 AM at the Nursery.

2019 Fall Seminar Schedule:

Sat. Sept. 7 Fall Lawn Care

Sat. Sept 14 Fall Vegetable Gardening

Sat. Sept. 21 Gardening with Native Plants and Wildflowers

Sat. Sept 28 Made in the Shade: Shade Gardening

Sat. Oct. 5 African Violet Workshop

Sat. Oct. 12 Fruit Tree Seminar

Sat. Oct. 19 Tree Fest 2019 sale!  ( Sale is 8 AM to 5 PM (no AT))

Sat. Oct. 26 Deer Resistant Plants

Sat. Nov. 2 Tree Pruning Seminar

Sat. Nov. 9 Houseplant Seminar

Sat. Nov. 16 ABCs of Screening with Plants

Sat. Nov. 23 Winterization: How to protect plants in winter

Sat. Nov. 30 Santa / Wreath Decorating Workshop


Thursday, November 7th - The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s November 7th meeting will have a presentation by Mr. Chris Best with the U. S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Mr. Best is the state botanist located in Austin Ecological Services Field Office and will give a presentation entitled “Pollination and Pollinator Conservation”.  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:15 A.M.  (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program. Click here for full information on the program and directions.  AT for MG

Saturday, November 9th - Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR is having a free Star Party! at the Flying X Ranch starting at  5:30
More information and online registration,click on: http://friendsofbalcones.org/event-3601786

Saturday, November 16th and 30th - T
he Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  The discussion for the 16th is Medicinal Plants - The bounty of the hill country.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 30th is Fascinating Fish - What's swimming in our lakes and rivers?

Saturday, November 16th - 
The November meeting of the Highland Lakes Native Plant Society of Texas will be from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main Street.  The speaker will be Journalist and Master Naturalist Sheryl Smith-Rogers.  She will speak on  "From Trash to Treasure: The Saga of an Uncommon Morning-glory"  Everyone is invited to this free program.

Monday, November 25 - The Lakeshore Library, 7346 Hwy 261 in Buchanan Dam, TX will present a program on "Texas Whooping Cranes: Recovery and Migration".  Everyone is invited to this free program at 2:30 PM.  Please call the library at 325-379-1174 to reserve a seat.

Friday, November 29th - The Friends of Balcones NWR will sponsor a "Black Friday Opt Out Hike at Doeskin Ranch" from 9:30 to 12:00.  Click on this link for more information and online registration: http://friendsofbalcones.org/event-3636961 

Saturday, November 30th - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 30th is "Fascinating Fish - What's swimming in our lakes and rivers?"

Thursday, December 5th - The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s December 5th meeting will have a presentation by Mr. William “Bill” Lindemann with the Friends of Fredericksburg Nature Center entitled “Who is That Knocking in the Woods?”. Woodpeckers may be among the most fascinating of the bird families because of their size, color, industrious, boisterous, mischievous, frugality and well-known ability to be percussionists.  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:15 A.M.. (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program. Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Thursday, December 12th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club will meet on December 12th at 1:00 pm at the Marble Falls Library.  The program will be on making quick and easy Christmas arrangements and wire ornaments.  The public is welcome.

Saturday, December 14th
- The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 14th is "Vultures - Nature's Clean up Crew".

Saturday, December 28th - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 28th is "Archaeology of the Hill Country - - Who,What. When and Where".

Thursday, January 2, 2020 -  The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s January 2nd meeting will have a 
presentation by Ms. Sherry Bixler, a world class birding expert with the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society entitled “Vanishing Birds and What We Can Do About It”.  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:00 A.M.. (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program. Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Thursday, January 9th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club will meet on Thursday, January 9th, at 1:00 pm at the Marble Falls Library.  The program will be on the basics of flower arranging.  In addition, Barbara Hahn will lead the group in making wire jewelry.  The public is welcome.   

Friday, January 10th -  (Second Friday this month only) "Ask an Expert"  Come to the meeting with your gardening questions and try to stump the experts. Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.  Kingsland Garden Club Experts include Kitty Rawlings, Sheryl Yantis, Lavona Fry, Sherry Robitson, Keith Atwood and Debbie Sapp.  AT for MG

Saturday, January 11th - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 11th is "Native Peoples - Their Secret Gardens".

Saturday, January 11 - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Starting Vegetables from Seed Indoors,” Saturday, 11 January, 1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls  AT for MG

Sign up now -  It is time to sign up to be a Master Gardener.  Click on www.yantislakesidegardens.com/mgclass for full information. 

Sign up now - The Friends of Balcones are sponsoring the 16th Annual SparrowFest on Saturday, February 1, 2020 from 6:30 A M to 6 P M at the Flying X Ranch.  
The central Texas Hill Country is one of the best locations in the United States for the study of native sparrows in late winter. This annual event usually sells out quickly so you need to sign up now.  Click here for full information and register

Saturday, January 18th - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Fruit Tree Seminar”, Saturday, 18 January, 1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, Marble Falls  AT for MG     More information at backbonevalleynursery.com/events/list  AT for MG

Saturday, January 18th - Highland Lakes Native Plant Society's January 18th meeting will have a presentation by David Mahler, ecologist for Environmental Survey Consulting entitled "Spicewood Ranch After 31 years of Restoration - What We Have Accomplished and Learned".  Meeting of the Highland Lakes NPSOT is at the Marble Falls Library at 101 Main St in Marble Falls. The program starts at 1:00 PM with a business meeting following. AT is approved for MG and MN. Everyone is welcome to attend.  Click here for complete information on the program.

Saturday, January 25th - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 25th is "Edible Plants - Wild Wonderful  Edible Herbs of Texas".

Saturday, February 1st - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Landscape Design 101"  1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls.  More information at backbonevalleynursery.com/events/list   AT for MG

Thursday, February 6th -  The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s February 6th meeting will have a presentation by Ms. Minnette Marr with the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (LBJWC), entitled “An Overview of The National Seed Strategy”. The National Seed Strategy is a collaboration between 12 Federal Agencies and over 300 non-federal partners associated with the “Plant Conservation Alliance” and led by the Bureau of Land Management.  Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:00 A.M.. (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program. AT for MG  Click here for full information on the program and directions.

February 7, 2020 - “Culinary Lavender- Lavender in the Kitchen” with Tasha Brieger,  Owner, Hill Country Lavender.  Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.  AT for MG

Saturday, February 8th - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 8th is "Bats - curious critters on the night".  Limited AT for MN

Saturday, February 8th - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Spring Lawn Care" 1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls.  More information at backbonevalleynursery.com/events/list   AT for MG

Thursday, February 13th - 
The Highland Lakes Garden Club invites the public to attend a free gardening talk by Suzy Buchanan, Master Gardener, on “Hummingbirds: Amazing Creatures” on Thursday, February 13, at 1:00 pm at the Marble Falls Library, 101 Main, Marble Falls.
AT for  MG & MN

Thursday, February 13th - The Herman Brown Free Library in Burnet is hosting naturalists Robin W. Doughty and Matt Warnock Turner February 13th, at 1:30 PM, talking about Invasive Species (how key problem species came to be problems and how we might respond). Click here for more information on the program.  AT for MG & MN

Friday and Saturday, February 14th & 15th - Highland Lakes Quilt Guild 2020 Quilt Show at Burnet Community Center, 401 E Jackson St., Burnet, 9 AM to 4 PM.  Admission $7.00  Full information click on www.yantislakesidegardens.com/special-events  

Saturday, February 15th - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Late Winter pruning" 1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls.  More information at backbonevalleynursery.com/events/list   
AT for MG

Saturday, February 15th - Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge present "Texas Birds of Prey" at Doeskin Ranch Pavilion at 1:00 to 2:00 PM. More information and required online registration: at http://friendsofbalcones.org/event-3727922  AT for MN

Register now -  The Comal Master Gardeners will present GARDEN VISION 2020  at the New Braunfels Civic/Convention Center on Friday March 6, 2020 from 8:30 AM to 4 PM at 375 S. Castell Avenue, New Braunfels,TX 78130.  Get full information at   http://comalmg.net/Spring%202020%20Gardening%20Seminar.pdf   6 hours AT for MG

Saturday, February 22nd - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 22nd
 is "Monarchs and other butterflies - natures beautiful dancers"   Limited AT for MN

Saturday, February 22nd - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Spring Vegetable Gardening" 1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls.  More information at backbonevalleynursery.com/events/list   AT for MG

Saturday, February 29th - Mary Kay Pope, Horticulturalist at the Backbone Valley Nursery, “Tomato Tips" 1:00 p.m., at the Backbone Valley Nursery, 4201 FM 1980, Marble Falls.  More information at backbonevalleynursery.com/events/list  AT for MG 

Thursday, March 5th - The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s March 5th meeting will have a presentation by Dr. Byron Stone with the Texas Ornithological Society (TOS) entitled “The Great Adventure of Birding Alaska”. “Doc” Stone has co-led the TOS “Grand Alaska Adventure” birding trip twice, first with Jim Hailey in June 2017 and again in June 2019 with Randy Pinkston. The Alaska environment has its own unique bird species which if showed up in Texas would light the “E-bird” world on fire. Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:00 A.M.. (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program.  Click here for full information on the program and directions.

Friday, March 6th, - Mike Sturdivant from Sam's Dam Nursery will be speaking on "Tree Planting in the Hill Country." Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.   AT for MG

Saturday, March 7th - The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 7th is  "Trees - the beauty and majesty of our hill country woods and forests"   Limited AT for MN

Monday, March 9th - The Burnet Middle School is ready for their Annual Plant Sale. You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time. It will be just after 8 AM to 4 PM at their greenhouse. Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance. Proceed right to the greenhouse. Lots of beautiful vegetables , hanging baskets, and plants.

Wednesday, March 11th - The Highland Lakes Master Gardeners presents a free Green Thumb program "Health Benefits and Indoor Plants" at the Lakeshore Library, 7346 RR 261, Buchanan Dam at 2 PM presented by Master Gardener Willard Horn.  AT for MG

Thursday, March 12th - The Highland Lakes Garden Club will present Master Gardener Willard Horn speaking on "Container Gardening" at the Marble Falls Library 101 Main, Marble Falls at 1 PM.  The public is invited to attend this free program.   AT for MG   This program has been cancelled because of the Virus.

Wednesday, March 18th - This program is cancelled. Master Gardener Willard Horn and Canyon of the Eagles present "Taste of Texas" at the resort.  Join them at 10 AM to 11 AM  to enjoy a tour of the property and taste the native edibles Willard has prepared for you.  AT for MG

Saturday, March 21st - Numinous is open only for take-out and therefore the talks are cancelled until next season.  The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 21st is  "Balcones Canyonlands Wildlife Refuge- a unique habitat right in our backyard"   Limited AT for MN

Saturday, March 21st - This program has been cancelled.  The next meeting of the Highland Lakes NPSOT will be on Saturday, March 21st at the Marble Falls Public Library, 101 Main St., Marble Falls, TX  78654 from 1:00 pm-3:00 pm.  The speaker will be Chris Best. He has worked for U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service as a Plant Ecologist (1990–2006) and since 2006 as the agency’s State Botanist and serves on the Monarch and Pollinator Conservation Team for the agency’s Southwest Region. He will speak on “Monarch and Pollinator Conservation in Central Texas."  This presentation reviews the evolution and ecology of pollination, the migratory monarch butterfly, native milkweeds, butterfly gardens, and the conservation of pollinators and nectar plants. Members of the public are encouraged to attend.  AT is approved for MG and MN.  However Cathy Hill of HLMN points out because Chris Best has recently spoken in this area: "Let your conscience be your guide and don’t count something that’s a repeat for you."

Friday, March 27th - This program has been cancelled.  Texas A & M Extension presents "Burnet County Lawn Care Conference" from 9 AM - 12 PM at the Agrilife Building, 607 N. Vandeveer in Burnet.  This will cover pests and diseases, proper herbicide applications and proper watering and mowing.  You must reserve your spot by calling the Extension office by March 23, 2020 at 512-756-5463.  Price is $15 at the door.  Reagan Hejl, Program Specialist for Healthy Lawns will be the presenter.   3 hr AT for MG
 
Saturday, March 28th - The Lawn & Garden Show has been cancelled - The Highland Lakes Master Gardeners present the Hill Country Lawn and Garden Show at the Burnet Community Center.  More information later about this free show.  If you know someone who would like to be a vendor at the show, contact Leslie Johnston at lesliemj@swbell.net   Be sure to make time for some free interesting programs at the show.  All programs receive AT credit for MG.

9:15 - Willard Horn “Spring and Summer Vegetables “ - AT for MG

10:30 - Sheryl Yantis "Landscape Design With Drought Tolerant Plants" AT for MG

11:45 - Amy Parke “Free Plants You Didn’t Know You Had”  AT for MG

1:00 - Suzy Buchanan “War on Weeds”   AT for MG

Tuesday, March 31st - The plant sale will not be held on March 31st.  We will advise later if it is rescheduled.  The Burnet Middle School is ready for their second Plant Sale. You can get great plants at good prices and help out this great program at the same time. It will be just after 8 AM to 4 PM at their greenhouse. Go north on 281 past hwy 29 to 3rd street and turn right to about the third entrance. Proceed right to the greenhouse. Lots of beautiful vegetables , hanging baskets, and plants.

Thursday, April 2nd - This program and Bird Walk have been cancelled. The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society’s April 2nd meeting will have a presentation by Sheryl Smith-Rogers on Crest-Rib Morning Glory Update. Meeting of the Highland Lakes Birding & Wildflower Society is at the AgriLife Extension building at 607 North Vandeveer St. in Burnet. The monthly bird walk before the meeting will be at the City of Burnet's Haley Nelson Park located at 1624 Buchanan Dr (West Hwy 29), Burnet at 8:00 A.M.. (see link below for more information), Social at 9:30, Meeting and Program at 10:00. Everyone is welcome to this free program.  Click here for full information on the program and directions.  AT for MG

Friday, April 3rd, - This program is cancelled. “African Violets 101"- Glenda Williams , Owner, Glenda’s House of Violets,  President, Lone Star African Violet Council,     Officer, African Violet Society of America.  How to care for an old-fashioned favorite. Join us for this free program presented by the Kingsland Garden Club at the Kingsland Library, 125 W. Polk. The public is invited to the meeting and program which starts at 1:00 PM.   Click here for more information.   AT for MG

Saturday, April 4th - All talks are cancelled until next season.  The Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center is offering free "Tastes of Nature" talks approximately every other Saturday at Numinous Coffee Roasters in Marble Falls. It is located on RM 1431 one block east of US 281 on the north side.  
These are not presentations but casual discussion tables for visitors to stop and get info and ask questions.  They will be there between 9 and noon so please drop by.  The discussion for the 4th is  "Invasive Species - more than just the zebra mussel to worry about"   Limited AT for MN

The April 8th Green Thumb Program is cancelled

Friday thru Sunday, April 10-12 - The Festival and Wildflower exhibit has been cancelled.  Burnet Bluebonnet Festival and Wildflower 
exhibit.  For full information, visit bluebonnetfestival.org . The free wildflower exhibit by the Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society is at the side entrance to the Herman Brown Free Library on  the square.

Tuesday, April 28 - This program is cancelled The Highland Lakes Master Gardeners will present free "Plant Talks" programs for the public on the 4th Tuesday of most months at the AgriLife office on the Town Square at 409 Pecan St. in Lampasas from 12 to 1 PM.  The program for April 28th is "Art in the Garden" presented by Gail Eltgroth and Lanetta Sprott. We will discover how to enhance our garden through art. We will find ways to engage our five senses using the principles of design. This presentation will offer us the inspiration to spend more time outdoors in our gardens that are filled with whimsy, surprises, memories, and a whole lot more! Click on Green Thumb Program for more info on future Green Thumb and Plant Talk programs.  Check back here for possible cancellations.