We are lending a hand to a local group, Friends of Aransas and Matagorda Island National Refuge.  They have some pretty ambitious plans for a native plant pollinator garden.  The first steps include clearing and applying stone to a pathway, running irrigation lines, and building fence to keep feral hogs out.  It is some pretty serious shovel work but things are shaping up.

Ready for the Plants

When they get to the planting phase it is out of my hands.  I can’t tell plantings from weeds!

The concept of Friends groups that support federal and state lands is amazingly widespread. They seem to be grassroots local groups that raise money, advocate for and provide volunteer resources to support operations and special projects.  I suppose it is a sign of the funding priorities of both levels of government.  It’s not all bad though.  Involvement of locals is certainly a healthy thing for all of these properties.  Perhaps one day when we settle somewhere….