Build & Bloom 2022 Home & Garden Guide
Drought-hardy Native Plants
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Praying For Rain
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Benefits to Firewise Landscaping
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Keep Outdoor Living Areas Safe
Building Fredericksburg’s Future
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A publication of Fredericksburg Standard Radio Post
Articles 4
Drought-hardy Native Plants for the Hill Country Praying For Rain 10 Benefits to Firewise Landscaping 12 Building Fredericksburg’s Future 16 How to Keep Outdoor Living Areas Safe 20 Fredericksburg Implements Stage 3 Water Restrictions 22 2022 Real Estate Successes 24 Dark Skies Add to Town’s Beauty 26 Market Brings Fresh, Local Fares 30 Keeping the Roadways Clean 32 Recycling Center Now Accepting More Items 34
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ABOUT THE COVER: This Chris Kaiser-built, comfortable Hill Country home featured concepts by architect Chad Faucheux of Design Visions. Photography by Chuck Wehner of TALL Cotton Studios. chriskaiserbuilder.com designvisionsofaustin.com tallcottonstudios.com
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Drought-hardy Native Plants for the Hill Country By Paula Stone
Native Plant Society of Texas Fredericksburg Chapter President
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or many people, drought tolerate plants are just the “usual suspects:” agave, sotol, nolina and cacti.
It is a woody perennial that will last for several years and needs only a quick trim in late winter to set it up for blooming March thru November. During mild winters, it can even bloom in December or January.
Red, pink or white flowers draw in the pollinators and the evergreen But there are lots of other native foliage is welcome when most plants plants that can handle lack of water have turned brown for the winter. It is and don’t have the desert connotations a tough, little shrub that is useful for or the strong, architectural shapes so any place with good drainage. common in the “usual suspects.” Three favorites are:
Salvia Greggii This goes by many common names and there are many salvias, most of which are drought tolerant. Salvia greggii is a low shrub that is normally about 36” tall and about as wide.
Salvia Farinacea
Locally called Mealy Blue Sage, this is a pollinator magnate. Normally about 36” tall, it is covered with blue (and sometimes white) flowers from April until a hard freeze.
When the freeze kills it back, simply cut it down to 2-3” and wait until spring. It will come back reliably every year and spreads slowly. Seedlings are easy to transplant and share. Bumblebees are particularly drawn to its flowers.
Leucophyllum frutescens Commonly called Cenizo, this lovely plant comes in green or gray foliage, which make a nice contrast when used with darker plantings. Both color leaves are soft and slightly fuzzy; children love the feel of them. They have the added benefit of staying on the plant year-round, so it is evergreen or evergray, as the case might be. The lavender, pink or white flowers can appear any time of year and
Salvia greggi is a droughttolerant shrub that can bloom even in mild winters.
— Photo courtesy Paula Stone
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Salvia farinacea — or Mealy Blue Sage — can come back after a hard April freeze if it is cut down to two-to-three inches. — Photo courtesy Paula Stone
usually after a rain. Plant breeding has produced some very vivid versions of the normal colors.
Choosing Native Plants When choosing plants for the Texas Hill Country, it is always better to go with native plants that can withstand the vicissitudes of our weather. Many non-native plants ‘wimp out’ and need replacing in less than a year. To learn more about Texas native plants, we invite you to join the >
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Commonly known as Cenizo, the Leucophyllum frutescens can appear any time of year and usually after a rain. — Photo courtesy Paula Stone
Fredericksburg Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas. We offer talks, classes and garden tours to teach about our many lovely and useful locally native plants. Twice a year, we host a members-only plant sale with a wonderful selection of native plants. Our monthly meetings are educational and free to the public; notices are printed in this newspaper. For more information and to join, go to NPSOT.org.
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Praying For Rain By Brooke Nevins
Standard-Radio Post Reporter
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hile Texas is no stranger to dry spells and dusty rain gauges, drought conditions have reached extreme levels this spring as a wicked combination of high wind speeds and little rainfall have turned tall dry brush into a statesized tinderbox. The U.S. Drought Monitor estimates that as of April 26, almost 94% of the state — roughly 17 million Texans — is experiencing some level of drought. Fifty percent of the state falls under the Extreme Drought intensity category, while nearly 20 percent is in an Exceptional Drought. In this last and most dire stage, agricultural output suffers, water sources shrink and land is extremely sensitive to fire danger.
Gillespie County currently falls under both the monitor’s Extreme Drought and Exceptional Drought levels. The Office of the Texas State Climatologist’s most recent Climate Summary from April 4 reports that the county received between just 0.1-0.3 inches of rainfall at the end of March. According to Gillespie County Fire Marshal Steve Olfers, fires have plagued all parts of the county and surrounding regions and have not been concentrated in a particular area. An exceptionally windy March exacerbated the conditions.
“What has improved is a slight bit of your typical spring ‘green up,’” Olfers said. “Anything out there is trying to grow new, afresh. And humidity levels have gone up, so we’ve moved out of that really, really dangerous time into this moderate state.” But first responders are still wary. While the percentage of Texas in some level of drought dropped by two points between April 19-26, more of that land has moved into the Exceptional Drought category — including Gillespie County.
“In addition to those winds,” Olfers said, “we were extremely dry and humidity (percentage) levels were unbelievably low, to the single digits at times.”
A burn ban was issued on March 28 following several large fires in and around the county. Olfers said that people have largely adhered to the ban, which carries a $500 fine, if broken.
But late April showers have abated some fire risk locally.
“(Infractions) will happen from time to time,” the marshal said.
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throw sparks, which can rapidly grow to a multi-acre blaze due to high wind speeds. Olfers said welders should have a “spotter” to watch for, and put out, lingering embers.
Gillespie County firefighters surround a blaze before it engulfs a structure during a wildfire near Fredericksburg High School on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Rain in late April has improved fire risk locally. —
“(Sparks) not only will ignite material on the ground but will get away from you so quickly that you can’t typically stop it by yourself,” Olfers said.
Standard-Radio Post file photo
Layers of fire grow in a field near Fredericksburg High School on Tuesday, Feb. 22. Wildires have been eminent in many areas of Texas this year. — Standard-Radio
Among other causes, gusts can cause power lines to slap together and shower sparks, and backyard barbecues have taken an occasional but troubling turn.
Post file photo
“But generally, we don’t see a blatant disregard for a burn ban.” Instead, he said, the grass fires have been accidental. “An interesting (phenomenon) that happens is when you burn bigger piles, the coals can lay semi-buried in the ground with very limited oxygen,” he said. “They can smolder for weeks at a time and that sneaks up on people periodically. We see that quite often, actually.” Furthermore, welding and other construction activities that utilize cutting torches and abrasive saws
Grass Fire Prevention
Fredericksburg has many small plots in residential areas that border wilderness or rural land, but do not have livestock to graze down tall grasses. Olfers said this leaves “a lot of old growth” that can catch and spread fire quickly. “You get to an ‘urban-rural interface’ as these subdivisions (start) popping up or development starts happening,” he said. “In a lot of residential populated areas up against the wildland type areas, it becomes more critical to protect those.” Residents can better protect their home through several practices like keeping lawns trimmed and storing firewood away from wall exteriors, Olfers said.
Olfers said fires have occurred both on large swaths of private rural land The National Fire Protection and near residential areas. Blazes near Association (NFPA) recommends “population centers,” or areas with mowing lawns and native grasses more resident activity, are especially to a height of four inches, removing concerning. vegetation under trees, pruning tree “The size of the fire is important,” canopies away from other trees and Olfers said, “but where it is is just structures, among other practices, as important.” to help safeguard property from traveling embers. In addition to the possibility of displaced persons and property More tips and information on loss, factors like lawn maintenance grass fire safety can be found through make fires in these areas especially the NFPA’s Firewise program at dangerous. firewise.org.
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Benefits to Firewise Landscaping By Beth McMahon
Horticulture agent forTexas A&M AgriLifeExtension Gillespie County
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ildfires in the south, wildfires in the north and we’ve had wildfires here in Gillespie County, too. Sometimes, these wildfires burn more than grass, they can catch houses on fire. There are cheaper things you can do to decrease the risk of your house burning in a wildfire rather than installing a metal roof or dual paned tempered glass windows.
Make sure your gutters are kept clean. Embers falling into piles of dead leaves in these are an easy ignition source. If you can, avoid using a wood mulch in this zone, or at the very least, use one that is not pine-based. Right up against the house there are two landscaping recommendations.
This is by altering your landscape. The goal of firewise landscaping is not necessarily to prevent the landscape from burning, but to keep the fire on the ground and less intense. This method divides a landscape into three zones. Zone 1 is five feet up to the home, Zone 2 is 5-30 feet from your home and Zone 3 is 30-100 feet away. In Zone 3, remove dead wood in the trees and low branches that hang 6-10 feet off the ground. Do not have any burn piles in this area. Reduce the height of the grass yearly by either shredding it after dormancy or grazing it. Remove small shrubs that are next to trees. Zone 2 is the home landscape. Having islands of shrubs or flowerbeds in this area with rock or brick borders can break up an incoming fire. Short green lawns or rockscapes are also helpful. Zone 1 is close to your house. This is the most vulnerable spot. Do not store bottles of propane and firewood against your home. Avoid using flammable materials when building a deck, and make sure there is nothing under the deck that can ignite.
a firewise landscape you will need to be more creative. While trees are welcome for the shade they provide, if a fire gets into the leafy canopy of a tree, it can spread embers over a far area. To prevent or lessen tree crown fires, space out all your tree plantings so that within 30 feet from your home, there is 18 feet between canopies, 30-60 feet out, 12 feet between canopies and 6 feet between canopies 60 feet from your home. There should be no limbs overhanging your roof. This will be helpful in case of windstorms, as well. Several homeowners in Fredericksburg, including this resident in The Preserve neighborhood off North Cherry Street, have embraced a model of firewise landscaping. — Standard-Radio Post/ Samuel Sutton
One is to have rockscape. Alternatively, you can have short fleshy green plants that are kept watered. Whichever of the two landscape types you choose, keep the vegetation short and do not have bushes by your windows. If these bushes ignite, they can potentially heat the window’s glass hot enough that it will break, which will let embers in. There are plants that have low moisture content, resins or oils in their stems or have thickly packed vegetation. These should not be planted anywhere near your home. The list includes cedars, junipers, cypresses, palm trees, yaupons, myrtles, Texas sage, ornamental bushy grasses, santolina, viburnums, oleander, hollies and wisteria. Many of these shrubs are typically used in an evergreen foundation planting, but for 12
I do realize that live and shin oaks are motte forming trees, and they can have multiple trunks in a small area. Treat these groupings of trees as single trees, though if your entire backyard is treed with live oaks, you may consider thinning them. If you live in a small acreage subdivision and your neighbor’s house is close by, it would be wise to coordinate your firewise landscaping efforts with them. If you are inside town, having a firewise landscape is less of a concern. If you have any questions about firewise landscaping, please feel free to call me at the Gillespie County AgriLife Extension office at 830-997-3452 or email me at Elizabeth.mcmahon@agnet.tamu.edu.
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Building Fredericksburg’s Future By Brent Burgess
Standard-Radio Post reporter
Ryan Fleener and Kelby Greathouse launched their building company in 2019 and express a commitment to preserving the family-oriented culture of Fredericksburg. —
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leener Greathouse Builders is relatively new to the building market in Fredericksburg, but their roots run deep and their commitment to the community drives their work.
Standard-Radio Post/ Brent Burgess
Ryan Fleener and Kelby Greathouse partnered to launch their business in 2019.
With increasing diversity among the residents of Fredericksburg, Fleener Greathouse Builders has developed a broad spectrum of designs from Hill Country traditional to more modern builds. —
Greathouse grew up around Fredericksburg with family and worked for several years with Young Life, a youth ministry geared toward high-school students. Following his time in ministry Greathouse worked in several construction and engineering jobs in the area. Fleener moved to Fredericksburg in 2017 following a career in music in Nashville, Tennessee. Fleener worked construction jobs throughout much of his musical journey. “It’s fun, because Ryan’s coming in fresh and new to the community … I’ve been here since 1983. And so it’s really cool to see the journey and to watch how Fredericksburg has evolved and grown and developed. “And then Ryan comes in here fresh and new, and to be able to combine that history and that tradition with this fresh vision. He has some fantastic perspective on some modern builds.” The combination of the two minds has made Fleener Greathouse uniquely suited to provide modern sensibilities with traditional values.
Photo by Josh Huskin
Fleener pointed to how the diversity of incoming residents has caused a shift in home design preference. “With all the influx of people coming in, you’re getting some different architecture that hasn’t been here,” Fleener said. Specifically, the builders have seen an increasing demand for more modern design. “Here lately, we have some pretty modern houses that we’re building,” said Fleener. “We’ve got a lot of opportunity to come up with some really cutting-edge design — cleaner lines, really modern architecture.” Modern design requires a builder to hide the structural support of a home to protect the aesthetic simplicity, and that requires clever design.
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“If people want a simple (home), with smooth, clean lines, there’s a whole lot of work and a lot of detail,” said Greathouse.
Unstable Market Building costs in Fredericksburg are at an all-time high. Economic trends such as supply chain difficulties, increasing demand and inflation have made it difficult for Fleener Greathouse to quote a build. “It’s changed our business model. We’re a cost-plus builder, but we still try to start a project and have a to-thedollar budget,” said Greathouse. “When we first started, we ran a 2% contingency, which is kind of standard. But we’ve run a 10% contingency because the market has been all over the place.”
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For Fleener Greathouse, the best approach to this challenge is open communication. Greathouse said, “This is an ebb and flow. Our guarantee to you is we’re going to communicate everything we can control and everything that we can’t. “We put disclaimers on our bids, and just try to create an understanding in our communication.” Increases in building costs have also been inevitable in this economy. “When we first started building, you could build for $175, $200 a foot. It’s hard to get $300 a foot now,” said Fleener, who attributed gas prices and delivery costs as a factor.
Rural Builds Many of the custom builds in Gillespie County are rural builds. These builds create unique challenges for both builder and buyer. Many new build residents need to factor costs of the land and the preparation of the land for the home. “That is a little bit of a shock when people are buying that I hear, they don’t estimate when they’re buying that dirt,” Fleener said. “It’s a lot of money.”
“My weakness is the initial part of a build. seeing a raw piece of land and going from raw to home. That’s a heck of a job and he’s (Greathouse) got such a background to do that,” said Fleener.
The Investment Fleener Greathouse predicts building costs will continue to be a challenge for customers in the area. But Greathouse sites the consistency of Fredericksburg’s growth as evidence of a strong investment.
Greathouse points to the consistent There is an art to envisioning a build growth curve of Fredericksburg over around the local landscape that is the past two decades. So, no matter unique here versus building in the city. the costs, trends predict the value of homes to continue upward. > Fleener has had to adjust from his urban background. He credits Greathouse for mastering the skill.
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Greathouse said, “There’s really no savings to be had. It’s an investment. I’m investing in this now because it’s going to continue.”
Building The Future Fleener Greathouse approach their business as a service and a ministry to the community. Instead of resisting the inevitable growth of Fredericksburg, they hope to shape its future. “Whenever you look at building here it’s twofold,” Greathouse said. “(People say) ‘I want to be out of the city, and I want to live in a small town, and I’m willing to pay for whatever price it is for the quality of life that Fredericksburg offers.’ “We’re fighting for Fredericksburg to grow well, to grow in a manner that continues to create this allure, this destination, this place that people want to live.” Greathouse continued, “I fight for the atmosphere and the culture of Fredericksburg to remain like this no matter how big or how many people move in from out of state. I want it to remain the way it was when I grew up here.”
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How to Keep Outdoor Living Areas Safe O
utdoor living spaces are a wildly popular trend.
A 2021 survey conducted on behalf of the International Casual Furnishings Association and American Home Furnishings Alliance found that 90 percent of individuals surveyed felt outdoor living spaces are more valuable than ever. That popularity was evident during the coronavirus pandemic, during which 23% of respondents indicated they bought new furniture while 18% acknowledged building a deck. The excitement of seeing a new or renovated outdoor living area can make it easy to overlook safety. But outdoor living areas, particularly those that include entertaining areas with televisions, lighting and other electronics, can pose significant safety hazards if homeowners don’t take some necessary precautions..
Use an Appropriate Extension Cord String lights above outdoor living spaces like decks and patios can create a warm, relaxing nighttime vibe. Those lights need to be plugged in, which increases the risk for electrical accidents. When utilizing an extension cord outdoors, never use a cord designated for indoor use. Outdoor extension cords are better insulated than cords made for indoor use. That insulation provides better protection against the elements, including sunlight, changes in temperature and moisture. When using an extension cord outdoors, make sure the cord is secured and not This patio has a pool table, seating space around a television, and an outdoor kitchen (out of view), all designed around a pool and hot tub and fantastic outdoor Hill Country views. — Photo by Jeremiah Dearinger
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left lying on a deck or patio where it can easily become a tripping hazard.
Consider Fencing Fencing can make an outdoor living space more private and safe. Local laws may mandate that pools be enclosed with fencing, but even living spaces without pools can be made safer with the installation of a fence. Firepits are wildly popular, as more than 35 percent of homeowners who responded to the ICFA survey acknowledged their intention to purchase new firepits in 2021. Adding fencing around areas with firepits establishes boundaries, which is a must for homeowners with small
children. Fencing also makes it harder for local wildlife to gain access to a property, which can decrease residents’ risk for tickborne diseases like Lyme disease.
Purchase an Outdoor Television Outdoor televisions can be expensive, but the cost of such devices will depend on what homeowners are looking for. Homeowners who plan to spend ample time outdoors watching games, movies and their favorite shows may feel a high-end outdoor television, which can cost anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000, is well worth the investment.
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But those working with smaller budgets can find a quality 4K outdoor TV for around $2,000. That’s still a steep price tag, but the electronics experts at P.C. Richard & Son note that outdoor TVs are designed with safety features that indoor televisions don’t have. For example, outdoor TVs can self-regulate temperature and moisture levels, greatly reducing the risk of electrical issues. Outdoor living spaces are wildly popular. Homeowners are urged to prioritize safety when designing and enjoying outdoor entertaining areas at their homes.
Fredericksburg Implements Stage 3 Water Restrictions
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nder the restrictions, all outdoor irrigation may occur between the hours of 5 a.m. and 9 a.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. on designated days. Watering of plants with a bucket or other hand-held container, hand-held hose or drip irrigation is permitted through Stage 4 of watering restrictions without limitation as to the day of the week; however, it can only be done during the hours of 5 a.m. to 9 a.m. and again from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m.
Regulations The designated days for watering depend on what number a resident’s address ends in (see sidebar). The day of the week restrictions do not apply to the irrigation of commercial plant nurseries; however, these establishments shall curtail all nonessential water use. The watering of the ground around foundations to prevent foundation cracking is permitted only during times designated for outdoor irrigation, except when watering to protect foundations is accomplished
by a drip irrigation system or a hand-held hose. A drip irrigation system or hand-held hose may be used to water the ground around foundations to prevent foundation cracking at any time. Hotels, motels and other lodging must institute, offer and clearly notify guests of a “linen/towel change on request only” program. With the summer months fast approaching and water bills expected
to rise, local homeowners can be proactive about protecting both their landscape and their pocketbook by reviewing the City of Fredericksburg’s water rationing policies. City staff encourages residents and commercial businesses to familiarize themselves with the requirements of the ordinance, which is available for review online at www.fbgtx.org, and contact staff if they have any questions.
The US. Drought Monitor listed the majority of Gillespie County in “Severe Drought,” proving the need for water conservation is crucial. — Map courtesy U.S. Drought Monitor
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Watering Schedule Addresses ending in: 1 or 2 - Monday 3 or 4 - Tuesday 5 or 6 - Wednesday 7 or 8 - Thursday 9 or 0 - Friday Hand-held — Means used or operated while being held in the hand or hands. Hose — Means a common residential garden hose not more than one inch in diameter, which includes a positive cutoff nozzle.
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2022 Real Estate Successes
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eal estate sales in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County reported a record number of sales in 2021, the numbers seem to be tapering off this year.
we saw similar numbers due to low supply and higher prices,” Starks writes on his website. “You probably guessed home prices are continuing to climb.
Mike Starks, realtor for RE/ MAX Town & Country, reported $541,014,371 in total sales during 2021, way up from the $411,365,865 in 2020.
The average home prices in town are already over 6% higher than all of 2021. The reported average prices in the first quarter of 2022 are at $586,582, up from $549,899.
The first quarter of 2022 was still high at $109,894,517 but was less than the first quarter of 2021 number of $122,250,180. As for home sales, the first quarter of 2022 saw $38,714,390 from 66 sold units for a decrease of 5.7% percent in total dollars from 2021’s first quarter. “With all the demand, we have seen very strong appreciation rates in the housing market so far this year. In town home sales in Fredericksburg,
Land Sales Demand for land is still high, but supply isn’t, according to Starks. The amount of raw land tracts sold in 2022 so far is 69, which is down from the 79 number in 2021. The average price-per-acre in the first quarter of 2022 is already $23,239.60, higher than the recordsetting price of $17,263.05 in 2021.
Sales Tax Receipts Last year’s Gillespie County sales tax receipts were reported to be $3,789,118, up greatly from $3,083,668 in 2020. “I expect that this growth will continue at an accelerated pace as the Hill Country wine industry grows,” Starks said.
Growth Projections The Texas Water Development Board expects steady growth over the next 50 years by 25% in the city and 26% in the county. By 2030, it is projected that the county population will be 28,852 and in Fredericksburg, the population is projected at 12,146.For more information on growth and real estate sales, go to www.mikestarks.com.
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Dark Skies Add to Town’s Beauty ver look up to the skies here at night and think, “Wow, I can see all the stars.”
There’s a reason for that.
In 2020, the City of Fredericksburg was designated as one of five International Dark Sky Communities in the state of Texas. Other areas include Blanco, Horseshoe Bay, Dripping Springs and Water Valley. The focus of a Dark Sky Community is to preserve the night sky by using and enforcing the use of an outdoor lighting ordinance, education and citizen support. The city’s ordinance states if outdoor lighting doesn’t comply with its standards, rules and regulations, they should be made compliant by May 1, 2029. The ordinance in its entirety can be viewed at https:// www.fbgtx.org/974/Dark-Skies-OverFredericksburg-TX. Dark Sky monitoring equipment, which was donated by Ken Kattner and the Putman Mountain Observatory has been installed on the Lady Bird Johnson Municipal Golf Course clubhouse. The equipment begins collecting information when the sun starts to set and data is read
every five minutes and then every 15 minutes.
outreach materials to explain the change.
The data points are averaged so there are four readings per hour. It can be viewed online at http:// putmanmountainobservatory.com/ hill-country-dark-sky-monitors/.
Preserving dark skies is believed to have benefits on human health, as well as wildlife and ecosystems, as animals and plants rely on the natural light cycle and dark rhythm for reproduction, sleep, nourishment and protection from predators, according to the International Dark-Sky Association.
“We encourage citizens to learn about light pollution and why it matters, night sky-friendly lighting, and lighting regulations and to implement practices and lighting improvements that will reduce light pollution, thereby preserving our night skies,” city officials said in a news release in 2021. And the City of Fredericksburg is not the only area of Gillespie County that has recognized the importance of dark skies. Enchanted Rock State Natural Area was designated as a Dark Sky Park in 2014, before Fredericksburg’s designation. Park officials have hosted star parties for visitors since 2011. Most recently, Lyndon B. Johnson National Historical Park in Stonewall earned the International Dark Sky Park Silver Tier in 2021. This park has tweaked lighting around The Texas White House. It has also created
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IDA also states that the emission of excess light wastes energy, which could have economic consequences. “In an average year in the U.S. alone, outdoor lighting uses about 120 terawatt-hours of energy, mostly to illuminate streets and parking lots,” IDA officials state on their website. “That’s enough energy to meet New York City’s total electricity needs for two years.” The association states that at least 30% of outdoor lighting in the United States is wasted, mostly due to unshielded lighting. This can be costly for the U.S., as that alone is the equivalence of $3.3 billion wasted and 21 million tons of carbon dioxide released per year. >
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Astronomers come to Fredericksburg for research, as the preserved sky provides for perfect documentation.
— Standard-Radio Post file photo
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To help, people can change the outdoor lighting on their homes. Types of light fixtures to use include: • Full cutoff fixtures; • Fully shielded wallpacks and wall mount fixtures; • Fully shielded fixtures; • Full cutoff streetlights;
• Fully shielded barn lights; • Fully shielded walkway bollards; • Fully shielded decorative fixtures; • Fully shielded period-style fixtures; • Shielded/properly-aimed PAR floodlights; • Flush mounted or side-shielded under-canopy fixtures.
Unsure of what lights to buy? Look for the “IDA Dark Sky Approved” fixture seal of approval. Find products certified as dark sky friendly at https:// www.darksky.org/our-work/lighting/ lighting-for-industry/fsa/fsa-products/ To learn more about dark sky preservation and its benefits, go to www.darksky.org.
Market Brings Fresh, Local Fares
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he Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market (FFM) has begun its seven-month-long schedule of bringing locally grown and produced foods to downtown Fredericksburg.
The market is celebrating their 15th year of operation.
peaches, blackberries and other fruits, mushrooms, meats, goat cheese, eggs, Gulf seafood, baked goods, wine, vinegar and herbs, as well as flowers. Shoppers are invited to come for the food and stay for the family friendly party atmosphere where they can purchase meals and snacks while listening to live music.
Every Thursday from 4-7 p.m. from April 18 to Aug. 18, shoppers can meet Pizza baked in a wood burning farmers and producers while shopping oven, various dishes, including soups, for fresh produce at Marktplatz. salads, sliders and pastries are all The producer/grower market made with local ingredients and consists of farmers, ranchers can be enjoyed picnic-style under and wineries located within the the pavilion. geographic neighborhood of Gillespie and adjacent counties, offering a Wine from local wineries can be wide variety of tomatoes, vegetables, purchased by the glass or bottle and
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In its 15th season, the Fredericksburg Farmer’s Market is serving up fresh produce from 4-7 p.m. each Thursday through Aug. 11.
— Standard-Radio Post file photo
non-alcoholic iced beverages are also served. “Meet the farmer, rancher, chef and artisan baker,” said a spokesman for the market. “Support local agriculture and viticulture in Fredericksburg, the community way to shop for great food.”
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Keeping the Roadways Clean State, county cleanup programs help the planet, economy.
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oadways in Fredericksburg and Gillespie County continue to be popular as tourism and population continues to grow, and with that, comes more litter. The Adopt-A-Highway program run by the Texas Department of Transportation aims to keep them as clean as possible.
Keeping roadways clean gives the message that this county and community cares about its appearance, a spokesperson for the highway department stated. In scenic Gillespie County, that makes a difference in the first impressions of visitors. And even the smallest efforts can pay big dividends in the appearance of area roadways. The original Adopt-a-Highway program, which includes roads maintained by the state, began in 1985 and currently has more than 3,400 participating groups across the state, according to TxDOT’s website. Anyone interested can stop by the local TxDOT office or apply online. The department is always looking for additional roadway cleanup sponsor organizations.
The local TxDOT office is located at 1623 E. Main St. The phone number is 830-997-4361. Individuals, families, youth organizations, businesses (large and small), civic and nonprofit organizations, religious groups, fraternities, sororities and schools are among the groups encouraged to adopt highways. Those who adopt roads will pledge to pick up trash along the typically two-mile length for a minimum of two years. Interstate highways are not eligible for adoption. The highway adopters agree to pick up litter four times a year. Signs will be posted with the group’s name at their adopted section. Adopt-A-Highway will provide volunteers with safety vests, trash bags and safety training. Applications are available at www.dot.state.tx.us/apps-cg/aah/ contact.htm. Guidelines for highway adoption are also available at http:// ftp.dot.state.tx.us/pub/txdot-info/trv/ aah/application-guidelines.pdf.
Cleaning up roadways not only benefits the planet, it also helps grow the economy, as a cleaner road is more attractive to Fredericksburg’s continuously growing tourism population.
— Standard-Radio Post file photo
Country Highway Adoption Gillespie County also provides an “adopt-a-county road” program that allows locals to clean up roads maintained by the county. The two-mile stretches of road are adopted for a minimum of two years and the entities agree to pick up litter four times a year or more in heavy traffic areas. Like TxDOT’s adopt-a-highway program, a sign will be erected with the participant’s name. On clean-up days, safety information, trash bags, traffic control signs and safety vests will be provided. Applications and more information is available by calling 997-1726 or visiting www.gillespiecounty.org.
Recycling Center Now Accepting More Items
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he City of Fredericksburg’s Recycling Center started accepting more items on Nov. 1, 2021.
Additional items include newspaper, magazines, sorted office paper and bond paper, and mixed plastics Nos. 1 and 2. “This change in operation has been a great success in the community,” a spokesperson with the City of Fredericksburg said. The Recycling Center, located at 302 E. Ufer St., accepts the following: • Aluminum; • Tin cans; • Newspaper; • Old magazines; • Sorted office paper/bond paper; • Mixed plastics Nos. 1 and 2. City officials ask that residents pre-sort items and place them into proper boxes to expedite the procedure. Items recycled are not limited to what is brought to the center. According to the City of Fredericksburg, the city council in 1991 approved an ordinance that prohibits yard waste from going into the landfill. As the Recycling Center is not a single stream recycling facility and space is
limited, materials will only be accepted for processing if separated into these categories. To ease your trip, city asks to keep these tips in mind: • Cardboard should be broken down flat to insure there are no contents left inside; • Plastic bottles should be completely empty; • Paper and cardboard should not be wet or soiled; • A cardboard bailer is available for commercial customers during regular business hours; and • Large containers are placed along the drivethrough, clearly marked for each of the various items. “This is important, as yard waste typically represents approximately 20% of all waste going into the landfill,” a spokesperson said. City residents can place tree limbs and brush on their curbs next to the street so chipper crews can pick them up. This service occurs once a week. Chips from the service can be picked up at the landfill at no charge to be used as flowerbed mulch. For more information, go to www.fbgtx.org/274/Recycling-Center.
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