Spring Trails - January 2022 by Peel, Inc.

THE OFFICIAL NEWSLETTER OF THE SPRING TRAILS COMMUNITY ASSOCIATION

Winter Festival 2021

VOL 4

Letter from the President Happy New Year Spring Trails! I want to start out the new year by expressing my gratitude for the support and encouragement you have offered me and the members of your Board of Directors. It’s no secret how much I treasure the unique and beautiful community we share. But without a doubt it’s you, our residents, that make Spring Trails so very special. Year in Review 2021 was met with a couple of chilly challenges early on but in typical Spring Trails fashion we rallied to overcome and finished the year strong. Here are just a few of the community’s accomplishments from 2021: • Spring Trails Facebook (@springtrails), • Little Lending Libraries, • a bird watching sanctuary, • gate and facilities upgrades, • new and revamped family activities and community events, • desilting of the stormwater overflow system-Turtle Creek (thank you MUD 94) • expansion and renovations to community gardens. Looking Forward After months of planning, it is anticipated we will break ground on the new community center this month. Of course, we will remain laser focused on our community’s green spaces and gardens, with renovations planned for the monument flower beds and small-scale reforestation efforts. And in case you haven’t heard…2022 marks Spring Trails’ 20th anniversary. So let’s celebrate! You may have noticed a new commemorative logo for this month’s newsletter. This commemorative logo was designed by Spring Trails resident Matt White and will appear routinely throughout the year in recognition of this momentous milestone. The Board of Directors has planned a variety of activities to be announced in the coming weeks and months…all building up to an anniversary celebration this fall. So stay tuned…details will be posted to the Spring Trails website and Facebook page as well as announced through community eblasts. I’m looking forward to 2022 and working alongside the dedicated members of your Board of Directors, Jerry Rueschhoff, Roger Olsen, Mark Zimmerhanzel and Cedric Cloud. Join us as we continue our pursuit toward building a better and brighter future for Spring Trails. Sincerely,

ISSUE 1

The holiday spirit was alive as Spring Trails came together for Winter Festival. Hundreds of residents gathered at the park to enjoy a few hours of fun and laughter, festive music, yummy treats, frolicking in the "snow", shopping and charitable giving, and a visit from a couple very special guests...SANTA and MRS. CLAUSE!!! It was a joyful evening full of holiday cheer, smiles and happy memories.

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HOA Updates

Board Officers In accordance with Article IV of the Bylaws, Officer positions were appointed at an organizational meeting held November 19th: Leanne Kessler, President & Assistant Treasurer Jerry Rueschhoff, Vice President & Assistant Secretary Roger Olsen, Treasurer Mark Zimmerhanzel, Secretary Cedric Cloud, Director Connect with any member of the Board of Directors through the Spring Trails website, Request Manager menu. Meeting Schedule The HOA Board of Directors will resume monthly meetings in January. Regular board meetings are scheduled every 3rd Thursday of the month. Notices and agendas are posted to the Spring Trails website 6 days prior to the meeting date. 2022 Events The 2022 event schedule will be approved in January and posted to the Spring Trails website Calendar. The 2022 pool/event registration and wristband distribution will also begin in January subject to availability of wristbands. Check the Spring Trails website and Facebook page and watch for eblast notifications for more details. Spring Trails - January 2022

Spring Trails - January 2022

Community Contact Information INFRAMARK

January 3-4 – Conroe ISD professional development (no students) January 4th – MUD 94 Board Meeting January 5th – Recycle Pick Up January 14th – Heavy Trash Pick Up January 17th – Conroe ISD holiday January 19th – Recycle Pick Up January 20th – HOA Board Meeting January 22nd – Let’s Talk February 1st – MUD 94 Board Meeting February 2nd – Recycle Pick Up February 11th – Heavy Trash Pick Up February 16th – Recycle Pick Up February 17th – HOA Board Meeting February 18th – Conroe ISD staff day (no students) February 21st – Conroe ISD holiday Find details for these and other upcoming activities on the Spring Trails website Calendar.

(Spring Trails Property Management).................. 281.870.0585 SPRING TRAILS HOA BOARD OF DIRECTORS Request Manager through www.springtrails.com CEDRIC CLOUD LEANNE KESSLER ROGER OLSEN JERRY RUESCHHOFF MARK ZIMMERHANZEL MONTGOMERY COUNTY MUD 94 MUD 94/Board of Directors........................ www.mcmud94.com MUD 94 / H2O Innovations (water and sewer)..... 281.355.1312 MUD 94/Republic Services (trash & recycle pickup).713.726.7300 SCHOOLS Sue Park Broadway Elementary.......................... 281.367.4677 Cox Intermediate School...................................... 281.465.3200 York Junior High School....................................... 832.592.8600

Reminder…

2022 Maintenance Assessments are due January 1, 2022. Contact Inframark at customercare@inframark. com if you have not received your annual statement or to arrange payment. Residential assessment (all properties) - $720.00 Neighborhood assessments: Laurel Brook - $375.00 Sweet Bay Crossing - $300.00 Whispering Oaks - $375.00

Grand Oaks High School...................................... 281.939.0000 Conroe I.S.D. Administration................................ 936.709.7752 ALL EMERGENCIES – 911 NON-EMERGENCY SERVICES Law Enforcement (Sheriff or Constable).936.760.5800 & press 3 Fire (South Montgomery Fire Department).......... 281.363.3473 EMS (Montgomery County Hospital District)........ 936.523.5000 Grand Oaks High School...................................... 281.939.0000 Conroe I.S.D. Administration................................ 936.709.7752 MONTGOMERY COUNTY GOVERNMENT Montgomery County............................................. 936.756.0571 Precinct 3 Commissioner James Noack............... 936.539.7817 Sheriff Rand Henderson....................................... 936.760.5871

Kindness is Contagious… Pass it On

RAK (random act of kindness): Hold the Door A simple random act of kindness! When you’re on an elevator or entering a building, hold the door for others. RAK Bonus: Smile and wish them a wonderful day.

Constable Ryan Gable..........................................281.364.4211 VISIT THE SPRING TRAILS WEBSITE FOR LINKS TO THESE AND OTHER COMMUNITY SERVICE PROVIDERS

Advertising Information

PUBLISHER Peel, Inc.............................www.PEELinc.com, 512.263.9181 Advertising.....................................advertising@PEELinc.com

Newsletter Information Please support the advertisers that make Spring Trails newsletter possible. If you would like to support the newsletter by advertising, please contact our sales office at 512.263.9181 or advertising@PEELinc. com. The advertising deadline is the 8th of the month prior to the issue. Spring Trails - January 2022

SPRING TRAILS

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Special thanks go out to Spring Trails residents Genette Wilbanks, Al and Mar y Nowak, Ralph and Dolores Jones and Ruth Huytra for volunteering their time and resources toward making Winter Festival a success. This year's toy drive donations were delivered to South Montgomery County Fire Department who partnered with Toys For Tots to bring toys and Christmas joy to less fortunate children. Thank you to everyone who opened their hearts and wallets for this worthy cause. Finally thank you to our talented resident Market participants for again sharing their crafts and offering event goers a unique and relaxing shopping experience. Bayou Beaux Graham Custom Creations Color Street Maxie Cakes Craft Expressions Olympia’s Sweet Treats Custom Door Décor Pubby’s Playdough Kits Ellie & Cat Creations WAS Boutique Emma’s Holiday Treats Yolanda’s Quilts Photos of the event are available on the Spring Trails website under Residents/Photo Albums.

Spring Trails - January 2022

Forest Management Plan Available on the Documents menu of the Spring Trails website

is the newly adopted Forest Management Plan which outlines the Association’s policies and procedures to protect, maintain, and improve the forested green spaces of the community. The intent of the plan is to formalize and explain the Association’s philosophy and practices for reforestation as well as maintenance of existing trees on and around common and nature areas throughout the community. This plan does not apply to residential trees (refer to Landscaping Guidelines). Homeowners are encouraged to read the Forest Management Plan in its entirety, but for convenience, below is a summary: Reforestation Spring Trails has planted approximately 300 trees and saplings since 2016 and will continue to seek out opportunities for future reforestation projects. The goal for reforestation is to plant 2 saplings or trees for every tree removed. Tree Maintenance Common area tree pruning is typically performed triennially. Tree limbs overhanging public sidewalks are pruned to a minimum of 8 feet above sidewalk surface. Tree limbs overhanging primary streets and parking lots are pruned to a minimum of 12 feet above street surface. Limbs of healthy trees overhanging residential property will not be trimmed unless conditions pose a risk of property damage or personal injury. It is the responsibility of homeowners to trim or prune unwanted growth originating from neighboring trees or plants and extending over their property line. Trees are and will continue to be considered highly valued assets of Spring Trails. The Forest Management Plan is another step toward sustaining and improving our Forest of Possibilities.

SPRING TRAILS

Spring Trails Needs

You!

Spring Trails always has something going on. What’s important to remember is that most of the community activities and events are coordinated by our very own neighbors. Volunteers with the Architectural Review Committee save the Association tens of thousands of dollars a year reviewing and ruling on home improvement applications. Spring Trails’ garden and reforestation initiatives are second to none due to the volunteer efforts of the Beautification Committee. Community clean ups are critical to maintaining a beautiful and safe environment for residents and wildlife…again all volunteer. Do you enjoy brainstorming with others? Does working outdoors re-energize your soul? How about eating, fishing, writing, bird watching, or other social activities? Or maybe you’re interested in learning more about your community and the operations that support the Association? Whatever your interest, Spring Trails has an opportunity for you. Contact the Board of Directors to discuss how you can be part of the Spring Trails Volunteer Force.

Friendly Reminder… It’s time to take down those holiday decorations. If you haven’t done so, please clear your yard and residence of all exterior holiday decorations and lighting. Republic Services will collect live Christmas trees on heavy trash day. All lights, tinsel and ornaments must be removed and the tree placed at the curb in front of your residence. Please do not dump trees, tree limbs or yard waste behind fences, within tree lines, or on common property or nature areas. Visit Spring Trails’ Facebook page to learn of upcoming events and meetings, updates on community developments, activities and projects, invitations to volunteer, and general fun facts and photos. Search @springtrails and join the Spring Trails Facebook community.

Spring Trails - January 2022

SPRING TRAILS

Why ARC?? Architectural review is a necessary step toward preserving the architectural and aesthetic appearance of Spring Trails. The Architectural Review Committee, commonly referred to as ARC, is comprised of 3-5 homeowners, charged with reviewing and determining proposed exterior home improvements. And they need your help. All that’s required is a computer and a couple hours a week. Get involved. Take an active role in maintaining the aesthetic standards of Spring Trails and protecting property values for everyone. Contact the HOA Board of Directors through Request Manager if you are interested in learning more about ARC.

Photos supplied by Daughtry & Farine, P.C.

How Does Your Garden Grow?

Contributed by Roger Olsen Ready to garden? Absolutely!! January is the perfect time to evaluate your overall landscape design while the garden is dormant. Trees, shrubs and groundcovers make up the bones of your landscape. View your yard from the house and from the street. Some shrubs and vines may be overgrown for their location and need to be replaced or thinned out. Formerly sunny areas 10 years ago may now be shaded, resulting in leggy, unattractive plants. The dormant season is also a good time to inspect shrub and groundcover areas for young tree seedlings planted by squirrels and birds. We had a bumper crop of acorns this year, so anticipate lots of oak seedlings. Vegetables. What!!?? Yep, now is the time to get the soil ready for the spring garden, if you have not already done so. Work several inches of leaf compost (available from landscaping companies) into the soil. If your soil is not very well drained, create raised rows for better drainage. Raised beds also warm up faster in early spring, promoting better root growth and plant establishment. Don’t rototill wet soil as this can mess up its structure. • Crops to be directly seeded in the garden in January and into February (weather permitting): beets, carrots, spinach, Swiss chard, collards, lettuce, mustard, radish and turnips. • Start these vegetables indoors from seed for transplanting in early spring: (early January) broccoli, cabbage, cauliflower, collards, kale, lettuce, and parsley; (late January): tomato, pepper and eggplant. For indoor starters, use a commercial peat-light soil mix in clean containers, and place in a warm, bright spot. Cover the containers with a clear piece of glass, plastic or saran wrap until the seeds have sprouted. Then place the containers in a cooler, sunny window or close under bright fluorescent lights to keep the seedlings from stretching. Late January and early February, you can set out transplants of cold hardy vegetables, including kale, collards, cabbage, onions, spinach and broccoli. Be ready to cover them in case of a really hard freeze. Give them a shot of water-soluble fertilizer at planting time, and then every couple of weeks until they get well established. But keep a “weather eye” for coming harsh winter weather. Happy vegetable and landscape gardening!! 6

Spring Trails - January 2022

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Spring Trails - January 2022