Steiner Ranch - March 2022 by Peel, Inc.

VOLUME 16 ISSUE 3 MARCH 2022

CHRIS LANGEVIN

STEINER RANCH

NAREN CHILUKURI

2021

Thank You

JONATHAN GARRISS

For Your Service!

SHAUN CRANSTON

CHRISTINA MORALES

Record - March 2022 RAJRanch SINGH

Ranch Record - March 2022

COMMUNITY INFO STEINER RANCH

COMMUNITY ASSOCIATIONS OFFICE 12550 Country Trails Lane Austin, Texas 78732 512-266-7553 – Telephone

IMPORTANT NUMBERS

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

EMERGENCY...........................................................................911 Fire...........................................................................................911

Ambulance...........................................................................911 Sheriff – Non-Emergency........................512-974-0845 Travis County ESD No.6/Lake Travis Fire Rescue

Administration Office.............................512-266-2533

Travis County Animal Control.................512-974-2000

512-266-9312 – Facsimile

STEINER RANCH CONTACTS

www.steinerranchhoa.org

Office........................................................................................512-266-7553

OFFICE HOURS Monday - Friday (Closed from 12-1:00pm).9:00am - 5:00pm Saturday & Sunday ........................................................................... CLOSED

STAFF General Manager Joseph Ristuccia............................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Steiner Ranch Community Association

SCHOOLS

Leander ISD....................................................512-570-0000 Vandegrift High School.............................512-570-2300

Canyon Ridge Middle School..................512-570-3500

Laura Welch Bush Elementary.................512-570-6100 Steiner Ranch Elementary........................512-570-5700

River Ridge Elementary..............................512-570-7300

UTILITIES

Travis County WCID # 17...............................512-266-1111

City of Austin Electric.................................512-494-9400 Texas Gas Service

Operations Manager

Custom Service....................................1-800-700-2443

Sarah Dunlap....................................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Call Before You Dig.............................1-800-344-8377

Lifestyle and Communication Manager Desirre Ghebremicael.................................... steiner@ciramail.com

Architectural and Community Standards Coordinator Samantha Dominguez.................................. steiner@ciramail.com

Front Desk Coordinator Kayla Rutt................................................................ steiner@ciramail.com

Compliance...................................................... steiner@ciramail.com

COMPLIANCE, ARCHITECTURAL Compliance/ACC Coordinator............... steiner@ciramail.com

Emergencies...............................................512-370-8609 AT&T

New Service...........................................1-800-464-7928 Repair......................................................1-800-246-8464 Billing.......................................................1-800-858-7928

Time Warner Cable

Customer Service....................................512-485-5555

Repairs.........................................................512-485-5080

TDS (Trash & Recycle).................................512-329-1752 Austin/Travis County Hazardous Waste

............................................................................512-974-4343

OTHER NUMBERS

Lake Travis Postal Office...........................512-263-2458

Coyote Sightings.................................................................311 Five Star Commercial Community Management

Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.......................................

.................https://www.traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp

SRMA BOARD OF DIRECTORS

NEWSLETTER PUBLISHER

Email the SRMA BOD.........................board@steinerranchhoa.org

Advertising.............................advertising@peelinc.com

Peel, Inc..............................................................512-263-9181

Ranch Record - March 2022

FROM THE ASSOCIATION OFFICE 6

SRROA Annual Meeting & Election

Special Thanks to the SRMA BOD for their Service!

Sign, Sign Everywhere a Sign

Spring Green Waste Pick-Up

March Residential Landscaping Tips

Mulch Delivery

HOA Oak Wilt Policy

Bastrop Wildfire Illustrates Value of Defensible Space

STEINER ACTIVITIES & EVENTS 14

Texas Disposal Systems New Service Details

Community Garage Sale

News from the Trails Committee

Mother Son Dance

Join Us For Our “Eggstra” Special Easter Egg Hunt

Egg Wranglers Needed!

2022 Egg Hunt Sponsors Needed

Father Daughter Dance

Nesting Season is Here

Winter and Spring Programs

Steiner Stars Summer Swim Team!

Head Start on Summer Swimming or Swim Team

IN EVERY ISSUE 4

Cover Photo

Classifieds

Teen Job Seekers

UPCOMING STEINER RANCH HOA EVENTS 02/26

Steiner Ranch Blood Drive

03/25

Mother & Son Dance

03/26

Father Daughter Dance

4/02

Spring Community Garage Sale

04/16

Easter Bunny & Egg-stravaganza event

05/07

Shred Day

05/21

2021 Senior Parade

07/04

July 4th celebration

08/13

Concert In The Park

9/10

Fall Community Garage Sale

10/17 – 10/27

Steiner Spook-tacular House Parade

11/24

Turkey Trot

12/03

Santa Parade or Breakfast

12/08

Volunteers’ dinner

12/01 – 12/16

Santa Mailbox

12/12-12/22 Annual Holiday House Decorating contest Events are tentative & subject to change or cancel at any time. Events are planned by the Steiner Ranch Event Planning Committee, and are for Steiner Ranch residents in good standing with the association and their guests only. Final approval to participate in any Steiner Ranch program or event is dependent upon HOA approval. For more information, please contact Desirre Ghebremicael at: steiner@ ciramail.com. For the most up to date information, follow us at: Facebook. com/SteinerRanchHOAevents or visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website at: www.steinerranchhoa.org 4

Ranch Record - March 2022

Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors Meets on the third Tuesday of each month at 6:00pm at Towne Square. Steiner Ranch Residential Owners Board of Directors Meets on the last Thursday of each month at 6:00pm at Towne Square. Trail Committee Meets on the third Wednesday of each month at 6:30pm. The committee also holds monthly trail work days. To learn more visit the Steiner Ranch Trail Committee Facebook page for the most up to date information and join their newsletter by subscribing at https://groups. google.com/forum/#!forum/steinertrails Event Planning Committee Meets once a month. To join the committee and for more info, please send an email to desirre.ghebremicael@grandmanors.com COVER PHOTO

This month’s cover photo feature 2021 SRMA Board Members. The cover is dedicated to them as recognition for their hard work and service throughout the year. Have a photo you would like to see published in the next Ranch Record? For consideration, send pictures to steiner@ciramail.com no later than the 8th of the month prior to publication. Your photo might just be next month’s cover! By submitting your photo you agree to allow your photo to be published in future issues of the Ranch Record and/or other Steiner Ranch communications. Copyright © 2022 Peel, Inc.

Ranch Record - March 2022

SRROA

Annual Meeting & Election April 6, 2022

The SRROA Annual Meeting and Elections will take place on April 6, 2022 Registration will begin at 6:30pm at Towne Square Community Center. The Annual Meeting will begin at 7:00pm. The SRROA will elect TWO members during this election. SRROA neighborhoods include: Chaparral, The Summit at Eastridge, The Valley at Eastridge, Hancock Hill, Mesa North, Plateau, Rocky Ridge SRROA Candidate Information Candidate bios and head shots will be posted on the Steiner Ranch HOA website as well as the GrandManors Portal for review. Only candidate bios and photos which pertain to a homeowner’s the above listed neighborhoods will be visible on the online voting website. Specific online voting information is included in the homeowner Annual Meeting and Election packets. Elections results will be announced at SRROA annual meeting. Homeowners are encouraged to attend and to vote. How To Vote Attend the SRROA Annual Meeting & Election and cast your ballot. Voting online will be available once you receive the ballot information from VOTE. Ballot information is included in the homeowner annual meeting packets, which will be delivered via regular mail in March. Vote by proxy. Proxies are included in the Annual Meeting packets which will be delivered via regular mail in March.

SRROA homeowners who wish to be considered as candidates should email the HOA General Manager at SROWNERS@ciramail.com for more information.

Special Thanks to the Steiner Ranch Master Association Board of Directors for their Service

The SRMA Board of Directors has worked hard for another year in service to the Steiner Ranch Community and in 2021 thanks to their dedication and passion, several key capital improvement projects were completed/launched. To name a few: 1. A multi-use two-acre dog park 2. An improved Lake Club property 3. A revamped landscape for all community monuments 4. Towne Square 2.0 project (which will include a gymnasium, a large multi-use room, and other enhancements) 5. New contract with Texas Disposal Systems to include weekly trash, weekly recycling and weekly compost. And much more… The SRMA Board in 2021 consisted of seven directors: • Naren Chilukuri • Chris Langevin • Jonathan Garriss • Shaun Cranston • Lawrence Spinetta • Christina Morales • Raj Singh Please join us in expressing our gratitude to the 2021 SRMA Board of Directors and their dedication and passion to improve our neighborhood.

Ranch Record - March 2022

Sign, Sign Everywhere a Sign Signs for Good!

Many legacy street signs showed up under Christmas trees in the front of Steiner Ranch this year! With the replacement of the aged, old street signs in the SRROA (Plateau, Mesa North, Chaparral, Rocky Ridge, Valley of Eastridge, Summit, and Hancock Hill), the SRROA Board of Directors took the opportunity to make them available for people to purchase. They came down in random groups and were available in Debbie Tanner-Jacobs' garage mid-December and posted for sale on Facebook. It was a fun exercise as well as surprisingly profitable, raising $1,600 for charity! Proceeds were donated to Community First! Village, a 51-acre master-planned community that provides affordable, permanent housing and a supportive community for men and women, and Hope Austin, a charitable organization creating opportunities for the youngest members of our community through food security.

Spring Green Waste Pick-Up

Texas Disposal Systems (TDS) will provide Steiner Ranch residents with seasonal green waste collection pick-up (bagged leaves, brush, limbs and other yard waste) this Spring. STEINER RANCH MASTER ASSOCIATION

Each resident may place up to 20 thirty-gallon paper bags of green waste at their curbside on their designated trash pick-up day on March 28 to April 1 and April 11 to April 15. STEINER RANCH RESIDENTIAL OWNERS’ ASSOCIATION

Each resident may place up to 20 thirty-gallon paper bags of green waste at their curbside on their designated trash pick-up day on April 11 to April 15. REMINDERS

These will be the only green waste pick-ups this Spring. Residents may schedule bulky waste, and bundle pick-ups twice per year by calling TDS. Bundle pick-ups include tree, shrub, and brush trimmings securely tied together, not exceeding 4 feet in length or 40 pounds. Call TDS at 512-329-1752 to schedule individual pick-ups. Aside from scheduled green waste pick-ups and individually scheduled bundle pick-ups, TDS will NOT pick up items/bags left outside of trash containers, unless bags are tagged with TDS trash tags. Tags are available for purchase, by check, at the HOA office for $2.50 per bag. Additional trash/recycle carts may be ordered directly from TDS.

Calling all Football Backs and Receivers! To make the starting lineup, join the

HANDS TEAM This is NOT a league, camp, clinic or conditioning program. This program is focused on developing the hands, route running and speed skills needed to become a varsity and college player. 90 minute, weekend class sizes of 5 or less Age 13 and up

Call to Schedule a free introductory session

(512)739-8517 8

Ranch Record - March 2022

March Residential Landscaping Tips Submitted by Jordan Johnston - Urban Dirt Landscaping

Even after the recent freezing weather we are moving into the season to be able to start planting. The last average freeze for the Austin Metro area is around February 15th, but in the outer areas can be as late as the middle of March. Keep a good eye on the weather and cover any newly planted plants if below freezing temperatures occur. The time will be quickly approaching to turn your irrigation system back on if you have not already done so. Having the right watering plan is essential for establishing new and healthy plants. Here are some important irrigation facts about water usage for your landscape. Water and Oxygen: All plants need water and oxygen in the root zone to survive. It is important to balance the use of adequate water for plant growth but also allow time for soil to breath between watering so soil does not become water-logged. In Texas, more plants are killed from overwatering rather than not enough water. Watering Needs: Plant water needs vary depending on direct sun exposure, amount of shade, temperature, humidity, wind, soil and rain. The best way to determine water needs is to watch for plant stress – wilting of leaves and/or yellowing of leaves. You can also determine water needs by probing the soil to a depth of 2 to 4 inches with your fingers to check for soil moisture.

weeks. Run times will vary in each yard due to location and amount of sun or shade. Soils should be kept moist to a depth of 6 to 12 inches or throughout the root zone for plant establishment. • Transition watering from every other day to two times per week after 4 weeks. Transition to watering for established landscape as soon as possible. Watering of Established Landscape: Water guidelines for established plantings should be as follows: • Turn off your irrigation system during periods of rain. • Landscape water use depends upon the climatic conditions and soil moisture. • Replenish mulch yearly to reduce evaporation and water use around root systems and planting beds. • Water so soil is moist to a depth of 6 to 12 inches so plants are more resilient to drought conditions and stress due to hot temperatures. • Check irrigation settings and soil moisture throughout the year and make adjustments as needed depending on plant’s water needs. Enjoy the warmer weather, getting out, enjoying time in nature and creating your own little piece of paradise in your own yard!!

Optimum Water Use: It is best to water in the early morning hours to avoid plant disease and when water loss through evaporation is minimal. Do not water between the hours of 10 a.m. and 7 p.m. When watering, apply water with multiple run times to avoid runoff into streets. Water as infrequently as possible, but water thoroughly at each application. Soak the soil to encourage deep root system growth to help plants better tolerate drought conditions and stress due to hot temperatures. Well rooted plants will use water efficiently stored in the soil. Watering of New Landscape: How new plants are watered will affect how plants survive. Water guidelines for new plantings should be as follows: • Thoroughly water plants after planting. • Make sure all plantings are mulched to reduce evaporation of water from around root balls. • Water all newly planted landscaping every other day for the first four

BUSINESS CLASSIFIEDS LEARN GUITAR…In-Home Guitar Lessons. Great teacher, fun environment. B.A. in Music, Berklee College of Music. Steiner resident. Over 24 years of teaching experience. All ages, styles and skill levels welcome. Proudly serving Steiner Ranch for years. For more info call Charles Couch at 646.704.3092 or visit http://www.charlescouch.com/ | www.charlescouch.com.

Classified Ads

Business classifieds (offering a service or product line for profit) are $65, limit 40 words, please contact Peel, Inc. Sales Office @ 512263-9181 or advertising@PEELinc.com. 10

Ranch Record - March 2022

Mulch Delivery

The annual Vandegrift High School band mulch fundraiser is a fantastic way for homeowners to support the VHS band while sprucing up their landscaping. Mulch will be delivered by band members on Saturday, April 9th, 2022. Please spread mulch as soon as possible. The HOA will send compliance notices to homeowners’ who have mulch bags visible from the street after May 1st, 2022. Thank you for your support! Questions about ordering mulch or delivery date, contact VHS Band and Vision Dance Company at mulch@vhsband.com It's mulch time, great prices and supports your Vandegrift Band & Vision Dance Company y Order b , th 8 h rc Ma 2022

HOA Oak Wilt Policy Prohibits Pruning Oaks February 1 – June 30

The Steiner Ranch Master Association (SRMA) and Steiner Ranch Residential Owners’ Association (SRROA) each have oak wilt policies which residents are responsible for following. The policies specifically state that oak tree pruning is prohibited from February 1 – June 30, as this is the period in which oaks are most at risk of infection. To view the policy in its entirety, visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website and click ‘FAQS’ from the top menu, then ‘Oak Wilt Policy’. REDUCE THE CHANCE FOR SPREADING OAK WILT Know When NOT to Prune - No pruning/trimming oaks from February 1st through June 30th. Paint – Always paint fresh oak wounds immediately after pruning with wound dressing or latex paint regardless of season. Sterilize Pruning Tools – Clean all pruning tools with 10% bleach solution or Lysol between sites and trees. Properly Dispose of Red Oak Debris – Debris from diseased red oaks should be immediately chipped or burned. If uncertain about trimming, consult a Texas oak wilt certified arborist, an oak wilt specialist from a city, county or state government agency such as the Texas Forest Service or Texas AgriLife Extension Service, or visit texasoakwilt.org.

Ranch Record - March 2022

Bastrop Wildfire Illustrates the Value of Defensible Space Submitted by Bill Hamm, SR Firewise Committee Chair

Zone 1 (within 5 feet) • Remove leaf litter and use rock instead of mulch within zone 1 • Remove leaf litter from roof and rain gutters • Remove combustible material and vegetation from around and under decks. • Remove or prune vegetation under windows. • Keep garden hoses near building corners to aid firefighters.

A wildfire in February 2022 covered about 812 acres and caused the evacuation of about 250 homes in Bastrop County. According to Kari Hines of the Texas A&M Forest Service, key residences near the fire had done excellent work at creating defensible space, which kept the fire low and minimized the ember storms usually seen in a wildfire of this size, although this fire was not as intense as the 2011 Bastrop Fire. The fire also surrounded homes in the Pine Hills Estates neighborhood on three sides, but no homes were lost. The picture (above) shows the defensible space created on the northeast corner of a Pine Hills home. Firefighters were able to provide direct structure protection as the flames were low to the ground due to the limbing-up and slight density reduction of the trees within 30 ft of the home. Defensible space is generally thought of as three zones, one within 5 feet of a residence, one from 5-30 feet and one 30-100 feet.

Ranch Record - March 2022

Zone 2 (5-30 feet) • Remove all dead or dying vegetation • Trim tree canopies regularly to keep their branches a minimum of 10 feet from structures and other trees. • Remove leaf litter from yard and from base of any wood fencing • Relocate woodpiles or other combustible materials into Zone 3 • Remove “ladder fuels” (low level vegetation that allows the fire to spread from the ground to any tree canopy). Create a separation between low level vegetation and tree branches. This can be done by reducing the height of low-level vegetation and trimming low tree branches. Zone 3 (30-100 feet) • Remove dead material and thin vegetation • Remove “ladder fuels” • Cut or mow annual grass down to a maximum height of 4 inches • Trim tree canopies regularly to reduce continuity between branches and dense underbrush. These recommendations are not all or nothing concepts. Any work to decrease risk is better than none. Protect Your Home by Requesting a free Defensible Space Evaluation at SRFirewise@gmail.com

Ranch Record - March 2022

News from the Trails Committee Submitted by Sterling Gray

For more info SCAN here:

COMMUNITY WIDE GARAGE SALE Time to Spring Clean & Declutter!

The Spring Steiner Ranch community wide garage sale will take place on Saturday, April 2nd from 8am – 12pm. No need to advertise – the Association places an ad in the Austin American Statesman and posts signs at the front of the neighborhood to spread the word. So, start cleaning out those closets and get ready to exchange stuff you no longer want or need for cash!

Ranch Record - March 2022

Well, for the second year in a row, Central Texas was blasted with another historic February winter storm, including freezing rain, sleet, snow flurries and a good layer of ice everywhere. With tempertures in the teens and wind chills in the single digits, it wasn’t exactly our typical February hiking weather. It even kept the post office and trash service from making their appointed rounds. But once the weather broke, and the sun came out, so did the hikers. Seems like everyone just wanted to get outside and get some fresh air, even if it was still unusually chilly for February. My wife and I took a long hike on J-Canyon, passing many other fellow residents and families, soaking up as much vitamin D as we could. J-Canyon is one of my favorite “winter” hikes as most of it is open jeep trail with plenty of sun for those chilly days, spectacular canyon views and a year-round creek that you can hear along most of the trail. This beautiful trail in the Balcones Canyonland Preserve is one of a few in Steiner where you can relish the quiet, without the distraction of noisy traffic in the distance. So before summer arrives again, go and check it out – I guarantee you won’t regret it. You can access the trail from the Savannah and Rio Mesa neighborhoods. If you enjoy the trails as much as we do on the Trails Committee, why not join us during our monthly trail maintenance events, held the fourth Sunday of each month. Visit the Steiner Ranch Trail Committee Facebook page (https://www.facebook.com/srtrailcommittee) for times, locations and more details. As always, I hope to see you out on the trails soon.

Steiner Activities & Events

Ranch Record - March 2022

Steiner Activities & Events Join Us For Our “Eggstra” Special Easter Egg Hunt! Saturday April 16th, 2022

John Simpson Park | Rain or Shine Activities begin at 9:00am Egg hunt starts at 10:00am (sharp)

Children ages 10 and under are invited to the annual Steiner Ranch Easter Egg Hunt and event. Activities begin at 9:00am and will include face painters, balloon twisters, pony rides, petting zoo and other fun activities. The Easter Egg Hunt begins at 10am sharp. Thousands of Easter eggs will be hidden and placed on the grounds at John Simpson Park. As always, it promises to be a fun event! Children should start lining up along the sidewalk next to their dedicated age group at 9:55am. Please wait for the fire truck or air horn to sound for the big start. To ensure all children leave with eggs, we ask each child to limit their eggs to ONE DOZEN. Please keep this in mind when your child is on the hunt. All children will be divided by age group and there will be two “special egg” per group for a great prize. AGE GROUP LOCATIONS:

Ages 2 & Under (accompanied by parent) Open area between the two mailbox kiosks 3-4 Year Olds Open area between the two mailbox kiosks 5-6 Year Olds In the area to the left of the volleyball court 7-10 Year Olds In the area to the right of the volleyball court and in the playground

2022 Easter Egg Hunt

SPONSORS NEEDED The Steiner Ranch Homeowners’ Association is busy preparing for our upcoming community wide 2022 Easter Egg Hunt and celebration which will take place on Saturday April 16th from 9am – noon. We invite you to consider sponsoring this family focused event, which is attended and anticipated by many Steiner Ranch residents. The morning will feature twelve thousands Easter Eggs for children to hunt, face painters, petting zoo, pony rides, balloon twisters, a DJ and other entertaining activities. This is a great opportunity to get in front of the Steiner Ranch community and take part in a wonderful community event. Various levels of sponsorships opportunities are available. For more info, visit the Steiner Ranch HOa website at http://steinerranchhoa.org/ and under ACTIVITIES & GROUPS, select: Event Sponsorship Opportunities 2022. Thank you for your consideration!

EGG WRANGLERS NEEDED!

With over 12,000 eggs to hide for the annual Steiner Ranch Easter Egg Hunt, we need your help the morning of the event! Please sign up by visiting the Steiner Ranch HOA Events Facebook page or scan the QR code here and come to John Simpson Park on Saturday, April 16th by 8:00am to hide eggs. This is a great way for older kids to be involved or earn community service points.

You must register your child(ren) by age group. Please register by visiting the Steiner Ranch HOA Events Facebook page or scan the QR Code here.

Ranch Record - March 2022

Steiner Activities & Events

Nesting Season Is Here

Submitted by Johanna Arendt and Jeremy Hull, Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve 9.

No loitering.

10. No hunting. 11. No cooking, fires, fireworks, or smoking. No use of fire of any kind is permitted. 12. No camping. 13. All pets must be on a leash at all times. 14. No littering or dumping allowed.

Golden-cheeked warbler on Ashe juniper. Photograph by Tom Hausler. Two rare birds, the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, will be making their home in Steiner Ranch again this spring. Why is this important to know? Several of Steiner Ranch’s trails go through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP), which was created to protect these birds and other rare Central Texas species. The three BCP trails at Steiner Ranch are J-Canyon, Powerline Hill, and Eastridge trail. You can find a trail map by going to the Steiner Ranch HOA’s website and clicking on Amenities and then Trails. Please review the following trail rules before your next visit to help keep the trails beautiful, and to protect the plants and animals that call these natural spaces home. The first 15 rules apply to all greenbelt trails at Steiner Ranch, whether or not they are part of the BCP: 1.

The trails are for Steiner Ranch residents, their guests, and persons with written authorization from Taylor Woodrow Communities/Steiner Ranch Ltd. only.

Trail hours are from dawn until dusk. There will be no access of the trails allowed after dusk.

Use of the trails is at your own risk.

Only use of designated trails is allowed. Leaving designated trails is prohibited.

No motorized vehicles allowed.

No horses allowed.

No feeding animals.

Bikes must yield to pedestrians and are allowed only on Hike-and-Bike Trails (not Preserve trails).

Ranch Record - March 2022

15. Do not disturb natural landscapes. Help us protect plants and wildlife in their native habitat. BCP Trail Rules In addition to the rules above, the following apply only to the trails through the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (J-Canyon, Powerline Hill, and Eastridge trails). These rules were designed to minimize disturbance of the golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos during nesting season and to keep their habitat intact. Though no one wants it to reach this point, please understand that violation of trail rules could force closure of the trails throughout the nesting season from March to September. 1.

Access permitted at trailhead access points only.

No picnicking.

No bikes.

No playing recordings of bird calls or other wildlife.

The Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering about 50 square miles in western Travis County. It was created to protect irreplaceable endangered species habitat while also supporting the growing Central Texas economy. A historic 1996 agreement between the US Fish & Wildlife Service and local government allowed most of the endangered species habitat in western Travis County to be developed in exchange for creating the BCP. The golden-cheeked warbler and black-capped vireo are two of the species the BCP was created to protect. The golden-cheeked warbler is a small migratory songbird that nests exclusively in Central Texas, making every one a native Texan. They spend the winter in Mexico and Central America,

returning each spring to breed in the Hill Country’s mature oak-juniper forests. Ashe juniper trees (often referred to as “cedar”) are essential to the warbler’s survival. The goldencheeked warbler makes its nest from the bark of mature Ashe junipers, binding strips of it together with spider webs. The main threat to the golden-cheeked warbler is habitat loss, such as from development. The black-capped vireo is a migratory songbird that spends the winter in Mexico and breeds in parts of Texas, Oklahoma, and northern Mexico. It builds its nests in low, bushy trees and shrubs just a few feet off the ground. Species status: The golden-cheeked warbler has been on the federal endangered species list since 1990 and continues to suffer from habitat loss due to development. In May 2018, the blackcapped vireo was removed from the federal List of Endangered and Threatened Wildlife. The delisting did not affect the BCP; the land will continue to be preserved in perpetuity. The U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s decision to delist the vireo was made with the assumption that protected habitat would remain intact and continue to be managed for the species. Learn more about these rare birds from the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s user-friendly website: Golden-cheeked warbler: https://www. allaboutbirds.org/guide/Golden-cheeked_ Warbler/ Black-capped vireo: https://www.allaboutbirds. org/guide/black-capped_vireo For more information about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, visit https://www. traviscountytx.gov/tnr/nr/bcp or email BCCP@traviscountytx.gov with any questions.

Ranch Record - March 2022

Steiner Activities & Events Winter and Spring Programs

The Association has put together the 2021-22 Programs Guide with all HOA activity and program offerings in one place. Multiple programs are offered, please stop by the HOA to pick up a program guide or visit the Steiner Ranch HOA website at steinerranchhoa.org or scan the QR code to view it online: Featured programs include:

Adult Programs • Tennis • Tai Chi • Camp Gladiator • Master Swimming • High Fitness • Community Yoga

Children’s Programs • Lonestar Soccer • Nitro Swimming • Neighborhood Sports • Gold Stars Swimming • Sportball • Tap~N~Toe • Tennis • Austin Arts Academy

For more info, contact Desirre Ghebremicael at desirre.ghebremicael@grandmanors.com

Ranch Record - March 2022

Free Residents Classes

Tai Chi Group Practice

When: Monday - Friday 8:15 am - 9 am Where: Towne Square Community Center 12550 Country Trails Lane, Austin, TX 78732 Come learn the Basic Forms of Chen Style Tai Chi Yi Lu 83 movements Benefits of Tai Chi: • Relieve Stress on the body and mind • Improve Health and Physical Fitness • Enhance Self Defense capability Questions: send an email to Ivan Hong at ivanhoeparry4@icloud.com

High Fitness Class

When: Tuesday, 7:45am to 8:45am Where: Towne Square Pavilion 12550 Country Trails Lane, Austin, Texas, 78732 High Fitness brings old school aerobics back in a fun and modern way. Easyto-follow fitness choreography set to current music will motivate you and make your work out so enjoyable you'll forget it's exercise. Interval training moves (squats, burpees, jacks, etc) given with options for any fitness level make High Fitness something everyone can succeed at. One class and you'll be hooked! High Fitness will leave you energized and ready to conquer your day! Follow @highfitness.steinerranch on Instagram for class update *Offered activities are for adults only.

Swim News Steiner Stars Summer Swim Team!

It’s time to sign up for the most fun summer swim league in all of Texas!! The Steiner Stars swim team wants YOU to come join us in the pool this summer for the most fun you’ll have all year. Our team consists of Steiner Ranch kids aged 5-17. 2022 will be our 21st season with the Northwest Swim Circuit. We have spent the last 20 summers with up to 450 of your friends, neighbors, and classmates already on the team. Our swimmers range from beginners to experts. The only requirement is swimmers must be able to swim the length of the 25 yard pool by the 1st meet. Mandatory new swimmer evaluation will be held April 3rd 2-4pm at Bella Mar pool. The season runs from May 2nd through July 10th. We split the team in two to fit in the pool. For the summer, Red team practices in the mornings and Blue team practices in the afternoons. Swim meets are normally held on Saturday mornings. Swimmers with qualifying times can compete in the Invitational Meet held in July. Our emphasis is on building strong swimmers and having fun doing it. Please go to www.steinerstars.org to get more info about the team and how to register. Returning family registration opens March 5th. New family registration will be April 9th at 7am. Check the website at 6am on April 9th for registration location. All details will be announced on the Stars Webpage: www.steinerstars.org. New family orientation will be held April 10th 2-4pm.

HEAD START ON SUMMER SWIMMING OR SWIM TEAM

Gold Stars Swimming will be conducting their annual Spring Fling/Stars Prep program for the 2022 year. Two options for classes at Bella Mar pool. T/Th 6:45-7:45PM class from March 29th - April 28th from swimmers ages 9-18 who can swim 2 or more lengths of the pool, without stopping. 10 classes total. Wednesday only class from March 30th - April 27th 6:45-7:45PM for kids ages 7-12 who can swim 1 or more length of the pool, without stopping. 5 classes total This program is directed towards swimmers who want to get a head start on their summer swimming or swim team. In the five weeks, the program will go over all 4 strokes, including starts, finishes, proper stroke technique, breathing, etc. This is a hugely popular program, so please register early. For more information, you can visit www.goldstarsswimming.com or e-mail Hollie at goldstarsswimming@ gmail.com

Residents must be in good standing with the HOA to register and agree to volunteer requirements to participate in the league. Space in each age group is limited. Swimmers must be 5 years or older by May 1, 2022 to participate. Be sure to check out our video to get a glimpse of what awaits you! GO STARS!!!

Ranch Record - March 2022

ATTENTION TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS

TEENAGE JOB SEEKERS Baby Pet House Yard Name Age Sit Sit Sit Work Phone Alexis Atencio..........................16.............•.............•...........•...................512-924-2976 Bonner, Allen..........................15.............•.............•...........•.............•.....206-484-0504 Sarah-Kaye Thurston*^...........17.............•.............•................................512-820-4010 Gabriella Sevieri......................15...........................•...........•...................505-263-2689 Emily Schulz...........................14.............•.............•................................512-266-6306 Nathaniel Proffitt....................12...........................•................................512-695-7795 Karla Trujillo...........................17.............•.............•...........•...................737-932-1128 Nicole Freer*+^.......................14.............•.............•...........•...................737-256-1352 Kendra Stephens*+^................16.............•.............•................................903-217-9230 Nathan Nichols*+^.................21.............•.............•...........•...................512-660-0556 Leanne Nichols*+^..................15.............•.............•...........•...................512-660-0556 Kody Hicks.................................. mother's helper.•................................512-217-3158 Eesha Patel...............................14.............•..........................•...................631-560-7307 Kiersten Dyke+.......................15.............•.............•................................512-266-8090 McKenna McDaniel*+............13.............•.............•................................512-608-2135 Nicole Greenberg*+................14.............•.............•................................512-497-0902 Sarah Conner..........................15...........................•................................512-507-6000 Rachael Klein*+.......................19.............•.............•...........•...................512-810-9003 Isabela Carson*+......................15.............•..........................•...................509-308-8601 Kassidy Gailey.........................15.............•.............•...........•...................864-238-0020 Campbell Fernandez...............13.............•.............•...........•...................808-783-0780 Lilly Nguyen...........................17.............•..........................•...................512-694-5568 Naymal Siddiqui+...................14.............•..........................•...................512-968-5993 Cameron Romero*^................13.............•.............•................................713-210-9042 Megan Schmitt........................14.............•.............•...........•...................512-713-5343 Kaitlyn Schmitt.......................13.............•.............•...........•...................512-663-6543 Grace Jackson..........................14.............•...............................................512-565-0963

Please submit your information to communications@steinerranchhoa.org if you would like to be added to the list.

Baby Pet House Yard Name

Age

Sit

Work

Phone

McKayla Bagnal*+^................15.............•.............•...........•................. 512-695-1981 Grace Jackson..........................14.............•............................................. 512-565-0963 Leila Mahmud.........................16.............•..........................•................. 512-657 7718 Abbey Wilson..........................16.............•............................................. 310-343-2286 Henri Renel.............................12............. ..............•...........•.......... •..... 512-660-9542 Johnson, Jade...........................15............ •.............•.............................. 970-787-0740

Kassidy Gailey.....................14............•............•...........•................ 864-238-0020 Brittany Ryley......................18............•............•...........•................ 512-501-0482 Nina Porter*+......................16............•............•...........•................ 512-589-0165 Camille Gutierrez+..............13............•............•............................ 512-762-8507 Zachary Davis.....................11............•............•............................ 512-965-1644 Melanie Wisenbaker*+^......16............•............•...........•................ 512-659-1602 Jacob Villegas.......................16............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-608-7087 Kaylee Russell......................18............•............•...........•................ 512-689-1553 Ariel Wood..........................18............•............•...........•................ 417-207-9305 Michael Craft......................13.........................•............................ 832-589-6939 Riley Bryarsi+......................15............•............•............................ 512-788-2014 Makinna Pritchard*+^........14............•......................................... 512-922-3121 Eva Pacak*...........................15............•............•............................ 512-655-9491 Kathryn Russell*.................16............•............•...........•................ 512-375-8887 Carly Christensen+*............13.........................•...........•................ 512-565-5588 Jacqueline Hines+*..............13.........................•...........•................ 512-565-5588 Alexa Gray...........................15............•............•...........•................ 425-753-3950 Michael Hildner..................................•............•...........•..........•..... 512-507-5937 Eesha Patel+.........................14............•........................•................ 631-560-7307 Benton Ballengee*^.............17............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-992-3138 Grace Ballengee*+^.............17............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-992-3138 Luke Ballengee....................15.........................•...........•..........•..... 512-992-3138 Jennifer Walker*+^..............17............•............•...........................-512-409-8590 Annika Olson*^..................15............•............•...........•................ 650-291-3633 Marie Seybal+......................15............•......................................... 512-851-7995 Brooke Moore+...................14............•............•...........•................ 512-788-3373 Meghan Gary......................11.........................•............................ 512-979-7169 Claire Cussimanio...............14............•............•...........•................ 512-839-1669 White, Katherine+..............16............•............•...........•................ 737-346-2847 Roberto Guarda..................15.........................•...........•..........•..... 713-858-4934 Kate Richmond*+^.............14............•......................................... 512 484-1088 Vanessa Rubio*+^...............15............•............•...........•................ 512-987-7473 Bridget O'Brien...................14............•............•...........•..........•..... 512-777-2675 Rikhil Vatcher.....................14.........................•...........•..........•..... 432-269-8646 Nate Wilson........................16............•............•............................ 310-343-9139 Kaleb Gailey........................13............•............•...........•................ 864-238-0030 Isabella Sanchez...................16........... •............•...........•................ 512-552-4939 Henri Renel.........................12.........................•...........•..........•..... 512-660-9542 Valeria Euran*.....................15............ •...........•...........•.......... ...... 737-230-2005 Haley Judd..........................16............ •...........•...........•.......... ...... 330-310-9073 Jaden Judd ..........................13............ ............•...................... ...... 330-310-9073 Veda Montgomery.................. 11......... ...•..MH. •............ ....................512-592-1186 Siena Hannabery*^................. 14......... ...•..MH. •............ .................... 512-608-2750 Huey, Haley............................ 12.......... ...•..MH............... ....................214-649-0015 Garrett, Caitlin........................ 15.......... ...•...........•.............. •.................512-810-5936 Garrett, Ryan........................... 12.......... ...............•........................... •... 737-288-0670

* CPR Training + Red Cross Certified ^ First Aid Please contact us via email at steiner@ciramail.com to have your information updated if outdated. 22

Ranch Record - March 2022

PO Box 1148 Round Rock, Texas 78680

Ranch Record - March 2022

Steiner Ranch - March 2022

Articles inside

Bastrop Wildfire Illustrates Value of Defensible Space

Winter and Spring Programs

Cover Photo