Released by The Cornell Lab of Ornithology:

Warmer temperatures and lack of snow in parts of North America are setting the stage for what could be a most intriguing 15th annual Great Backyard Bird Count, coming up February 17-20.

Released  by FEMA:

More than 80 percent of wildfires in Texas now strike within two miles of suburban communities. What's more, the desire to live closer to nature has driven many Texans out of major cities and into areas where neighborhoods meet and mix with undeveloped, natural landscapes.

In these areas, called the Wildland Urban Interface (WUI), homes press against and sometimes blend with wild expanses of explosively flammable plants, shrubs and trees.

Texans living in the WUI often enjoy the luxuries associated with wildland living, including beautiful views and a close proximity to wildlife and the outdoors.

Valeri Marler , Director of the Crosstimbers Wildlife Center located in Terrell, Texas will be speaking to the East Texas Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists on Sept 22nd, 6:30 PM at the Nature Center in Tyler Texas.  Her presentation titled Urban Bobcats will be addressing why urban and rural bobcats are different.  We will take a close look at why they are being seen in our cities.  Is it due to habitat deprivation or Invitation?  Bobcat research has wholly been done on rural bobcats, however urban bobcats have a very different lifestyle.  

Valeri manages the Crosstimbers Wildlife (WCCR) facility (http://www.crosstimberswildlife.org/ )   -  currently the premier bobcat rehabilitation center in the nation.    She rehabs more bobcats than any other facility .  She has successfully released many bobcats back into the wild.  She also facilitates the placing of u