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CDRI Desert NewsFlash
April 2025
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| Make Plans Now!
The Roger Conant Distinguished Guest Lecture, Thursday, April 10
Please join us on Thursday, April 10, and help us welcome Bill Neiman as our next distinguished guest lecturer for the spring 2025 Roger Conant Distinguished Guest Lecture.
Mr. Neiman founded Native American Seed 36 years ago and has literally grown the business into a nationally recognized source of native seeds. He is an exceptional storyteller and brings a wealth of knowledge about conservation and the diverse native flowers and grasses for each of the regions in Texas. The event promises to be an enjoyable and enlightening evening.
The lecture will take place on Thursday, April 10, at the Crowley Theater in Marfa, Texas. Doors will open at 6:30 p.m., with the program beginning at 7:00 p.m. As with all CDRI programs, admission is free. Beverages and hors d'oeuvres will be served after the lecture.
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Sometimes, the tiniest things can inspire wonder
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Last summer, a new trail was created in the Botanical Gardens. We've named it the "Curiosity Trail" because it inspires just that: curiosity. The new trail exposed many new things, one of which was patches of biological soil crusts or "biocrusts." New signage has been installed to help visitors recognize and protect the biocrusts, while the following story provides information about what they are and why biocrusts are worth protecting.
Biocrusts? What are they?
Biological soil crusts, often referred to as BSCs or biocrusts, are composed of tiny living organisms that create a protective “plant veneer” over bare soil. These crusts cover approximately 12% of the Earth's surface and can be found in desert regions where vegetation is sparse. In certain areas, biological soil crusts can account for up to 70% of the living ground cover.
Biocrusts are thought to have existed on land for more than 1 billion years. They are primarily composed of cyanobacterial communities, along with lichens, mosses, bacteria, green algae, and microfungi. Their colors vary depending on climate and disturbance patterns.
Immature biocrusts appear flat and blend in with the surrounding soil, making them hard to identify. In contrast, mature biocrusts have a crusty or bumpy texture and exhibit a range of colors. These mature biocrusts consist of numerous individual filaments that are intertwined, forming a net-like structure in the uppermost soil layers that bind soil particles together. This structure helps protect the soil from wind and water erosion. Biocrusts facilitate water infiltration, create habitats for various microbes, and contribute to carbon fixation, nitrogen fixation, and soil stabilization.
Protecting these tiny communities
Climate change, construction activities, and a lack of awareness among individuals pose significant threats to biocrusts. Researchers are actively studying methods to preserve and restore these vital ecosystems. One effective way to protect biocrusts is to prevent their destruction, whether caused by bulldozers clearing land for development or by something as innocent as a simple boot step. It's important to discourage children from jumping on them as if they are stomping on a pile of dried leaves. Walking on biocrusts can crush them, and it may take decades for them to regenerate.
Instead, please stay on the trails to avoid damaging biocrusts. Share information about biocrusts with your friends, students, and children. Consider using a hand lens and getting down to ground level to observe biocrusts up close. They serve an essential function and are also quite beautiful. With a little practice, you'll be able to recognize biological soil crusts wherever you go and identify them when you see them.
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Information for this story came from the following sources:
Belnap, Jayne, 2001, Biological soil crusts—Webs of life in the desert: U.S. Geological Survey Fact Sheet 065-01, 2 p.
Knowable Magazine, The dirt on biocrusts: Why scientists are working to save Earth's living skin;
https://knowablemagazine.org/content/article/food-environment/2024/what-are-biocrusts-why-are-they-worth-protecting; 8-26-2024.
Wikepedia, Biological soil crust; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Biological_soil_crust; 12-22-2024.
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 | Please join us for CDRI's spring cleanup.
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Adopt-A-Highway
Cleanup - April 17
Lend a helping hand to clean up the two-mile stretch of roadway in front of the CDRI gates along St. Hwy. 118.
We'll meet at the Powell Visitor Center on Thursday, April 17th at 9:00 a.m., and split into teams to pick up trash along the road.
We'll provide vests, trash bags, long-handled trash grabbers, bottled water, a snack, and a fun time. We suggest layering your clothing as it warms up quickly when working outdoors. Also, wear long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, bring a hat and work gloves, and wear closed-toed shoes.
Please contact events@cdri.org if you've got the date open and can help us meet our contract requirements (four cleanup dates during the year) with the Texas Department of Transportation.
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Are you getting the most
out of your CDRI membership?
Thank you to each of you who already have a current membership at CDRI.
Your CDRI membership provides free admission for one year and a 10% discount on all your Gift Shop purchases.
But there's so much more!
Additionally, with your CDRI membership, you receive free admission to over 380 botanical gardens across the United States and free entrance to more than 125 nature centers.
The Reciprocal Admissions Program provides free access to botanical gardens through our partnership with the American Horticultural Society. They have launched a new website that features an interactive map of the U.S., allowing you to easily locate gardens in your area. We encourage you to try it out and share your thoughts on the new locator map. https://ahsgardening.org/ahs-garden-network/
Through our partnership with the Association of Nature Center Administrators (ANCA), you have free access to 125 nature centers across the United States. The website also features a map that shows the locations of member affiliates.
Click the button below for information on the different membership levels and their benefits or to renew or start a new membership. Thank you!
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The Gift Shop is Ready for Spring!
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When was the last time you stopped by
CDRI's Bird Blind?
With warmer temperatures, CDRI's Bird Blind is experiencing increased activity, particularly around the 30-foot-long water feature. The photos of the Phainopepla (below) were taken by Matt Walter from Alpine, Texas, on March 29, 2025.
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Two exciting positions opening soon!
**Host Camper** - We are seeking host camper couples or singles to work for two to three months between May and September. In exchange for three 8-hour shifts (Thursday, Friday, and Saturday) at the Information Desk and Gift Shop inside the Powell Visitor Center, CDRI will provide a private and secure RV pad site and access to a full bathroom and a washer and dryer. (Dates: May-Sept.)
**Saturday Gardener** - We need a volunteer to water the flowerbeds around the Powell Visitor Center weekly on Saturday mornings. It's a simple task and a great way to enjoy the outdoors in beautiful surroundings. (Date open: Now until filled)
If you have questions or would like to apply for either position, please contact Lisa Gordon at lgordon@cdri.org.
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Save the date!
CDRI's Annual BBQ & Auction
Saturday, August 9, 2025
Tickets will be on sale starting May 1.
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Visiting Schools and Tour Groups - March 2025
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Austin International School, Austin, Texas
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Awty International School - Houston, TX
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Girl Scouts, Georgetown, Texas
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Spring Break and the Annual Cactus Sale resulted in two incredibly busy and enjoyable weeks!
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Thank you, CDRI Volunteers
Thank you to all the volunteers who helped with the Cactus Sale, from picking up and delivering cacti, repotting and labeling tiny cacti, helping set up the morning of the sale, and assisting shoppers with their cactus selections.
We couldn't have done it without you.
Many, many thanks!
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| From the best rural
Nature Center & Botanical Gardens
in Texas,
We wish you a happy spring
and happy trails!
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Early bloomers. Above left: Fendlera rupicola var. rupicola (Cliff fendlerbush). Above right: The first Echinocereus coccineus (Claret Cup) to bloom.
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Chihuahuan Desert Research Institute, P.O. Box 905, Fort Davis, TX 79734
432.364.2499
www.cdri.org
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