Entoblitz 2015 Planning Page
Welcome to Entoblitz 2015!!
Important Information for the 2015 Entoblitz: Christmas Mountains Preserve.
Program:
This year, unlike some years in the past, there is no formal program, and attendees are responsible for making their own arrangements. See the flyer for links to the Terlingua Ranch HQ. Everyone should plan for their own accommodations (cabin, improved campsite, or primitive campsite – all require advanced reservations). Everyone should also plan their own food, and if you plan on eating most of your meals at the restaurant, you should let them know at the front desk ahead of time.
Click here to download our flier!
Getting There:
The Terlinqua Ranch is our central meeting location and is located just east of the Christmas Mountains Preserve. From Hwy. 188 go to 29.5510°N, 103.5461°W (ca. 65 mi. S. Apline, TX, or 17 mi. N Study Butte, TX) and turn east on Terlingua Ranch Road. The road is paved most of way, but turns to gravel just before the Ranch. Stay on Terlingua Ranch Road until you get to the Terlingua Ranch HQ. Check in at the front desk. A key is required to enter the preserve on the main road, and Ed Riley will have the key Friday and Saturday, so we will have to coordinate entry into the Preserve.
Collecting Restrictions:
We have permission to collect insects/arachnids in the Christmas Mountains Preserve, which is a big place but with limited vehicle access, so plan to do some hiking. We also have permission to collect in the areas about the Terlingua Ranch HQ, etc. (about 400 acres). Obviously, everyone should exercise good judgement while in the vicinity of other ranch guests. Be advised not to collect on private property leading to and surrounding the preserve and Terlingua Ranch (some locals are sensitive). Various roads that lead away from the Ranch HQ are “drive-at-your-own-risk” and these roads require 4-wheel drive and/or high clearance. The more 4-wheel drive vehicles and big pickup trucks we have, the better.
Maps:
At present, we do not have any “handy dandy” maps of the area, but we are working on that. Some of us attending should have some topo maps while there.
Attention – Texas A&M University Students: before attending this event, you must …
1) ALL TAMU students attending must fill out a Waiver Form (Follow the instructions on the form and if you have questions, contact Felicita in Room 412D, 979-845-9741). https://insects.tamu.edu/intranet/pdf/student_waiver_form.pdf
2) – Attention Drivers! You must fill out the “For Individual Student Travel” at the Student Activities website (Click here for the form: https://stuactonline.tamu.edu/app/form_travel/index) before you can go!! This must be filled out and sent to Felicita before anyone goes!
Ed Riley