Welcome to Entoblitz 2016 Planning Page!!
Important Information for the event at Eagle Bluff Ranch – April 22nd-24th from 3 PM on Friday to 3 PM on Sunday
Program:
There is no formal program this year (unlike some years in the past) and attendees are responsible for making their own collecting plans and accommodations (primitive camping at 2 sites with 2 toilets total or near-by hotels (recommendations below), the latter of which may require an advanced reservation). Everyone will also be on their own for food except if you’re interested in a BBQ dinner on Saturday night and a hearty breakfast on Sunday morning (BBQ and breakfast tacos for $10). If interested, campfires have been okayed for set-up in the vicinity of the 2 camp sites, but it may be best to bring in firewood and starter materials.
Click here to download our flier!
Getting There:
Eagle Bluff Ranch is a private piece of land in Medina County owned by Dr. William Calvert who has graciously allowed us to collect invertebrates on it. There are 2 cabins on the property with the main one (see map below) acting as our central meeting location. This cabin and the one by the river are also where we suggest people camp (outside the cabins only). The official address for the ranch is 9301 FM 462 N., Hondo, TX, 78861, BUT this address will only take you close to the gated entrance and not to it directly. You should also use these coordinates to find the exact entrance off the west side of Farm to Market (FM) 462 – look for a red gate with “Eagle Bluff Ranch” on a sign just to the left of the gate (see flyer for picture): 29.567383°N, 99.248672°W (*it’s recommended that you enter these coordinates directly into Google Maps if not using a GPS because Google often tries to assign a numbered address to the query, which is incorrect). The entrance is NOT paved as opposed to the nearest neighbor just to the north, which also has an historic marker (Cow Creek Massacre) across from it. If you see this, you have gone too far and will need to drive about 200 yards south.The gate will be unlocked at 3 PM on Friday and remain unlocked until 3 PM on Sunday. Please close the gate and return the lock to its position when coming or going.
Collecting Instructions:
We have permission to collect all encountered invertebrates on the property, which is fairly large and surrounded by barbed wire fencing. which is a big place but with limited vehicle access, so plan to do some hiking. We also have permission to deploy traps with the stipulation that the land is returned to the condition it was when in when first encountered as best as possible. The Texas A&M University folks will be bringing along various types of traps and all are welcome to assist and join in the specialized collecting, particularly when we are using light traps at night. When possible, Dr. Calvert has requested that we let him know what was found. He and some of his family will be joining us for at least part of the weekend, so if you see him, be sure to show him what you have found and thank him for the opportunity!
Waivers:
Dr. Calvert has requested that all visitors sign liability waivers, something he will provide and which other visitors have done in the past. We request that you respectfully agree to this stipulation if you’d like to participate.
Maps:
Hotels:
Below are suggestions for 5 hotels that are relatively near-by to Eagle Bluff Ranch if you prefer not to camp on-site.
1) Best Western Hondo Inn
-301 US Highway 90 East, Hondo, Texas, 78861-6087
-Relative distance from the ranch: 20 miles
-Average price for a room: $83+tax/night on weekends (best price for value)
http://tinyurl.com/hceg2gx
2) Bandera Lodge
-700 State Highway 16 South, Bandera, TX 78003
-Relative distance from the ranch: 22 miles
-Average price for a room: $119.99+tax/night on weekends
3) Days Inn Boerne
-35150 Interstate 10 West, Boerne, TX 78006
-Relative distance from the ranch: 45 miles
-Average price for a room: $101.99+tax/night on weekends
http://tinyurl.com/gvqlmeb
4) Comfort Inn & Suites Boerne
-35000 IH 10 West, Boerne, TX 78006
-Relative distance from the ranch: 45 miles
-Average price for a room: $175.00+tax/night (a fairly expensive option)
http://tinyurl.com/jfwpqxo
5) Hampton Inn & Suites Boerne
-34935 IH-10 West, Boerne, TX 78006
-Relative distance from the ranch: 45 miles
-Average price for a room: $229.00+tax/night (the most expensive option)
http://tinyurl.com/z6cftsy
Attention – Texas A&M University Students: before attending this event, you must …
1) ALL TAMU students attending must fill out a Student Waiver Form, print it, and give it to Felicita (follow the instructions on the form and if you have questions, please contact Felicita in Room 412D, 979-845-9741): http://bug.tamu.edu/intranet/pdf/student_waiver_form.pdf
2) All TAMU students attending must also fill out a “For Individual Student Travel” form. Once you fill it out, you will be sent a copy via e-mail, which you should forward to Felicita: https://stuactonline.tamu.edu/app/form_travel/index
RSVP:
We need to know who is going and how many to expect, so please RSVP by e-mailing Derek A. Woller (asilid@gmail.com) with:
1) Full names of all in your party
2) Affiliation (if applicable: e.g. TAMU)
3) If you’re interested in the planned dinner/breakfast (not a full commitment, just gauging interest to decide pricing) – this option will be capped at 30 people, so first come, first serve!
Organizers:
-The Texas A&M University Insect Collection (TAMUIC): Ed Riley
-TAMU Entomology Graduate Student Organization (EGSO): Derek A. Woller
-TAMU Undergraduate Entomology Student Organization (UESO): Shelby Kilpatrick and Ryan Selking