Our hosts for Entoblitz this year are Ann and Bruce Hendrickson. They have provided the following details regarding the site, surrounding area, and other information regarding the event. We look forward to seeing you there!
RSVP & Arrival Sign-In: We need to know who is going and how many to expect! Please RSVP by e-mailing Ryan Selking at ryanselking@yahoo.com.
We will no longer accept any more RSVP’s after Tuesday, April 10th. Thanks!
Additionally, when you arrive at the event, there will be a sign-in sheet. You must sign-in!
Attention – Texas A&M University Students: Before attending this event, you must . . .
- Fill out a “Student Waiver Form”, print it, and give it to Felicita Anzualda (follow the instructions on the form and if you have questions, please contact Felicita Anzualda in Room 412D, 979-845-9741) https://aglifesciences.tamu.edu/entomology/wp-content/uploads/sites/12/2015/06/student_waiver_form.pdf
- 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 also forward to Felicita Anzualda (f-anzualda@tamu.edu): https://stuactonline.tamu.edu/app/form_travel/index
Organizers:
- The Texas A&M University Insect Collection (TAMUIC): Karen Wright and Ed Riley
- TAMU Entomology Graduate Student Organization (EGSO): Ryan Selking
Site, Map, & Access Point/Time Details:
- Complete freedom to roam, camp, etc. will be confined to the area fenced along the bluff over the rivers and the river banks. Although this area is only about 200 acres, it contains most of the diversity seen on the rest of the ranch – just concentrated in a small, easily accessible area.
- The gate posts on the roads leaving the area will be wrapped with orange tape and are not to be crossed by unguided guests.
- Pulliam Creek and the East Prong of the Nueces join just below the house which is located on a bluff. The river banks can be accessed from two different gates (marked RG on map), but the access is for foot traffic unless you have 4-wheel drive and high clearance. The Hendrickson’s will try to help anyone who may come equipped with a light boat.
- The river bottom can be accessed by foot trails through two gates (marked RBG on map), or the Hendrickson’s will offer shuttles at 9AM and 11AM and 8:00 PM and 10:00PM Saturday so you can get gear in for sheets, etc. The road access requires 4-wheel drive. This area is somewhat maintained and is fenced off from the river banks themselves – no gates.
- There is an old abandoned air strip to the west of the gate as you enter. This area is a “Mesquite flat” and has quite a bit of diversity. It is easily accessible by foot or car and should be good for sweeping butterflies, etc.
- A shuttle to the more mountainous areas can be offered at 1:00 PM Saturday if such habitat is of interest to anyone.
On-site Accommodations & Provided Meals:
- The house car port will be the Headquarters area. It will not have cars in it. There will be chairs in the shade, a table, and electricity available. Maps of the entire ranch, coffee, and bottled water will be available. The Hendrickson’s will serve dinner at 6:00 PM on Saturday to give everyone plenty of time to get to their sheets by dark.
- No fires will be allowed, but campers can use Coleman stoves if they are careful. The communal fire pit in the back yard will be available “24/7”.
- Guest House Use: There are two bathrooms in the guest house which will be open to everyone. The bedrooms can be used to store important gear that needs to stay dry. It has a small kitchen with a microwave and a coffee pot.
- Camp Sites: Participants will want to camp along the entry road, near the barn where there is electricity and water, or near the headquarters. There are also areas in the woods that have vehicular access and can be used for anyone wanting a more isolated camping area.
Safety Notes:
- Only ATT cell phones have service on the property and for several miles around.
- Tick Spray should be used – we never know when they will be a problem.
Alternate Housing:
- The closest motel is in Camp Wood – Woodbine Inn: 830-597-2310.
- There is a campground/rustic cabin facility just before you cross the Nueces on the way to the site – Three Sisters Lodging and Event Center: 830-597-4239.
- There is a larger campgound/more modern cabin facility just South of Camp Wood called Big Oak River Camp: 830-597-5280.
Light Sheeting/Trapping:
- There will be a communal UV light set up on the north side of the guest house and black lights on the front porch which will be accessible all night.
- Personal light set ups-can be placed anywhere in the “freedom area” including near the small shed south of the house which has electricity.
Directions:
- From Houston, the fastest route is I10 thru San Antonio, straight on Highway 90 to just east of Uvalde, turn right on FM Rd. 1369 bypassing the city of Uvalde. Just go straight until you come to an overpass. Take the first right after you cross under the overpass and across the railroad tracks. You dead end into Highway 55 to Camp Wood and Rock Springs. Turn left onto 55. When you get to Camp Wood there is only one main intersection at the Leakey Highway. There is a Get N Go on that corner. Keep going straight past the Dollar Store on your left, the Camp Wood park on your right until you see the Post Office on your right and the Uvalde St. Bank on your left. Turn left just past the Bank and continue on the winding road until you cross a low water bridge and go up a hill. At the T turn right and you will dead end into the property gate. The gate will be unlocked. Essentially, go straight until you go up a hill to the house on the bluff. There will be arrow signs on the road for you to follow.
- From Texas A&M University, College Station, the quickest way is to take Highway 21 to the toll road, 130, go South to Seguin, then go West on I10 following the “Houston route” written above to Camp Wood.