Simplify Stocking Stuffers Search – Sure to Surprise
Sit for some wassail, get on the Web, and let Texas Cooperative Extension “wow” you with ideas.
No matter the age, location or interest of the people on your list, Extension has a host of attractive, affordable educational offerings. Most can be found at http://tcebookstore.org/ and can be ordered by credit card online, or by fax or phone. Some are downloadable free of charge from the site. Topics of interest range from “Animals” to “Work and Money.”
Here are some ideas, as described by Extension, for nature lovers, gardeners, those who tend to land, and those who love to cook:
For nature lovers
Butterflies of Texas (L-5308) and Texas Wildflowers (L-5384). These interactive wheels feature 16 of the most common butterflies and wildflowers in Texas. The butterfly wheel pictures both adults and caterpillars, while the wildflower wheel pictures both blooms and seedlings, Each has a wealth of interesting facts. Both are must-haves for identifying the wildflowers along our roadways and the butterflies in our gardens. Individually, they are $10.95, but if you order 12 copies or more, the price drops to $4.95 each.
Know Your Grasses (B-182). Grasses are one of Texas' most valuable natural resources. This 100-page publication introduces the amazing variety of native and introduced grasses in Texas. Plants are arranged alphabetically by common name, with scientific names given for clarity and reference. Each grass is beautifully illustrated and carefully described, with information about the areas of the state in which it can be found. $14.95 each.
The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. This series has three selections: Central Texas Coast (SP-158), Lower Texas Coast (SP-160), and Upper Texas Coast (SP-159). The Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail was developed to help birders find all of the wonderful avian resources along the Texas coast. These maps guide one to many excellent birding sites, give information about the species found at each site, and tell the best times of year to visit. The central coast map features the area from the Big Boggy National Wildlife Refuge in the east to Choke Canyon Lake and Alice in the west; and from Interstate 10 in the north to Baffin Bay in the south. The lower coast map features the area from Nuevo Laredo southeast to Padre Island. The upper coast map extends from Louisiana in the east to Hempstead, Bellville and Wharton in the west; and from the Sam Rayburn and Toledo Bend Reservoirs in the north to the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge in the south. $4 each.
Wildlife Trails. Five maps area available in this series: Panhandle Plains (SP-181), Heart of Texas-East (SP-188), Heart of Texas-West (SP-192), Prairies and Pineywoods-East (SP-265), Prairies and Pineywoods-West (SP-264). These maps guide one to the scenic beauty and exciting wildlife of Texas. Each map has driving directions to excellent sites for viewing wildlife, suggestions for the best seasons for visiting, and examples of wildlife that can be seen in each area. $4 each.
For landowners and those who care for the land: Toxic Plants of Texas (B-6105). This field guide describes and illustrates the 106 most common potentially toxic plants in Texas. Included are clinical signs in cattle, horses, sheep and/or goats; toxic agents; suggested treatments for poisoned animals; and management strategies for plant infestations. A field key cross-references animal symptoms with plant species. (256 pp.) $25 each.
Wildlife and Fish Management Calendar for Texas and the Southeast-A Landowner’s Guide (B-6197). This full-color calendar is the perfect tool for managing wildlife and fish resources. It’s chock- full of information such as how to improve the fishing in bass and catfish ponds, how to encourage doves and water fowl with the proper habitat, how to determine the age of deer in the field or from tooth wear, how to control feral hogs, how to select supplemental forages for wildlife, and much more. Use the calendar to record management activities, and note invaluable data for measuring success, as well as documentation for tax purposes. $7.95 each.
Reference Guide for Texas Ranchers (B-6101). Effective ranch management requires a tremendous amount of information about subjects such as livestock husbandry, grazing management, weed and brush control, and seeding rangeland. This handy guide has practical information about these and many other topics in easy-to-read tables and charts. $5 each.
For those who love to cook:
Wildlife and Game Cookbook (SP-204). An adventuresome cook who would like to know how to prepare all types of game and wildlife must have this book. There are recipes for marinades, sauces and spice rubs for just about every kind of dish. Some recipes were contributed by faculty and staff of Texas A&M University's department of wildlife and fisheries sciences. Others are regional or period recipes that have been handed down over generations. $8 each.
For gardeners:
Building a Raised Bed Garden (B-6102). Raised beds are fairly easy to construct and look great in the landscape. This publication details each step involved in planning, constructing, planting and maintaining a raised bed. Illustrations depict irrigation systems and construction techniques. $2 each. -30-
