What is the Cordillera Nature Club?

By:

Joe Cheben

Above Photo By: Ron Karpel

The Nature Club is the Cordillera Ranch social club for men and women interested in nature. Its purpose is education and service with goals to:

• Be a source of education on nature topics

• Develop an appreciation for our surroundings

• Enhance and conserve the natural beauty of our area

• Welcome new neighbors to our community

• Be an enjoyable environment for learning and service

The Nature Club meets monthly on the second Tuesday from September to December and February to May. The venues for these meetings are mostly homes within Cordillera Ranch, but occasionally we go off Ranch. A short presentation is made at each meeting by an expert, preceded by a fellowship time. We utilize experts from local universities, Texas Parks & Wildlife, Cibolo Center for Conservation, etc., who bring a wealth of knowledge about their topic. These presentations help us understand the land we live on and the other creatures that share the Texas Hill Country with us. Example topics from past meetings are honey bees, astronomy, monarch butterflies, oak wilt, caves, deer, hummingbirds, Hill Country geology, local archeology, water conservation, native grasses, Texas Parks and local aquifers, etc.

During the year, we also organize field trips to interesting destinations where there are conservation efforts, natural wonders or learning opportunities for our members. Several times a year the Nature Club organizes work projects to benefit local nature-related nonprofits.

Cordillera Ranch property owners are welcome to attend the Nature Club meetings. Yearly dues are $20 per family. Dues, raffle income and the sale of the annual Nature Club calendar, Nature Club notepads and the Nature for Newcomers reference guide are used to fund club activities, and support local organizations and projects that are in line with the club’s objectives.

The Nature Club Board:

• Joe Cheben – President and project coordinator

• Ed van Reet – Secretary

• Dianne Bowen – Treasurer

• Molly Fann – Outing coordinator

• Rick Eckersley – Raffle coordinator

• Maureen Cheben – Advisor

• Patty Stanley – Advisor

• Jeff Schwarz – Advisor

• Carmel Widner – Advisor

The Cordillera Nature Club is open to all Cordillera residents. Come try us out! Guests are always welcome. We would love to have you. If you are new and would like to attend a meeting or get information regarding the Nature Club, please contact Joe Cheben at asmmjc@hotmail.com or 281.923.4494 or Ed van Reet at etvr@gvtc.com or 432.553.8806.

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