Shay Hargus

In January, I wrote a blog letting you know about Austin's Habitat for Wildlife program. Today, I want to tell you that the goal of that plan has been accomplished. The City of Austin has officially been named by the National Wildlife Federation as a community wildlife habitat. On March 12th, the City of Austin was awarded its Community Wildlife Habitat certification. The certification grants Austin the honor of being the largest metropolitan city in the nation and the first city in Texas to be certified by the National Wildlife Federation. The honor was received due to the participation of over 900 homes, 15 businesses, 14 parks, 25 schools and four churches that created habitats for Austin's wildlife

Austin has accomplished its goal to be certified as a Community Wildlife Habitat, but not its goal to create even more wildlife spaces within the city. You can still participate in Austin's Wildlife Habitat program. A wildlife space can be something as simple as a birdbath. You will be surprised at the rewards you will receive when giving little creatures a little space. In addition, you can receive your very own wildlife certification.

Congratulations, Austin! And a BIG high-five to all participants who have made Austin a Community Wildlife Habitat.

Shay Hargus, Austin Avenue Real Estate Company

P.S. Make your home stand out with an official Certified Wildlife Habitat sign in your yard.

Read More:
Austin's Habitat for Wildlife
Wildlife Austin
How to Create a Wildlife-Friendly Garden
Creating A Schoolyard Habitats

The South By Southwest 2009 Festival, more commonly known as SXSW, begins today in Austin, TX. This is one of Austin's biggest events of the year. Austin is known as the Live Music Capital of the world and there will be more music than usual until March 22nd, when the festival ends. Austin's Film and Music Festival Art will be presenting nearly 2,000 musical acts of all genres. A great opportunity to hear new "up and coming bands and musicians". SXSW also explores the art of independent filmmaking and interactive media.

SXSW began as a small musical festival 23 years ago. It is now one of the largest media events in the nation. The Austin Art and Music Festival (SXSW) offers discussions on the newest trends and showcases all of the best of independent films and music talent. It is not too late to register for this awesome event. Registration is being offered online until Monday (March 16th). Wear your comfy shoes because the events take place in various locations in downtown Austin.

SXSW will also be celebrated throughout the city with great music at local bars and restaurants. SXSW is an exciting and fun-filled time in Austin. The energy created by the event is indescribable, so be sure to get out there and ENJOY!

Shay Hargus, Austin Real Estate

For all the SXSW details: http://www.sxsw.com/home.

Last May (2008), I wrote a blog about Austin's great water. At that time, Austin ranked #2 by Forbes.com for the nation's cleanest water. Austin's Clean Water Program (ACWP) was honored again by a higher power, the Environmental Protection Agency. Austin's Clean Water Program was named one of the best infrastructure programs not only in the United States but also in the entire continent of North America. The International Right of Way Association has declared Austin's Clean Water Program to be one of the best in North America's history.

Austin's $400 million Clean Water Program's infrastructure projects were ranked in the #8 position on the list of the Top Ten of best projects in the last 75 years. Austin invested an approximate $15 million dollars to create over 100 projects to protect and improve Austin's water.

So, Austinites, let's all make a toast to the great City of Austin and its Clean Water Program with a tall drink of water straight from the tap. Water, another great reason to live in Austin, Texas! Read the story:

Hey, Dan, the water is here in Austin - May 4, 2008

Austin sixth graders who would like to go to college should check out the opportunity provided by Breakthrough Austin. Breakthrough Austin is offering families a free program to which provides high-potential students a pathway to attain their college aspirations. The Breakthrough Austin program is limited to those who qualify as a low-income family and whose sixth grader would be the first-generation to graduate college in their family.

Students and their families must be willing to make a six year commitment to the program. Breakthrough Austin provides college counseling, tutoring and special summer classes at the University of Texas. Students will also participate in several activities during the normal school year. Breakthrough Austin currently has 240 students enrolled in the program and they are looking for the next 45 students. Applications must be submitted no later than March 1, 2009.

For information on how to apply or to make a donation, you can visit the Breakthrough website at: http://www.breakthroughaustin.org/students/how_to_apply.html or call the Breakthrough Austin offices at 692-9444, ext. 21. You may also apply in person at 1605A E. Seventh Street.

Shay

Golf courses are known for their beautifully manicured green lawns and pristine landscaping. Some golfers would have it no other way. However, there is a new wave of golf courses emerging as not only excellent courses but as environmentally friendly as well. The Hills Country Club of Lakeway in Austin is just one of 13 golf courses in the State of Texas to earn Audubon International certification as cooperative sanctuaries. The Barton Creek Country Club located in Travis County also holds certifications by Audubon International.

From its inception, Barton Creek Country Club made water quality a priority. The course was designed and constructed to prevent runoff from the course into the Edwards Aquifer. The Tierra Verde course implements the uses of natural fertilizers such as corn gluten and poultry manure. Courses which receive Audubon International certification must meet criteria for protecting water quality to the surrounding area, water conservation, minimizing chemical fertilizers, providing wildlife sanctuaries and promote environmental education.

Austin is a city which believes in and promotes sustainable living and its golf courses are no exception. Three of Austin's golf courses, maintained by the Parks and Recreation Department, have joined the Audubon International Sanctuary Program. The participating public golf courses are the Jimmy Clay Course, Koy Kizer and Morris Williams. Three of Austin's private country clubs: the Austin Country Club, the Blacones Country Club and the Onion Creek Country Club have also joined the sanctuary program.

Water consumption is a large environmental factor when maintaining golf course landscaping. In response to this environmental concern, Austin golf courses are changing their watering habits. Many courses are now using reclaimed wastewater as opposed to potable water. Hancock is the only golf courses maintained by the city which, as yet, has not been switched over to using reclaimed wastewater. That course is scheduled to switch to treated wastewater next year.