HEARTWOOD CHAPTER

Fundraiser to install artificial roosts for endangered species, the red-cockaded woodpecker, on the W.G. Jones State Forest.

Forty-four cavity inserts were installed. They will greatly increase the number of roost cavities available for individual RCWs in The Woodland/Conroe area. Hurricane Ike (September 13) tore down three of the roost trees and those cavity inserts were quickly replaced.

An artificial cavity insert box will be installed into a living pine tree on the Jones State Forest to help boost the federally endangered red-cockaded woodpecker population. The red-cockaded woodpecker is the only woodpecker that constructs its nesting cavity exclusively in living Southern pines. This species is unique in that it requires old, living pine trees to excavate cavities. Research shows that the challenge of locating suitable cavity trees may easily be the single most important component in the woodpecker’s territory. Inserts are used to add cavities to existing clusters of this woodpecker species.

Ann Tofft, HW member, passes away. Tshirts of all her hobbies and interests were arranged at the funeral, including her Texas Master Naturalist Tshirt.

Squirrel Vac Project Success -Last year the Heartwood Chapter donated a piece of equipment to help with the endangered red cockaded woodpecker species. What was it? A vacuum. Yes. A vacuum to safely and humanely remove the flying squirrels when they take over the red cockaded woodpecker's cavity nest. Is it working? Here's a recent message from Wildlife Biologist Donna Work.

Thursday the 19^th we vacuumed 2 flying squirrels out of the RCW cavity tree near the stop sign behind the shop.  The birds in this group have been using this tree the last several years for nesting.  Monday the 23^rd I checked the trees, and there are 2 RCW eggs in there!  So just a couple of days after removing squirrels with the Squirrel Vac 2000, the RCWs started laying eggs in there!