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Tag: Crosswinds

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Events Kyle Texas

Veterans Day in Kyle, TX

This Friday is Veterans Day, a day of remembrance and honor for those who have served in the military during war or peace. This is a national opportunity to say thank you to all those who served in the military, both living and those who have passed. 

 

A History of Veterans Day

 

The earliest beginnings of Veterans Day go back more than 100 years. When World War I officially ended with the Treaty of Versailles on June 28, 1919, it was a sigh of relief for the entire world. The fighting that claimed 20 million lives had ended seven months earlier when an armistice went into effect on “the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month.” 

 

A year later, U.S. President Woodrow Wilson made November 11 Armistice Day, declaring it a national opportunity for the country to “be filled with solemn pride in the heroism of those who died in the country’s service…”

 

The day would take on even greater importance following the tragic loss of life and displays of heroism in World War II and the Korean War. Following the end of the Korean War in 1953, President Dwight D. Eisenhower changed Armistice Day to Veterans Day to acknowledge the sacrifice made by veterans of all U.S. wars. 

 

Celebrate Veterans Day in Kyle

 

According to the U.S. Census Bureau, there are over 2,800 veterans who call Kyle home, and this Veterans Day is a particularly special one. It’s the city’s first Veterans Day to celebrate Heroes Memorial Park. The park has been open since its official ribbon cutting on September 11th and it’s a truly beautiful place for residents to come together and reflect upon the sacrifices made by veterans, first responders, and other heroes in the community. The park features a Heroes Walk, Memorial Garden, Activity Lawn, Arrival Portal, and other elements for learning more about our heroes. 

 

Just as parades were a part of those first celebrations of Armistice Day, the tradition of the Veterans Day Parade continues this year in Kyle. The parade will happen on November 12 this year at Gregg-Clarke Park and travel along Center Street, before coming to a conclusion at Front Street on the City Square. The parade itself will begin at noon, but there will be lots of festivities happening earlier in the day. 

 

Residents are invited to come out to Mary Kyle Hartson Park before the parade to enjoy live music and family-friendly activities from 9 AM until 2 PM.

 

The Veterans Day Parade is one of the many community events that make Kyle such a wonderful place to call home. If you’re looking for a place to raise your family or find the perfect balance of peace and convenience, Crosswinds is a great place to settle down. Crosswinds is a master-planned community in Kyle that offers residents a variety of family-friendly amenities and beautiful homes from the area’s top builders. To learn more about finding your home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team.

Categories
Lifestyle

Cycling in Austin

The wheels are in motion. Austin has its foot on the pedal and is on its way to becoming “America’s next great biking city.” As People for Bikes has noted, the city has poured its resources into expanding its biking pathways and the city’s landscape is becoming a better place for cyclists of all levels because of it. 

 

Whether you haven’t stepped on a bike since grade school or you’re ready to trade in your car for a $10,000 Cannondale, Austin (and the surrounding areas) may just be the best biking spot in the country. 

 

400 Miles of Bike Paths

 

Eight years ago, Austin announced an initiative to add a 400-mile biking network to help residents better navigate the city sans cars. While there were hiccups in the beginning, the city is currently more than halfway to completing that goal and 64% of residents can now access one of those bike paths from their homes. Once the remaining bike system is complete, that number will jump to 87% of residents. That means more people getting heart-healthy exercise and an alternative to jumping in their car to get from point A to B. 

 

No Bike, No Problem

 

Naturally, a biking network that stretches into nearly every corner of the city is going to lead to more people buying bikes. Not everyone, however, can afford to buy a bike or has the storage space for it in their home. Renting a bike through MetroBike is an ideal alternative. The city’s public bike-share system allows anyone to rent and start pedaling.

 

Users can access the bikes from 75 different bike stations scattered throughout the city. Various subscriptions are available, as well as student discounts, and bikes can be rented for as low as just a little over $1!

 

Biking in Kyle and Austin

 

Head outside Austin’s metro center just a bit and you’ll find an abundance of scenic biking trails that will make you forget all about the hustle and bustle of the city. The Violet Crown Trail will allow bikers to enjoy 30 miles of biking trails when complete, while the Southern Walnut Creek Trail takes bikers on a concrete pathway through over 7 miles of beautiful flatlands and gently rolling hills.

 

While biking to Austin might be a stretch for Kyle residents, Hays County is a fantastic area to get some cycling in. The Kyle Cycling Pedal Club is a Meetup group for cycling enthusiasts and Kyle Cyclery is the city’s premiere cycle shop. In addition to sales and repairs, the shop also offers mountain biking classes for those who are curious about the sport, as well as scheduled group rides. Hays County has a number of mountain biking trails that encompass Kyle, Buda, San Marcos, Wimberley, and Dripping Springs. If you’re looking for hills to pedal on, the Texas Hill Country has them!

 

If mountain biking isn’t your thing or you’d like to just warm up a bit first before hitting the dirt, consider a ride on one of the beautiful trails found within the Crosswinds community for our residents. Reach out to us to learn more about our trails and other amenities. 

Categories
Kyle Texas

Tiny House Coffee Roasters

If you’re looking for a good cup of coffee that not only has the power to perk you up in the morning but to change the lives of people for the better, consider filling your mug with a brew from Tiny House Coffee Roasters. Jump on the I-35 S for about 15 minutes and you’ll find a coffee-roasting company that is built on the foundation of delivering a sustainable product and lifting those who make it all possible. 

 

Texas Coffee with Origins in Nicaragua

 

Tiny House Coffee Roasters was started by Blake Thomas and Helen Schafer, who met while working as Peace Corps volunteers in Nicaragua in 2012. Blake and Helen got to know the coffee farmers in Nicaragua, and as they learned more about how difficult it was for the farmers to make a decent living, they felt committed to improving the situation. 

 

As Blake told Austin Business Journal, the best way to do so was by streamlining the process of getting the coffee from Nicaragua to U.S. consumers. 

 

“By eliminating middlemen, we were able to pay our farmers three times the market rate for their coffee,” Blake explained. “With increased returns and economic security, these farmers then invested back into their farms, families, and communities.”

 

A Mission of Sustainability 

 

Not only are Blake and Helen committed to treating their employees right and helping them to earn a fair wage, but Tiny House Roasters is built on the idea of making “attainable change.” One of the ways it’s doing that is by working with farmers who take a sustainable approach to coffee farming. So what’s that mean exactly? 

 

In the simplest terms, it means that Tiny House Coffee Roasters only buys and sells coffee beans that are in season. As the brand’s website explains, sometimes this means that “your favorite beans might be gone for a bit, [but] they’ll be back and better next year!”

 

From Bean to Keg

 

While you can’t simply swing by Tiny House Coffee Roasters and grab a latte to go (it’s a roasting company, not a coffee shop), there are numerous ways for you to enjoy this fine product. 

 

The roasting company’s coffee can be found in local grocery stores like H-E-B and Whole Foods, as well as businesses such as The Driskill Hotel, Planet Fitness, and Auberge Resorts. 

 

Of course, you can also order flavors like Moontower Dark Blend and La Casita directly from the website. Sign up for the Roaster’s Club, and Tiny House will ship you a new bag of coffee to try each month. 

 

Perhaps the coolest way to enjoy a cup of Tiny House Coffee though is through its cold brew delivery platform. Hit them up and they’ll deliver their bag-in-box cold brew to your home or office in the greater Austin area. And if you drink a lot of coffee (like, a lot, a lot) you can even have a full keg of nitro cold brew delivered to your door. 

 

Tiny House Coffee Roasters is one of many small businesses in the Kyle area that is carving out a name for itself for all the best reasons. If you’d like to find a home in Kyle, contact the Crosswinds team today. 

Categories
Area Attractions

Take a Day Trip to Lockhart, TX

Photo by Aleksomber: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Downtown_Lockhart_W_San_Antonio_Street.jpg

There’s no shortage of awesome places and communities to explore in Central Texas, many of them less than an hour from Kyle. Just a half hour’s drive from Kyle, you’ll find Lockhart, a town of around 14,000 people that makes for a perfect day trip. 

 

If you’re looking for an easy out-of-town adventure, here are a few reasons Lockhart might just be the ideal destination. 

 

Byrd Lockhart – A Man with a Vision

 

Lockhart is named after Byrd Lockhart, a land surveyor who built the town’s first roads back in the 1830s. The area was soon developed for growing cotton, and according to city records, a strain of cotton developed in Lockhart is still used today. 

 

In the 20th century, Lockhart played a role in Texas’ development of the oil industry. And while Lockhart is still a small Texas town, it offers much of the same natural beauty today. 

 

One of the best ways to enjoy that natural beauty is with a visit to Lockhart State Park. Adults can enjoy a full day at the park for just $3 and children under 12 are free. The park has miles of hiking trails as well as a nine-hole golf course, swimming pool, and camping sites should you decide to stay the night and do a little stargazing. 

 

Guests can also check out the park’s calendar for a variety of events ranging from ancient spear-throwing lessons to moonlight hikes and nature talks. 

 

Chow Down in the BBQ Capital of Texas

 

After a round of golf or a hike at Lockhart State Park, you’re bound to have an appetite. Luckily, Lockhart happens to be the barbecue capital of Texas, and boy do they mean it! Just about every restaurant in town has some sort of barbecue plate on the menu, but if you want a bite of history with your lunch or dinner, we suggest hitting up Kreuz Market. 

 

The restaurant has had its hand in the barbecue biz since 1875 and while it’s certainly seen its share of pitmasters since then, it continues to offer some of the best brisket, smoked sausage, and pork ribs in the state. The restaurant also has live music on the weekends, and if you can’t resist sharing with your out-of-state friends what they’re missing, Kreuz Market does ship its meat. 

 

While there’s no wrong time to eat barbecue in Lockhart, one of the best weekends to do so is arguably in November during Texas Monthly’s BBQ Fest (Nov 5-6 2022). There will be 47 barbecue vendors cooking up a smorgasbord of mouthwatering food at this year’s event. 

 

Got the Time?

 

Consider dropping into the Southwest Museum of Clocks and Watches before heading out of town. It’s open Friday through Sunday, but this quirky museum is worth a visit. As you might expect from the title, it’s all about the history of clocks and watches from the tiny to the giant grandfather clock. 

 

Along with most cities surrounding Austin, Lockhart is booming with economic growth. Several large companies have recently announced plans to expand or build in the area, bringing jobs, retail, and more growth to Caldwell County. As it grows, Lockhart will continue to be a great day trip destination for residents of Kyle, and it’s located only 17 miles away!

 

Nothing caps off a fun day trip like coming back to a home you love. With so much to offer, it’s easy to see why residents love Crosswinds, a master-planned community in Kyle. If you’d like to explore finding a home here, contact us today. 

Photo by Aleksomber.  

Categories
Family Fun

Spooky Season in Kyle

Calling all ghouls, ghosts, and goblins, the spooky season is upon us, and if you’re in search of something to howl about this Halloween near Kyle, consider adding these events to your October calendar. 

 

Dances with Disabilities Halloween Boo-gie – Put on your dancing shoes and get ready to shake your bones on the dance floor at this event for individuals of all ages with disabilities. A DJ will keep the party going from 6 – 8 PM and there will be swag bags for guests as well as a concessions booth with snacks and drinks. 

 

This is a free event but it is limited to 300 guests and reservations are recommended. The party kicks off on September 30 at the Gem-Stone Palace building (1101 Bunton Creek Rd, Kyle, TX 78640).

 

Halloween Movie at the Park – Grab a blanket and your favorite snacks, and snag a spot on the Basketball Court located at Gregg-Clarke Park for a showing of Disney Pixar’s Coco. The PG-rated movie runs around an hour and 40 minutes and tells the story of a child with dreams of being a musician who enters the Land of the Dead to meet a long-lost relative. 

 

The event is free and the film begins at sundown on Oct 14. 

 

Center Street Trick-or-Treat – The kiddos can stock up on candy a week early this year at not one, but two community trick-or-treat events. The first one is in conjunction with the Kyle Parks and Recreation Department and local businesses will be setting up tents and tables with candy and other goodies. Bring the kids in their costumes for the perfect trick-or-treat event!

 

In addition to food and drink vendors on-site for the adults, there will also be a costume contest and pumpkin painting contest (pumpkins and paint will be provided). The fun happens Oct. 22 from noon to 3 PM at Mary Kyle Hartson City Square Park.

 

Community Trunk-or-Treat Car Show & Fundraiser – As we promised, another community candy grab is happening the same day in nearby Lockhart to benefit the Lockhart Special Olympics. Admission is free and in addition to candy (obviously), there will be face painting, raffles, children and pet costume contests, and live music. 

 

No need to worry about which one to go to… because you can attend both! Check out the Center Street Trick-or-Treat, then hop on your broom and make your way to the Trunk-or-Treat event in downtown Lockhart from 4 to 10 PM on Oct 22. 

 

Austin Symphony Orchestra’s Halloween Children’s Concert – Musical chills and thrills await concertgoers at this all-ages classical concert. The Austin Symphony Orchestra will be presenting music from movie composers John Williams (Jaws, Star Wars, Harry Potter, Jurassic Park) and Danny Elfman (Beetlejuice, Edward Scissorhands, The Nightmare Before Christmas).

 

Children are invited to dress up for this all-ages evening of spooky songs on October 23, at 3 PM at the Long Center for Performing Arts in Austin. 

 

Spooky Silent Disco Party – This one is for the grown ghosts and ghouls 21+ who want to party like the living dead. Guests will be provided with a pair of headphones allowing them to tune into one of the three DJs playing top 40 dance hits, 80’s, 90’s & 2K Throwback tunes, and hip-hop/R&B. You’ll also get some glow gear to deck out your costume (costumes aren’t mandatory but are highly encouraged) and the bar will be open with spookily delicious libations. 

 

Join other party monsters at The Belmont in Austin for this silent disco on Oct. 28 from 10 PM to 2 AM. Tickets are $15-$25. 

 

After a month of scary good fun, nothing’s better than curling up on the couch in a home you love and enjoying your favorite spooky movie. If you’d like to learn more about our beautiful homes at Crosswinds, reach out to us today. 

Categories
Design Homeowner Tips

Prepping Your Home for Fall

Pumpkin spice products are on the coffee house menus, Halloween decorations are on store shelves, and the kids are back in school. Summer is officially in the rearview mirror and autumn is in the air. 

 

From getting your home and yard in shipshape to keeping the kids busy and active on those perfect fall weather weekends, here’s a rundown of how to prep for the season. 

 

September:

 

Organize the garage: Okay, so cleaning out the garage isn’t exactly a fun way to start the season. There’s a good chance, though, that with so much happening over the summer months it could use a little sprucing up. 

 

Youth sports: Fall youth sports leagues such as soccer, football, and hockey often have their first practices and games in September. The City of Kyle’s youth sports page has a full list of sports available through the parks and recreation department to help your kiddos stay active and have some fun on those crisp fall evenings. 

 

Scout out fall decorating trends: There’s more to fall decorating than throwing a couple of pumpkins on the porch and calling it a day (not that there’s anything wrong with that). Warm earthy tones, woven baskets, and textured fabrics and textiles are on-trend fall designs to watch for in 2022. Hit your local thrift shop or favorite home goods store now to start sprucing up your space for the season!

 

October: 

 

Dig in the dirt: More specifically, now’s an ideal time to plant bulbs for spring flowers such as tulips. October is also an ideal time to fertilize and reseed patchy areas of your lawn or put a new shrub in the ground, plus, as the mornings and evenings start to cool down, spending time outside is a must!

 

Reverse your ceiling fan: Has your ceiling fan been on non-stop since July? Well, turn it off for a minute and reverse it. By setting your ceiling fan to spin clockwise in the cooler months (rather than counter-clockwise in summer) it will move warmer air trapped at the top of the room downward. 

 

Check windows for leaks: Most parts of the United States get more rain in the winter months than they do in the summer – Texas included. Now is the ideal time to check for any leaks in your windows and doors to keep heat in and rain and drafty weather out. 

 

November

 

Check your smoke detector battery: Checking your smoke detector battery is one of those things you know you should do, it’s just remembering to do so that is the tricky part. That’s why it’s recommended that when you set your clock back with the end of daylight savings (November 6th!) you also check your smoke detector’s battery. 

 

Clean the gutters: Cleaning the gutters of leaves and other debris that has built up over summer and fall will help prevent problems like rot along your roofline. 

 

Dig your winter clothes out of storage: Sure, the Texas heat hasn’t sent its goodbyes quite yet, but it’s now probably safe to put away the board shorts and tank tops and break out the scarves and sweaters—if not for cooler temps, at least for the sentiment. 

 

There’s a lot to love about fall in Kyle and it’s one of the best times to move to Crosswinds. Our community is past the earliest stages of development with established neighborhoods, infrastructure, and residents, yet we are still evolving to include new amenities and new homes to welcome you to the neighborhood.

 

If you’d like to learn more about finding a new home here this fall, contact our team to learn more about our available homes, exceptional schools, and  

Categories
Education

Millberg Farm in Kyle

Running a farm isn’t easy work. It’s even tougher when it’s a one-man operation, but Tim Miller is happy to get his hands dirty and do the work. Tim runs Millberg Farm right here in Kyle and his farm is a valuable resource for gardeners and homeowners who are interested in growing crops using dryland farming techniques. 

 

What is Dryland Farming?

 

Most modern farms use irrigation systems to ensure their crops get the ideal amount of water for the soil and climate. While irrigation systems are nothing new, they aren’t the original farming method. Before irrigation came along, farmers in dry areas cultivated their crops by relying on the moisture in the soil from the previous rainy season to get them through the dry season. 

 

Dryland farming is a sustainable method of farming that Tim uses on his five-acre farm. “You need something that can survive in bone dry conditions through September, only then to be hit by heavy rains and even hurricanes,” he explained. 

 

The Texas transplant by way of Wisconsin first learned how to farm in community gardens after moving to Austin over three decades ago. He sharpened his farming skills over the years and times his plantings with the weather, using a dryland farming method that involves trench composting to collect rainwater. He also opts to plant hardy heirloom seeds (seeds that have been passed down from generation to generation) that can thrive with this type of farming in the Central Texas climate. 

 

Millberg Farm is Producing an Impressive Crop

 

Whereas dryland farming was once a necessity for farmers without irrigation systems, it could be of benefit to farmers today in areas where water shortages are becoming more common. 

 

Farmers in regions of the Mediterranean, Africa, and southern California have had great success with dryland farming and Tim is finding his own success at Millberg Farm. Tim grows a variety of fruits and vegetables at Millberg Farm including certified organic carrots, beets, cauliflower, kale, mustard greens, lettuce, okra, plums, peaches, tomatoes, turnips, and more!

 

Not only can Kyle residents enjoy the fruits and veggies of Millberg Farm at local farmers’ markets but they can learn about farming that promotes water conservation from Tim. 

 

Tim operates the oldest community-supported agriculture (CSA) program in the state and wants to share his knowledge. He’ll occasionally host educational programs for backyard gardeners at Millberg farm where visitors can learn about effective planting and watering methods, participate in seed swaps, and if they’re lucky, get to sample some delicious farm-fresh foods!

 

Millberg Farm is just one of the places that make Kyle such a wonderful Central Texas community. If you’d like to find a home here, reach out to the Crosswinds team to learn more about our home builders and to discover your dream home. 

 

Categories
Amenities

Best Reasons to move to Crosswinds This Fall

The Texas Hill Country is growing and that means Kyle is growing. New families are discovering the appeal of our community every day and are planting roots here. Victoria Vargas, the interim director of economic development for the City of Kyle, recently told KVUE News that Kyle saw 63% growth between 2010 and 2020 and that “growth is not expected to slow down any time soon.”

 

It’s not just our affordability and proximity to Austin that’s attracting folks to Kyle. From economic growth such as Lowe’s new distribution center and the development of Kyle Crossing Phase II to festivities like the Pie in the Sky Festival, a lot is happening in Kyle. 

 

If you’re thinking about moving to Kyle or you’ve recently moved here and are looking to buy a home, the fall season is the perfect time to move to the Crosswinds community. 

 

Outdoor Fun at Crosswinds 

 

Don’t get us wrong, we love summer in Kyle, but by the end of August, it’s nice to have a break from those 100-degree temps. The average temperature in September in Kyle is 88 F, and by October it’s even cooler, making fall the perfect season to enjoy so many of the outdoor amenities at Crosswinds. 

 

Our Sports Court is the perfect place to work up a sweat over a game of pickup basketball with friends, or perhaps see what all the buzz is about with pickleball. Meanwhile, the kiddos can enjoy the last few weeks of daylight savings time and burn off some energy after school or dinner on our community playscape. 

 

Crosswinds residents got to spend the summer enjoying our resort-style pool and splash pad. (Don’t worry, there’s still plenty of time for a swim if you haven’t had a chance to take a dip yet.)

 

Crosswinds residents also have access to our hike and bike trails, as well as a dog park for our furry residents. One of the biggest highlights of the fall season is the return of football, and our community grills and picnic areas are perfect for cooking up some grub before kickoff. 

 

Find Your Dream Home

 

Spring and summer tend to be the busiest months when it comes to home shopping, but don’t rule out buying a home in the fall. According to Zillow, sellers tend to lower prices in late summer, giving fall buyers a bit more flexibility when it comes to price. 

 

The homes in Crosswinds have all been built by homebuilders that are leaders in the industry. Gehan Homes, Highland Homes, Pacesetter Homes, and MileStone Community Builders are all award-winning builders that have crafted beautiful homes in the Crosswinds community. All of our homes include spacious floor plans that draw upon both modern and traditional style and craftsmanship. 

 

With a range of prices and floor plan sizes and an abundance of community features, it’s easy to see why Crosswinds is such an appealing community in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about finding a home in the Crosswinds community, reach out to us today. 

Categories
Homebuilder

Meet MileStone Community Builders

If you live in the Texas Hill Country, there’s a good chance that you’ve seen a MileStone home even if you didn’t realize it. This Austin-based homebuilder has crafted thousands of beautiful homes in the Texas Hill Country. 

 

They’re Austin’s largest privately held homebuilder and have been recognized both locally and nationally for not just creating stunning and highly functional homes, but for its work within the community. The homebuilder frequently partners with local charities and nonprofits to better our neighborhoods. 

 

We’re pretty excited to have MileStone Community Builders making their mark in Crosswinds. Keep reading for a look at MileStone’s background and some of the homes they’re building right here in Kyle.

 

Excellence and Building Up

MileStone Community Builders was co-founded in 2009 by current CEO Garret Martin with the goal of building beautiful homes that fit the lifestyle of Central Texas. To say that they’ve been successful in meeting that goal would be an understatement. Milestone has been recognized as one of Inc.’s 500 Fastest Growing Companies and earned a Residential Real Estate Award for “Home Builder of the Year” as well as a “President’s Choice Award” from the Home Builders Association of Greater Austin. 

 

The homebuilding group is also committed to making it easier for those who serve us in the Central Texas region to buy a home. Through their Hometown Heroes program, MileStone helps police officers, firefighters, paramedics, nurses, grocery, and construction workers shave up to $2,000 off of a new home purchase. 

 

Find Your MileStone Dream Home at Crosswinds

With our wide open spaces, abundant amenities, and convenient access to everything Austin has to offer, Crosswinds is an ideal community for a MileStone home. Currently, we have a range of homes and floorplans that will soon be ready for quick move-in. 

 

The Bedford – This charming 1,694 square foot home includes 3 bedrooms and 2 full baths. Home highlights include a spacious study, a stunning kitchen with quartz countertops, 42’ cabinets, and a subway tile backsplash. The home’s living area is welcoming with plenty of natural sunlight and the master suite includes a walk-in closet with an extended shower in the bath.

 

The Hamlin – A beautiful brick archway welcomes guests and residents to this 2,158-square-foot home. Inside, the home features a grand rotunda washed in natural light amid 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. An optional 3-car garage and top-of-the-line kitchen with modern features complete the home.

 

The Liberty – One of MileStone’s more popular plans, this spacious home covers 2,912 square feet and includes 4 bedrooms and 3.5 bathrooms. The 2-story home with an open floor plan and high ceilings features a chef’s kitchen with quartz countertops and a kitchen island as well as a media room wired for surround sound. 

 

Expertly crafted homes from MileStone Community Builders are just one of the aspects that make Crosswinds such an appealing place to call home in Kyle. If you’d like to learn more about our available amenities and find your dream home, reach out to us today, or stop by the MileStone sales office at: 422 Crosswinds Pkwy, Kyle, TX 78640 to talk to the sales team.

 

Categories
Lifestyle

Beekeeping in Hays County

 

Honey is probably the first thing that comes to mind when you think about the benefit of bees. But these tiny pollinators are responsible for a variety of food products we enjoy such as blueberries, almonds, and tomatoes. 

 

Then there are the wildflowers. The Texas Hill Country is home to some of the most beautiful wildflower species on the planet, and bees play a HUGE role in this. Despite bees being crucial to our local and global ecosystems, all is not right in the world of bees and several factors ranging from habitat loss to pollution, disease, and invasive species (murder hornets, no thank you!) threaten our native bee populations. 

 

The good news is that Hays County residents can take action to help save the bees in several ways. 

 

Join the Hays County Beekeepers

 

Beekeeping can be an incredibly rewarding hobby and a pretty good way to ensure you’ll never have to buy honey from the grocery store ever again! The easiest way to get involved is to stop by one of the Hays County Beekeepers’ meetings. The group meets every third Tuesday of the month at Suds Monkey Brewing in Austin and has a Q&A session for beekeeping newbies from 6:30 to 7 PM. 

 

This beekeeping 101 session before the regular meeting gives curious newcomers a chance to ask about everything from how honey harvesting works to how to relocate swarms. 

 

Adding Pollinator-Friendly Plants to Your Yard

 

While Crosswinds isn’t zoned for agriculture and beekeeping, residents can still be a friend to bees. One of the best ways to do so is to plant flowering and pollinator-friendly plants in your yard. Bees are drawn to a wide variety of flowers, shrubs, and trees, and by planting even just a few of these in your Crosswinds home’s yard, you’ll be providing bees with a sanctuary and resource for food. 

 

Reduce Your Use of Harmful Pesticides

 

Now that you have your gardening gloves on and are ready to plant some bee-friendly plants, we need to talk about pesticides. Science has caught up with our use of pesticides and it’s not good for bees. Pesticides that fall in the sub-group of neonicotinoids can be incredibly harmful to bees, inhibiting their ability to reproduce and ultimately leading to smaller and smaller bee populations. 

 

If you’re going to use a pesticide in your garden, do a little research beforehand to ensure it doesn’t fall under the neonicotinoid grouping of pesticides. The bees will thank you!

 

Come Out for National Honey Bee Day

 

The Kyle Parks and Recreation Department is all about bees and will be honoring the food-producing insects as part of National Honey Bee Day on August 20th. 

 

The public is invited out to Mary Kyle Hartson Park from 10 AM until 2 PM to learn all about bees from local naturalists. The first 100 attendees will also get a free hanging flower basket. 

 

Now that you know all the buzz when it comes to beekeeping in Hays County, all that’s left to do is prep your yard to become a bee haven. 

 

If you’d like to find your dream home, complete with a dream yard then contact the Crosswinds team today. 

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