Wells Branch is Under Construction and the CRITTERS are BACK!

Expect an increase in all kinds of wild creatures (possums, raccoons, snakes, rats, coyotes) this summer as we have several new construction projects underway in and around Wells Branch.  The best form of control for any of these animals is an integrated plan that removes access to shelter, food and water.  If you have a rat or mouse problem, then the use of rodenticides or traps may be necessary as well.  Every resident in Wells Branch can take steps to minimize appeal to these animals.  Rodent control is particularly effective when all our neighbors participate.

• Do NOT leave food outside for your pets.
• If your animals eat outside, give them a chance to eat and then bring the food and water bowls inside.
• Secure all doggie-doors at night.
• If you have a bird or squirrel feeder, bring it in at night.  Empty the birdbaths as well.
• Seal all openings into your home and any outdoor storage units using hardware cloth and steel wool.  Mice can squeeze into a ¼” opening and it only takes ½” for a rat to gain access.
• Clean out any debris that might provide refuge for these animals.

Coyotes:  It’s four months later and we’re still losing pets to coyotes.  Please visit the sites listed below and make sure you’re following all their tips.

• Keep your pets inside from just before dusk until after dawn.  If they have to go out, take them on a leash – even in your own yard.  We have had coyotes both jump and dig under fences.
• Be aware of your surroundings at all times.  They’ve been sited along the trails daily and have even followed walkers.  Keep your dog on a leash and close by.

Here are links to a great hand out from Travis County to download, the City of Austin webpage on coyotes, the Humane Society page, and Texas Parks & Wildlife page.  All cover tips on deterring coyotes and discuss how to best protect your fur babies.

• Living with Urban Coyotes in Austin/Travis County –  What to do. Who to call.
• http://www.austintexas.gov/department/coyotes-central-texas
• http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/coyotes/tips/coyotes_pets.html
• https://tpwd.texas.gov/huntwild/wild/nuisance/coyote/

Be safe, not sorry!

Snakes:

With the mild winter we’ve had and a plentiful food source, our slithery friends are out and about!  Please remember that rat snakes are our FRIENDS.  They earn their keep around here by keeping the rodent population down.  While they can get quite large, they don’t pose a threat to you, your children or your pets and are reluctant to bite unless messed with – leave them be and they’ll go on about their business.

Photo by Brad Dushkin

Unsure about which snakes are harmless and which may be poisonous?  Visit austinreptileservice.net to learn more.  This site makes it easy by breaking them down by stripes, blotches, diamonds, bands and solid color snakes.

WB MUD 4th Fest!  Celebrate Independence Day the Wells Branch Way!

Roll out the Red, White & Blue!  If you haven’t decorated yet, you better get busy!  Let’s show our Wells Branch Spirit.  Hang your flags out NOW!  Let everybody know that you’re ready to celebrate!  Meet in front of the community center at 9:30am; the parade takes off at 10am.  If you’ve never been to one of our parades before, then you should probably know we have decorated bikes, wagons, trailers, DOGS, KIDS, hats, motorcycles and floats.  It’s a grand event!  If you wish to include a float in this year’s parade, please contact the MUD Rec. Staff at 512- 251-9814.

2017 Parade Route

• Klattenhoff Dr. (facing east)
• Depart Community Center
• East on Klattenhoff Drive
• Right on Surrender Drive
• Left on Delvin Lane
• Right on Weldon Lane
• Left on Gaylord Drive
• Left on Sandy Side Drive
• Cross over Klattenhoff Drive
• Left on Crystal Shore Drive
• Right on Klattenhoff Drive
• Return to KF Park

When the parade returns to the Community Center, we kick off a FULL day of events. 

There’ll be children’s activities throughout the park from 11am-3pm and free admission to KF Pool with games there from 12-3pm.  The Kiddy Train will be all revved up and giving rides and there’ll be balloon clowns and carnival games in the courtyard and inflatables in the park from 11-3pm.  Be sure and look for the dunk tank and capture a moment in the 4thFest photo booth.  Cool off inside the CC  and get your face painted by Dianne Koehler and crew, then visit the WBNA Silent Auction.  Don’t forget to stop by the Friends of the Library table and vote for your favorite photos for their 2018 calendar.  ALL FOR FREE!!!

Live entertainment starts at 11am and goes through 5pm under the Big Tent with a magician, live music from the Camille Sanders Trio, a ventriloquist, and then MORE music!  Throughout the day, concessions will be available from local restaurants and community service groups offering a variety of items to enjoy.  For over 20 years, Branch BBQ has been on hand at 4thFest with their fabulous chopped beef sandwiches and for fans of Chon Som, they’ll make their annual reappearance serving Asian cuisine.  El Faro will be here as well with their delicious fajitas and for the first time, we’ll have Johnny Beans on hand serving coffee, pastries and iced coffee drinks.  For a complete list of entertainment, visit wellsbranchmud.com.

The Silent Auction is back this year and benefits the WBNA.  Money raised from this event funds the Easter Egg Hunt, National Night Out, our participation in Halloween Trunk or Treat, Friday night at Luminary Fest and all of the educational and safety seminars we put on throughout the year.  Come check out all the wonderful gift baskets and gift certificates donated by WB friends, neighbors and businesses and start placing your bids as soon as the parade returns.  Call or email 512-656-0654 or SilentAuction@wbna.us if you have an item or service you’d like to donate or if you’d like to volunteer at the Silent Auction.  We can ALWAYS use a hand!

As the afternoon winds down, we hope you’ll join us as Wells Branch Celebrates Independence Day with a fireworks show to remember.  The display will be launched from the soccer field adjacent to the Rec. Center on Shoreline Drive beginning at dark.  The MUD suggests being in your seats by 9pm.  Please see the map below for parking and viewing areas.  Parking will be limited so we encourage residents to walk or bike utilizing the various bike lanes and hike and bike trail.

Come show your spirit, and remember – YOU make Wells Branch GREAT! 

*Please note: 4th Fest is a Wells Branch MUD sponsored event.  Countless hours go into planning, set-up, day-of events, and clean-up, all funded by the MUD, not to mention the fact that their employees give up time that could be spent with family to make our (WB’s) holiday special.  It features many area WB community service groups and allows them the opportunity for both community service and fundraising.  The WBNA is grateful for this opportunity.

*Fireworks display is subject to change or cancellation depending on weather conditions so check our website for updates.

Plan Ahead for Fireworks Safety

by Allison Strupeck, PIO/Community Outreach Coordinator, Prevention Division
Pflugerville Fire Dept./Travis County ESD No. 2

Please respect your neighbors if you choose to light fireworks.  This year, July 4^th falls on a weeknight when many families will be working the next day.  Keep in mind that the sound of fireworks can be very stressful for some veterans and others who experience Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).  It also scares many dogs and other pets.

Remember that fireworks are NOT legal to use on or around schools and Travis County parks.  They’re also not legal on Wells Branch Municipal Utility District (MUD) property, which includes all MUD facilities, parks, trails, greenbelts, the Pond, drainage detention areas, the veloway, and the grassy area located at Robert I. Walker and Charla Circle.

But if you choose to light fireworks in a safe, legal location, Travis County ESD No. 2 (Pflugerville Fire Dept.) wants you to better understand the dangers of fireworks and work together as a family to stay safe.  Rather than risking your safety with personal fireworks, we strongly recommend checking out a professional fireworks show.  A great option in this area is the 4^th Fest in Wells Branch!

In addition to considering the safety measures around fireworks, it is equally important to maintain vigilance throughout the year. A professionally installed fire alarm system can offer peace of mind, knowing that you have a reliable safety net in place. Such systems are designed to detect smoke, heat, and even carbon monoxide, giving you a multi-layered defense against potential threats. By investing in fire alarm installation, you contribute to a safer living environment, demonstrating a proactive approach to protecting what matters most. Here are other safety tips for your family: Continue reading Plan Ahead for Fireworks Safety →

FOL 2018 Calendar Contest Underway!

Calling all photographers, amateur to professional, the Friends of the Wells Branch Library is holding its second annual contest searching for the 16 photos to grace their 2018 calendar.  Your photo could be a WINNER!!

Send in your photos of idyllic views, people, critters, activities, events – whatever you think best applies to the theme “Best of Wells Branch” to be included in our 15 month calendar for 2018.

Contest photos will be on display at the Library and in the Community Center during 4th Fest.  Stop by and vote for your favorites!

Complete rules and submission guidelines HERE.  Contest ends June 30, 2017.

Start getting your photos ready NOW!