Today and tomorrow (Aug. 15-16), the Watershed Protection Department will be treating Lady Bird Lake east of Interstate 35 and Red Bud Isle with phoslock. That’s a clay material that binds to phosphorus, a key food source for the toxic algae that has recently plagued our lakes. During the treatment, there will be a barge spraying a gray slurry into the lake that will temporarily cloud the water. Don’t worry though, the substance is safe for humans, the environment and the surrounding wildlife. Boaters should, however, keep a safe distance from the barge while it completes its work.

Texas Parks & Wildlife

A sighting of an Australian redclaw crayfish in an apartment complex pond in the Brownsville area confirms that the pesky invasive crayfish has arrived in Texas. This is the first detection of the species in the state and only the second sighting in the U.S. (it was previously seen in California). TPWD aquatic biologist Archis Grubh confirms that this is a very bad thing indeed. “We don’t know when these invasive crayfish were first introduced or how far they have spread, but we do know they can have a negative effect on local species and biodiversity,” Grubh said in a news release. “Spreading the word about this invasive species and reporting sightings to TPWD can help us better understand where it is distributed and potentially take steps to help prevent its spread.” It is illegal to own or sell the Australian redclaw in Texas or to release these crayfish into a public waterway. However, that’s usually how invasive species end up in our lakes and rivers: Someone releases them into the water, with disastrous results for native fish and other aquatic species. Sightings of the redclaw crayfish should be reported to aquaticinvasives@tpwd.texas.gov. Wondering what to do with unwanted aquarium creatures? Find out responsible ways to rehome aquatic pets.

Whether you dive, paddle or walk, you’ll be welcome at the 28th annual Lake Travis fall cleanup. The spring cleanup in April collected 10,080 pounds of trash, but don’t worry: There’s plenty more garbage in that pond and at the 11 county parks around the lake for volunteers to scoop up. Morning and afternoon shifts available. Cleanup supplies like gloves, trash bags and grabbers will be provided. Dive volunteers must be certified and must provide their own equipment. Shoreline and paddler volunteers register here; dive volunteers register here. Sept. 11, 9 a.m.-4 p.m.

City of Austin Parks and Recreation Department

Need a log for an art, furniture or yard project? The Parks and Recreation Department’s Urban Forestry Unit is giving away reclaimed logs for community members who are able to come and pick them up. Only one log per person, and you must be responsible for loading and hauling your own log. If you’d like a smaller size, parks department staff will be able to cut your chosen log down if necessary. All participants must complete a liability waiver, which will be available on-site. Friday, Sept. 2, 9 a.m.-2 p.m., John Treviño Jr. Metro Park, 9501 FM 969.

The Austin Independent School District Board of Trustees is hashing out the details of what to include in a potential 2022 bond package for the November ballot. There are two proposals up for a vote: a $1.75 billion bond that requires no tax rate increase, and a $2.25 billion bond that calls for a $0.01 increase to the debt service tax rate (though there will be a decrease in the district’s overall tax rate). The school board is scheduled to vote on the bond proposals tonight, Aug. 11, and community members are invited to give feedback at the meeting. Sign up to speak in person or record your comments by calling (512) 414-0130 between 7:45 a.m. and 3 p.m. today.

A coalition of community and business leaders is urging the Austin Community College Board of Trustees to place a bond proposition on the November ballot “to expand education and workforce training throughout our region,” according to a press release from the political action committee ACC Works for All. The PAC says a bond package of between $500 million and $815 million “will fund elements of the college’s Facilities Master Plan and focus on increasing the college’s capacity to provide hands-on training for in-demand jobs. The ACC bond could fund improvements at each of the college’s 11 campuses and includes the development of a new regional workforce training campus in Southeast Travis County.” ACC trustees will deliberate on whether to approve the bond proposition at the board retreat today, Aug. 11.

Stassney Lane is currently reduced from four to two lanes beginning at Teri Road as Austin Public Works starts its street rehabilitation work in the area. Additional impacts include a temporarily closed portion of sidewalk along the south side of Stassney Lane and two Capital Metro bus stops along Stassney Lane which may be temporarily relocated. The project is made possible through funding from the 2018 Austin mobility bond, and is intended to create a safer and smoother commute for residents traveling along Stassney Lane. Learn more about the project here and more about preventive street maintenance here.

This week, Texas Gas Service is promoting public awareness of the 811 line, which is the number excavators and homeowners should call 48 hours before doing any digging on their property in order to avoid damaging underground pipelines. Once the ticket is submitted, a crew will be dispatched to mark underground utility lines within the designated project area with flags in a 48-hour time frame. Learn more about the Be a Dig Hero campaign here, pledge to call 811 before you dig and get a chance to win a $100 gift card. (There are also coloring pages available to print for young diggers.)

Austin’s Tree of the Year Awards is looking for winners! Nominate your favorite tree in five different categories: 1) small enough to wrap your arms around; 2) too big to wrap your arms around; 3) schoolyard tree on a K-12 public campus; 4) tree with an interesting history, and 5) one-of-a-kind unique tree. The contest, organized by TreeFolks and the city’s Parks and Recreation Department, includes lots of resources to help you identify your favorite trees while you’re exploring the urban forest. There’s also a gallery with photos of past winners and their locations for those interested in going on a tree-finding odyssey. And best of all for tree-lovers, while submitting your own nomination, you’ll be able to view a map of other nominations of exceptional trees around Austin. Nominated trees must be within the city limits, publicly accessible (e.g., not in your backyard) and cannot have previously won the contest. Nominations are open until Sept. 30 and voting will take place Oct. 1-31. Nominate your tree!

Have a little extra time and want to get more involved with your community? The city of Austin has many interesting and unique volunteer opportunities. For starters, you could volunteer with the Austin Public Library, sharing your love of books and reading in the BookSpring program. Or, the Central Texas Food Bank‘s mobile pantry always needs volunteers to prepare food donations on weekdays or weekends. You might share your sense of style by volunteering with Dress for Success Austin, where you can sort clothing donations, put together clothing packages or help women assemble outfits for job interviews. Check out some of the many other ways to volunteer in your city here.

Have room for a kitten or two in your home and heart? If so, you’re in luck: This time of year, there’s no shortage of kittens – quite the opposite, in fact. A new crop of kittens has just popped up at the Austin Animal Center, fresh from their fosters and ready to be adopted into their furever homes at this festive, Hawaiian-themed event. All kittens are spayed or neutered, microchipped, have had at least one round of vaccinations, and are guaranteed to be criminally cute. Get ’em while they’re hot! Saturday, Aug. 13, 8 a.m.-1 p.m., Austin Animal Center, 7201 Levander Loop.

Today, Aug. 8, marks the 30th anniversary of the passing of the Save Our Springs ordinance that protects the quality of Barton Springs. The anniversary will be marked by a free swim day at Barton Springs Pool and a ceremony just outside the front gate at 6 p.m. The ceremony will feature appearances from City Council Member and SOS co-founder Ann Kitchen, SOS co-founders Mary Arnold and Bill Bunch, and former state Sen. Gonzalo Barrientos, as well as live music. Read headlines from the day here.