Camp Strake Nature Guide

"Since 1910, conservation and environmental studies have been an integral part of Scouting America. Scouts have rendered distinguished public service by helping to conserve wildlife, energy, forests, soil, and water. Past generations of Scouts have been widely recognized for undertaking conservation Good Turn action projects in their local communities. Through environmental explorations, Cub Scouts, Scouts BSA, Venturers, and Sea Scouts visit the outdoors and discover the natural world around them." (Source)

Council Camp Nature Guides Camp Strake Pollinator Garden Learn about Native Plants Resources

Camp Strake Wildlife

Luna Moth
(Actias Luna)
Photo: Morgan, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

North American brush-footed butterfly
(Red-Spotted Purple Limenitis Astyanax)

Rosy Maple Moth
(Dryocampa rubicunda)
Photo: Elana, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Walnut Sphinx Moth
(Amorpha-juglandis)
Photo: Erica, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Giant Swallowtail
(Papilio cresphontes)
Photo: Bones, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Giant Swallowtail
(Papilio cresphontes)

Imperial Moth
(Eacles imperialism)

Great Egret
(Ardea alba)
Photo: Shaggy, Summer Camp Staffer, July 2021

Scorpion

Photo: Elena, Summer Camp Staffer, July 2021

Blue-Gray Gnatcatcher (fletchling)
(Polioptila caerulea)
The grayish coloring and long tail, as well as the way it mixes snippets of other birds' repertoires into its own high, nasal songs, have earned it the nickname "Little Mockingbird." Has a little white ring around the eyes. Arrives in TX around Mar. and migrates south by Nov.
Photo: Elana, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Pigeon (with feathered feet)
Nickname: Cornelius Strakeus
Lived by the fishing pavilion during the summer of 2021.

Camp Strake Plants and Trees

Blue Mistflower
(Conoclinium coelstinum)
Native.* Bright blue or violet flowers attract bees and butterflies. Grows to 3'. Blooms from Jul-Oct. and highly regarded as nectar food for migrating monarch butterflies.

Flat Pea

Pickerelweed
(Pontederia cordate)
Native.* The deep blue flowers on a 6" spike attract butterflies, bees and deer from Jun-Sept. The 3' plant is found around the lake with long, heart-shaped leaves.

American Beautyberry
(Callicarpa americana)
Native.* Birds and deer eat the purple berries that ripen in Sept-Oct.

Purple False Foxglove, Gerardia
(Agalinis purpurea)
Native.* Pink or purple, bell-shaped flowers that bloom from July - Nov. Found in wet or moist soil.

Marsh Blazing Star, Dense Blazing Star
(Liatris spicata)
Native.* Grass-like leaves with showy flower purple clusters that bloom from July - Sept.
Photo: Erica, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Photo: Erica, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Poison Ivy

*Native to Texas. Native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees do much more than add beauty to the landscape. Learn more about native plants.

Camp Strake Clouds and Scenes

Photo: Phoebe, Summer Camp Staffer, Summer 2021

Council Camp Nature Guides

The Camp Strake Nature Guide gives brief descriptions of some of the numerous varieties of trees and other plants found along the nature trail. Scouts in troops can work on First Class: #5. Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants in your community.

Camp Strake Nature Guide

Camp Brosig Nature Guide

See the Brosig Plant Identification Key for the plants/trees tagged at Camp Brosig.

Brosig Plant Identification Key

Outdoor Scouting Skills

Cub Scouts can work on several adventures at camp that focus on nature, plants, wildlife, and conservation.

Tigers in the Wild #6. Find two different trees and two different types of plants that grow in your area.
Webelos Scouts can work on Into the Woods #1. Identify two different groups of trees and the parts of a tree; #2. Identify four trees common to the area where you live. Tell whether they are native to your area. Tell how both wildlife and humans use them; #3. Identify four plants common to the area where you live. Tell which animals use them and for what purpose.

Scouts in troops can work on a variety of Scouting skills at camp.

First Class #5 (Identify or show evidence of at least 10 kinds of native plants in your community)
Architecture and Landscape Architecture Merit Badge #3
Bird Study Merit Badge #5c, 8a3, 8b3, 9, 10
Environmental Science Merit Badge #3c3, 3d, 3e, 3g, 3h, 4
Fish and Wildlife Management Merit Badge #7d
Forestry Merit Badge
Gardening Merit Badge
Insect Study Merit Badge #5a, 9
Nature Merit Badge #1, 2, 4g
Oceanography Merit Badge #5, 6
Plant Science Merit Badge
Soil and Water Conservation Merit Badge #1, 7b
Sustainability Merit Badge #4d

Native Plants

Texas has over 5,000 species of native plants. Native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs and trees do much more than add beauty to the landscape. Native plants:

• Low maintenance once established
• Conserve water
• Reduce mowing costs
• Survive temperature extremes

• Protect soils
• Clean our air
• Mitigate flooding
• Help the climate

• Reduce temperatures in urban areas
• Reduced need for fertilizer and pesticides
• Create a healthier place for you, your family and community
• Provide habitat for birds, butterflies and other wildlife
• Learn how you can help.

iNaturalist

iNaturalist is a free app to help identify plants and animals. Get connected with a community of over a million scientists and naturalists who can help you learn more about nature! What’s more, by recording and sharing your observations, you’ll create research-quality data for scientists working to better understand and protect nature. Download the app on your phone or visit iNaturalist.org.

Identify and tag observations of plants and animals seen at Camp Strake, Bovay Scout Ranch, and Camp Brosig.

Camp Strake Native Pollinator Garden

During the summer of 2022, three native pollinator gardens were installed at Camp Strake. Over 65 native plants were planted in a sunny garden, shady garden, and bog garden. The garden was planted with help from the National Camp School Ecology participants, Camp Strake staff, and Order of the Arrow members.

As the gardens were being installed, wildlife immediately began visiting the garden including butterflies, hummingbirds, dragonflies, moths, insects, and frogs.

The council was awarded a grant from Native Plant Society of Texas Back the Monarchs to Texas program. Nature's Way Resources donated soil and gave discounts on purchased plants. Colonneh Lodge donated rocks. Volunteers donated plants, mulch, and a bench.

Native Pollinator Garden - July 2022

The rule of thumb for native gardens is "sleep, creep, leap" which basically is simplifying the typical phases a native plant will go through to reach its full mature size. Year 1 (sleep), native plants focus energy on its deep root system. Year 2 (creep) native plant continues to grow (both above ground and below ground) and will start blooming more. Year 3 (leap) is typically when the native plants reach their full size. It's hard to be patient, but the garden plants will grow over the next few years.