News

Dear Neil, The ground beneath my Japanese ligustrum is becoming completely covered with tiny green sprouts. I assume they come from the seeds. There are far too many to pull by hand, and glyphosate has not been effective in killing them. They’re in the bark mulch. What can I do? I’d prefer not to remove the tree.

__ D____ M _______ C _____ Alpine Avalanche Photos from the Alpine Avalanche Archives at Archives of the Big Bend, Bryan Wildenthal Memorial Library and Portal of Texas. .

WEEK Meet Ollie! He and his brother, Pip, have been at the shelter since November of this year, after their owner moved away and left them abandoned in the home they lived in. Ollie is wonderful with other dogs; he loves to play in groups and has a great time romping and splashing in the pool.

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Send your community events to kara. gerbert@alpineavalanche.com July 24,31 Hike with Homeless Dogs, 9-10 a.m.

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Downtown Alpine will celebrate the region’s iconic black bears through art, education, and conservation awareness during a Big Bend Black Bears Weekend on August 1-2. The twoday event brings together wildlife art, scientific research, and practical conservation education to foster a deeper appreciation for these remarkable animals.

Abbott: Flooding death toll now at 135 Gov. Greg Abbott said late last week that the statewide death toll from the catastrophic flooding in the Hill Country stands at 135, and the number of persons missing has dropped to three.

The Native Plant Society of Texas, Big Bend Chapter, is planning a workday on Saturday, July 26, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the Alpine Public Library. The plan is to clear organic material, breaking the topsoil, mixing in amendments, and moving some of the buffalo grass, among other tasks. Those interested in volunteering their time should bring gloves, a shovel, rake, pick, hat, and plenty of water.

The 14th annual music festival brings 65 performances to Far West Texas. Viva Big Bend returns this weekend, bringing five days of live music to Alpine and surrounding towns from July 23 to 27.