In this issue of Barton Hills News, you’ll find an update on public works in the neighborhood, celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Greenbelt Guardians and learn how we fared when it comes to crime as 2012 ended.

The newsletter also includes the 2013 BHNA membership form. Whether you’re already a member or ready to join, just fill out the form and send it in with your $10 dues check and you’ll be in good standing. If you prefer, you can also pay your dues online by clicking the yellow Pay BHNA Dues button on the right of this screen. Please remember to fill in your address information, even if you’re just renewing your membership. That will help us match your payment with your membership address.

Inside the latest edition of the Barton Hills News you’ll find tips for keeping your home safe during the holidays and the best websites for emergency preparedness. You’ll also discover opportunities to get involved in your neighborhood (be a part of the BHNA for 2013), your city (volunteer for the Austin Urban Shield exercise) and your planet (get your yard certified as a wildlife habitat or help remove invasives in the the Greenbelt). The agenda for the BHNA October meeting is included. To read the full newsletter, click here.

By Susan Donaldson

With recent rains preceded by a mild winter, this summer has been an active mosquito season. Of particular concern are mosquitoes carrying the West Nile Virus (WNV).

Mosquitoes are present in Central Texas year round, but the population is largest and most active from April through September. During the season, adult mosquito populations are monitored and tested for mosquito-borne viruses by the Austin/Travis County Health and Human Services Department. Check the Austin/Travis County Arbovirus Surveillance Maps for the latest information on West Nile Virus-confirmed mosquito activity.

Travis County has seen a total of 108 mosquito pools testing positive for WNV in 28 zip codes as of Sept. 4, 2012 — the highest number of positive pools detected since surveillance activities began in 2003.

In Travis County, there have been a total of 68 human WNV cases and three deaths reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 12, 2012. In Texas, there were 1,182 human WNV cases and 53 deaths were reported from Jan. 1 to Sept. 12, 2012.

Preventing mosquitoes from biting you is the best defense. To help prevent bites, follow the four Ds:

• Dusk and dawn: Try to stay indoors at dusk and dawn. That is the time when mosquitoes likely to carry the infection are most active.

• Dress: Wear pants and long sleeves when you are outside.

• DEET: Apply insect repellent that contains DEET. Read and follow label instructions. Spray both exposed skin and clothing with repellent.

• Drain: Get rid of standing water in your yard and neighborhood. Old tires, flowerpots, clogged rain gutters, birdbaths and wading pools can be breeding sites for mosquitoes.

Check out this comprehensive article on less toxic or green mosquito control, including product toxicity comparisons, for additional options.

To report a mosquito problem, call (512) 978-0370 or click here to send an email to the City of Austin.

More information visit www.austintexas.gov/westnile.

The July edition of the Baton Hills News is now available here. Inside, you’ll learn the latest about plans to improve the Barton Hills Elementary playground/park, as well as area traffic improvement projects on the horizon. Be sure to check out photos from this year’s July 4th Parade and a list of everyone that made it possible. The newsletter also features the agenda for the BHNA’s July 24 meeting.

The Neighborhood Habitat Challenge is an annual contest organized by the Austin Parks and Recreation Department in conjunction with the National Wildlife Federation. The goal is to make Austin a more wildlife-friendly city. To date, Austin has more than 1,700 certified wildlife habitats in the city, according to the Wildlife Austin! website. Nationwide, there are more than 150,000 NWF certified habitats.

Here’s how you can make your little piece of Austin a part of it:

1. Turn your yard into a wildlife-friendly habitat. There are four elements you need to transform your yard into a habitat: food, water, cover and places to raise young.  In addition, practice two sustainable gardening measures — such as maintaining a chemical-free lawn, planting native species and conserving water.
2. Complete the Wildlife Habitat Certification form on the NWF website. You can also download and print the form. There is a $20 fee for certification, but pre-paid applications are available by sending an email to wildlife@austintexas.com. A limited number of applications are available.

The three neighborhoods with the most new certifications by Nov. 14 win recognition from the City of Austin, as well as prizes. Prizes for past years have included neighborhood picnics, tree giveaways and wildlife workshops.

For more information about the program, check out the challenge guidelines and FAQs. For more details about how to get involved, email Melissa Hawthorne.