March 30, 2026
Spring is in full swing, and this month’s newsletter is packed with everything happening around the neighborhood. From our upcoming Community-Wide Yard Sale to the next Garden Club gathering and the launch of our new Yard of the Month program—complete with our very first winner—there’s plenty to get excited about. If you’ve stepped outside lately, you’ve probably noticed the birds are busy too, so we’ve included helpful tips on hummingbird feeders. Plus, with water conservation top of mind, you’ll find information on a new tool from Austin Water to help you track your usage in real time. See you around the neighborhood!
Table of Contents
Yard of the Month
🌳The Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association is excited to introduce a new neighborhood project: Yard of the Month! Each month, we will honor a resident whose yard helps make our community more beautiful, welcoming, and peaceful.
Be sure to look for the “Yard of the Month” sign in the winner’s yard as you pass by!
🌻Each honoree receives the “Yard of the Month” sign in the winner’s yard for a month, Yard of the Month certificate, a yard decoration, cash, and gift cards!
🏆For March, we are pleased to recognize the lovely yard at 10501 Hard Rock Rd., filled with beautiful bluebonnets and poppies. Be sure to stop by an see them before summer takes its toll!
Yards of all kinds will be honored, from wildflowers, to well-kept hedges and shrubs, to beautiful flower beds, to xeriscapes.
Do you know a yard that you would like to nominate? Send the address to greenspaces@andersonmillna.org
Please help us grow this award program by donating to our Venmo! We will recognize supporters by listing their residence on the back of each honoree's certificate!
AMNA Garden Club April 19th 4 PM
📅Mark your calendar for April 19 at 4 PM and come join the fun! Whether you’re a seasoned green thumb or just getting started, all levels of gardeners are welcome. Bring your questions, share your successes, and connect with neighbors who love plants as much as you do. We’ll also have a plant swap—so bring any extra plants, cuttings, or seeds to share. It’s a great way to learn, swap ideas, and grow together—hope to see you there! Contact Katina for more information and location (katina.bohrer@gmail.com) 🌱
Anderson Mill Community Wide Yard Sale on May 16
🏷️It’s time for spring cleaning, the Anderson Mill Neighborhood Association is hosting a Community-Wide Yard Sale on May 16th and you’re invited to join in!
Clear out closets, garages, and storage rooms, and turn those unused items into someone else’s great find. Registration is free for AMNA members, and your sale will be included on the official Anderson Mill Yard Sale Map shared with bargain hunters across the neighborhood. Not a member yet? You’ll need to join AMNA to have your sale added to the map. The more homes that participate, the bigger and better the event will be!
Start setting items aside now and get ready for a fun day of treasure hunting and neighborly connection. Free registration for members coming soon—watch for details so you can get your sale on the map! 🏡🛍️
AM Limited District News
AM Limited District Board of Directors Meeting
📅Thursday, March 12
🕡6:30 pm
You’re invited to attend the AM Limited District Board of Directors Meeting on Thursday, March 12th, at 6:30 pm, held at 11500 El Salido Parkway (78750). Residents are encouraged to come, listen in, and take part in the Citizen Communication portion of the meeting. This is a great opportunity to share your thoughts and speak directly with the board that guides our community.
To see what topics will be discussed, you can view the meeting agenda here:
https://amld.org/bod-meetings
Austin Water’s New Tool
💧Good news, Austin neighbors: you don’t have to wait for your monthly bill to see how much water you’re using anymore!
Austin Water has rolled out Home Water Reports, available through the My ATX Water portal. With the city’s smart meters, you can now check your water use in near real time!
It’s a great way to:
- See how your usage compares to similar homes
- Spot leaks early
- Keep an eye on your daily water habits
- And yes… some people have found some pretty funny “leaks.” One resident discovered their cat was turning on a motion-sensor faucet while they were away! 🐱
More common finds include:
- A hose left running
- Irrigation systems on the wrong schedule
- Hidden plumbing leaks
Already, about 67,000 residents have signed up—and if you have a smart meter, you can too!
It’s an easy way to save money, avoid surprises, and do your part to conserve water. Every drop counts around here!
How to Care for and Maintain a Hummingbird Feeder
🦜Feeding hummingbirds is a great way to support these tiny pollinators, especially during nesting season and migration. While native flowers are their best food source, a properly maintained feeder can give them an extra boost.
- Make the Right Nectar
Mix 1 part refined white sugar to 4 parts water
(Example: ¼ cup sugar + 1 cup water)
Bring the mixture to a boil, then let it cool completely
Store extra nectar in the refrigerator and warm to room temperature before use
Important:
❌ No red dye (it’s unnecessary and may be harmful)
❌ No honey, brown sugar, molasses, or artificial sweeteners
✅ Plain white sugar only - Choose and Place Your Feeder
Use a feeder with red parts to attract hummingbirds (no dye needed in the nectar)
Hang it in a shady or partially shaded spot to slow spoilage
Place near flowers they already like to help them find it faster - Clean Your Feeder Regularly
Keeping your feeder clean is the most important part of hummingbird care.
Cleaning schedule:
Hot weather: every day or every other day
Mild weather: every 2–3 days
Cool weather: twice a week
Always clean if:
The nectar looks cloudy
You see mold or insects
The feeder has been emptied
How to clean:
Use hot water + hydrogen peroxide or a weak vinegar solution
Rinse thoroughly
Avoid dish soap (it can leave harmful residue) - Keep Nectar Fresh
Replace nectar frequently—even if birds haven’t visited
Never “top off” old nectar—always start fresh
Discard leftover nectar when cleaning - Attract More Hummingbirds
Plant native red or orange tubular flowers
Hang feeders near those plants
Be patient—it can take time for birds to discover a new feeder
With a clean feeder and fresh nectar, you’ll create a safe, reliable food source—and enjoy the show as hummingbirds zip through your yard!
To learn more about the hummingbirds visiting your yard and the winter range of a particular species, download the free Audubon Bird Guide app https://www.audubon.org/appAudubon Bird Guide app
National Audubon Society
Member discussion