As 2012 winds down, take a look at our neighborhood calendar for December, which includes school holidays, changes in garbage collection dates and other events. New this month are watering times under the Stage 2 water restrictions.

Travis County has returned to severe drought status. Keep up with drought conditions at the U.S. Drought Monitor, droughtmonitor.unl.edu.

For the first time in 115 years, no rain fell in November. Even though it’s almost winter, new trees still need to be watered regularly until established, and mature trees and landscapes like a drink now and then when it’s this dry. See tree watering tips from the Texas Forest Service and winter watering tips from Plant Answers, and learn how a Treegator can help you water a young tree without runoff or evaporation. Austin Water will give each residential customer a free Treegator or moisture meter.

When’s the last time it rained? Find out from National Weather Service maps showing where and how much rain fell in our region on any given date.

If you have an event you would like to include in the neighborhood calendar, please submit information by using the Contact Form.