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— by Randy Pensabene
Several months ago, NPSOT-Wilco received a request from the Good Water Texas Master Naturalist team. They asked us to add plants around the newly built Garey Park Bird Blind that would invite and support local and migrating birds. In response, the request was brought before the board and funding was approved, as long as they agreed to a plan using all native plants. To better understand their requirements and desires, we met with Garey Park personnel at the bird blind.
- It was agreed that we could plant whatever we chose, but the plants and overall design should support and bring in birds for a good viewing experience.
- The area immediately in front of the viewing windows has to be left clear so that birdseed could be spread and bird and hummingbird feeders could be hung in that area.
- The view to the river must not be blocked off, small portions could be obscured.
- The area will be left natural, not be mowed and not receive any special care or irrigation.
- One area adjacent to the bird blind building was reserved for the Master Naturalists to put in a Butterfly Garden; the rest was ours to enhance.
- The close-up viewing area would have a feral hog fence, and the deer would visit our plantings.
- A rain barrel will be filled from the roof of the bird blind, and the City of Georgetown will fill it with water when there are no rains.
- The path through the fence gate must remain clear.
After we understood what they had in mind, we wanted to better understand what would naturalize well in the area. So, we looked at the soil, sun/shade, and views from the bird blind and we observed the native plants that were growing in the area. Our next step was to approach Barbara Wright of Wright’s Nursery to assist NPSOT-Wilco in choosing the locally-native plants preferred by the birds, deliver them to the site and guide us in their placement; she enthusiastically agreed!
At 10:00 AM on Friday, November 2, 2018, an excited group of volunteers showed up at the bird blind with shovels in hand. The group included: Gary Bowers, Randy Pensabene, Sue Hickman, Kathy and Walt Henderson, Linda Reed, Christie Gardner, Dave Gage, Penny Villanueva and her 3 delightful grandkids, Carolyn Doolittle, Donald Preble and Cynthia Edgar (who had heard about the call for volunteers for planting day through the Master Naturalists). And, of course, Barbara Wright was there with her big shiny trailer full of beautiful locally-native, bird-friendly plants.
We encourage everyone to go visit Georgetown’s newest park and enjoy the Bird Blind at Garey Park, 6450 Ranch Road 2243, Georgetown TX 78628 (https://parks.georgetown.org/gareypark). Nestled along the South San Gabriel River, the 525-acre ranch was donated by Jack and Cammy Garey in 2004. Amenities at the park include a playground, a splash pad, a dog park, an equestrian arena, a bird blind, fishing ponds, the Garey House event facility, pavilions, picnic shelters, and more than 7 miles of hiking and equestrian trails.
It was a remarkable opportunity, and NPSOT offers a sincere THANK YOU! to everyone who participated.
Click here to see a photo gallery from the bird blind installation.
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