— by Gary Bowers
Six volunteers from Master Naturalists and NPSOT Wilco started the chilly, breezy morning of Sun Dec 10, 2023 bundled up to begin spreading the 15 cu yds of mulch that Louis from Waste Management had delivered. The goal: spread the mulch along the pathway – covering the weed barrier that had become visible.
The team exchanged introductions, unloaded the tools, and quickly got to work. By the end of the first hour, we had started shedding layers of clothing. Chilly days are the best for spreading mulch!
The crew sat aside the limestone pavers that had been used as stepping stones and then repurposed those to use as a garden border. Stones like this create habitat for crickets, spiders, lizards, and various other critters.
After all the mulch was spread and the tools returned to the correct vehicles, the team spent some time walking the garden, checking on the new plants put in during the previous workday, and discussing the tasks needed for the next workday.
Thanks to all the hardworking volunteers! See you on the next workday!
If you have not yet been to this garden, it is open to the public. Sunday is the best time to drop by as the landfill is closed so there is no traffic and it’s safe to park along the road. If you choose to go during the week, park at the Recycling Center across the street.
About the garden: The Pollinator Garden is a collaboration of the NPSOT-Wilco chapter, Good Water Master Naturalists, and Williamson County Waste Management, located at the entrance to the Williamson County Landfill, at the corner of FM 1660 and Landfill Road in Hutto, TX, across from the Recycling Center. The garden includes a Monarch Waystation and is a Certified Texas Wildscape. Volunteers help maintain the garden when the collaborating organizations announce a maintenance work day. Anyone interested is invited to help!