Author: NPSOT-Wilco

Posted on

TPWD Webinar on Jan 21, the Zapata Bladderpod

News from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s Wildlife Conservation Webinar Series:

“Reproductive biology and ecology of the Zapata Bladderpod (Physaria thamnophila; Brassicaceae): an endemic to the Tamaulipan thornscrub, USA”

  • Date: Wednesday, January 21, 2026
  • Time: 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m.
  • With:
    • Brenda Molano-Flores – Principal Research Scientist-Plant Ecologist & Conservation Biologist Illinois Natural History Survey, Prairie Research Institute, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
    • Janice Coons – Emeritus Botany Professor; PR Institute Affiliate Eastern Illinois University; Illinois Natural History Survey

The Zapata Bladderpod (Physaria thamnophila; Brassicaceae) is a federally and state endangered species endemic to the Tamaulipan thornscrub of South Texas with documented occurrences in Northern Mexico. In this project we documented the breeding system, flower visitors, reproductive success, and seed germination of this species. From 2022-2024, data were gathered at eleven sites ranging from federal, private, and NGO lands. All the data gathered during this project has expanded our knowledge of the biology and ecology of Physaria thamnophila and can contribute to future reintroduction efforts for the species. The latter is extremely important due to the anthropogenic pressures associated with habitat loss and degradation facing Physaria thamnophila and the Tamaulipan thornscrub in south Texas.

A graduate of The University of Iowa, Dr. Molano-Flores got her Ph.D. in 1997. Shortly after she became a Research Scientist with the Illinois Natural History Survey (perhaps the oldest state scientific survey of the US). Her research focuses on various aspects of plant-insect interactions, threatened/endangered plant species, plant reproductive biology, and grassland ecosystems

Dr. Coons has investigated reproductive biology of several federally listed plant species including ones in Florida, Arizona, and Texas. She has studied two other Physaria species. She also has developed protocols using seeds to overcome seed dormancy, and then propagate plants to be transplanted to their natural habitats. Her degrees include botany and horticulture, which gave her the necessary skills for these restoration approaches. She retired as an emeritus professor from Eastern Illinois University in 2014.

Register for the webinar at this link or see this TWPD page for all webinars.

Posted on

Field Trip: Weed & Wine @ Peterson Community Garden on Feb 7

[Updated 1/15/2026, info on chairs, dogs]

  • What:    Weed & Wine at Peterson Community Garden in Hutto
  • When:   Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 3:00pm – 5:00pm
    • (RAIN DATE is February 21)
  • Where:  205 Hutto St, Hutto, TX 78634 (from US 79 N in Hutto, turn left on West St. and then turn right on Hutto Street) 

ADDITIONAL INFO ADDED JANUARY 15:
-Bring chairs, since limited seating is available.
-Dogs are not allowed, except for service animals.

Bring tools to weed from 3:00-4:00 and learn about the Peterson Community Garden. From 4:00-5:00 we will socialize over snacks and drinks. (Other drinks than wine will be available!)

Open to the public. Members and non-members are welcome.
Questions about the trip? Please contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here).

view of garden

————–
See photos from other trips in our album =>

Field Trip Photo Album

Posted on

Trip Report: Fern Bluff, on the Brushy Creek Trail, Jan 1, 2026

group photo
New Year’s Day at Fern Bluff! Photo by Cindy Chrisler.

Twenty-seven NPSOT-Wilco members and guests started off the New Year right by attending a First Day Hike led by Gary Bowers and Sue Wiseman at Fern Bluff Park on the Brushy Creek Trail in Round Rock. Unseasonably warm weather made for a pleasant hike and appreciation for the shade provided by the terrain. The large group split into two as we progressed along a paved and popular trail between Hairy Man Road and the bluffs for which the park was named. Gary and Sue discussed several native tree species found along the path, as well as emerging forbs and shrubs. 

A notable find along the walk were Ashe Juniper and Eastern Red Cedar in close proximity, allowing for easy comparison. Several other native tree species were found along the path, as well as emerging forbs and shrubs. An Anacacho Orchid still retained its leaves, but other trees which had long since shed their leaves could be identified using clues from bark, seeds or seed pods, and branch arrangement (opposite or alternate).  Emerging plants near the bluff included Drummond’s Aster and wild onion. Vines such as Saw Greenbriar were more noticeable without competition from leaves on deciduous trees and shrubs. A pod of milkweed seeds was spotted with the fluff on top and all the seeds resting in the open pod underneath the fluff. Even in the current drought, seeps along the bluff were active and dripping, making a moist habitat for mosses and ferns.  A few species of mushrooms and lichens rounded out our observations.

The hike ended after nearly two hours of leisurely walking and discussion with a quick ten-minute walk back to our parked vehicles. This park has a wide variety of native species ready for spring and promises to be even more appealing in a few months when they start to bloom. It is certainly worth a repeat visit, and it’s easy to see why the nearby residents use it year-round.

– by Cindy Chrisler

————–
See photos from this trip and others in our album =>

Field Trip Photo Album