Author: NPSOT-Wilco

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Trip Report: Russell Park Hike, May 11

— by Gary Bowers

Hiking group at start of trail. Photo by Gary Bowers.
The victims…err…participants at start of hike. Photo by Gary Bowers.

A group of ten doughty native plant enthusiasts mustered at the Good Water Loop trail head at Russel Park at 8:30a on Saturday, May 11 for a 3 mile out and back hike.

After a short meet and greet, supply checks, and application of various insect defenses the intrepid group set off in a westerly direction for a 1.5 mi trek to the Walnut Springs primitive campground.

While making steady progress, the group stopped along the way to investigate and discuss numerous native plants, talk about the geology and history of the area, and generally hike along and enjoy a varied trail.

A small sample of the native plants that were seen and discussed were: Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei), Texas silverpuff (Chaptalia texana), Purple leatherflower (Clematis pitcherii), Navajo tea (Thelesperma simplicifolium), Prairie Bishop’s Weed (Bifora americana), and assorted milkweeds.


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

Field Trip Photo Album

See field trip plans on our Home page.

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Volunteer Opportunity, City of Georgetown Prairie Project, May 11, 2024

This volunteer effort, assisting the City of Georgetown with its project to convert a former landfill to prairie, was announced at the chapter meeting last night, May 9, 2024. More information will follow in the future. Meanwhile, if you are available on May 11, 2024, to help with planting see below for details.

— by Beth Erwin

Anyone wanting to join the volunteer group working Saturday, May 11 at the former City of Georgetown Landfill site (Mt. Trashmore) should be at the entry gate (red star on the map) at 9:00 AM Saturday. 

It will be muddy.  The area is covered with a thick layer of mulch.  We will be pulling that back in places to expose the soil for planting.  We will have fifty or so plants to put in Saturday.  If you have a rake that will work in heavy mulch and a sharp shooter style shovel you are willing to bring, do so.  Put your name on it.

There will be water for the volunteers.  Otherwise:  full sun, no grass or other vegetation present, muddy/wet in spots, possibly mosquitos.  Gloves strongly recommended.

If you come up College Street on the east side of the San Gabriel River, don’t turn left and cross the bridge.  Go straight to the entry gate.

If you come over the San Gabriel River bridge on College St, the gate is on your left at the end of the bridge.

image of map

Coordinates in Google maps.

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Plant rescue in SE Round Rock on May 11, 2024

Volunteer with us Saturday, May 11, from 8:30-noon in SE Round Rock as we rescue prairie plants such as Pincushion Daisy (Gaillardia suavis) prior to construction. There is street parking near the site. Please note there is about 300′ of rough terrain to cross between the parking area and rescue site. Further details can be found on our SignUpGenius page. 

Click for Rescue Sign Up Page


You must be a current NPSOT member (any chapter) and at least 18 to attend the plant rescue. (Join NPSOT or renew here.)

Learn more about the Native Plant Rescue Project at this link.

image of Pincushion Daisy, Gaillardia suavis
Pincushion Daisy, Gaillardia suavis