Field Trip: Hidden Springs Preserve Plant Survey #8, Sunday, October 22, 2023

image of a sign

  • What:   Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip, Plant Survey 8 of 12
  • When:  2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 22, 2023
    • Please plan on arriving by 2:00 PM. There is a padlock on the front gate and it will be locked shortly after 2:15 PM.
  • Where:  978 CR 224, Florence, TX.
  • Our field trip is free and open to the public…
    • But the preserve is not open to the general public.  See important details later in this post.

We’re continuing our plant survey work with plant survey #8.

Be prepared for extensive walking on uneven, open terrain. Wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and bring water, field guides, and something to take notes on and with. Members at all plant knowledge levels can help on survey field trips. Beginners are welcome.

Please plan on arriving by 2:00 PM – there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 2:15 PM. Reservations are not required. Please feel free to contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here) beforehand if you have any questions.

Directions:

  • Take IH-35 north to Exit 266 (Florence/Killeen/195).
  • Turn left and follow SH 195 toward Florence.
  • Go through Florence, take the TX 138 exit (you will be near the City of Florence’s water tower with the bison on it), and then turn left onto TX 138.
  • After a little over two miles, turn right onto CR 224.
  • After about half a mile, at the fork in the road, bear to the left and stay on CR 224. Note that a car GPS system may indicate that you should bear to the right – this is incorrect.
  • After another half a mile, look for a green metal gate on your right (north side of street). There is a large wooden sign “Hidden Springs” sign between two flagpoles behind the fence. The address is 978 County Road 224, Florence, TX, but there is no number on the gate. (The gate is across the street from 981 CR 224.)
  • When you arrive, directions will be given as to where to park.

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See photos from our earlier survey trips to Hidden Springs Preserve.

TWA Family Expeditions Program – Oct and Nov events for ages 9-17

News from the Texas Wildlife Association:

TWA’s Family Land, Water & Wildlife Expeditions Program is hosting events this fall for youth ages 9-17 and an accompanying adult.

On Saturday, October 28 TWA will host a Native Plant Workshop in New Braunfels, TX. Participants will learn alongside volunteers and natural resource experts about prairie restoration, the role of fire in our ecosystems, citizen science, and experience a variety of activities surrounding native plants. Folks will be sent home with plenty of resources to continue to explore native plants long after the event.

On Saturday, November 11 TWA will host a Birding 101 experience in Richmond, TX. Participants will learn alongside volunteers and mentors about bird adaptations, bird habitat, birding basics, binoculars 101, how to use citizen science apps and more! Participants will also go birding alongside experienced birders. Folks will be sent home with resources to continue to sharpen their birding skills.

For more information on the program and to stay on top of upcoming events, visit: https://www.texas-wildlife.org/family-land-water-wildlife-expeditions/

(This is not a NPSOT event.)

Liatris punctata Plant Rescue in Round Rock, October 7, 2023

Volunteer with us Saturday, October 7, 2023, from 8:30am-11am as we return to this Round Rock rescue site for a second time. There are hundreds of Liatris punctata available in the clay soil meadow. You may dig plants to take home and for your own projects, and if you are able, you may contribute to digging a combined 125 Liatris punctata for the San Antonio Botanical Gardens and the UT Microfarm.

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

For more details and to sign up for this rescue, go to https://www.signupgenius.com/go/60B0A4CADA62AA75-44668081-liatris#/

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

Photos by volunteer Kenny Pailes.