Progressive Field Trip, July 12 (Murphy Park & more)

— by Kathy Galloway

Join us as we visit special projects supported by our chapter and see how hours of dedicated volunteer work have created visible improvements for the community.

  • What:  Progressive Field Trip — starts in Hutto; ends in Taylor
  • When: Sunday, July 12, 2026, 9:00am-12:00pm
  • Where:  Williamson County Landfill (Hutto), Murphy Park (Taylor). Location details below.
  • Optional Lunch: Plowman’s Kitchen (Taylor)

Our field trips are free and open to the public. Reservations are not required.

Dress for the weather.  We will be on paths or grass so there is no need for protection except from the sun, heat, and maybe the chiggers. We recommend a hat, and sunscreen, and bring water.

Stop #1 Meet Here @ 9 AMWilliamson County Landfill, 600 Landfill Rd, Hutto, TX.  This long-standing project began at the request of the landfill to help beautify the entrance. Our chapter continues this work in partnership with the Good Water Master Naturalist program.  Gary Bowers is the leader for refreshing and maintenance and has worked with Waste Management staff to achieve WHC Certification for the site.  Join him and other wacky weeders on the third Sunday of each month to help.

After Stop #1, continue 11 miles to …

Stop #2 – Murphy Park1600 Veterans Dr, Taylor.  Originally started as a butterfly garden by a former member, this project was later left untended when no one took it over. It has now been revived—much like the butterflies it was created to support.  Leland Haefner with the help of  other Taylor residents pitch in to keep the garden looking its best. 

Continue 2 miles to …

Stop #3 – Optional Lunch – After the tour, you are invited to join the group for a Dutch-treat lunch at Plowman’s Kitchen, 305 West 9th Street, Taylor. The restaurant is located in the former Taylor ISD Band Hall, now refurbished as a dining space.

Hope to see you there! If you have questions, contact the Field Trip Committee here

image of field trip route on screenshot of map

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See photos from some past field trips.

Reminder for July 9: Annual Chapter Meeting, in person only

Join NPSOT-Williamson County Thursday, July 9, 2026, for our annual chapter meeting. This month’s meeting is in-person only. Free and open to the public. The meeting begins at 7:00 PM.  

The agenda includes election results and the presentation of NPSOT membership anniversary pins.

==> This month we meet at the Georgetown Public Library, 2nd floor, 402 West 8th St, Georgetown, TX 78626. Come early (6:30 PM) for expert advice, to check out the seed swap board, or just to visit.


At every meeting, we give away a book — about native plants or the meeting topic — to one randomly chosen in-person attendee!


Have an idea for a speaker?  Let Program Leader Susie Hickman know via  email to wilco-chapter@npsot.org.

NPSOT-Williamson County meetings are free and open to the public. We hope you attend!  Meetings may be in person, virtual, or both, so be sure to check details in the meeting announcement. Meetings are announced on our website, our calendar and Facebook. See upcoming topics on our page Wilco Home or on our Calendar.

LBJWC Class, Gardening for Wildlife, July-Aug 2026

News from Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center:

Discover how native plants can support robust ecosystems and provide habitats for birds, butterflies, bees and more in your garden. Participants will learn how ground cover, water features and lighting affect livability for wildlife. This is a four-part series which will take place on  Sundays July 19 & 26 and August 2 & 9, 2 – 4 p.m. via Zoom.

All levels of gardeners welcome. No prior experience necessary.

Click here for more information and to register.

Ruby-throated Hummingbird, Cardinal Flower/Lobelia cardinalis
Ruby-throated Hummingbird enjoying nectar from native Cardinal Flower, Lobelia cardinalis (USFWS Flickr Creative Commons)