Blog

— by Cindy Chrisler

NPSOT-Wilco visited the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown on Saturday, March 1, to conduct the first of four plant surveys. Nine members attended and spent a leisurely two hours walking a mowed path and occasionally venturing into meadows of mostly KR Bluestem.

Notable finds during this field trip included large stands of Nuttall’s Deathcamus in several areas, which will bloom in a month or so. Also blooming were Elbowbush, Ten-petal Anemone, and Tiny Bluets.

Participants were able to identify 48 species, including grasses, trees, and shrubs from the remains of last year’s growth. Survey results will be presented to the Texas Cave Management Association which manages the preserve.

Godwin Ranch Preserve was established as an ecological mitigation for the construction of Lakeline Mall and will never be developed. The next survey is scheduled for May 24.

— by Cindy Chrisler

Due to the weather forecast, the field trip to Godwin Ranch Preserve – which was originally planned for February 22 – is rescheduled to Saturday, March 1, 2025. All the other information remains the same — time of day, where to park, no water, no facilities.

• What:    Plant survey and tour of the Godwin Ranch Preserve
• When:  1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 1, 2025 (not February 22)
• Where:  Near the corner of DB Wood Road and Williams Drive in Georgetown. 
  • Park near the CVS Pharmacy at 4426 Williams Dr, Georgetown, TX 78628 and walk east along the road on Williams Drive to the gate (a quarter mile or less).
• Members and non-members are welcome! No RSVP is required.

Join NPSOT members on the first of four scheduled plant surveys at the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown.  This 100 acre preserve is a mitigation for the construction of Lakeline Mall in Austin and will not be developed.

Park at the CVS Pharmacy and walk east along Williams Drive to the gated entrance (a quarter mile or less).  There will be a NPSOT sign at the gate.  If walking that distance is a problem, you may be dropped off at the gate but there is no parking along Williams Drive or in the preserve. 

There are no restrooms or water, so please plan accordingly. Bring your own water and snacks. 

Depending on the number of people who show up, we will take a walk around a mostly flat mowed path for about a mile and a half. There are some rocks and stumps that may pose a trip hazard, and walking sticks are recommended.  If time allows we may break up into groups to survey different habitats within the preserve. 

You may put observations on iNaturalist but please obscure any rare plants.  In addition to plants, you will see several species of birds.

If you have questions, please contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here).