Field Trip: Feb 26, 2023, Doeskin Ranch Trailhead, 1:30-4:00pm

— by Kathy Galloway

Signage 2018
  • What: Doeskin Ranch Trailhead Field Trip
  • When: Sunday, February 26. 2023, 1:30-4:00pm
  • Where: Doeskin Ranch Trailhead, at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, on FM 1174, Bertram, TX

Enjoy a hike in the Refuge and see native plants in their natural habitat.  You can find a description of Doeskin Ranch and a trail map on the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR website at https://www.friendsofbalcones.org/Hiking.

Come dressed appropriately for the weather. Bring your own water (there is no water available at the trailhead), sunscreen, hat, walking stick, etc. Wear sturdy shoes. Most of the trails are unimproved. There are vault toilets at the trailhead.

The field trip is open to the public and there is no charge. All ages are welcome. Reservations are not required.

If you have questions, contact Kathy Galloway using this form.

Directions:
From Georgetown go west on TX 29 for about 14 miles. In Liberty Hill turn left (west) on FM 1869 for 10 miles until it ends at FM 1174. Turn left (south) on FM 1174 for 2.5 miles. Look for Doeskin Ranch Trailhead on the left. There is a paved parking lot. We will meet there.

FYI about smartphones or other navigation devices:  
The BCNWR website has a street address for Doeskin Ranch, 10645 FM 1174, Bertram. At least for Google, if you use “Doeskin Ranch Trailhead” for your search, Google’s pin for the ranch is at the trailhead.  If you use “10645 FM 1174, Bertram” Google’s pin is north of the trailhead. (Based on searches done Jan 14, 2023)

WCCF Call for Volunteers: Feb 20, Spring Cleaning for Golden Cheeked Warblers at Twin Springs Preserve

News from the Williamson County Conservation Foundation:

Spring Cleaning for Golden Cheeked Warblers at Twin Springs Preserve

Help prepare critical habitat for the annual return of the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler.  Monday, February 20, 2023, 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM CST, at Twin Springs Preserve 400 County Road 262 Georgetown, TX 78633

Sign up to volunteer at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/spring-cleaning-for-golden-cheeked-warblers-at-twin-springs-preserve-tickets-507565330567


(This is not a NPSOT event.)

Xeriscaping with Texas Native Plants

— by Randy Pensabene

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Xeriscaping with Texas Native Plants
by Randy K. Pensabene, NPSOT-Williamson County

“Xeriscaping” (pronounced zer-i-skaping, not “zero-skaping”) is a term coined in the 1980s. A fundamental principle of Xeriscaping, is that people living in dry climates should landscape using “appropriate plant selection,” meaning they should use plants suited to dry, arid landscapes rather than plants that need lots of water to survive.

Watering of today’s landscapes and lawns accounts for approximately 50-75% of residential water use. Instead of the typical water-guzzling landscape, you can elect to have a beautiful and functional low-water, drought-resistant landscape with native plants.

The native plants that evolved in this area survive and thrive in our soil, heat, droughts, flooding rains, and freezes. They also provide year-round nectar, seeds, fruit, nuts, and habitat necessary for our native wildlife to survive. Texas native plants provide the host plants our butterflies depend on and the food required to sustain our native bird populations and fuel our migrating birds.

Click on this link to learn more about the benefits of landscaping with native Texas plants and a list of low-water, drought-resistant landscape plants recommended for Williamson County and surrounding areas.

photo of non native lawn and plants
Typical Landscaping using high-water non-native lawn and plants
photo of drought tolerant TX native plants
Xeriscape using low-water, drought-tolerant native Texas plants