Category: Field Trips

Three NPSOT-Wilco members conducted the fourth and final plant survey at the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown on Sunday afternoon, November 16. The survey was scheduled for the afternoon in anticipation of cooler weather by mid-November, but a heat wave kept temperatures in the mid 80s. Dry conditions over the past month led to a reduction of flowering plants, but nearly 60 species were observed either as green plants or as seed heads on dry vegetation.

Crowpoison was the flower of the day, followed by Texas Snakeweed. Grasses were abundant, but the meadows are largely KR Bluestem. Other grasses observed were Sideoats Grama, Little Bluestem, Silver Bluestem, Heller’s Rosette Grass, Purple Threeawn, and Plains Lovegrass. Some trees and shrubs looked water stressed, especially the Eve’s Necklacepods and Cedar Elms. Oaks and Texas Persimmons seem to be faring better during the dry spell. Several Texas Lantana bushes were poised to bloom in the next few days. Leaves of multiple stands of Drummond’s Rain Lily were noted, and rain later this week should trigger a massive bloom.

This survey concludes the study for the Godwin Preserve. Observations from the four surveys conducted across the last twelve months will be compiled and presented to the Godwin Ranch Preserve Manager, Eléonore le Corvaisier. The NPSOT surveys and observations in iNaturalist will provide a baseline for species at the preserve for future reference.

Cindy Chrisler
Field Trip Committee