Category: Field Trips

Chapter Field Trips

Posted on

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 AM – Williamson 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 Park – 1600 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

————–
See photos from some past field trips.

Field Trip Photo Album
Posted on

Two field trips in June! June 7 & June 13

Open to the public! Bring your own water, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, etc.  The fun happens in Round Rock on June 7 and on June 13.

  • Sunday, June 7, 2026 – 1:30-3:30 – Tour Round Rock’s Bob Bennett Utility & Transportation Building at 3400 Sunrise Road in Round Rock, featuring the Partnership for Water Wise Communities and the City of Round Rock Landscape Project.

[Updated on 6/4 to correct the first bullet. June 7 is a Sunday, not Saturday.]

Posted on

Field Trip: Fern Bluff Meander with Gary Bowers on June 13, 2026

— by Gary Bowers

  • What:    Fern Bluff Meander (Great Oaks and Brushy Creek Road intersection under the bridge)
  • When:   Saturday, June 13, 2026, 9am – 11:00am
  • Where:  Brushy Creek Trail Segment, Round Rock
    •  Meet under the bridge at the public parking lot at the intersection of Great Oaks Drive, Brushy Creek Rd, and Hairy Man Road (Apple Maps or Google Maps).
    • See the map below.

Join us for this easy-going walk! We’ll wander east along the Brushy Creek trail alongside Hairy Man Road and stop to discuss native plants. As a bonus, you’ll learn the about the legend of the Hairy Man as well as why the area is called “Fern Bluff.” We will be walking off trail in several areas with uneven terrain.

Come dressed appropriately for the weather, bring your own water, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, walking stick, etc.  Open to the public!

map

Questions about the trip? Please contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here).