Several dedicated NPSOT-Wilco members and a member of the public (perhaps a new member?) spent a pleasant afternoon at Hidden Springs Preserve on October 22, 2023. We visited three sites on the preserve (which is closed to the public), including the pond near the house, an oak motte, and a low hillside.
The group identified over 40 species of plants, including several grasses, asters, and milkweeds. Small Palafox, Snakeweed, Blackfoot Daisy and Dotted Gayfeather were dominant flowers.
This is the 8th survey taken at the preserve in a series of 12 that will be conducted in each of the months of the year, taken over four years. (Read more about our plant surveys at this link.)
Photos by Cindy Chrisler and Anne Adams
See more photos from this field trip and others in our album=>
San Antonio Botanical Garden September 30 Field Trip Report
— by Erin Buhl
September 30th was the day of our field trip to the San Antonio Botanical Garden. The weather was beautiful and a fun trip was had by all. The group included around 18 people from our chapter, including several current and former members of the Round Rock High School Plant Club who provide so much assistance to us in our plant sales. It is so wonderful to see these young botanists getting involved in our activities.
The field trip started at the main gate where they had a beautiful pumpkin patch area set up along with a small plant sale. The tour was led by Michael Eason, the Associate Director for Conservation and Collections. Michael is working on the garden’s rare and endangered Texas native plants collections.
Michael Eason (center) and garden staff sharing a few words with the field trip participants.
We then took a walking tour through part of the garden, including the Texas Native Trail. The 11-acre Texas Native Trail contains more than 250 plant species in collections that represent three distinct and diverse ecological regions of Texas: the Hill Country/Edwards Plateau, the East Texas Pineywoods, and South Texas. Michael discussed current state and future plans for this part of the garden.
Showstopper view of a sculptural dragon covered in various plants in their conservatory area. From the current exhibit “Imaginary Worlds”.Michael discussing the work in the Native Texas Trails area of the garden.
Next, we made our way to see the propagation work in the greenhouses. They have plants that our chapter has provided for them from our plant rescue program. It was exciting to see our hard work really paying off and making a difference. Michael also showed us some ways that our donation to the center has helped them, for example in helping to fund outdoor shade cloth structures for their potted plants to expand on their greenhouse space.
The group with Michael in the greenhouses.
And finally, tour participants were able to purchase some plants from their native propagation area and we went to the garden’s café for a delicious lunch.
But the preserve is not open to the general public. See important details later in this post.
We’re continuing our plant survey work with plant survey #8.
Be prepared for extensive walking on uneven, open terrain. Wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and bring water, field guides, and something to take notes on and with. Members at all plant knowledge levels can help on survey field trips. Beginners are welcome.
Please plan on arriving by 2:00 PM – there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 2:15 PM. Reservations are not required. Please feel free to contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here) beforehand if you have any questions.
Directions:
Take IH-35 north to Exit 266 (Florence/Killeen/195).
Turn left and follow SH 195 toward Florence.
Go through Florence, take the TX 138 exit (you will be near the City of Florence’s water tower with the bison on it), and then turn left onto TX 138.
After a little over two miles, turn right onto CR 224.
After about half a mile, at the fork in the road, bear to the left and stay on CR 224. Note that a car GPS system may indicate that you should bear to the right – this is incorrect.
After another half a mile, look for a green metal gate on your right (north side of street). There is a large wooden sign “Hidden Springs” sign between two flagpoles behind the fence. The address is 978 County Road 224, Florence, TX, but there is no number on the gate. (The gate is across the street from 981 CR 224.)
When you arrive, directions will be given as to where to park.
————– See photos from our earlier survey trips to Hidden Springs Preserve.
