Category: Field Trips

Chapter Field Trips

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Trip Report: Hidden Springs Plant Survey #9

— by Cindy Chrisler

Cold weather did not deter eleven NPSOT members from conducting the January 20, 2024 plant survey at Hidden Springs Preserve.

Four sites in the preserve were scoured for signs of forbs, shrubs, and trees that are more easily identified at other times of the year.  Notable finds were white rosinweed, green comet milkweed, and the seed pod of a primrose.  This preserve will be spectacular in the spring, with firewheel, milkweeds, coneflowers, and more wildflowers that the group observed beginning to emerge.  

This is the 9th 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.

image of plant sprouting
Hidden Springs Preserve, January 20, 2024. Photo by Cindy Chrisler.


See photos from this field trip and others in our album=>

Field Trip Photo Album

Read more about our plant surveys at this link.

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Field Trip: Hidden Springs Preserve Plant Survey #9, Saturday, January 20, 2024

image of a sign

— by Kathy Galloway

  • What:   Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip, Plant Survey 9 of 12
  • When:  1:30 PM – 4:00 PM, Saturday, January 20, 2024
    • Please plan on arriving by 1:30 PM. There is a padlock on the front gate and it will be locked shortly after 1:45 PM.
  • Where:  978 CR 224, Florence, TX.
  • Our field trip is free and open to the public…
    • 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 #9.

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 1:30 PM – there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 1:45 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.

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See photos from our earlier survey trips to Hidden Springs Preserve.

Hidden Springs Plant Survey Album
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Trip Report: Jan 1’s First Day Hike

— by Cindy Chrisler

Gary Bowers led 18 enthusiastic hikers on a trail at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock to learn about tree identification and habitats found in the area.  Attendees were treated to Gary’s expertise, augmented by the collective knowledge of several local NPSOT members. 

In addition to learning a new term (marcescence), the group was entertained by a squirrel entering its nest cavity in an elm, the sight of a very large poison ivy vine, luminescent soapberries, colorful possumhaw berries, and an enormous live oak. We also learned Native American uses of some trees from a NPSOT-Wilco member and botany student at UT Austin, Arnan Pawawongsak.

Two children who dutifully accompanied their parents often engaged Gary with questions about leaves, bark, and other observations on the plants seen on the hike. Several non-members attended the hike, and were eagerly invited to attend our next meeting. This delightful outing was the perfect beginning for the new year.

group on field trip
Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria
Possumhaw, Ilex decidua

Plant images: Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria and Possumhaw, Ilex decidua.
Photos by Cindy Chrisler.


See more photos from this field trip and others=>

Field Trip Photo Album