Just a reminder that we meet at the Hidden Springs Preserve gate at 9:30 AM on Saturday, March 25. There is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 9:45 AM.
What: Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip, Plant Survey 7 of 12
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 #7.
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. People at all plant knowledge levels can help on survey field trips. Beginners are welcome. There are NO restrooms available.
Please plan on arriving by 9:30 AM – there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 9:45 AM. Reservations are not required. Please feel free to contact Kathy Galloway (contact form here) beforehand if you have any questions. We will follow the latest CDC instructions for Covid safety.
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.
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)
