— by Cindy Chrisler
Palmetto State Park was the destination for this month’s field trip. Most attendees drove down that morning, but some stayed over the weekend in the shady campground.
We assembled at 10:00 am at the Refectory Building, an historic CCC building that now serves as a picnic destination and overlook. The park superintendent and a TPWD interpreter led us on two easy trails and discussed the local plants and animals in and around the park.
Most notable was the anacua, a tree found in northern Mexico and southern Texas. In the spring it is covered with small white flowers that provide abundant nectar for pollinators. In summer the flowers develop into berries that are relished by birds and other wildlife and can be used to make jam. Other interesting plants included supplejack, cottonwoods, pecans, and bur oaks, and of course, the dwarf palmetto, which lends its name to the park. It was a pleasure to tour the riparian habitat with a flowing river during this dry period.
See photos from this field trip and others in our album=>
See field trip plans on our Home page.
