Field Trips – Page 20 – NPSOT-Williamson County Chapter

October 21, 2023

A Beautiful Day in the San Antonio Botanical Garden

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.

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.

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.

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.

Photos by Erin Buhl

See photos from other field trips in our album=>

Field Trip Photo Album

October 3, 2023

Field Trip: Hidden Springs Preserve Plant Survey #8, Sunday, October 22, 2023

What: Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip, Plant Survey 8 of 12
When: 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM, Sunday, October 22, 2023
- 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.
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 #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.

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

Hidden Springs Plant Survey Album

August 23, 2023

Field Trip: San Antonio Botanical Garden, Saturday, September 30, 2023

What: San Antonio Botanical Garden Guided Tour
When: 10:00 AM – 12 PM, Saturday, September 30, 2023
- Meet at 9:30 AM , at the main entrance kiosk, so the tour can start promptly at 10:00
Where: 555 Funston Place, San Antonio, TX 78209 (210-536-1400)
RSVP: Our field trip is free and open to the public, but please RSVP (instructions below)
(After the tour, those who wish to stay will meet for lunch at Good Time Charlie’s, 2922 Broadway, San Antonio.)

Our field trip is on Saturday, September 30, from 10am to 12pm. Meet at 9:30am so we can start the tour at 10:00 sharp. We’ll meet at the kiosk at the Garden’s main entrance.

The tour is approximately two hours and you are welcome to further explore the Garden after the tour ends. Participants on the tour will explore the Garden’s extensive native plant collections, including rare and endangered species; gain insights into the significance of native plants in supporting local ecosystems; learn about the Garden’s conservation efforts and initiatives to protect endangered plant species; and be able to ask all kinds of questions of the Garden’s knowledgeable horticulture staff.

Water bottles can be refilled and snacks are available at the gift shop but no outside food is allowed. Wear clothing appropriate for the weather, especially comfortable walking shoes. Be prepared for sun by wearing sunscreen and a hat.

Please RSVP at this link so we have a head count. Please RSVP by Tuesday, September 26. (The San Antonio Botanical Garden normally has an entrance fee. The fee is waived if you are on this field trip.)

NOTE: If you later find out that you cannot attend, please let us know. We’ll inform the Garden so they can plan ahead for the number of expert guides needed that day. Click Contact Us to let us know by email or contact form.

If you have a question before you RSVP, click on Contact Us to send your question by email or contact form.

Aerial view of garden — Meet you at the San Antonio Botanical Garden!