Category: Field Trips

Chapter Field Trips

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Self-Guided Field Trip: See Monarch Butterflies in Taylor, TX

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— by Kathy Galloway

The Native Plant Society of Texas – Williamson County Chapter’s Field Trip Committee has found a terrific location for you to observe the migrating monarch butterflies before they all pass through Texas in early November. Murphy Park in Taylor has two garden areas with native plants and lots of butterflies.

Liberty Garden is located right inside the entrance of the park. It consists of a small, fenced formal garden that contains several native plant species. The butterflies seem especially interested in the Fall Aster and the Gregg’s Mistflower, but you can also find Turk’s Cap, Pavonia, Inland Sea Oats, and Yaupon Holly Trees, to name few. Don’t miss the two large planting beds flanking the entrance drive which also have lots of native plants.

Murphy Park Butterfly Garden is a small, certified Monarch Waystation located in a round planted area in the parking lot between the swimming pool and the lake. This garden is dedicated to Ms. Betty Jackson, a former member of our chapter, who was a life-long educator and supporter of ecology who inspired the garden. The garden is a little bit overgrown but the butterflies don’t mind and there are several different species of native plants here. See if you can spot the milkweed in this garden.

On the afternoon we visited, there were at least 20 butterflies, monarchs and queens, flitting around on the Gregg’s Mistflower. There was also a duck sitting on her eggs in her nest which she located within the butterfly garden, so be careful not to disturb her. We noticed the butterflies seem to like the Murphy Park Butterfly Garden location much more than the same plants in Liberty Garden.

This field trip involves minimal walking, but there are trails in the park if you wish to explore and enjoy the fresh fall air. Bring water, sunscreen, and insect spray and let us know if you have luck spotting the monarchs. Post your photos and videos on Facebook or Instagram with the hashtag #NPSOTMurphyPark and we can all share in the fun.

Directions from I-35:
• Head east for about 15 miles on Highway 79 in Round Rock
• Stay on 79 through Hutto and into Taylor
• Turn left onto Sloan St and travel .6 miles
• Turn right onto W Lake Drive for .9 miles
• Turn right into the park and the Liberty Garden will be right in front of you. The Butterfly Garden is in the parking lot to the left by the lake.

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Field Trip on Saturday, November 6, 2021, Hidden Springs Preserve Plant Survey, 9:30am

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image of a sign

— by Kathy Galloway

  • What:   Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip
  • When:  9:30am-Noon, Saturday, November 6, 2021
  • Where:  978 CR 224, Florence, TX.    The preserve is not open to the general public.  See important details later in this post.

The Native Plant Society of Texas – Williamson County Chapter’s Field Trip Committee has been offered an opportunity to do a multi-year plant survey at the future WilCo Hidden Springs Preserve (HSP).  In the beginning, we will focus on the southern portion of the property (i.e., between the front gate and the ranch house) for several reasons, including ease of access and looking for special plants that the county would want to know about before that area is developed. Later on, we may venture into the northern portion of the property.

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. A restroom is available in the ranch house.

People at all levels of plant knowledge can help on survey field trips. The trips are a great way to see native plants in their habitats and learn with other members.  Beginners are welcome!  Read more about survey field trips at this link.

Please plan on arriving by 9:30 — there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 9:45.  Reservations are not required.  Please feel free to contact Kathy Galloway (contact form here) if you have any questions.

Please bring a mask to wear inside the ranch house. We will be following CDC guidelines if you are not fully vaccinated.

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.
  • Continue straight through the four-way stop at the intersection with Business 195, and 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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Field Trip Announcement: Sun Oct 10, 10:00am, Booty Road Park, Georgetown

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— by Gary Bowers

Image of river
View of San Gabriel River from Booty’s Rd Park. Photo by G. Bowers.

Open to the public, Fall 2021 Symposium Field Trip.  Location: 1631 Booty’s Park Road, Georgetown, TX 78628.  Join us for a hike as we conclude the Fall 2021 Symposium. This walk is open to the public (you do *not* have to be a NPSOT member nor a symposium attendee). Booty Road Park Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked “out and back” trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is a combination of paved and unpaved, some up and down elevations, parts densely shaded, with good bird watching opportunities including a vulture’s roost.

We expect to see Cedar elm, Ashe juniper, Live oak, Osage orange, Hackberry, Greenbriar, Boxelder and Mexican buckeye.  We will turn around at Weir dam, a sunny spot with Switch grass, Bushy bluestem and Dewberry.

Free entrance, lots of parking, restrooms available.  No RSVPs required! Masks are optional.

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