Category: Field Trips

Chapter Field Trips

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Field Trip: Feb 26, 2023, Doeskin Ranch Trailhead, 1:30-4:00pm

— by Kathy Galloway

Signage 2018
  • What: Doeskin Ranch Trailhead Field Trip
  • When: Sunday, February 26. 2023, 1:30-4:00pm
  • 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)

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Nov 25th’s Field Trip Report: No mall? No problem.

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Prairie Fleabane

— by Cindy Chrisler

Ten intrepid NPSOT-Wilco members assembled at the parking lot outside Cedar Breaks Park for a Black Friday Opt-Out walk on the Lake Georgetown Spillway Trail.

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In spite of the gloom and chill, there were flowers, grasses, and lovely fall foliage along the trail.  Recent rains gave native plants a late season boost, and gum weed, palafoxia, and snakeweed were abundant.  We also observed fleabane, buffalo bur, prairie clover, and goldenrod.  This area will be positively covered with bluebonnets next spring!  A surprise in the spillway meadow included an established stand of cenizo.

Left: Maiden Fern

Hike leader Anne Adams saved the best for last along the 1.5 mile trail, taking us to a cliff where we found sevenleaf creeper, black maidenhair fern, and maiden fern (Pelazoneruon spp).  The leisurely walk culminated back at the parking lot, a little later than expected, as we enjoyed the company as well as the flora on the trail.

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Sevenleaf Creeper

Photos by Cindy Chrisler

(Click here for information about the trail we walked.)

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Red Oak

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Field Trip: Sunday, January 1, 2023, Tree Walk, Old Settlers Park@1pm

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— by Kathy Galloway

  • What: Tree Walk
  • When:  Sunday, January 1, 2023, 1:00pm-3:30pm
  • Where:  Old Settlers Park in Round Rock, starting at the Rabb Pavilion, 3079 Whitlow Way, Round Rock, TX

Start your New Year’s off with an easy walk with a FUN group. Learn about identifying trees without leaves. The walk is 1.8 miles.

Come dressed appropriately for the weather,  Bring your own water, bug spray, sunscreen, hat, walking stick, etc.  Open to the public and there is no charge.  All ages are welcome.

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:

  • From Interstate 35, take Old Settlers Blvd east for 4.6 miles.
  • Turn right on Harrel Parkway into Old Settlers Park for 1.3 miles.
  • Turn left onto Whitlow Way towards the parking for the Rabb Pavilion.
  • Meet on the concrete path just off main parking lot.

There’s parking at the Rabb Pavilion.  We’ll meet on the concrete pathway just off of the pavilion’s main parking lot.

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