Category: Field Trips

Chapter Field Trips

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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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Field Trip on Saturday, December 10, 2022, Hidden Springs Preserve Plant Survey #6, 1:00pm

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— by Kathy Galloway

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  • What:   Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip, Plant Survey 6 of 12
  • When:  1:00 PM – 3:30 PM, Saturday, December 10, 2021
  • 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 #6 of 12.

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 1:00 PM – there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 1:15PM. 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.

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