Category: Field Trips

Chapter Field Trips

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Field Trip: Jean Nance Property on March 16

— by Sue Wiseman

  • What:    Tour Jean Nance’s Property (Look for Texabama croton!)
  • When:  1:30 PM to 4:30 PM, Sunday, March 16, 2025
  • Where:  Leander, near Nameless Road.
    • The address will be provided to attendees. See instructions at the end of this post.
    • Carpooling is recommended as parking is limited.
  • Who: Members and non-members are welcome!

Dear Native Plant Enthusiasts,

We are excited to invite you to a delightful field trip hosted by the Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas! Join us for a wonderful opportunity to explore the beautiful and diverse native plants, including Texabama croton, at the home of our gracious host, Jean Nance.

During this field trip, you’ll have the chance to:

  • See Texabama croton as discussed by Tyson Bartlet at our March 13 monthly meeting.
  • Discover and learn about a variety of native plants and their ecological importance.
  • Connect with fellow nature lovers and discover plants native to the Balcones Canyonlands portion of our Edwards Plateau vegetational area.

Please bring your curiosity and any questions you might have about native plants. Whether you’re an experienced member of NPSOT or just beginning your journey, this event is a wonderful chance to expand your understanding and appreciation of the native flora that surrounds us!

This land is private property. The terrain is uneven and somewhat rocky, however there is Texabama croton near the house and folks that might be unsure of their balance may tour around the house and hang out on the deck.

Everyone should dress appropriately wearing long pants, long sleeved shirts and closed toed shoes. Bring water, sunscreen and bug spray.

We look forward to seeing you there and exploring the beauty of our native Texas plants together!

If you are planning to attend, please send an email to us to request the address. Send your email to wilco-chapter@npsot.org.

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See photos from some of our previous field trips in our Field Trip Album.

Field Trip Album

Posted on

Trip Report: Godwin Ranch Preserve

— by Cindy Chrisler

NPSOT-Wilco visited the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown on Saturday, March 1, to conduct the first of four plant surveys. Nine members attended and spent a leisurely two hours walking a mowed path and occasionally venturing into meadows of mostly KR Bluestem.

Notable finds during this field trip included large stands of Nuttall’s Deathcamus in several areas, which will bloom in a month or so. Also blooming were Elbowbush, Ten-petal Anemone, and Tiny Bluets.

Participants were able to identify 48 species, including grasses, trees, and shrubs from the remains of last year’s growth. Survey results will be presented to the Texas Cave Management Association which manages the preserve.

Godwin Ranch Preserve was established as an ecological mitigation for the construction of Lakeline Mall and will never be developed. The next survey is scheduled for May 24.

image of shrub blooming
Photo: Cindy Chrisler

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See photos from this trip and others in our album =>

Field Trip Album

Posted on

Weather postpones Godwin Ranch Preserve Field Trip to March 1

— by Cindy Chrisler

Due to the weather forecast, the field trip to Godwin Ranch Preserve – which was originally planned for February 22 – is rescheduled to Saturday, March 1, 2025. All the other information remains the same — time of day, where to park, no water, no facilities.

  • What:    Plant survey and tour of the Godwin Ranch Preserve
  • When:  1:00 PM to 3:00 PM, Saturday, March 1, 2025 (not February 22)
  • Where:  Near the corner of DB Wood Road and Williams Drive in Georgetown. 
  • Members and non-members are welcome! No RSVP is required.

Join NPSOT members on the first of four scheduled plant surveys at the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown.  This 100 acre preserve is a mitigation for the construction of Lakeline Mall in Austin and will not be developed.

Park at the CVS Pharmacy and walk east along Williams Drive to the gated entrance (a quarter mile or less).  There will be a NPSOT sign at the gate.  If walking that distance is a problem, you may be dropped off at the gate but there is no parking along Williams Drive or in the preserve. 

There are no restrooms or water, so please plan accordingly. Bring your own water and snacks. 

Depending on the number of people who show up, we will take a walk around a mostly flat mowed path for about a mile and a half. There are some rocks and stumps that may pose a trip hazard, and walking sticks are recommended.  If time allows we may break up into groups to survey different habitats within the preserve. 

You may put observations on iNaturalist but please obscure any rare plants.  In addition to plants, you will see several species of birds.

If you have questions, please contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here).

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See photos from some of our previous field trips in our Field Trip Album.

Field Trip Album