Tag: Central Texas

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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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TWA Land, Water & Wildlife Expeditions-Birding Experience for Youth, Ages 11-17

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Texas Wildlife Association’s Family Land, Water & Wildlife Expeditions (LWWE) Program engages youth ages 11-17 and a parent/guardian on 1-to-3 day introductory outdoor experiences on private land. These experiences are facilitated by trained mentors, volunteers, and natural resource experts to introduce participants to conservation, recreation, and land stewardship.

LWWE will host a 2-day birding experience for youth ages 11-17 and one parent/guardian in Wimberley, TX, November 19-20, 2022.  This program will include instruction on how to use optics, birding practices, bird habitat, and how to use citizen science applications. Participants will have the opportunity to learn alongside experienced birders in the field where they will develop their knowledge and skills.

This is an overnight tent camping event.  The cost to participate is $100 per family (youth/adult pair). Meals, snacks, beverages, and supplies will be provided.

To apply, complete the TWA form at this link: https://tinyurl.com/twabirding1. Space is limited!

If you have questions or difficulty with the application, contact Family LWWE Program Coordinator, Chad Timmons: ctimmons@texas-wildlife.org

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Field Trip: Saturday, Sept 17, 2022, 9:30am, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Tour

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— by Kathy Galloway

Because of the drought, we’ll visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in September during private guided tours with LBJWC staff.  LBJWC irrigates and we can see what plants should look like in early fall in Central Texas.  I have not been to LBJWC in quite a while and always look forward to what is new and to get ideas for landscaping.

  • What: Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Guided Tour
  • Where: 4901 La Crosse Ave, Austin, TX, 78739
  • When: Saturday, September 17, 2022.
    • Arrive by 9:30AM.  Meet by the pond to the left of the entry kiosk.
    • Guided private tours start promptly at 10:00.
    • You may stay after the tour to continue exploring on your own, to check out the gift shop, or eat lunch at Wildflower Café.
  • Register by Wednesday, September 14, 2022:  Use this link to register for the trip.  Our field trip is open to the public but everyone must register in advance so we can reserve our spaces and be sure to have enough LBJWC guides during our visit.  (Guided tours are limited to 12 visitors per guide.)  Include whether you are a member of the Wildflower Center and/or a member of Williamson County Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas.

NPSOT-Williamson County will cover LBJWC’s fee for the private guides. You must cover your admission cost to the Wildflower Center in advance, per the information below.

  • If you are a member of the Wildflower Center, please bring your LBJWC membership card/id with your name on it.  Only LBJWC members will be admitted free.
  • If anyone in your party is not a member of the Wildflower Center, you must pre-pay their admission cost to Kathy Galloway so Kathy can pay the overall private guided tour cost on everyone’s behalf as requested by LBJWC.  The admission fee is $10 for seniors (65+), $15 for adults, $13 for military (with ID),  $8 for youth (ages 5 – 17). Children 4 and under are free.
    • Pay Kathy in-person by cash or check on September 8 at the next NPSOT Williamson County chapter meeting,
    • Or contact Kathy using this form to make other arrangements.

Please come prepared to walk, dressed for the weather.  You are encouraged to bring your own water bottle; The Wildflower Center has filling stations. Masks are currently optional at the Wildflower Center.

Questions? Need to confirm how you will pay Kathy Galloway?  Please contact Kathy using this form for any questions.

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