Tag: Central Texas

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Balcones Canyonlands, “Wildflower Wander” & other guided hiking trips

News from Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge:

In April, we are holding a new event, the Wildflower Wander, to help people learn about wildflowers, as well as learn about identifying plants and the importance of native plants.   Here is the event registration page and information for Wildflower Wander:   https://www.friendsofbalcones.org/event-5211236

We also have a number of other fun April events. (See the full calendar here.)

  • Saturday, April 1, 10 AM
    • Wildflower Wander – Explore the Beauty of Wildflowers at Doeskin Ranch!
    • Register here
  • Sunday, April 2, 9 AM
    • Martin Tract Guided Hiking Tour – Adventure behind-the-scenes at the wildlife refuge with a hike on the Martin Tract!
    • Register here
  • Saturday, April 8, 7:30 AM
    • Birding Walk with Sherry Bixler – Meet our feathered friends with a birding walk at Doeskin Ranch!
    • Register here
  • Friday, April 14, 7:00 AM
    • Warbler Vista Guided Hiking Tour – Have a relaxing start to your Friday with an early morning walk through Warbler Vista!
    • Register here
  • Friday, April 21 through Sunday, April 23
    • Songbird Festival – Small group birding tours through Hill Country – the Texas Hill Country has long been a favorite spot known for its unique terrain and bountiful wildlife. Migrating birds also consider the Texas Hill Country a favorite as it serves as an important waystation where they can rest, nest and gather strength for their journey.
    • Multiple days & registration opportunities here
  • Saturday, April 22, 1:00 PM
    • Earth Day Guided Hiking Tour at Doeskin (Indiangrass Trail) – Celebrate Earth Day by taking in views at the top of Rim Rock, and the flora and fauna along Indiangrass trail!
    • Register here
  • Saturday, April 29, 8:00 AM
    • Igau Tract Guided Hiking Tour – Adventure behind-the-scenes of the Refuge for the day, with an 8-mile hike on our Igau Tract!
    • Register here

(This is not a NPSOT event.)

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NPSOT’s Austin Chapter-Spring Native Plant Sale March 25

Native plant sale news from NPSOT’s Austin Chapter:

Spring has sprung and native species of birds, insects, and other wildlife are looking for nectar, food and host habitat. You can help out by planting native plants – some even do well in containers – no yard required!

The Austin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) invites you to our SPRING NATIVE PLANT SALE!

Watch for the plant list here: https://npsot.org/wp/austin/plant-sale/

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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)