Tag: field trips

Posted on

Newcomer’s Winter Walk at Berry Springs

** ARCHIVED POST – LINKS AND IMAGES MAY NOT WORK**

— by Gary Bowers

Saturday, Feb 23, 2019 1:30 PM

On a bright, blustery Saturday a tiny but mighty group met in the upper parking lot at Berry Springs Park and Preserve. After a short meet and greet, the team fueled up on some high carb snacks before heading into the park.

image of plant
Shepherd’s Purse (Capsella bursa-pastoris), naturalized annual

The group walked a short, level loop around the ponds chosen to provide a variety of micro-climates in a short distance. We were almost immediately greeted with the wonderful scent of a Mexican Plum (Prunus mexicana) in full bloom (and hope the summer walk coincides with the ripening of these fruits). A few minutes later, we found a large area of Bluebonnets skirting the pathway. Combined with rosettes of Cutleaf Daisy (Engelmannia peristenia) and Mexican Hats (Ratibida columnifera), we are all anticipating a great show once the blooms are underway.

While the many mature pecans (both in the orchard in the natural areas) are stand out trees, there are many hidden gems if you slow down. Ten-petal Anemones (Anemone berlandieri), clumps of Buttercups (Ranunculus spp.), thickets of Roughleaf dogwood (Cornus drummondii), Elderberries (Sambucus nigra ssp. canadensis) and clumps of Bushy bluestem (Andropogon glomeratus) were just a few of those that we saw along the walk today.

Thank you to all who braved the bad hair day and joined us! And if you didn’t make it today, we hope you’ll join us in April when we return to the park for the Spring iteration of the walk.

See photos from today’s trip at this link in our Field Trip photo album.

** ARCHIVED POST – LINKS AND IMAGES MAY NOT WORK**

Posted on

Field Trip: NEWCOMER’S WALK – FALL: Old Settlers Park, Round Rock

** ARCHIVED POST – LINKS AND IMAGES MAY NOT WORK**

— by Vicky Husband
Sunday, Nov 04, 2018, 1:30pm-4:00pm.  Walk the loop in the largest public park in Round Rock for an introduction on how to identify native plants in their natural habitat.  This is the last of four seasonal walks at the Old Settler’s Park location… our goal is to practice identifying native plants during their annual growth cycle of winter, spring, summer and fall. Field guides and cameras are encouraged!  3300 E Palm Valley Blvd, Round Rock, TX 78665, (Hwy 79 east of IH 35).

DIRECTIONS: Park at 901 Harrell Parkway, Round Rock, TX 78665.  Look for the signs to Soccer Fields 4-7 and RC Airplanes. We should have a couple of NPSOT signs out to help. Be prepared for walking on even, open terrain, wear sturdy clothes appropriate for the weather, closed toe shoes, and bring water and snacks as needed. Restrooms are available. Please plan on arriving a little early to sign a state NPSOT waiver. No reservation is required, but you may contact Gary Bowers (removed) if you have any questions.

Directions from Georgetown via IH-35: MAP & Directions from Georgetown. Or, click here for full Google driving directions
Take IH-35 South to Exit #253 (Palm Valley Blvd/Hwy 79) and proceed to the light. Taco Bell will be on your right.
Turn left (east) and follow Hwy 79 for 3.4 miles to Harrell Parkway (road at the Dell Diamond / Main Park Entrance of Old Settlers Park / Salt Lick).
Turn left (north) and proceed into the park for 0.8 miles to the 2nd parking area just past the low water crossing/bridge on the right.

** ARCHIVED POST – LINKS AND IMAGES MAY NOT WORK**