Tag: Palmetto State Park

— by Cindy Chrisler

Palmetto State Park was the destination for this month’s field trip.  Most attendees drove down that morning, but some stayed over the weekend in the shady campground. 

We assembled at 10:00 am at the Refectory Building, an historic CCC building that now serves as a picnic destination and overlook.  The park superintendent and a TPWD interpreter led us on two easy trails and discussed the local plants and animals in and around the park. 

Most notable was the anacua, a tree found in northern Mexico and southern Texas.  In the spring it is covered with small white flowers that provide abundant nectar for pollinators. In summer the flowers develop into berries that are relished by birds and other wildlife and can be used to make jam. Other interesting plants included supplejack, cottonwoods, pecans, and bur oaks, and of course, the dwarf palmetto, which lends its name to the park.  It was a pleasure to tour the riparian habitat with a flowing river during this dry period.

See field trip plans on our Home page.

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— by Kathy Galloway

• What:   Palmetto State Park
• When:  10:00 AM – 12:PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024
  • Meet at the park.
  • Optional lunch after the field trip.
• Where:  78 Park Road 11 S, Gonzales, TX (about 90 miles from Georgetown)
• Our field trip is open to the public. The park’s entry fee is $3 per person.

You will need to pay a $3.00 per person entrance fee at park headquarters (age 12 and under free).  From there, proceed and take the second left to park at the Refectory Building (1930’s CCC Pavilion).   Ask for directions at park headquarters.

Dress appropriately for the weather.  Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.  Bring water. Sun protection if needed.

Lunch is on your own.  Some of the attendees will be stopping in Luling for lunch at Blake’s Café, 621 E Davis St, Luling, Texas.          

=> Please register for the field trip by submitting the RSVP form at this link. Although there’s no limit on the number who can attend, we’re collecting RSVPs so we have an idea of how many and who in case we need to get in touch. If at the last minute you decide to come and you did not register, that’s okay. Come anyway!

Please feel free to contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here) beforehand if you have any questions.

— by Kathy Galloway

• What:   Palmetto State Park
• When:  10:00 AM – 12:PM on Saturday, October 19, 2024
  • Meet at the park.
  • Optional lunch after the field trip.
• Where:  78 Park Road 11 S, Gonzales, TX (about 90 miles from Georgetown)
• Our field trip is open to the public. The park’s entry fee is $3 per person.

Palmetto State Park is an unusual botanical area resembling the tropics more than Central Texas.  Most notably, a stand of dwarf palmetto (Sabal minor) plants is found in the park’s ephemeral swamp.  (The overview on the park’s website has a slide show with a short video.)

You will need to pay a $3.00 per person entrance fee at park headquarters (age 12 and under free).  From there you will proceed and take the second left to park at the Refectory Building (CCC Pavilion).   Ask for directions at park headquarters.

Dress appropriately for the weather.  Wear long pants and closed-toed shoes.  Bring water. Sun protection if needed.

Lunch is on your own.  Some of the attendees will be stopping in Luling for lunch at Blake’s Café, 621 E Davis St, Luling, Texas.          

=> Please register for the field trip by submitting the RSVP form at this link. Although there’s no limit on the number who can attend, we’re collecting RSVPs so we have an idea of how many and who in case we need to get in touch. If at the last minute you decide to come and you did not register, that’s okay. Come anyway!

Please feel free to contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here) beforehand if you have any questions.