Field Trip: Gault Site Plant Survey, March 8

— by Sue Wiseman

Gault site
Gault site – still from the film “The Stones Are Speaking”
  • What:    Plant survey and nature tour of Gault Site
  • When:   1:30 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, March 8, 2026
  • WhereThe Gault School for Archeological Research, 3451 FM 2843, Florence, TX 76527
    • Take TX 195 W from IH35, exit onto FM 487 E and turn left onto FM 2843
  • NOTE: We will be meeting away from the entrance and will be locking the gate at 1:45PM.

On this field trip, we will continue our plant survey (list) of the Gault Site.  Back in 2008, this site was the first place where our chapter starting listing the plants found at various parks and preserves in Williamson County.  All levels of plant identification expertise are welcome. Even if you don’t know plants, each participant is an observer and may notice and draw attention to something others do not.

The Gault Site’s archeological research “helped shape how scientists understand Clovis and earlier-than-Clovis occupations in the human history of North America.” There will not be a tour of the archeological history of this site; however, we will go where the exploration was conducted.  I encourage you to view the documentary film The Stones are Speaking to help you understand the significance of this property.  Click here for ways to view the film: https://thestonesarespeaking.com/watch.php

The area we will survey has a gentle hill going down to the creek area.  Feel free to bring your children and friends.  No pets, please, as we may have livestock in the area where we will be walking. Please wear appropriate clothing including long pants and closed toe shoes.  Water, hats and sunscreen recommended.

Open to the public. Members and non-members are welcome.
Questions about the trip? Please contact the Field Trip Committee (contact form here).

archeological dig site
Gault site work in May 2013. Pit now closed. Photo by Greg Donica.

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See photos from other trips in our album =>

Field Trip: Godwin Ranch Preserve Plant Survey, Sunday, November 16, 2025

— by Cindy Chrisler

image of wildflower
Godwin Ranch Preserve, March 2025. Photo by Cindy Chrisler.
  • What:    Plant survey and tour of the Godwin Ranch Preserve
  • When:  2:00 PM to 4:00 PM on Sunday, November 16, 2025
  • 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 last of four scheduled plant surveys at the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown. We will begin at 2 p.m. at the gate to the preserve. Godwin Preserve is not open to the public, although several groups utilize it for bird walks, volunteer projects, and cave exploration.

All levels of plant identification expertise are welcome. Even if you don’t know plants, each participant is an observer and may notice and draw attention to something others do not.

Park at the Starbucks strip mall parking lot 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.  Wear clothing suitable for the weather, including long pants and closed toed shoes. We suggest you use bug spray and sunscreen, and wear a hat.

We will 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. In addition to plants, we should see several species of insects and birds.

You may put observations on iNaturalist but please obscure any rare plants. All surveys will be combined into a single plant list for the preserve and shared with the preserve manager.

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

image of path in woods
Godwin Ranch Preserve, May 2025. Photo by Greg Donica.

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

Field Trip: Godwin Ranch Preserve Plant Survey, Sunday, August 24, 2025

— by Cindy Chrisler

image of group hiking
Exploring Godwin Ranch, May 2025. Photo credit Greg Donica.
  • What:    Plant survey and tour of the Godwin Ranch Preserve
  • When:  8:00 AM to 10:00 AM on Sunday, August 24, 2025
  • 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 third of four scheduled plant surveys at the Godwin Ranch Preserve in Georgetown.  We will begin at 8 a.m. to beat the late summer heat. This preserve is not open to the public and this is your opportunity to explore it.

All levels of plant identification expertise are welcome. Even if you don’t know plants, each participant is an observer and may notice and draw attention to something others do not.

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.  Wear long pants, closed toed shoes, use bug spray and sunscreen, and wear a hat.

We will 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. In addition to plants, we should see several species of insects and birds.

You may put observations on iNaturalist but please obscure any rare plants. All surveys will be combined into a single plant list for the preserve and shared with the preserve manager.

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.