Tag: Williamson County

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Congratulations, Bob Kamper, on your winning photograph!

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Chapter member Bob Kamper’s photo won in the category for the Edwards Plateau ecoregion in this year’s NPSOT Photo Contest and also tied for Best in Show!   The Society announced contest winners on October 9 during the awards presentation at NPSOT’s Virtual Fall Symposium. Congratulations to Bob!

Describing his photo of Prairie Celestials, Nemastylis geminiflora, Bob says:

“The photo was taken in a protected nature preserve area in Southern Williamson County that is over a cavern which is habitat for an endangered species. Usually the bloom period for the Prairie Celestial ends around April 1st, but this year extended to April 18th. I walked out to look around, and this was one of many blooms open and bejeweled with drops from a light rain.”

Prairie Celestials, Nemastylis geminiflora
Prairie Celestials, Nemastylis geminiflora. Photo by Bob Kamper.

There was a lot of competition.  Click this link to see all 51 entries and 10 ecoregion winners.  Read about the photo contest rules here.

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Also during the October 9 awards presentation:

Pamela Parker Caird won the Best Video Contest. See this October 17 announcement and congrats post for details.

Randy Pensabene, NPSOT-Wilco Past President, was presented the Benny J. Simpson Fellows Award which the Society announced last month.  This award honors recipients for their service to the Society and “embodies grass roots recognition” of an awardee by their fellow NPSOT members.  See this September 9 announcement and congrats post for details.

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Field Trip on Saturday, November 6, 2021, Hidden Springs Preserve Plant Survey, 9:30am

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image of a sign

— by Kathy Galloway

  • What:   Hidden Springs Preserve Field Trip
  • When:  9:30am-Noon, Saturday, November 6, 2021
  • Where:  978 CR 224, Florence, TX.    The preserve is not open to the general public.  See important details later in this post.

The Native Plant Society of Texas – Williamson County Chapter’s Field Trip Committee has been offered an opportunity to do a multi-year plant survey at the future WilCo Hidden Springs Preserve (HSP).  In the beginning, we will focus on the southern portion of the property (i.e., between the front gate and the ranch house) for several reasons, including ease of access and looking for special plants that the county would want to know about before that area is developed. Later on, we may venture into the northern portion of the property.

Be prepared for extensive walking on uneven, open terrain. Wear sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sunscreen, and bring water, field guides, and something to take notes on and with. A restroom is available in the ranch house.

People at all levels of plant knowledge can help on survey field trips. The trips are a great way to see native plants in their habitats and learn with other members.  Beginners are welcome!  Read more about survey field trips at this link.

Please plan on arriving by 9:30 — there is a padlock on the front gate, and it will be locked shortly after 9:45.  Reservations are not required.  Please feel free to contact Kathy Galloway (contact form here) if you have any questions.

Please bring a mask to wear inside the ranch house. We will be following CDC guidelines if you are not fully vaccinated.

Directions:

  • Take IH-35 north to Exit 266 (Florence/Killeen/195).
  • Turn left and follow SH 195 toward Florence.
  • Go through Florence, take the TX 138 exit (you will be near the City of Florence’s water tower with the bison on it), and then turn left onto TX 138.
  • Continue straight through the four-way stop at the intersection with Business 195, and after a little over two miles, turn right onto CR 224.
  • After about half a mile, at the fork in the road, bear to the left and stay on CR 224. Note that a car GPS system may indicate that you should bear to the right – this is incorrect.
  • After another half a mile, look for a green metal gate on your right (north side of street). There is a large wooden sign “Hidden Springs” sign between two flagpoles behind the fence. The address is 978 County Road 224, Florence, TX, but there is no number on the gate. (The gate is across the street from 981 CR 224.)
  • When you arrive, directions will be given as to where to park.

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Field Trip Announcement: Sun Oct 10, 10:00am, Booty Road Park, Georgetown

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— by Gary Bowers

Image of river
View of San Gabriel River from Booty’s Rd Park. Photo by G. Bowers.

Open to the public, Fall 2021 Symposium Field Trip.  Location: 1631 Booty’s Park Road, Georgetown, TX 78628.  Join us for a hike as we conclude the Fall 2021 Symposium. This walk is open to the public (you do *not* have to be a NPSOT member nor a symposium attendee). Booty Road Park Trail is a 2.4 mile moderately trafficked “out and back” trail that offers scenic views and is good for all skill levels. The trail is a combination of paved and unpaved, some up and down elevations, parts densely shaded, with good bird watching opportunities including a vulture’s roost.

We expect to see Cedar elm, Ashe juniper, Live oak, Osage orange, Hackberry, Greenbriar, Boxelder and Mexican buckeye.  We will turn around at Weir dam, a sunny spot with Switch grass, Bushy bluestem and Dewberry.

Free entrance, lots of parking, restrooms available.  No RSVPs required! Masks are optional.

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