Volunteer with us Saturday, January 20th from 10am-1pm in Liberty Hill as we rescue plants from a 2 acre property prior to construction. There is easy parking next to the site, but be mindful that there is tall grass to walk through and no trails. You may dig plants for conservation and/or to take for your own projects. The plant list and further details can be found at the SignUp link below.
You must be a current NPSOT member (any chapter) and at least 18 to attend. (Join NPSOT or renew here.)
Gary Bowers led 18 enthusiastic hikers on a trail at Old Settlers Park in Round Rock to learn about tree identification and habitats found in the area. Attendees were treated to Gary’s expertise, augmented by the collective knowledge of several local NPSOT members.
In addition to learning a new term (marcescence), the group was entertained by a squirrel entering its nest cavity in an elm, the sight of a very large poison ivy vine, luminescent soapberries, colorful possumhaw berries, and an enormous live oak. We also learned Native American uses of some trees from a NPSOT-Wilco member and botany student at UT Austin, Arnan Pawawongsak.
Two children who dutifully accompanied their parents often engaged Gary with questions about leaves, bark, and other observations on the plants seen on the hike. Several non-members attended the hike, and were eagerly invited to attend our next meeting. This delightful outing was the perfect beginning for the new year.
Plant images: Soapberry, Sapindus saponaria and Possumhaw, Ilex decidua. Photos by Cindy Chrisler.
Six volunteers from Master Naturalists and NPSOT Wilco started the chilly, breezy morning of Sun Dec 10, 2023 bundled up to begin spreading the 15 cu yds of mulch that Louis from Waste Management had delivered. The goal: spread the mulch along the pathway – covering the weed barrier that had become visible.
Mulch ready to be spread at Williamson County Landfill Garden on Sun Dec 10 2023.
The team exchanged introductions, unloaded the tools, and quickly got to work. By the end of the first hour, we had started shedding layers of clothing. Chilly days are the best for spreading mulch!
GWMN and NPSOT Wilco Volunteers spreading mulch along pathway.The mulch has been distributed, the weed barrier is hidden, and the stones repurposed as a border.
The crew sat aside the limestone pavers that had been used as stepping stones and then repurposed those to use as a garden border. Stones like this create habitat for crickets, spiders, lizards, and various other critters.
After all the mulch was spread and the tools returned to the correct vehicles, the team spent some time walking the garden, checking on the new plants put in during the previous workday, and discussing the tasks needed for the next workday.
The accomplished crew celebrating their work.
Thanks to all the hardworking volunteers! See you on the next workday!
If you have not yet been to this garden, it is open to the public. Sunday is the best time to drop by as the landfill is closed so there is no traffic and it’s safe to park along the road. If you choose to go during the week, park at the Recycling Center across the street.
About the garden: The Pollinator Garden is a collaboration of the NPSOT-Wilco chapter, Good Water Master Naturalists, and Williamson County Waste Management, located at the entrance to the Williamson County Landfill, at the corner of FM 1660 and Landfill Roadin Hutto, TX, across from the Recycling Center. The garden includes a Monarch Waystation and is a Certified Texas Wildscape. Volunteers help maintain the garden when the collaborating organizations announce a maintenance work day. Anyone interested is invited to help!
