SMGA News: March 2022
NEW TRAILS COMING IN BUIE TRACT
Magnificent oaks dotting the landscape; Kenny working on the single-track trail; sidewalk behind the Cottages Apartments leading to the new single-track trail.
MARCH BIRD WALK IN BLANCO SHOALS
The monthly bird walk was held March 5th at Blanco Shoals, one of the least visited natural areas in San Marcos. Located at the end of River Ridge Parkway, the 81 acres border the Blanco River and are an outstanding example of a flood plain. Numerous pecans, cottonwoods, sycamores, and anacuas grace the landscape and offer food and shelter to many bird species.
Justin Bosler led 25 birders on an adventurous two-hour hike. Some of the birds seen were mockingbirds, cardinals, titmice, and wrens.
Belted kingfisher 
American kestrel
Photos by Jennifer Bauerkemper
ANNUAL TRAIL CLOSURES
In an effort to protect the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, certain trails in Purgatory Creek Natural Area and Spring Lake Natural Area are closed from March 1 to May 31 annually. There will be signs to let you know which trails to avoid.
In Spring Lake, you can still connect the North LBJ Trailhead to the Lime Kiln Trailhead and Aquarena Springs Trailhead by using Porcupine and then Blue Stem or Centipede.
Spring Lake Natural Area Trails Closed:
- Blind Salamander
- Roadrunner to Bluestem
- Skink Link
- Gray Fox
- Purgatory Creek Natural Areas Closed
- Paraiso
MONTHLY GUIDED HIKES: DETAILS & SIGN-UP
Get outside and join us for free monthly guided hikes on our gorgeous San Marcos trails! Each month, we will visit a different trail and explore new environmental science and conservation topics such as birds, mammals, plants, pollinators, groundwater, and more. All ages from toddlers to adults are welcome to join! We typically cover about a mile at each hike.
When: Every third Saturday of the month
Time: 9:30 – 11:00 AM
April 16:
Upper Purgatory Trail Head
May 21:
Lower Purgatory Trail
THE GREAT SOLARIZATION PROJECT ENDS
Team Flora removed the plastic panels from the three plots in Prospect Park in February. Native seed mixes and starter grasses were planted and then watered. The idea behind the project was to restore native grasses— bluestems, cup grass, muhlys, and others—to the praire and displace the Johnson grass and King Ranch bluestem (non-natives) that have invaded much of our grasslands.
This was done with support from the City of San Marcos, Keep San Marcos Beautiful, Habitat Conservation Plan, and Discovery Center.
- The plastic panels were removed from the prairie.
- Eric ran the de-thatcher over ground that had been covered for almost a year. Hopefully the seed bank of invasives was eliminated under the heat.
- Seed was spread and grass starter plugs were planted.
- The seed and plugs were watered in.
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