SMGA News: October-November 2024
LIMESTONE LINK WORK CONTINUES–NOV. 21, 2024
The regular crew met at the Limestone Link connector trail to continue work on the single-track tread. A small team armed with picks wore down a large rock firmly in the trail.
Team Flora and the CoSM trail crew continued work at the Sierra Circle trailhead of Schulle. Dead trees had been cut and mulched to lower the fire danger. While not a trail, the mulch was moved away from the tree trunks, a few were chain-sawed, and a brush pile was reduced in size.
Hardy plants were planted at the entrance and at the old trailhead. [Photos were provided by Monique Tschurr, Brandon Smith and Lance Jones.]
TRAIL CREW AT LIMESTONE LINK–Nov. 14, 2024
The trail crew met under Fall conditions at the newest trail in the system of more than 20 miles of trail. Numerous tasks were tackled by team members working on disbursing slash piles, sawing a few remaining tree limbs, removing the invasive ligustrum (and applying herbicide), installing a new trail marker, and several other tasks.
BIRD WALK AT RAMON LUCIO–Nov. 2, 2024
It’s not one of our natural areas but the city park delivered on a good bird viewing outing. The landscapes of mowed ball fields, and shrubby, tree-lined river produced some of the best viewing in these drought times.
Stephen Ramirez has been leading these monthly bird walks going on 14 years. Taking place on the first Saturday at nearly dawn, an average of 25 people join in learning about birds, their behavior and markings. It’s a chance to enjoy being outside with like-minded folks for some fresh air.
The complete bird checklist is https://ebird.org/checklist/S201112199
HALLOWEEN TRAIL WORK
Work continued on the new entrance to Schulle from Sierra Circle and Limestone Link trail building. We’re getting close!
SMGA+ TXST ECO STUDENTS = FUN AND PRODUCTIVE SATURDAY!–OCT. 19, 2024
Environmental Conservation Organization (ECO) is a TXST student group with a mission to “promote sustainability and minimize environmental degradation through education, activism, and community service.” Under the leadership of Dr. Kimberly Meitzen, they volunteered with SMGA on Oct. 19 at Limestone Link Natural Area to help build a connector trail that is part of the greater loop around San Marcos.
TRAIL CREW AT LIMESTONE LINK AND SCHULLE–OCT. 17, 2024
Work continued on two fronts–Limestone Link trail and Schulle entrance ramp at Sierra Circle. Cooler weather brought out the jackets and sweaters and made trail work more pleasant. The trail at Limestone Link is approximately one mile with more to go to connect to River Recharge. The Stewardship Committee met afterwards to discuss future plans and equipment issues.
2ND GREAT SPRINGS TRAIL RACE–OCT. 16
The 2nd Great Springs Trail Race was held on Oct,. 16 in Purgatory Creek Natural Area. The event was sponsored by Ancira Community and the San Marcos Lions Club, and partner Tejas Trails Races.
Photos by Kenny Skrobanek
LIMESTONE LINK AND SCHULLE CANYON–OCT. 3
Work continued on both Limestone Link and Schulle Canyon. Two members of Team Flora watered trees at N. LBJ and Ringtail. They also checked the condition of the trees and trail.
Limestone Link is a brand new natural area owned by Hays County. It will connect Ringtail with River Recharge closing the loop. Each natural area is a little different and making a safe single-track trail entails going through vegetation and rocky surface. Schulle Canyon is a reconfigured trail head at Sierra Circle. Progress continues with brick work and a crushed limestone leading to Root Rock trail. Photos here are courtesy of Crystal McLaurin.
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