SPRING LAKE RESTORATION
Dec. 11
Doesn’t seem like too long ago it was hot and humid. On Dec. 11 it was coats zipped to the neck. We continued planting trees at the Lime Kiln trailhead. An old service road trail was closed and the ashe juniper rails were re-worked for future improvements. The trees close-out the donation we received back in the summer.
Team Flora members seeded Red Buckeye seeds on (of course!) Buckeye trail. They also seeded Mountain Laurel, Chile Petin, Inland Seaoats, and a few others.
Nov. 20
The crew planted 20 trees along the Berms and Tex’s trails in Ringtail Ridge Natural Area. Some seed was also disbursed with rain in the forecast.
The trees were watered and mulched and a few of the oaks received cages.
Nov. 13
It was something we’ve done before but never on this scale. More than 60 trees were planted on 11/13 at Cottonwood Creek by 30+ trail crew members and one local resident. In addition to having a large crew on hand, we also had the advantage of an auger and Blackland Prairie soil, mostly clay. The trees had been donated by a landscape company in Austin and were watered over the last few months.
AND, we were honored with another sizeable donation, this one from the San Marcos Rotary club (see story elsewhere). The funds will go to purchase tools and do maintenance as we continue to add miles to the local trails.
Finally, we were honored with a catered breakfast by Julie & Chris of Wake the Dead. We really appreciate the great food!
Photos courtesy of Tom Wassenich and Jon Cradit
Nov. 7
The trail crew split into two groups: Spring Lake trail improvements and River Recharge construction of a wildlife viewing station. With the cooler weather, crew size has grown to the point where we are filling the parking spaces at the trailheads.
Spring Lake trails were enhanced with additional crushed limestone, rainwater diversions, and the closing of rogue switchback shortcuts. The viewing station in River Recharge will be constructed over the next few months by SMGA members. Funding is from the CoSM Visitors Center with additional support from Hays County Master Naturalists.
A special thanks to HEB from the trail crew for its generous support (see story elsewhere). It will come in handy as our 20+ year-old truck, known as Kermit (it’s that kinda green), is in the shop for repairs (again).
Also thanks to Monique Tschurr and Tom Wassenich for the many photo contributions.
Oct. 30
It was a little chilly on the morning of 10/30, but it warmed nicely as work continued in Spring Lake Natural Area. Porcupine, Blue Stem, and other trails at the north end of natural area received attention.
Crew members out scouting beforehand passed on this account: “We were scouting last week near Porcupine and Blue Stem when a tall man we’ve seen before came by on a steady, almost meditative, hike. He gave us a heartfelt ‘thank you,’ expressing how grateful he was for having the perfect place to stop and hike between San Antonio and Kyle where he was headed. He said really liked our trails. From our exchange, one might have the impression he needed the hike to calm himself for the visit up the road. He again thanked us and walked on. You all need to know there are many folks who really like the work you do and are grateful.”
Thanks to Monique Tschurr and Crystal McLaurin for the photos.
Oct. 23
An ambitious task list for the Grey Fox, Roadrunner, Porcupine, and Centipede trails was begun on 10/23 by the regular trail crew and CoSM crew. Working together with the city has been a win-win. This includes scouting before the workday to settle on the task list.
On this list were string-trimming, laying down tru-grid and making swales for water run-off. A corner cut at Grey Fox and Bluestem was also accomplished.
Photos courtesy of Crystal McLaurin, CoSM trail crew
