Trail Updates: Omega Delta Phi at Ringtail, High School Blazes Blackland Trail

A dozen Omega Delta Phi fraternity members from Texas State University assisted trail crew members on Friday, February 11th. As part of the City of San Marcos “Keep San Marcos Beautiful” program, the fraternity helped with erosion problems, knocked back prickly pear, planted wildflowers and native grasses, and hauled water to two young bur oaks. The fraternity’s volunteer work comes as spring is ready to burst out in all the natural areas that surround San Marcos. Thanks frat brothers for helping us maintain and access our living landscapes! The group included Albert Hensen, Jay Johnson, Jonathan Lopez, James Sprinkle, Angel Banda, Frank Lara, Mark Dominguez, Richard Dentch, Lorenzo Davila, David Banda, and Justin Longoria.

Meanwhile at San Marcos High School there is some serious trail building going on led by the bicycle club and other campus groups under the leadership of Adam Wagner, co-chair of the history department and club sponsor. The route will pass through mesquite brush near the pond and head around the meadows on the far side of the athletic fields. SMGA is assisting with trail alignment and providing instruction on trail-building techniques. Blackland soils and open meadow are new to our trail crew, but the enthusiasm and determination of the students will no doubt make this trail a permanent plus for students and a great learning tool for would-be mountain bikers, cross-country runners, ecology students, and those seeking regular exercise.