Project Leader: Susan Blackledge
Berry Springs Park & Preserve is one of the crown jewels in Williamson County. Berry Springs Park has 300 acres of land with pecan and oak trees and a large pond fed from active springs. .
It offers many opportunities for service:
Flower Bed Beautification & Maintenance:
Weeding, mulching, planting, harvesting of seed, and trimming back existing flower beds (20 beds of which only 6 are irrigated). Learn cool weather weeds/plants. vs. warm weather weeds/plants, perennials vs. annuals, native and non-native plants, invasive vs. desirables. Memorial trees, grafted pecan trees & small tree seedlings & shrubs. You will work with park staff to water plants. Partnering works best to make the task more enjoyable, easier and quicker too.
Pond Beautification:
We skim the pond along the edges with rakes to remove aquatic weeds. The weeds & algae are taken to the park compost pile. The compost is used in flower beds and throughout the park. Our mixture of donkey manure and aquatic vegetation makes excellent compost. We are also making the pond fishing friendly at the same time.
Pecan Tree Care:
Pecans continuously shed their branches. Mulch is used in flower beds, around trees, and along nature trails. We transplant pecan seedlings that we find into pots till they mature and then transplant them to more desirable locations. 96 (4 varieties) of pecans trees and 4 peach trees were planted in 2010 in the prairie restoration area that are continually maintained to ensure there success. Assistance with spraying Zinc on small trees for fertilization is needed during the spring till August. Dates TBA.
Rain Water Harvesting:
We have two rain barrel stations that need of repair and monitoring of their drip areas. If interested in this project please contact us ASAP to get things ready for the spring.
Prairie restoration:
Help be a part of the development of a restored native prairie. Projects are ongoing. Removal of invasive plants, seeding native grasses & wildflowers etc..
Harvesting Wildflower, annual, perennial and native grass seeds:
This happens throughout the year. You can work alone as well as work days will be announced once the plants have gone to seed.
Spring and Fall Work Days
Decorating the park for the holidays
MLK Day United Way Day of Service
United Way of Williamson County Day of Caring September
Contact Susan Blackledge, Project Leader for more information.