We had eleven hikers for the field trip to the historical E. O. Siecke State Forest on May 25th. Originally called State Forest #1, the original 1,722 acres were acquired in 1924 and much of the property was cut over and severely burned. Reforestation began immediately. An additional adjacent … [Read more...] about Siecke State Forest Field Trip
Five Mile Prairie in the Rain
A group of our hardcore students and veterans braved the weather forecast this morning and ventured out to Five Mile Prairie for the second field trip of the 2019 Class. As the caravan arrived, the weather was gloomy but the raindrops had not began to fall yet. As we headed out, the ground … [Read more...] about Five Mile Prairie in the Rain
Boykin Springs Fun & Learning
The first field trip for the Class of 2019 was a fun adventure and provided many learning opportunities. Arriving at the site, everyone immediately noticed that the entire area had been subjected to a control burn just days earlier, and was still smoldering in some places. Students saw first hand … [Read more...] about Boykin Springs Fun & Learning
Carnivorous Plants Hike
On March 23, 2019 we visited a hillside seepage bog at Boykin Springs where all four species of carnivorous plants in the Longleaf Ridge Master Naturalist area are known to grow. … [Read more...] about Carnivorous Plants Hike
Sandy Creek Park Project
A plan to develop Jasper’s Sandy Creek Park submitted by the local Master Gardeners has won approval for technical assistance from the National Park Service’s Rivers, Trails & Conservation Assistance Program. City representatives and NPS began meeting last November to work on plans. Members of … [Read more...] about Sandy Creek Park Project
Paddling to Nesting Eagles
Eighteen canoers, including two children, and two volunteer guides braved temperatures in the 30s and 40s on two Saturdays this February to enjoy a special treat. I assisted Gerald Langham, Sabine-Neches Texas Master Naturalist volunteer, who lead us out through the chilly waters of Steinhagen Lake … [Read more...] about Paddling to Nesting Eagles
Longleaf Ridge Master Naturalist Training Class
We will be starting a new class for Master Naturalists on March 19th, 2019. The classes will be held on Tuesday nights from 6-9 at the dining hall at Martin Dies Jr. State Park for approximately 16 weeks. The cost of the class is $140 per person (the price for couples is discounted some). The course … [Read more...] about Longleaf Ridge Master Naturalist Training Class