The Lost Pines chapter serves primarily Bastrop and Caldwell counties of Central Texas (click here to find a statewide list of chapters). These counties are predominantly in the Post Oak Savannah and Blackland Prairie Ecoregions. In addition, our area includes the unique “island forest” of the Lost Pines, the westernmost extent of the loblolly pine (Pinus taeda), separated by about 100 miles from the pine forests of East Texas. Species in the Lost Pines are particularly adapted to the drier conditions here, and provide unique habitat for varied flora and fauna that can be seen in Bastrop and Buescher state parks and other nearby natural areas. You can learn more about what makes these parks so special and see pictures of them by visiting our “State Parks & Natural Areas” page; you can also find many links to information about the native plants, animals and ecology of the Lost Pines region on our resources page.
- Painting with LightThey are particles in a quantum field, a wave, an excitation—a form of electromagnetic radiation. Photons are like little paint brushes, each carrying their own hue on a palette of colors. When they encounter obstacles, like land, trees, oceans, etc., some of them are absorbed and some of them are reflected to our eyes as… Read More →
- Back Roads Nature–Goose Island State ParkStanding on the pier, it’s about all I can do to maintain an upright position against the wicked February wind. It’s not just wind; it’s little pellets of steady drizzle that feel like buckshot hitting my face. Were it not tied down, the wind would snatch my hat and hurl it a hundred yards before… Read More →
- Pipsqueaks of the PrairieHis name was Iktomi, of the Teton Sioux. His land was the Black Hills. A Lakota medicine man, Iktomi faced the sharp January winds with only his moccasins and breechcloth, wrapped in a blanket. Against a backdrop of dishwater gray sky and carved granite bluffs, he surveyed the broad prairie before him with appreciation in… Read More →
- Gift Ideas for a NaturalistShopping for a naturalist is not really difficult. Anything supporting a national park or state park would be welcomed. New hiking boots or Trek poles would be helpful since the hills keep getting steeper. Binoculars or one of those Camera lenses for a cellphone would help them to capture images that they love. Seed collecting… Read More →
- Childhood RhymesA child’s first encounter with a mystery of nature makes an indelible memory: “‘Doodlebug, doodlebug, your house is on fire! Come out! Come out! Wherever you are!’ Those were the words my sisters and cousins and I used to say as we took a small, thin stick and barely made a circle in the upside-down… Read More →
- Diving in with Aquatic Macroinvertebrates!Are you curious about the world beneath the water’s surface? We will be exploring the world of aquatic macroinvertebrates– from amazing adaptations to their role in water quality assessment, and the wealth of resources you can use to teach others about these unique critters. Zoom meeting open to the public: https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83610216193