Lake Mineral Wells State Park Pollinator Garden

Approved POMN volunteer service opportunity
Please log your hours to “NPA: Pollinator Gardens” and include “Lake Mineral Wells State Park” in the describe your service box.

This past year, the Cross Timbers Master Naturalists, Cross Timbers Native Plant Society and Prairie Oaks Master Naturalists all participated in a refurbishment of the pollinator garden located at the park headquarters of Lake Mineral Wells State Park.  Volunteers thinned the plants to allow them to thrive, removed vetch and other invasive species, added a few new plants, replaced soaker hoses and mulched the garden.  The result was a much improved pollinator garden, new friendships and happy visitors to the park.  A park intern had the opportunity to make brand new signs labeling the different plants and a few of the butterflies expected to visit the garden.

For the next few years, the garden will need some attention periodically.  We will be removing grass and vetch and clearing out dead material.  There’s plenty of work to be done!  Wear a hat, bring a pair of gloves, water and snacks for yourself.  Bring your own tools–hand pruners, loppers, small rakes, hand forks and brooms.

Check calendar for dates. For more information email  cindyleecrump@gmail.com

 

 

Bird Walk on Brazos River Nature Trail

Approved POMN Advanced Training opportunity
Log hours to “AT: POMN” and in “Describe your training” specify Bird Walk at Brazos River Nature Trail. 

Bob and Ann Wood lead bird walks regularly on the Brazos River Nature Trail.  Check calendar for dates.

The parking lot for the trail is located on the left about 50 yards after you cross the Brazos river bridge on highway 16. The trail is 1 mile in length and easy walking.  Directions:  Travel north toward Possum Kingdom Dam on Highway 16.  The bridge is approximately 9 miles north of the intersection of highway 180 and highway 16.  If you see fish hatchery ponds on your left, you have gone too far.  We will go rain or shine but not if lightning is present.

Please email Bob at bob@abwoodpk.com if you plan to come. Bob’s cell phone number is 214-549-2242 should you have questions or need to reach me that morning. Bring binoculars if you have them and water.

 

Lake Brownwood State Park

Approved POMN Advanced Training opportunity
Log hours to “AT:Texas State Parks” and in “Describe your training” specify the name of the event. 

Civilian Conservation Corps workers spent years building this special park in the heart of Texas. The park sits on the shore of the 7,300-surface-acre Lake Brownwood. Hike ­­nearly six miles of trails. Rest on CCC-built benches along the way, and take in the view from the scenic and historic pavilion. Most trails are for hiking only, but the 2.89-mile Nopales Ridge Trail is also open to biking. https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/lake-brownwood

For more information contact Lauren Spivey, POMN trainee at lauren-spivey@go.tarleton.edu. As a Texas State Park Ambassador, her duties are to support Lake Brownwood State Park by completing three main projects within a 6 month period. The three project areas are hands-on service (improve current structures or environments at the State Park), community outreach (share information about the State Park with the public), and social media (use social media platforms to promote the State Park).