Master Naturalist Meeting: A Prairie and Wetland PLUS
I’m too tired to do much writing, but my first day of the 2022 Texas Master Naturalist conference in Houston was really fun. What a pleasant and educational day.
See how happy I was?
The day started out with a trip to Sheldon Lake State Park. If you are ever wherever it is, go visit! It’s even free and very easy for people with mobility challenges to enjoy.
Prairie area
This whole park has been reclaimed to have native plants through hard work of volunteers. So much digging and planting! We learned a lot from the park ranger and two really cool volunteers. They showed us what they did, how they propagate plants, and the history of the place.
Lovely boardwalksView from a tower of the main lakeThe area once had a fish farm, so there are many pondsWe were on a trail with beautiful vignettes every so often Yes, gatorsNice to see some water, though it’s dryBigger pondGreenhouse where they propagate native plantsWhere they grow plants out prior to plantingBeautiful big bluestemAnother native grassThe group on the tower
I spent a lot of time taking pictures of plants and pollinators for the BioBlitz. I even got to see a new butterfly! I sure love learning new plants and insects.
Big gaura flowersA new one for me, delta arrowheadThose are spoonbills and an egretHollyGulf fritillary. There were so many of theseCool bugRed banded hairstreakInteresting waspWhite striped long tail!Assembly moth
After we got back (I was able to carpool with two nice folks) I ran into friends from home. We decided to go check out Buffalo bayou next to the Omni Hotel we’re staying at. I have to tell you, wandering the weedy area on the other side of the fancy office buildings was as fun as any organized field trip.
So many fun plants and insects! I swear the monarchs posed.
Ann and Jackie are always lots of fun, and Ann is so good with plants! We saw many native trees and so many vines. And though not much was blooming, some daisy-like plants attracted entire hives’ worth of bees and wasps. We had a blast!
Herb of grace (it’s tiny)Tiny flyGood ole honey beeAnother Gulf fritillary More monarch beautyAnd moreDowntown Houston?Fiery skipper in lantanaA cool beeFalse mintCreeping cucumber A cool waspWheel bugMexican bordered plant bugBayou bugVinesGiant castor beans
Once we were done I came up and rested, then met up with folks from our chapter for dinner and drinks. This hotel has great food. And we went to the “whiskey bar” later. We had great conversations in such a warm and elegant atmosphere. A good day!
Centerpieces are creative!Good chairs in dining room!So romantic. CozyLove the red bar
The person behind The Hermits' Rest blog and many others. I'm a certified Texas Master Naturalist and love the nature of Milam County. I manage technical writers in Austin, help with Hearts Homes and Hands, a personal assistance service, in Cameron, and serve on three nonprofit boards. You may know me from La Leche League, knitting, iNaturalist, or Facebook. I'm interested in ALL of you!
View all posts by Sue Ann (Suna) Kendall
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