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Native Plant Society of Texas

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Fungi in Forest Ecosystems – a Conversation and Walk at W. G. Jones State Forest

November 30, 2024 @ 9:00 am – 11:00 am

Join The Woodlands G.R.E.E.N. member, Teri MacArthur, for a brief conversation about the role of fungi in forest ecosystems, followed by a walk around the trails at W. G, Jones State Forest at 9am on Saturday, November 30. We’ll meet in the Classroom Building (1328 FM 1488, 77384) for our discussion and then head out. Locating and identifying any mushrooms we may find will depend on rain nearer the date, as well as soil temperatures that prompt many of our late summer and fall mushrooms to appear. We always find something interesting in the forest, though, so come prepared to be surprised! Bring your Field Notebook and a writing implement, plus drinking water for the time outside, estimated to be about 2 hours. Wear comfortable walking shoes, long pants, and long sleeves (weather permitting) to keep any late flying mosquitoes off your skin.

It will be helpful, but not required, to let Teri know you intend to join the group by sending an email to texasnaturelover@earthlink.net .

If you need assistance in finding the group on the morning of the event, you can reach Teri at 281-381-3281.

About the Region

Fall Symposium 2025 Logo - Teach for the Future

Salado, the location of our Fall 2025 Symposium, lies at the intersection of two ecoregions: the Edwards Plateau (Limestone Cut Plain) and Blackland Prairie (Northern Blackland Prairie).

The Edwards Plateau area is also called the Hill Country; however, this general term covers a much larger area extending farther north. Spring-fed creeks are found throughout the region; deep limestone canyons, rivers, and lakes (reservoirs) are common. Ashe juniper is perhaps the most common woody species found throughout the region. Additional woody species include various species of oak, with live oak (Quercus fusiformis) being the most common. Sycamores (Platanus occidentalis) and bald cypress (Taxodium distichum) border waterways. This area is well known for its spring wildflower displays, though they may be viewed in spring, late summer, and fall, as well. According to Texas Parks and Wildlife, average annual rainfall in the Edwards Plateau ranges from 15 to 34 inches.

The Blackland Prairie extends from the Red River south to San Antonio, bordered on the west by the Edwards Plateau and the Cross Timbers, and on the east by the Post Oak Savannah. Annual rainfall averages 30 to 40 inches, with higher averages to the east. This region is dominated by prairie species. The most common grass species include little bluestem (Schizachyrium scoparium) and Indian grass (Sorghastrum nutans) in the uplands and switchgrass (Panicum virgatum) in the riparian areas and drainages. Common herbaceous flowering plants include salvias, penstemons, and silphiums. This area has suffered greatly from overgrazing and agricultural use. Few intact areas remain, though many of the plants can be found along county roadsides throughout the region.

Our fall Symposium host chapter, the Tonkawa Chapter, includes both of these ecoregions.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason