Join / Renew / Gift Donate Shop Member Portal Language
Search
npsot_bluebonnet_full_color

Native Plant Society of Texas

« All Events

Trees of Phil Hardberger Park

March 22 @ 8:00 am – 10:30 am

Location: The Urban Ecology Center at Phil Hardberger Park, 8400 NW Military Hwy, San Antonio, TX 78231

SPECIAL NOTE: Our presenter has so much to share we are “allowing” 2.5 hours for the full walk, but participants are free to leave earlier.

The event’s purpose is to learn about the many special understory and canopy trees in our area. This walk will be led by Michael Nentwich of Bexar Branches Alliance. Michael has more than 15 years of experience in community forestry management and program development. He was San Antonio’s first City Forester and later served as City Forester and Bureau Manager of Parks and Urban Forestry with the City of Norfolk.

He earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Science and a Master’s Degree in Forestry from Stephen F. Austin University. He has extensive knowledge and a deep and abiding interest in trees as well as being a great communicator. You will be introduced to the common tree species found in the park, and probably will get to see and learn about Eve’s Necklace, Texas Kidneywood, and Little-leaf Mulbery among many other fascinating species.

Please arrive about 7:45 am SHARP so we can register everyone and be ready for an 8:00 am start. You will walk an about 1.5 mile route starting and ending at the Urban Ecology Center. There will be brief explanations at the start and along the way with ample time for participant questions.

Minors only when accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Dogs allowed if leashed and socialized. DIFFICULTY: Easy, definitely suitable for families. Flat terrain, slow-paced.

The trail is a natural surface so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, dependent on the weather, bring water, sun protection, and dress appropriately for the day and season. Suggested $3 individual or $5 family donations to the PHP Conservancy to support enhancements to the park.

This event’s general sponsors are the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department’s Natural Areas Office, the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, and the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club. The SA Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas is a special sponsor.

Contact Stan Drezek (stanwendre@gmail.com) for additional information.or questions.

LEARN MORE AND REGISTER

Organizer: npsot.sanantonio@gmail.com

San Antonio Chapter

View Organizer Website

About the Region

New Braunfels, the location of our Fall 2024 Symposium, straddles both the Edwards Plateau Ecoregion and the Blackland Prairie ecoregion. Interstate 35 divides the city of New Braunfels; its path through the city closely parallels the boundary of these two ecoregions, with the Edwards Plateau on the west side and the Blackland Prairies region to the east. 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 four host chapters (New Braunfels, Lindheimer, Guadalupe, and the Hill Country chapters) are located in one or both of the ecoregions above. However, the eastern portion of Guadalupe County also falls within the Post Oak Savanna ecoregion. Annual rainfall averages 35 to 45 inches, with higher averages to the east. A wide variety of hardwood trees are found, including several species of oaks, elms, and in the Bastrop area, loblolly pine (Pinus taeda). Grasses and forbs dominate in the open savannas, with most common grass being little bluestem. Ranching, agriculture, and fire suppression have allowed woody species to encroach on the once-open savannas.

Source: Wildflowers of Texas by Michael Eason