Hey TOWNies!
Super successful hike at Bright Leaf Preserve this morning! Thirteen of us [CarolynD (& her sister SusanJ), CarolynH, DawnK, DebbieB, Effie, Jacque, KayS, LisaS, LoisK (with husband Steve), MarshaK, and SarahA] met at 9 am and hiked for about two hours. Temps were cold and it was indeed windy, but after all we are TOWN women (except for Steve) and everyone hiked well. The preserve is currently is good condition – paths are excellent shape with few water crossings.
What we saw/discussed: Ms. Lucas, Dry Creek, Lindheimer Silk Tassels, Golden-cheeked Warblers, Ashe Junipers, Cedar Choppers, Balcones/balconies/steps, Nostoc, Star moss, Devil’s Fingernails, dye and the Cochineal bug, Twist-leaf Yucca, Georgia Lucas’s home, Kitty Condo, Eagle Scout project, and Bracted Twist flower.
And regarding questions asked:
Galls or cecidia, are a kind of swelling growth on the external tissues of plants, fungi, or animals. Plant galls are abnormal outgrowths of plant tissues, similar to benign tumors or warts in animals. They can be caused by various parasites, from viruses, fungi and bacteria, to other plants, insects and mites.
The grave site location of Ms. Georgia B. Lucas is not given on the websites visited.
Why Cedar Choppers cut trees in the Bright Leaf area? The Ashe Juniper in that area is more acidic and therefore longer lasting than other cedars. Source: Central Texas Gardner on PBS during lunch today!
The life of Ms. Lucas: As a girl Ms. Lucas “had an artistic bent and loved wandering in the woods. Her family would escape the swelter of summer in the city at their hilltop cabin near Mount Bonnell. The shaded paths, birds songs, wildflowers and creek were a life-long inspiration and became her refuge and home as an adult. … Lucas was a savvy businesswoman, amassing 216 acres of undeveloped land west of downtown. Lucas lived in her home in town, managing residential rental properties across the city, but she visited her private nature preserve almost daily, spending time with her cat companions, dabbling in watercolors, and strolling the grounds. (quote from Austin Community Foundation)
Thanks so much to each of you for joining me today!
Jacque