The 22nd Annual Stiff Creek Wildflower Walk is a wonderful opportunity to learn about native plants for people of all ages. Members of the Native Plant Society of Texas will help you identify native wildflowers growing in the countryside.
What to Wear: Long pants, closed toe shoes, sunscreen, and insect repellent are recommended.
What to Bring: your camera, wildflower guides, binoculars, swimsuit (if you want), and a brunch item to share after the walk. We plan to start at 9:30 with brunch around noon. Please bring your brunch item ready to be served. We can keep your items hot or cold but cannot cook or heat them.
Directions:4545 CR 412, McKinney, TX 75071 (Home of Brett and Brigette Laplante)
From the intersection of Hwy 5 (N McDonald Street) and Hwy 380 in McKinney, go east on 380 about 1 mile to Woodlawn Ave (CR 331) where there is a Circle K service station on the northeast corner. Turn left and go 2.1 miles to the end of Woodlawn. Turn left on Texas Farm Road 2933 (no sign) and go 3.5 miles to CR 412. Turn right on 412 but it is more like going straight as 2933 curves to the left. Go about 1.2 miles and turn left into the driveway at 4545 CR 412. You can park along the driveway. You will see trucks and a flatbed trailer with hay bales for the wildflower walk.
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.
