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From the Editor
Let me start by thanking the readers who sent in photos for Spring in the Greenbelt. These images, which are featured in the “Moments of Nature” section, will give you an idea of the variety and color you can find in our natural areas in the spring. It’s wonderful to see these things, especially after the rough winter we had.
This month you’ll also find yet another new feature, thanks to former City Librarian Stephanie Langenkamp. In each issue of The Loop, she’ll be introducing you to a new nature-related book available at the Public Library.
We’re also continuing the new feature “My Getaway,” in which we ask a local resident what they most love about the Greenbelt and which trail they most enjoy using. In this issue, we speak to avid hiker Garrie Borden.
The June Loop also includes articles about our native persimmon tree and dragonflies; reports on “Tales on the Trail,” a project of the San Marcos Parks & Recreation Department, and a visit to Prospect Park by students from Crockett School; and a feature from American Trails on the many benefits of creating trails in a community. You will also find photos of the recipients of this year’s SMGA Volunteer of the Year and Community Partner of the Year.
Finally, please remember that entries for the Naturescapes Contest are due by June 28. This year, SMGA will be awarding a new $75 prize for the best photo taken in one of the natural areas. You can find information about the competition here.
Enjoy!
Susan Hanson,
SMGA Board Member and Chair of the Outreach Committee
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SMGA News: June 2021
Take a look at all SMGA has been up to over the past couple months!
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Trail Notes: The Dragonfly
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Ask me to ID a bird, and I will probably get at least within the ballpark: flycatcher, wren, confusing fall/spring warbler (my favorite categories in the old Peterson guide). Ask me about a native plant, and I might even get that right: pecan, oak, cedar elm. But point to a flying insect, and my options shrink dramatically: It’s either some kind of butterfly or a honeybee.
Read more >>
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Tales on the Trails
The City of San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department and Community Action, Inc. are partnering to bring you Tales on the Trails! Tales on the Trails is currently set up along the Virginia Witte Way Trail in Schulle Canyon Natural Area. Each month we will feature a new story for you follow along with as you enjoy the natural area or park.
Read more >>
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My Getaway: A Conversation with Garrie Borden
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In this new feature, SMGA will ask local residents how they use the Natural Areas and what they find most enjoyable about them. This month’s interview is with Garrie Borden, who, with husband Ronnie, is an ardent outdoor enthusiast. The couple moved to San Marcos in 2012 and think the area’s best assets are the river and the trails.
Read more >>
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For the Love of Trees: Texas Black Persimmon
I can spot a Diospyros texana from every window of my San Marcos home. They are simply a part of the landscape, so much so that I could easily take them a bit for granted. Perhaps the same is true for you, but let’s see if we might discover something together to make this native shrub or small tree stand out on its own.
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New at the San Marcos Public Library
In an age when people are in search of new and more fulfilling experiences to replace screens and bring families together, this book explores 100 ways to connect with nature and discover the benefits of forest fun.
Read more >>
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Crockett Family at Prospect
Coach Dylan Jones (a frequent runner at the Greenbelt) organized a school hike at Prospect Natural Area on May 15th. What a great turnout! Principal Keith Cunningham, students, teachers, parents, and SMGA enjoyed a spectacular 3-mile hike on Limbo, Rhipheus, and Virgil.
Read more >>
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Why Trails?
Where would we be without trails? It is a simple question, but it is worth pondering. The longer you sit with this question, the more you will discover the overwhelming impact that trails have on our lives, often in very unexpected ways.
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Moments of Nature: Spring in the Natural Areas
Thank you to everyone who submitted photos for Spring in the Natural Areas! We’ll be doing a similar feature in the fall, so watch for another deadline later this year. View all photos >>
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In this time of COVID, the trail crew is in hiatus and only working individually at the direction of the stewardship committee.
Trail Building
Trail maintenance is a tough job and volunteers are always needed! Join the SMGA Trail Crew every Thursday from 7-8:30 am. Email us or follow @SMGreenbelt on Twitter to receive location, directions, and last-minute weather cancellations.
Gloves, hard shoes, eye wear required. Water bottle, long pants, hat recommended. We supply tools and bug repellent.
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Giving Back
The mission of SMGA is to create and conserve an interconnected system of parks and natural areas for our community and future generations.
We can't do it alone. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation to SMGA.
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