Freeman Ranch Nature Trail


The Freeman Ranch is a 4200 acre ranch which is representative of live oak, juniper, savanah ecosystem on the eastern Edwards Plateau. At the entrance to this large ranch is a 25 acre nature trail used by the public for such activities as bird watching, day hiking and research.
The nature trail is currently being rejuvenated by the Texas State Wildlife Society in order to make it more interpretive and educational. It will soon be open for educational tours conducted for the benefit of local area schools as well as local organizations. The Texas State Wildlife Society understands the importance of education and will continue to use it's resources to educate the public on wildlife issues.



Construction

    
Wildlife society members Jayson Hudson and Randy Stephens constructing a demonstration herpetology array and digging post holes for the interpretative portion of the trail.
Jayson and Randy taking 5 to discuss the next project.



Plant Species Common to the Trail
Plateau Live oak (Quercus fusiformis)
    
Agarita (Berberis trifoliolata)   and   Texas Prickly Pear Cactus (Opuntia engelmannii)

Ashe Juniper (Juniperus ashei)

Hairy Wedelia (Wedelia texana)


Food, Water, Cover, and Space

Cedar pile used as a quail habitat



Education
    
Jayson Hudson discussing the wildlife use of guzzlers to local children.




© 2006 Texas State University Biology Department