It was a nice sunny day when we arrived at Plum Creek, where we met Tyler Sanderson and Steven Risinger.  Tyler and Steven are part of the Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust, they are the ones that manage and maintain Plum Creek. There they explained their plans of hopefully raising enough funds to turn Plum Creek into a more hikeable place and also adding a nature center. Currently, it is mostly just a wetland with various water holes that are dry.

We then proceeded to walk towards a bridge that was in Plum Creek, the grasses were fairly tall, and there was a trail/ firebreak that lead to the bridge. On our way we saw some of the dried water holes, and what used to be an area where a beaver took down a tree.

View of the tall grasses at Plum Creek (Photo by Stephanie Calleros)

View of the tall grasses at Plum Creek (Photo by Stephanie Calleros)

On our way to the bridge, they told us how they were planning to do a controlled fire (explains the fire break) but were delayed by weather. Also if you ever happen to walk through a firebreak (plowed type) it’s a lot like walking on sand. We then finally arrived at the bridge where there were many, and I mean many of these small caterpillars.

Small caterpillar at the Plum Creek Bridge (Photo by Stephanie Calleros)

There were some so small that they even floated with a piece of silk. While on the bridge we were explained one of their main conservation problems. That is founding, founding for projects is actually easier than founding for their own pay. We also learned that when trying to change/amend their conservation easement they have to work with multiple entities (turns out it’s difficult and takes a long time). We then headed back to view the property with a car, on our way back we spotted what seemed to be a wild boar on the other side of a fence (if on property they are usually shot when spotted).

We rode around (it was super bumpy, I even bought some nice air), and stopped at an area above the river that would normally feed the wetland.

View of the river at Plum Creek (Photo by Stephanie Calleros)

The river is mostly fed by a wastewater facility in Kyle so the water isn’t the cleanest, but it allows the area around it to remain green. I bet Plum Creek would look very pretty once all of the waterholes are full. If you have the chance to visit you should, and I hope that their goal of a nature center is achieved so that many more people visit.

Post by: Nelsvic Loza

Photos by: Stephanie Calleros