Grasses of Phil Hardberger Park (Read WARNING note)

WARNING: Be sure to wear long pants. Bring water and a hat as well as use a heavy amount of repellent and sunscreen. We may be walking in the sun, on grassy areas prone to chiggers!

The purposes of our event include appreciating the beauty of our natural area, observing how nature changes through the seasons, and learning about our native and invasive grasses.

Our presenter is Cleve Powell, NPSOT-SA member, a self-described plant nerd heavy into collecting, identifying, and propagating natives. With an MS from TCU in Environmental Science, his expertise in grass identification is only exceeded by his willingness to share knowledge. This will give you a chance to see more grass and more fully-developed grasses, especially grass inflorescences, than is possible earlier in the year as well as see the progress expanding our savanna area.

Please arrive by 7:45 am to sign up for an 8:00 am start. The event begins with a talk in the small classroom covering What is a grass, grass and spikelet structure, and grass terminology. There will be pictures of the common grasses seen on the savanna, with close ups of the structural characteristics that help ID the grasses. After the talk we will walk in the savanna restoration area and some grassy areas of adjoining trails. There will be brief explanations of grass species encountered along the way with ample time for participant questions.

Minors only when accompanied by an adult parent/guardian. Dogs not allowed as the talk is in the small classroom. DIFFICULTY: Easy, definitely suitable for families. Flat terrain, slow-paced. This will only be about a one mile walk and with the talk last about two and a half hours ending back at the Urban Ecology Center around 10:30 am

The trail is a natural surface so be sure to wear sturdy shoes and, dependent on the weather, bring water, sun protection, and dress appropriate for the day and season. Suggested $3 individual or $5 family donations to the PHP Conservancy to support enhancements to the park.

This event's general sponsors are the Phil Hardberger Park Conservancy, the San Antonio Parks and Recreation Department's Natural Areas Office, the Alamo Area Master Naturalists, and the Alamo Group of the Sierra Club. The SA chapter of The Native Plant Society of Texas is a special sponsor.

Contact Stan Drezek (stanwendre@gmail.com) for additional information or questions.