Native Plant Walk at Martin Tract
Description
Adventure behind-the-scenes at the wildlife refuge with a hike on the Martin Tract!
Our guided hiking tours on non-public tracts provide a special opportunity to see portions of the refuge that are set aside exclusively for our native plants and animals! These private tracts are made available to you to view exclusively through our guided hike program.
These hiking tours move at a moderate place, with stops along the way to discuss the birds, plants, history, geology and habitats of the Refuge. We see many native plants and beautiful views along the way.
Guided hike leader Gary Bower will be introducing participants to some of the wonderful plants of the Refuge!
Who is this hike for?
If you are interested in learning more about our native plants in the area, then this hike is for you!
What kind of hike will this be?
Plant walks will go at a slow pace, and we may not cover the entire route. Instead, time will be spent finding and identifying native plants, and getting to know them better. The maximum potential route is 3 miles along an old 2-track ranch road that has 377 feet of elevation gains. The loose rocks combined with short steep slopes make this mostly un-shaded trail a moderately difficult, however, idea for our winter weather! Please be prepared with water and good hiking shoes.
Meeting Location
BCNWR Headquarters: 24518 Ranch Road 1431, Marble Falls, TX
Since this hike is on the weekend when the visitor center is closed, one of the hike leaders will meet you at the gate to the headquarters of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge and give you access to the main parking lot. Once all registered participants are checked in, we will go to the trailhead from there.
Please be there 15 minutes before the hike start time so that we can start the hike promptly. Once the hike begins, no one will be monitoring the gate.
Facilities
Please note that since this is not a public trail, restrooms and drinking water are not available at the trailhead. Lago Vista is ~9 minutes from the trailhead and a convenient place to stop prior to arriving at the headquarters!
Equipment
As always, wear appropriate shoes, bring plenty of water, bug spray, and sunscreen. Due to slippery rocks on the trail, hiking poles are also highly recommended.
Group Size
Registration is limited to 20 participants for this hike.
Weather Advisory and Other Cancellations
In the event that we need to cancel due to extreme weather or other unforeseen conditions you will be notified via email and text.
Participant Cancellations
Our hikes are popular and often have wait lists, if you need to cancel, we ask that you try to do so at least 48 hours in advance so that a wait-list participant is notified in adequate time to be able to join us on the trail!
To CANCEL:
Send us an email at hikes@friendsofbalcones.org