BioBlitz at Ringtail Ridge this Saturday morning

   The sun will be shining and the mosquitoes will be dining but come outside and learn what is growing in the natural area at Ringtail Ridge, 1814 Old Ranch Road 12 (between Dakota Ranch Apartments and Crestwood Shopping Center).
  A bioblitz is a survey of all the living things within an area. It usually involves the public, especially school-age children, to discover the biodiversity within a natural area.
  The rain is forecast to take a break and allow exploration of the trails. Minnette Marr, a local botanist, is leading a plant walk identifying the wildflowers, grasses, and trees found in the 45-acre natural area. Birding walks lead by master naturalists, David and Ann Wormer, will identify all the usual suspects; mockingbirds, wrens, cardinals, but also the possibility of
painted buntings and aquatic birds finding three different water sources. A highlight of the guided walks is Adam Salcedo who will identify edible plants found locally.
    Saturday's schedule is bird and plant walks at 9 a.m. and 10 a.m. and the edible plant walk at 9:30 a.m.
Vincent DeBock led a tree hike at Commons Ford in April.
   Other activities include finding out who makes our trail maps and what goes into the final product. Katie Steele with the City of San Marcos, GIS Department, will be on hand to answer those questions.
   Texas State University (Geography Department) will host several kids activities and trail crew members with the Greenbelt Alliance will assist visitors. Other sponsors include the City of San Marcos and the Hays County Master Naturalists.
  Visit the San Marcos Greenbelt Alliance facebook page for any last-minute cancellations (in case the weatherman gets it wrong). We're counting on good weather but like we said at the beginning, be prepared for hungry mosquitoes with appropriate clothing and spray. There's additional information on a story map http://arcg.is/1TBn6We Also recommended is downloading the free application, iNaturalist and add the "Texas Geo Project" to enter and track your observations.
-- LJ