Trail crew tackles Schulle Canyon June 15th

Downed Chinaberry tree tackled by SMGA trail crew.

   Trail crew Thursday, the third week in June, saw (pun intended) the crew address limbs and logs and snags and trees that needed some attention in Schulle Canyon. Nestled between Holland Street and Sierra Circle the pocket natural area has Ashe juniper, Cedar Elm, Live Oaks, Mesquite and a half-a-dozen Bois d'Arc trees.  Invasive Chinaberry and ligustrum continue to out-compete the more desirable native trees.
   Wind, drought and flood have taken their toll and pulled trees out of the sloping landscape, blown-down tall chinaberry trees and generally impacted the four trails that total less than a mile. The City of San Marcos Urban Forester, Kelly Eby, joined the crew and provided guidance for the morning's efforts. The SMGA trail crew also discussed future improvement plans with her.

The fruit from a Bois d'Arc

  The 21 acres at 100 Ridgewood at the end of Alamo Street is popular with neighbors ready for a nature fix. Moms with babies in strollers and dog walkers are familiar sights.
  Last week we cleaned up the western section of Spring Lake natural area now open after the Golden Cheek Warbler nesting season closure with weed whacking, lopping, and other maintenance chores. If you haven't experienced Roadrunner, Porcupine, Blue Stem and Centipede trails in Spring Lake the access at N. LBJ is now open although street access is limited due to construction.  --LJ