(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
Walking along a trail in the winter you see a whole different side of the woods and grasslands. The UHLNC naturalists recently hosted two groups eager to get a taste of the outdoors in January. The Hill Country Trekkers took on the 4+ miles of League Loop. (Trekkers are not to be confused with Trekkies. There were no “live long and prosper” hand signals, only eager pointing when someone spotted something interesting.) A group of 80 students from Emery Weiner School in Houston were hosted by Outpost Wilderness Adventures. The students hiked, biked, climbed rocks, and learned about animal camouflage, habitats, and even a taste of the unique geology that is the hill country.
With few leaves left on the trees and bushes, it is often easier for hikers to spot interesting things on a winter hike.
(Courtesy of Phil Wyde)
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
Shaded walks are spotlighted by the sun shining through the bare branches highlighting things we might have missed.
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
Nature provides food for birds even in winter.
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
The seeds of the many native grasses provide winter forage for many creatures.
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
Looking carefully under trees and near rocks, interesting treasures are revealed.
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
And along the trails, signs that the fall rains will bring a lovely, colorful spring.
(Courtesy of Paula Richards)
Just a few of the happy hikers who took to the trails on a winter’s day and had a great time.
(Courtesy of Billy Hutson)
Upper Highland Lakes Nature Center 