Useful Plants of the Hill Country (rescheduled from May 29)

Native peoples had few resources, so they made the most of what they did have.  Everything that could have a useful purpose, did – from edibles such as herbals, medicinals, and  ceremonial plants, to fibers, leaves and stalks for basketry, construction and weapons.  Think of nature as your favorite big box store.

Master Naturalists Karyn and Mike Parker will share how native peoples made the most of what they had in their environment, as well as what they use themselves such as agarita jellies and yaupon holly teas.

The event starts at the newly constructed amphitheater followed by a plant hike along the creek and pond where Karyn and Mike will show you some of the plants as they grow in nature.

Suggestions for post field trip activities:

If you want to explore the little town of Bertram, just north up 1174:

• Lunch at Fratelli's– a authentic Italian pizza and pasta
• Arts and crafts – Mosaic Gardens – fused glass, jewelry, goat milk soap, mosaics, and other art from local artists
• Distillery – Flanigan’s Distillery – a fun tasting experience
• The Pecan guy – his pecan cake won the Texas-wide HEB cook off contest.  He has a little coffee shop in the lobby of the Bertram library.  (warning – it’s addictive!)

If you’re heading back to Austin on 1431:

• Lunch at Flat Creek Winery just down Singleton Bend Road, about half way to Lago Vista, wood fired pizza, salmon, risottos and pastas, a lovely view and some of the best wines in the hill country (they have the awards to prove it!)  They also have a disc golf, a fun wine-theme gift shop and a variety of tastings.

Map to Doeskin Ranch: