nature

Martin Byhower, who also advises people on native planting for their lawns, led the bird watching group for the Sun City Nature Club on May 8. (Photos by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Martin Byhower, who also advises people on native planting for their lawns, led the bird watching group for the Sun City Nature Club on May 8. (Photos by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Sun City birders find respite in watching late migration patterns

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, May 12, 2026
“Green heron flying this way,” announced Belinda Avey to the group of birdwatchers during an early-morning Sun City birdwalk on May 8. Bird walks happen twice a month at Legacy Hills Park, with a crowd that ranges from eight to 22 people.
Outside of the Sun City Social Center on November 6, there were signs against the culling of the deer population in the neighborhood. (Photo by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Outside of the Sun City Social Center on November 6, there were signs against the culling of the deer population in the neighborhood. (Photo by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Sun City residents express concerns over deer population maintenance

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Tuesday, November 11, 2025
Outside of the Sun City Social Center ahead of the community’s November 6 board meeting, two signs were placed outside by residents, protesting against the community’s efforts to trap deer and control the animal’s population.
Kendall Britt, right, and Donna Kinney, front, check the birdhouses for Purple Martin nesting activity. The structure is located on the Katy Crossing Trail in San Gabriel Park. (Photos by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Kendall Britt, right, and Donna Kinney, front, check the birdhouses for Purple Martin nesting activity. The structure is located on the Katy Crossing Trail in San Gabriel Park. (Photos by Kaitlyn Wilkes)

Birding group provides shelter with a view for Purple Martins

Kaitlyn Wilkes
Wednesday, April 23, 2025
Every Thursday around 6 p.m. in San Gabriel Park, the “click, click, click” of a crank lowering the Williamson Audubon Group’s Purple Martin birdhouse echoes over the river, as Kendall Britt checks for new nesting activity.
Four-year-old Castle Tucker reaches out to a butterfly at Berry Springs Park & Preserve on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Four-year-old Castle Tucker reaches out to a butterfly at Berry Springs Park & Preserve on Saturday, October 12, 2024. Photo by Andy Sharp.

Butterfly at Berry Springs

Andy Sharp
Thursday, October 17, 2024
Four-year-old Castle Tucker reaches out to a butterfly at Berry Springs Park & Preserve on Saturday,  October 12, 2024.    
Pollinators were busy at the Sunken Garden in San Gabriel Park on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. National Pollinators Week is June 17-23 this year. Photos by Andy Sharp

Pollinators were busy at the Sunken Garden in San Gabriel Park on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. National Pollinators Week is June 17-23 this year. Photos by Andy Sharp

Insects enjoy National Pollinators Week at Sunken Garden

Andy Sharp
Friday, June 21, 2024
Pollinators were busy at the Sunken Garden in San Gabriel Park on Tuesday, June 18, 2024.  National Pollinators Week is June 17-23 this year.  
Pecan Springs Karst Preserve in Jarrell. The cave is home to Tricolored Bats. Courtesy Rachael Lindsey.

Pecan Springs Karst Preserve in Jarrell. The cave is home to Tricolored Bats. Courtesy Rachael Lindsey.

New nature preserve set to open in Jarrell this fall

Nalani Nuylan
Wednesday, August 2, 2023
Hill Country Conservancy is opening a nature preserve in northern Williamson County after an anonymous landowner donated 1,205 acres to the nonprofit. Named the Pecan Springs Karst Preserve, the property is five miles west of Jarrell.
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