More native plants coming to popular Austin trail
AUSTIN (KXAN) — A popular trail in downtown Austin is about to get a bit greener. The Trail Conservancy will introduce more native plant species to the Ann & Roy Butler Hike-and-Bike Trail. The Trail Conservancy is an organization solely dedicated to protecting and improving the 10-mile trail.
The new plants coming to the trail include big bluestem, Turk's cap, Gregg's mistflower and the Texas lantana.
"We're planting native grasses and woody species," said Grady Reed, vice president of park operations at the Trail Conservancy. "They have longer roots, they help break up the soil, and they make the area around the hike-and-bike trail and Lady Bird Lake much more resilient."
While winter may not seem like the best time of the year for planting, it gives the plants a chance to grow before the sweltering Texas summer. Extra rainfall during the cold months also helps the plants develop stronger roots.
"Our planting window, roughly, is about from October to March. It's when plants are much more dormant, so you don't have the same stress of the heat," Reed said. "It really gives them time to get established before where the summer times come in."
Public planting days start on Jan. 25, continuing each Saturday through the end of March. Anyone wanting to get involved with the Trail Conservancy can visit its website for more information on volunteer opportunities and event schedules