LBJ National Grasslands

SWF

Todays post is to clear up a popular misconception about the National Grasslands in Texas. The Grasslands are not great expanses of grass as far as the eye can see. At least not today. The early settlers moved in with homesteading, farming and ranching. The establishment of national grasslands has saved old remnants and added to these by purchasing adjacent farms and ranches as they became available.

However, even in early history, the grasslands were/and are cut with rivers, streams, oxbow lakes, and wooded valleys(see photo below). White-tailed deer, small mammals, coyotes, bobcats, red fox, waterfowl, bobwhite quail, turkey, and songbirds thrive in the diverse habitats provided by the Grasslands. Largemouth bass, blue and channel catfish, and various sunfish species are common catches at the many lakes that dot the Grasslands' landscape.

A Wooded Valley Cutting Across the Grasslands
Photo from a small hill on the LBJ National Grasslands
You can see for miles under the clear sky!

Be sure to click on the photo and scroll to its bottom
to see some of the native grass.

As of 30 September 2007, the total area of all 20 National Grasslands(click here) was 3,843,037 acres (15,552 km2).
Click on the link and read the short article. It's really interesting.

Do you live near a native grassland or have you visited one?
Leave a comment.

For other SWF posts,
see the SkyWatch site here.

Troy

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Big Alligator

Question: What does a 12' Texas Alligator eat ?

Answer: Anything that he wants to !

We saw this big fella at Anahuac National Wildlife Refuge near the town of Anahuac.

The nearby town of Anahuac has a Gatorfest. 13 footers have been recorded there. This one may have been that long, but I couldn't get a good estimate because the end of the tail was hidden. this photo was taken before Hurricane Ike. Unfortunately the Alligator population was decimated by the ocean surge of salt water that overran the Reserve.

Here's a link. Click here.

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Last Days of Summer

SWF

Where Sky meets Sand and Surf
Bolivar Peninsula

East of Galveston Texas
Pre-Hurricane Ike

I am posting this on the anniversary of Ike
and to honor the recovery efforts.

Comments appreciated.

For other SWF posts,
see the SkyWatch site here.

Troy

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LBJ National Grasslands

SWF

I'm posting a bit early as Martha and I have been busy lately working on our certification for 'Texas Master Naturalists'.

I have also been spending a fair bit of time working on our new nature blog "I C U Nature"(click here). It's a 'nature photography only blog' with lots of information included. Visit and leave a comment. Tell us what you think.

Now, for today's memories "lost under the sky"!
This old house is located on the National Grasslands of North Central Texas. It's a favorite spot for a day trip and only about an hour away. It's a great place for birding and seeing everything from Painted Buntings to Road Runners, not to mention Hawks soaring lazily overhead and Quail calling in the distance. Just the idea makes me want to go this weekend.

Lost under the Sky
With only Memories

(Click on the photo for a closer look)

Idea by Martha
Photo by Troy: Nikon D70

The Caddo and Lyndon B. Johnson (LBJ) National Grasslands are located in two areas northeast and northwest of the Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex. They not only provide grazing land for cattle and habitat for wildlife, but offer a variety of recreation. The most popular activities are hiking, camping, fishing, hunting, horseback riding, mountain biking, wildlife viewing, and photography.

White-tailed deer, small mammals, coyotes, bobcats, red fox, waterfowl, bobwhite quail, turkey, and songbirds thrive in the diverse habitats provided by the Grasslands. Largemouth bass, blue and channel catfish, and various sunfish species are common catches at the many lakes that dot the Grasslands' landscape.

The LBJ is comprised of more than 20,250 acres with one developed recreation area located at Black Creek Lake. The recreation area consists of seven picnic units, seven walk-in camp units, one improved boat ramp and an accessible fishing bridge. No drinking water is available. The lake is approximately 30 acres in size. The discharge of firearms and hunting is prohibited on and around the lake.

Cottonwood Lake, located 5 miles north of Black Creek Lake, is approximately 40 acres in size and has one improved boat ramp. No recreation facilities are provided. The discharge of firearms is prohibited in the vicinity of Cottonwood Lake. However, from November 1 through February 28, the use of shotguns, excluding slugs and buckshot, for legally hunting game birds and game animals during state designated seasons is permitted.

The Cottonwood-Black Creek Hiking Trail is 4 miles long and connects the two lakes. It is rated moderately difficult. There are nearly 75 miles of multipurpose trails which run in the Cottonwood Lake vicinity.

TADRA Point is a designated trailhead camping facility that is a primary access point for the 75 mile LBJ Multi-use Trail system. Only a few restrooms and parking facilities are provided.


For other SWF posts,
see the SkyWatch site here.

Troy

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Harris Hawk

SWF

King of the Sky Taking a Rest

Harris Hawk
Rio Grande Valley, South Texas

Please, leave a comment here and
Be sure to visit our new 'Nature Only' blog, named 'I C U Nature'.
Your opinion is important !!!
Tell us what you think about the format and appearance
of the new site at WordPress.

Click here to see I C U Nature.

For other SWF posts,
see the SkyWatch site here.

Troy

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