As the Nature Preserve was developed, the first stage was the creation of the Monarch Butterfly Waystation which was completed on April 22, 2018.  Monarch butterflies travel through Hays County in the spring and fall and need milkweed and nectar plants to support them while they are in the area. The Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT) provides grant funding for projects that create and maintain gardens that support the Monarch migration. Labor and other materials needed to establish the waystation were obtained through donations and organizations that provide volunteers such as Texas Master Naturalists, Master Gardeners, the DHCS, and members of the community.  All of the Master Naturalists who live in Driftwood agreed to participate in the project and other MNs from Dripping Springs, Wimberley, San Marcos and Austin have participated as well. They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in managing land for the conservation and maintenance of native plants, grasses, and trees, trail creation and maintenance, rainwater collection, wildlife, and night sky preservation.

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The next phase of the Nature Preserve included marking out, mowing, and mulching a walking trail.  Marking, mowing and mulching the walking trail is an on-going process.  Visitors who take advantage of our walking trail have the opportunity to see all features associated with our Nature Preserve.  Several volunteers under the leadership of Venita Fuller devote many hours during the week to ensure that the bird feeders, water features are maintained for the health of our visiting friends of nature. 

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To enhance and make our Nature Preserve even more attractive for our visitors the Beautification Committee plans to totally revamp the entire 10-acre Driftwood Nature Preserve using volunteers, donated funds and equipment.  This project will begin in May of 2024.  Included in this project will be the following:

 

• Reconstruct the existing 2,000 foot long nature trail with crushed limestone around the perimeter of the Nature Preserve  

• Construct an information kiosk to be built at the trail entrance and will include a map of the preserve, trail and interesting features

• Rebuild the butterfly garden located approximately 400 feet from the start of the trail to include a structure with a self-sustaining water collection feature.  The butterfly structure also features one of three established benches build by an Eagle Scout in 2021

• Showcase the bird observation structure with seating for six built in 2023 by DHCS volunteers 1,200 feet from the start of the trail. It is accessible by car for the disabled with parking for four cars to be constructed there

• A parking lot will also be constructed at the entrance to the Driftwood Nature Preserve adjacent to the nature trail with parking for 8-10 cars

• Signage will be present along the trail denoting interesting features of the area and the structures as outlined above.  An entrance sign will be constructed facing out on RM150 and the front entrance will be developed to exhibit an inviting atmosphere

 

In keeping with our slogan, “Home of Natural Sights and Starry nights,” the Driftwood United Methodist Church has graciously agreed to allow the DHCS and the Hays County Master Naturalists to create and maintain a natural area showcase for the benefit of the entire community on 10.5 acres in the heart of Driftwood. This is a long-term project and the entire community is invited to participate in bringing the natural area to life. (Click the diagram for a larger image.)

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Questions regarding this project should be directed to the Beautification Committee at Beautification@driftwoodhcs.org