Wildscape Project – Nature Along the El Camino Real

Progress on Updated Wildscape

March 12, 2026 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Catherine Johnson

Progress continues on the Pollinators for Texas in the Milam Wildscape. More crushed granite will arrive soon to finish the pathways. The new raised beds were recently planted and Redbud and Arroya Sweetwood trees are budding out. The challenge now is watering until it rains. (It did rain before the blog got posted, which is great news!)

The Pollinators for Texas project is a collaborative effort with H-E-B and the Texas Master Naturalist (TMN) Program focused on enhancing native pollinator conservation across the state by promoting awareness, conservation efforts and creating sustainable pollinator environments. The initiative aims to engage communities in supporting pollinator-friendly practices through funding TMN chapter-led projects and programs.

Signs of Spring

February 14, 2026 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

Catherine Johnson

Signs of spring in February at the Wildscape include these welcome sights:

Fragrant Sumac buds
Bee on Elbow bush
Ducks in mud
Southwest garden

We look forward to seeing how all the work we’ve done for the Pollinators for Texas project comes to life in the next few months!

First Quarter Grant Update

December 10, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

by Dorothy Mayer

This November we finished the first phase of the H-E-B Pollinators for Texas Project at our Milam Wildscspe.

A large number of our members volunteered many hours. Progress included new pathways, seating areas, native Texas redbuds, grasses and groundcovers.

In 2026 we will focus on identification of target pollinators and conclude the project with April and May Community tours.

Planting Native Grasses at the Wildscape

November 23, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

By Sue Ann Kendall

All the preparations have paid off for our pollinator project at the Milam Wildscape. Our grant from the H-E-B Pollinators for Texas is going a long way toward creating just what our target species need.

The pollinators are waiting patiently for their new nectar and pollen sources.

Starting early on Saturday morning, volunteers got their hands dirty and planted many interesting native grasses and ground covers in the new prairie area.

Catherine Johnson explains what kinds of grasses have been planted.

This new section isn’t covered in plastic, because the grasses and ground covers should quickly fill in the space and eliminate unwanted volunteers.

All the different textures and colors of these grasses will provide a beautiful background for other annual and perennial natives.

There are various new plantings elsewhere, thanks to all the creativity and hard work of our team.

Of course, a visit to the Wildscape isn’t complete without some pollinators. We hope their descendants enjoy all the new plants.

There’s another workday next week, then the plants will settle in next month.

Wildscape Renovation in Progress

November 17, 2025November 17, 2025 Sue Ann (Suna) KendallLeave a comment

By Sue Ann Kendall

Our chapter is putting our H-E-B Pollinators for Texas grant to good use. Many hours of hard work, along with materials purchased from the grant have transformed the former jumble of natives and volunteers into a fairly orderly setting for the new native plants that will go in soon. It’s a Wildscape, so it has to be a little wild, right?

There are still lots of fun accessories!

In the past couple of weeks, much plastic has been laid down to discourage some of the more vigorous volunteers from taking over before the new plantings get established. All the paths have new crushed gravel to make the area easier for visitors of all ages and abilities.

There’s still a lot to do—there always seems to be another batch of plants to thin or remove. I wish I’d gotten a photo of all the Turk’s cap getting thinned. That was some effort!

Speaking of effort, while I was chatting, this chicken laid an egg right in front of me!

There were a few bees and butterflies around last Saturday, but I think they’re also waiting on the new sources of sustenance. But not all the flowers are gone!

Hard work is much more fun with cheerful volunteers. Come join our merry band some Saturday! The Milam Wildscape is adjacent to Bird and Bee farm—look us up!