May 2024

By Ranger Kate

Wildflowers on the Western Trail

Spring is well under way with fields full of wildflowers, trees full of migrating birds, and creeks full of rainwater. We’ve already received a decent amount of rain this year, and the flowers are loving it. With the flowers comes the full force of this season’s pollinators. Swallowtails, fritillaries and hairstreaks flutter from bloom to bloom while all the bumbling bees bury themselves in the pollen. Female turkeys have tiny troops following behind them, and snakes of all sizes slither to investigate their homes after the chilly winter.

It seems like anywhere I go in the park I stumble across a new stunning view or startle some kind of wildlife. It’s a very exciting time to be in the park and it reminds me of the importance of balance between recreation and wildlife.

A Juniper Hairstreak butterfly on a ragwort flower

It's fun to spend time on a boat on a lake, or sit around a campfire with loved ones, or generally explore wild places. But we have a unique opportunity for wildlife as well.

While we are the nesting grounds of an endangered species (golden-cheeked warblers), our park is also home to lots of wildlife. The animals deserve a space to live, too. That’s why, of the 4,871 acres, less than 200 acres will be developed for camping.

Many species such as summer tanagers, white-tailed deer, and raccoons adapt well to the presence of people. But others, such as wild turkeys, bobcats, and black-capped vireos, tend to be shyer and need space to escape.

A red eared slider looking for place to lay her eggs

A healthy ecosystem has all these animals. This is where a great balancing act comes into play to provide a space for all two-legged, four-legged, six-legged, and no-legged guests to enjoy our park.  

A baby plains rat snake

For these reasons, a team comprised of wildlife specialists, cultural specialists, and park planners worked together during the planning stage. We will be a park for both people and wildlife. This determines what types of boats are allowed on Lake Tucker, what types of lights are installed, and when rangers will trim trees or mow grass.

When we do open, you can be part of the mission, too! You can do this by always picking up your trash, leaving any cool rocks or fossils where you find them, staying on trails so flowers continue to bloom, and giving space to animals when you encounter them. This allows wild spaces to remain wild as you enjoy your visits. Besides, what’s a state park without wildlife!  

Construction update

Speaking of the park taking shape, I bet you’re wondering how construction is going! Things are moving along at a pretty steady pace.

Phase I of our trail system is just about done. We’re waiting on one more load of supplies and then those trails will be complete. Hurray! 

Our pavilion has a foundation and crews should begin framing over the next couple of weeks.

Sidewalks, walls and roofs for the headquarters building are being installed. Concrete work is almost finished.

The headquarters building gets solid walls!

We got a shipment of supplies for the roof of our equestrian bathhouse recently. Work should continue very soon on it.

The piles for our Fishing Pier are slow going due to the rock, but they’re going, nonetheless.

That’s the updates for this month. More to come, so keep checking back!  

The foundation slab for a pavilion

Limestone stairs from day use parking lot to fishing pier walkway