Lyn Mefford will share some tips, tricks and tools that can make gardening and landscape maintenance simpler and more efficient.

The City of Horseshoe Bay is hosting a FREE community Stargazing Party on Thursday, October 16, 2025, from 7 -10 p.m. at the Horseshoe Bay Nature Park. This event is open to residents and visitors. Join the celebration of the city’s prestigious designation as an International Dark Sky Community, a recognition awarded by the International Dark-Sky Association for the city’s exemplary efforts to preserve naturally dark night-time conditions. For more information, please visit the City of Horseshoe Bay website.

Featured speaker Katie Fallon, author of the book Vulture: The Life of an Unloved Bird, will talk about Turkey Vultures. Topics will include the vultures’ feeding, nesting, and roosting habits, migratory behaviors, and some common misconceptions about these birds. Katie also will discuss what it’s like to be “up close and personal” with Turkey and Black Vultures through her work with the Avian Conservation Center of Appalachia. Full details and the link to register for this FREE online meeting can be found here.

The Ranch describes this tour as follows: Explore various prairie, woodland and riparian habitats on the ranch to identify and learn about the forbs, grasses and woody plant species of Central Texas. To aid in our search we will utilize Bill Carr’s Spicewood Ranch Plant List of the 600 plant species found on the ranch. The Introductory Botany Tour will focus on the 75 most common species on the ranch. (The Intermediate Botany Tour, in September, will assume that the participants might know many of the common species, and will focus on the lesser well known species.) These field Botany Tours are aimed at students, ranchers, gardeners and others interested in increasing their knowledge of Central Texas plants through field classes, books and the internet.

Those interested in registering for the tour should do so here. A liability waiver is required to complete the registration.

N.B.: This hike is subject to cancellation due to the government shutdown. Please check back in the days leading up to the hike.

This hike is a great opportunity to enjoy some birdwatching in the peaceful surroundings of Doeskin Ranch, which is a part of the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge. All skill levels are welcome to take part in this FREE guided hike. Terrain is mixed, with parts being relatively flat and others having inclines, declines, and/or loose rock. Participants should bring their own binoculars, water, insect repellent, and sunscreen, and wear closed-toe sturdy shoes that are appropriate for the terrain. Hiking poles are recommended.

This hike is strictly limited to 20 participants, so registering early, using the link provided here, is strongly encouraged.

This event is for any family with children that would like to visit the Refuge! The hike will be accessible for children of all ages. Register early, here, for this event if you wish to attend, because spaces are strictly limited and tend to fill up very quickly. Participants should plan to arrive 15 minutes early, and are advised to bring water, snacks, insect repellent, sun screen, and may want to wear closed-toe shoes and long pants.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. This month, inspired by our October speaker Jennifer Bristol, members are invited to visit a parking lot and/or cemetery to engage in some birdwatching. Then, bring your list of observations and share your experiences, surprises, and highlights during the discussion.

Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of birding in unusual places!

As part of its Green Thumb Program, the Highland Lakes Master Gardeners Association is hosting Master Gardener Hank Rominski and nature photographer Sissy Rominski for a FREE talk about building pollinator gardens. It may be easier than you think to create an eye-catching, colorful bounty for pollinators!

Certified permaculture designer Bailey Hoops will discuss a wide variety of native trees, including canopy and understory trees. Participants will learn tree characteristics, preferred growing conditions and how tree choice can leave a legacy to the people and wildlife surrounding them. The Trees of Hope class offers choices to help everyone feel empowered to make positive changes in their immediate environments and communities. Find full details, including links to access the online meeting, here. 

Our colleagues in the Highland Lakes chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas are holding a plant sale on the square in Burnet. It will start at 9:00 a.m. and continue until plants are sold out - which can happen very quickly, often as early as 11:00 a.m. Come early for the best selection of native plants for your yard! Why “go native”? Because these plants are already adapted to the natural conditions of this region, which typically means less work for you and less demand for water.

SAVE THE DATE: A field trip to Pedernales Falls State Park is planned for HLBWS members on October 28, 2025. The exact times are still to be determined. Members should be on the lookout for an email through Groups.io with full details.

Monika Maekle will talk about the importance of selecting native plants that contribute in multiple ways to the ecosystem, beyond being aesthetically pleasing. This is the topic of her new book, Plants with Purpose: Twenty-five Ecosystem Multitaskers. Find out more about the native plants that help sustain wildlife, provide health benefits and/or serve as food services, among other benefits. If attending in person, no advance registration is required and the meeting room doors open at 6:30 p.m. Please register here if you wish to attend the online meeting.

The deadline for all HLBWS members to submit their photos for this fall’s Photo Bingo Challenge is 9:00 p.m. tonight. The results will be tallied to determine whether the North Burnet County Bulldogs or South Burnet County Mustangs scored the most Bingos to win the competition.

Each Sunday (except for any 5th Sunday in a given month), for $10/person, an expert guide leads a bird walk around the various habitats of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Participants may see as many as 30-50 different bird species. The bird walk can last up to 4 hours and is best suited for those aged 15 and up. Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 participants each. For full information and the link to purchase tickets, please see the list of events on this page.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-October for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

This bird and plant walk, suitable for ages 8 and up, will be led by birders from the Travis Audubon Society and horticulturists from the Wildflower Center. The registration fee is $15/adult or $8/youth (ages 8-17). The guides will help participants to identify both native and migratory birds and the native plants they rely on for food and shelter. Please bring your own binoculars.

Here is where you can find the link to register for this event.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

This FREE hike will begin at the Quarry Canyon Trailhead. The hike is of moderate difficulty due to the inclines, descents, and rocky or slippery portions of the trail. Participants should bring their own binoculars, water, hiking poles, insect repellent, and sunscreen, and wear sturdy shoes appropriate for the terrain. Spaces on this hike are very limited.

Registration for the hike, which is required, opens on October 15, 2025. Find the full details here.

SAVE THE DATE: Golf cart birding, one of the most popular field trips for HLBWS members, is returning. There will be a “pass through” fee of $5/person (subject to change) to participate in this field trip. The fees cover the costs of renting the golf carts; HLBWS does not retain any of the money. Space is strictly limited on this field trip. Members should be on the look out for more specific information, including how and when to sign up for the trip, in the coming months.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-November for updated information about today’s program.

Each Sunday (except for any 5th Sunday in a given month), for $10/person, an expert guide leads a bird walk around the various habitats of Mitchell Lake Audubon Center. Participants may see as many as 30-50 different bird species. The bird walk can last up to 4 hours and is best suited for those aged 15 and up. Tours are limited to a maximum of 10 participants each. For full information and the link to purchase tickets, please see the list of events on this page.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

This bird and plant walk, suitable for ages 8 and up, will be led by birders from the Travis Audubon Society and horticulturists from the Wildflower Center. The registration fee is $15/adult or $8/youth (ages 8-17). The guides will help participants to identify both native and migratory birds and the native plants they rely on for food and shelter. Please bring your own binoculars.

Here is where you can find the link to register for this event.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

Welcome to 2026, everyone! The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society typically meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Due to the New Year’s Day holiday, in January 2026 the meeting will be pushed to the second Thursday, January 8, 2026.

Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-December for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-January for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-February for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-March for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-April for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.

The Highland Lakes Birding and Wildflower Society meets on the first Thursday of each month from September through June. This will be the last regular meeting of the 2025-2026 program year. Monthly meetings will resume on September 3, 2026.

Meeting room doors open at 9:30 a.m. for social time and light refreshments. The business meeting starts at 10:00 a.m., and an invited speaker delivers a presentation immediately after the business meeting. If the weather permits, there is a pre-meeting bird walk at 8:00 a.m. at Haley Nelson Park in Burnet.

Please check back in mid-May for updated information about today’s program.

On the second Monday of each month, the Friends of Inks Dam National Fish Hatchery conducts a bird survey led by a team of experts. All HLBWS members are welcome to help with the survey. Be sure to dress for the weather and bring all that you will need for the morning (water, sunscreen, bug spray, binoculars, etc.). For more information about the bird surveys, please use the “Contact Us” form found here.

The HLBWS Study Group meets at 11:00 a.m. on the third Monday of each month, from September through June. Please note that this is the last meeting of the study group for the 2025-2026 program year. Study group meetings will resume in September, 2026. Participants are advised via group email about the focus of each month’s discussion. Come join in the fun and camaraderie, and gain a greater appreciation of the topic at hand.