Master Naturalist Trainees Go on Geology Field Trip

On January 21st, the 2017 Master Naturalist Trainees attended a Geology Field trip with the Capitol Area Master Naturalist trainees.  The field trip took the students to three different locations.  The first one being the Avery Ranch Cave in North Austin. Water & Acquifer Specialist, Nico Hauwart talked to the group about the acquifers in Austin and about the caves that are a vital part of that system around the city.  The group was escorted into the Avery Ranch cave by members of the Texas Cave Management Association. (thankyou guys!). Nico then showed us how the water seeped through the ground into the cave, creating formations and flowing to the acquifers below.

The group then had a chance to listen to soil biologist, Jacob Eikstead tell them about the composition of soils in Austin & the surrounding area.

We also got to talk with teachers Dr. Paul Clements and Ranleigh Hirsh from the Capitol Area Master Naturalists about different resources available to learn more about soil and the geology of this fascinating region.

The next stop was the San Gabriel River to look for dinosaur tracks with Nico.  He told us about two different types of dinosaurs that had tracks in the ancient river bed.  We even were able to spot a few.

The trainees then wrapped up the day with a short tour of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve on Concordia.  The whole day was a great learning experience and many thanks to all that helped make this happen! (Many special thanks to Theresa Rooney, Ranleigh Hirsh, Nico Hauwert, Joel and the TCMA!)