Here I have identified and given an overview of unique plants, wildlife, rocks, and minerals seen on my adventures!
Garter Snake
Although most everyone wants to run in the opposite direction at the sight of a snake, these snakes can actually be one of your best friends. The Garter Snake is a non venomous snake that feeds on slugs and other small insects. They are usually not aggressive unless toyed with. The Garter Snake can be found all over Texas. The good news is that they are more pest killers than vermin themselves. For more information and how to identify a Garter Snake check out Herps of Texas’s article here.
Southern Plains Toad
This friendly, non venomous amphibian can be found in backyards and gardens all across central Texas and the southern coastal plains in North America. These toads usually chirp as the sun sets and into the late-night hours. They make excellent bug killers. The toads prefer humid climates, which means they’re more common to find in the spring and summer. Although the Southern Plains Toad is harmless to humans, the toad secretes poison from it’s skin that can be harmful to dogs if licked. For more information on how to identify these little friends you can check out the San Antonio River Authority’s page here.
Texas Wild Rice
This grass-like plant can be spotted in the San Marcos River and is especially abundant in Sewell Park. However this ‘grass’ is actually Zizania texana, or better known as Texas wild rice. This plant is extremely protected as it is federally endangered. The San Marcos River located in Hays County, Texas is the only place on earth where you can find Texas wild rice. For more detailed history and scientific information, check out the Texas State Historical Association’s article here.
Hidden Texas 