A few weekends ago, on our Sunday off, Chris and I went to the Watson Preserve. It’s about an hour from Beaumont and well worth the drive. In fact, it has such a diversity and beat the Sundew Trail at the Big Thicket that day for having more blooms and plants worth seeing. I’d love to meet Geraldine Watson sometime (you must watch the video that is the link!). If you are ever in the area I highly recommend stopping by this place and checking it out.

I’m breaking the trip down into several posts as I took a zillion photos. The photos on this post are with three areas on a section of upland trail near the parking area, mesic slope forest, arid sandyland and longleaf pine upland. Check the map on the link to the website.

Gotta love Smilax.

Geraldine’s house in the background. The trails wind right up to the house. We didn’t see anyone at home.

Maybe a coneflower?

Sassafrass and ferns.

Grasses can be beautiful.

Trillium, reminding me of the AT, and Hexastylis arifolia or a related species. Thanks Prem for the correct i.d.

Lots more to show you in more posts in the future!

More on Geraldine Watson.