Charro Ranch Park
Photos by Melinda Seib and Michael Meves
A photo collage of the sights at Charro Ranch Park. Top right photo of the sundial, to the right looking out of the birding station next to a photo of a large peace sign, a watering area for wildlife and insects, another view of the sundial and towering oak trees.
Charro Ranch Park is a 64 acre park that was donated to the City of Dripping Springs by Lucy Reed Hibberd in December of 2008 after being in her family for about 50 years. The park was created to create a natural setting for passive activities for the community of Dripping Springs to reflect on peace and nature. Birds, grasses, plants and trees are in abundance here.
At least 139 different bird species have been seen at the park. Mammals seen at the park include white-tailed deer, grey fox, armadillo, skunk, grey squirrel, cottontail rabbit and raccoon. Notable trees are live oak, ashe juniper, texas red oak, post oak, blackjack oak, cedar elm, mountain laurel, and Texas persimmon. Sixty seven bird species have been recorded at the park.
The park is listed on the Heart of Texas East Wildlife Trail.
Location
Charro Ranch Park
512-858-4725
22690 W. FM 150, Driftwood, TX 78619
Charro Ranch Park is 5 miles south of Dripping Springs on FM 150. There is a small parking lot at entry off FM 150.
Hours of Operation: Dawn to Midnight
About the Sun
Two big stellar events are happening soon in Dripping Springs! The first is an Annular Solar Eclipse on October 14, 2023.
But the biggest one is the Total Solar Eclipse on April 8, 2024, and Dripping Springs is right in its path! A total solar eclipse happens when the moon is closest to the Earth and is directly between the Earth and the sun. A total solar eclipse happens somewhere in the world every 18 months, but it only happens in the same place approximately every 375 years. The last time our area experienced a total solar eclipse was in the 1800s. The total solar eclipse will be a one-in-a-lifetime event, and Dripping Springs will experience the event beginning at approximately 12:16 pm on Monday, April 8, 2024. The full eclipse begins at 1:34 pm, and Dripping Springs will be in total darkness for 3 minutes when the moon’s disk completely blocks the sun. Experts and those who have been through a total solar eclipse say it is like nothing you've ever experienced. Suddenly, in the middle of the day, a shadow races toward you at 1,500 miles an hour, and the day is gone. Planets, stars, and the corona are visible as the temperature drops, and everyone around is awestruck. You'll never forget it!
More about Grasses
For more about Muhly grass and other native plants, visit the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center plant database.
Green Grows the Grass is a fun learning activity for kids.
