San Marcos Discovery Center
On the left is a White-Striped Longtail butterfly gathering pollen from a lavender-colored blossom of a salvia flower. On the right, a Buckeye plant in bloom with bright orange and red blossoms.
Photos by Melinda Seib
Welcome to the San Marcos Discovery Center, a resource for the city's trails, parks, and the river. The San Marcos Discovery Center is dedicated to fostering a resilient community by promoting environmental stewardship and education. They offer information on native flora and fauna found here in San Marcos, as well as conservation efforts that are in effect to enhance the San Marcos River and the surrounding habitat. Stroll through William and Eleanor Crook Park and enjoy the themed gardens. Inside the Center, you will find displays on many topics.
Location
430 Riverside Drive, San Marcos, TX 78666
512-393-8327
Hours of Operation: Weekdays 8 AM to 5 PM.
The Arboretum Trail
The Discovery Arboretum Trail will take visitors on a tour through various native and adapted woody shrubs and trees. Some of the trees are mature, while some are young and just beginning to establish and grow. The trail is located close to the Balcones fault line and showcases many species of woody trees and shrubs that can grow on either the Blackland prairie or the Edwards plateau, covering a range of habitats including riparian, mesic, and upland species.
The trail winds through the Discovery Center butterfly, bird, herb, grass, and cactus gardens that change beautifully with each season, highlighting plants that grow well in our region. Benches, fish ponds, rain catchment, and composting demonstration areas complement the trail, as does an insect hotel and a large old tree trunk. The insect hotel is home to native bees and other beneficial insects. The old rotten log is covered in fungi breaking down, demonstrating the cycle of decomposition and new life.
Pet Fish Drop Off and Adoption Services
The Discovery Center Pet Fish Drop-Off & Adoption program is intended to prevent non-native fish from entering the San Marcos River and competing with native species’ habitats. The public is invited to drop off or adopt a fish free of charge during business hours. To schedule a time to adopt/drop off a fish, contact the Discovery Center.
Annual Festivals and Programs
Bat Walks - Spring
Migratory Bird Festival – May
Sustainability Fair and Native Plant Sale – spring
Discovery Camp - summer
Monarch Fest and Native Plant Sale – fall
Snakefesssst – September
Parks for Pollinators BioBlitz - September
