Date: 02/24/2011

Number: 1

I walked along FM 1826 and County Road 367 in Southwest Austin Tuesday, 2-22, where I collected milkweed seeds last year. No sign of milkweed sprouts, as yet. Also scoured my way-station for signs. No milkweed.

Historically, I first spot milkweed and monarchs March 8-19.

Although we are technically in a drought, this has been a cool damp winter. Little measurable precipitation, but lots of mist in the morning and clouds all day. When I did in unirrigated soil, there is residual moisture. In addition, the tap roots of our two primary native milkweeds (antelope horns and zizotes) should result in some foliage regardless of rainfall. (One more reason to plant natives!)

Hoping for rain and counting on resilience of native plants.

Austin, TX

Latitude: 30.2 Longitude: -97.7

Observed by:
Contact Observer

The observer's e-mail address will not be disclosed.
Contact will be made through a web-based form.