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.
More places to visit Chimney Swift towers
TEKS CONNECTION
Science
2nd Grade
2.2 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student develops abilities necessary to do scientific inquiry in classroom and outdoor investigations.
2.2(E) communicate observations and justify explanations using student‐generated data from simple descriptive investigations
2.4 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses age‐appropriate tools and models to investigate the natural world.
2.4(A) collect, record, and compare information using tools, including computers, hand lenses, rulers, plastic beakers, magnets, collecting nets, notebooks, and safety goggles or chemical splash goggles, as appropriate; timing devices; weather instruments such as thermometers, wind vanes, and rain gauges; and materials to support observations of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums
2.7 Earth and space. The student knows that the natural world includes earth materials.
2.7(C) distinguish between natural and manmade resources
2.8 Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky
2.8(C) observe, describe, and record patterns of objects in the sky, including the appearance of the Moon
2.9 Organisms and environments. The student knows that living organisms have basic needs that must be met for them to survive within their environment.
2.9(A) identify the basic needs of plants and animals
2.9(B) identify factors in the environment, including temperature and precipitation, that affect growth and behavior such as migration, hibernation, and dormancy of living things
2.10 Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms resemble their parents and have structures and processes that help them survive within their environments.
2.10(B) observe, record, and compare how the physical characteristics of plants help them meet their basic needs such as stems carry water throughout the plant
3rd Grade
3.2 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific practices during laboratory and outdoor investigations.
3.2(F) communicate valid conclusions supported by data in writing, by drawing pictures, and through verbal discussion
3.4 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools and methods to conduct science inquiry.
3.4(A) collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, wind vanes, rain gauges, pan balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, spring scales, hot plates, meter sticks, magnets, collecting nets, notebooks, and Sun, Earth, and Moon system models; timing devices; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums
3.8 Earth and space. The student knows there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among objects in the sky.
3.8(C) construct models that demonstrate the relationship of the Sun, Earth, and Moon, including orbits and positions
3.9 Organisms and environments. The student knows and can describe patterns, cycles, systems, and relationships within the environments.
3.9(A)* observe and describe the physical characteristics of environments and how they support populations and communities of plants and animals within an ecosystem
3.10 Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms undergo similar life processes and have structures that help them survive within their environments.
3.10(A) explore how structures and functions of plants and animals allow them to survive in a particular environment
4th Grade
4.2 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student uses scientific practices during laboratory and outdoor investigations.
4.2(F) communicate valid oral and written results supported by data
4.4 Scientific investigation and reasoning. The student knows how to use a variety of tools, materials, equipment, and models to conduct science inquiry.
4.4(A) collect, record, and analyze information using tools, including calculators, microscopes, cameras, computers, hand lenses, metric rulers, Celsius thermometers, mirrors, spring scales, balances, graduated cylinders, beakers, hot plates, meter sticks, magnets, collecting nets, and notebooks, timing devices; and materials to support observation of habitats of organisms such as terrariums and aquariums
4.7 Earth and space. The student knows that Earth consists of useful resources and its surface is constantly changing.
4.7(B) observe and identify slow changes to Earth's surface caused by weathering, erosion, and deposition from water, wind, and ice
4.8 Earth and space. The student knows that there are recognizable patterns in the natural world and among the Sun, Earth, and Moon system.
4.8(C)* collect and analyze data to identify sequences and predict patterns of change in shadows, seasons, and the observable appearance of the Moon over time
4.9 Organisms and environments. The student knows and understands that living organisms within an ecosystem interact with one another and with their environment.
4.9(A) investigate that most producers need sunlight, water, and carbon dioxide to make their own food, while consumers are dependent on other organisms for food
4.10 Organisms and environments. The student knows that organisms undergo similar life processes and have structures and behaviors that help them survive within their environments.
4.10(A) explore how structures and functions enable organisms to survive in their environment
4.10(B) explore and describe examples of traits that are inherited from parents to offspring such as eye color and shapes of leaves and behaviors that are learned such as reading a book and a wolf pack teaching their pups to hunt effectively
4.10(C) explore, illustrate, and compare life cycles in living organisms such as beetles, crickets, radishes, or lima beans
Social Studies:
2nd Grade
2.3 Geography. The student uses simple geographic tools, including maps and globes.
2.3(A) identify and use information on maps and globes using basic map elements such as title, cardinal directions, and legend
2.4 Geography. The student understands the location of places in their community, state, country, and the world.
2.4(A) identify major landforms and bodies of water, including each of the seven continents and each of the oceans, on maps and globes
2.4(B) locate places, including the local community, Texas, the United States, the state capital, the U.S. capital, and the bordering countries of Canada and Mexico on maps and globes
2.5 Geography. The student understands how humans use and modify the physical environment.
2.5(A) identify ways in which people have modified the physical environment such as clearing land, building roads, using land for agriculture, and drilling for oil
2.5(B) identify consequences of human modification of the physical environment
2.15 Social Studies skills. The student applies critical‐thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including technology.
2.15(A) gather information about a topic using a variety of valid oral and visual sources such as interviews, music, pictures, maps, and artifacts
2.16 Social Studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms.
2.16(D) use social studies terminology correctly
3rd Grade
3.3 Geography. The student understands how humans adapt to and/or modify the physical environment.
3.3(B) identify and compare how people in different communities adapt to or modify the physical environment in which they live such as deserts, mountains, wetlands, and plains
3.3(C) describe the effects of human processes such as building new homes, conservation, and pollution in shaping the landscape
3.4 Geography. The student understands the concepts of location, distance, and direction on maps and globes.
3.4(A) use cardinal and intermediate directions to locate places on maps and globes in relation to the local community
3.4(C) identify, create, and interpret maps of places that contain map elements, including a title, compass rose, legend, scale, and grid system
3.14 Social Studies skills. The student applies critical‐thinking skills to organize and use information acquired from a variety of valid sources, including technology.
3.14(C) interpret and create visuals, including graphs, charts, tables, timelines, illustrations, and maps
3.15 Social Studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms.
3.15(A) use social studies terminology correctly
4th Grade
4.8 Geography. The student understands how people adapt to and modify their environment.
4.8(A) describe ways people have adapted to and modified their environment in Texas, past and present, such as timber clearing, agricultural production, wetlands drainage, energy production, and construction of dams
4.8(B)^ explain reasons why people have adapted to and modified their environment in Texas, past and present, such as the use of natural resources to meet basic needs, facilitate transportation, and enhance recreational activities
4.8(C)^ compare the positive and negative consequences of human modification of the environment in Texas, past and present
4.20 Social Studies skills. The student uses geographic tools to collect, analyze, and interpret data.
4.20(A) apply mapping elements, including grid systems, legends, symbols, scales, and compass roses, to create and interpret maps
4.20(B) interpret geographic data, population distribution, and natural resources into a variety of formats such as graphs and maps
4.21 Social Studies skills. The student communicates in written, oral, and visual forms.
4.21(A) use social studies terminology correctly
English Language Arts & Reading:
2nd Grade
2.7 Response skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student responds to an increasingly challenging variety of sources that are read, heard, or viewed.
2.7(E) interact with sources in meaningful ways such as illustrating or writing
2.9 Genres: The student recognizes and analyzes genre‐specific characteristics, structures, and purposes within and across increasingly complex traditional, contemporary, classical, and diverse texts.
2.9(D) recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including: (ii) features and graphics to locate and gain information
3rd Grade
3.7 Response skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student responds to an increasingly challenging variety of sources that are read, heard, or viewed.
3.7(E) interact with sources in meaningful ways such as notetaking, annotating, freewriting, or illustrating
3.9 Genres. The student recognizes and analyzes genre‐specific characteristics, structures, and purposes within and across increasingly complex traditional, contemporary, classical, and diverse texts.
3.9(D) recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including: (ii) features such as sections, tables, graphs, timelines, bullets, numbers, and bold and italicized font to support understanding
4th Grade
4.7 Response skills: listening, speaking, reading, writing, and thinking using multiple texts. The student responds to an increasingly challenging variety of sources that are read, heard, or viewed.
4.7(E) interact with sources in meaningful ways such as notetaking, annotating, freewriting, or illustrating
4.9 Genres. The student recognizes and analyzes genre-specific characteristics, structures, and purposes within and across increasingly complex traditional, contemporary, classical, and diverse texts.
4.9(D) recognize characteristics and structures of informational text, including: (ii) features such as pronunciation guides and diagrams to support understanding
Source: Lead4Ward
