Nature Trail System
There are many trails and roads on the ranch for your hiking pleasure. A section
of the trail, known as The Nature Trail, one qarter mile in length, winds along
the creek between The Center and Madrone Lake. Along the way many of the trees
and shrubs have plaques that identify them by common name and include scientific
names and interesting information about them. We have Nature Trail Hunts for
school groups. We even have some special activities for adult groups that are
interested in plants. At the patio at Madrone Lake we have a "rainfall simulator" usually
called the Rain Machine, that demonstrates the importance of grasses for watershed
health.
Madrone Lake and Arboretum
Our most developed arboretum trail is enclosed in a 47-acre fence, with Madrone Lake as its focal point. Named after the "mother Madrone" tree that is located on the edge of the dam of the lake, the Madrone Lake is an excellent fishing and swimming hole. There are dozens of interpretive tree plaques all over the trail, describing the nature of each tree labeled. There is the Grass Trail located near the lake where one can see and learn more than 80 native grass species. Springs supply the creek system along this trail and there are many beautiful places to stop, pause and reflect.
The Rachel Carson Trail
And speaking of silent springs, this trail begins where the Madrone Lake ends, just beyond the gated fence line heading west up Miller Creek. This trail is rarely traveled by guests, but is frequented by cows, deer and other wildlife. Along this trail, dozens of maple trees have been planted, along with many other species. In the spring time, this is a popular hang-out for a variety of warblers, including the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler. It brings you to the road, just east of Carter Tank and the headwaters of Miller Creek.
Grass Trail
The Grass Trail is devoted entirely to grass species found on the ranch. While this is a continually evolving project, currently 85 of the 94 grass species found
at Selah are represented on the trail. A Teaching Trail area was added
that includes 20 of the more common grasses found at Selah planted in plots
large enough for groups to surround to facilitate the learning process.
A planned addition to the grasses trail will be a prairie restoration site. This will allow visitors to take a leisurely stroll through a mid-grass prairie for learning or just the pure enjoyment of grasses. This trail has been used extensively with educational programs for ranch workshops, area range plant judging teams, 4H and FFA clubs.
Louis Bromfield Trail
This trail, named after Mr. Bamberger's inspiration for the vision of this ranch, is located just across the street from the Hes' Country Store, heading left and following the beautiful creek that becomes "Miller Creek". This is a short, linear trail that ends at a dirt road. Along the way, you will see many of the maple trees that Mr. Bamberger and his dedicated staff have planted over the years, along with bald cypress and other Blanco County endemic trees. This trail is very quiet and serene, with the babbling creek as your main companion.
The Jane Goodall Trail
Connecting Madrone Lake to the Bromfield trail is this rustic walk that follows the creek starting below Madrone Lake's dam and heading east. This trail is named after Dr. Jane Goodall because of her extensive work with protecting endangered species and the global environment. A visitor to the ranch in the fall of 2003, Dr. Goodall inspired the staff and guests to greater heights, and it is with great honor that we name this beautiful trail after her. In the winter of 2003, a group of volunteers from the Texas Trail Tamers developed this trail based on the suggestions of the Austin Waldorf senior class of 2002. Along this trail you will see the evidence of 10+ years of Mr. Bamberger's work of trying to protect and propogate an endangered species of tree called the Texas Snowbell. More than 30 of these plants have been introduced along this creek-side trail and they are truly a beautiful and delicate sight. You will also see excellent specimens of the Madrone tree along the way. In the words of the United Nations Messenger of Peace, Dr. Jane Goodall:
"Only if we understand can we care; only if we care will we help; only if we help shall all be saved."
The Aldo Leopold Trail
Don't miss our newest trail, the Aldo Leopold Trail. The development plan for this trail began in January 2004 in which the Louis Bromfield trail that ends at the road continues east, following the creek. Benches for contemplating and reflecting will be placed throughout the trail. There are groves of Lacey oaks and Eve's necklace trees that can be seen, and in May of every year we document nesting pairs of the federally listed endangered species, the Golden-cheeked warbler.