Texas Frog Week
Shark week is almost over, but take heart! Texas Frog Week starts on Sunday — and even though the George Ranch Historical Park is not technically an environmental organization, we do have an abundance of really cool animals on our 480 acres, including bunches of toads and frogs, turtles, livestock, birds and alligators. (By the way, if you’re looking for a cute craft to do with the kids, the Houston Arboretum has a fun idea for a Toad Abode!)
If you’re going to be out at the Park next week, a good place to look for frogs and toads is along our Heritage Trail.
The half-mile loop meanders around picturesque sections of the Dry Creek, which actually isn’t dry at all. You’re also likely to see several alligators basking in the sun. This one was spotted in June wearing some lovely leafy accessories.
Uncle Bob over at the Sharecropper’s Farm (near the 1890s Davis Victorian Mansion) always has a pet or two around for visitors to see. Sammy, a rat snake, visits him from time to time and two sweet pigs are always ready to greet visitors, too. His new buddy, a tiny Red-Eared Slider named “Turtle,” also likes to hang out on the front porch of the Sharecropper’s Farm during the cooler hours of the day. He’s only about two inches long.
And really, any trail at the Park is likely to be a turtle crossing:
He was a little camera-shy, but continued onward once we were out of his way. The Davis Victorian Mansion is also host to a mysterious white chicken who likes to randomly “come a’callin’.” We don’t know where she came from, but she certainly makes herself right at home!
And then, of course, we have beautiful horses and livestock, Longhorns and chickens at the 1830s Jones Stock Farm and 1930s George Cattle Complex. What has been your favorite animal encounter at the Park? And be sure to tag #TexasFrogWeek if you see any frogs or toads hopping around at the Park next week!
