This past Monday, President’s Day, our team had the opportunity to volunteer at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center in South Austin. It was a sunny and chilly day. It was a fun way to give back and volunteer. We also learned some helpful gardening tips along the way.

Our team pruned turks caps to prepare for spring growth, thatched the dormant grasses, and of course pulled weeds in a few of the popular visitor areas.

The Lady Bird Wildflower Center is the State Botanic Garden and Arboretum of Texas. The Wildflower Center’s 284 acres are a mix of cultivated gardens, an arboretum, managed natural areas and wildlands that straddle the Edwards Plateau and Texas Blackland Prairies ecoregions. The center uses native plants to restore and create sustainable, beautiful landscapes. They have events throughout the year, including youth summer camps and programs for adults that focus on garden design, native plants, photography, and more.

On our volunteer day there was a lot of buzz about the return of Athena, the great horned owl. For more than 8 years, Athena nestles right above the courtyard entrance. If Athena and her mate are successful at producing owlets this year, they expect the owlets to fledge sometime in mid-April. The adult female only uses the nest while incubating and rearing her young. You have to look close, but you can see her in this photo!

We loved being able to spend the day at this beautiful place. For more information on the Wildflower Center, visit their website. This weekend they have a few family friendly events going on including Austin Cave Festival and Fortlandia.