My original plan had been to do all three of my walks this week at Eisenhower Park, but curiosity got the better of me. I am still in somewhat of a shock at the drought condition of Eisenhower Park. Even the Ashe Juniper (a.k.a. Mountain Cedar) are showing signs of severe drought stress even though they are one of the most drought resistant trees in South Texas.
Hardberger Park is about five miles south-southeast of Eisenhower Park, or as we say in Texas, just down the road a piece. It is about two-hundred fifty feet lower in elevation. In years with normal precipitation, it has a few intermittent flowing streams. There is also a greater diversity of vegetation with predominantly hardwood trees.
So, I was curious to see how Hardberger Park, San Antonio's newest park and natural area, was responding to the drought in comparison to Eisenhower Park. The drought stress is evident in both parks, especially in the ground cover, but the trees seem to be doing just a bit better at Hardberger Park.
The drought is adding a degree of difficulty in terms of deciding what to photograph, but even under severe stress, nature provides infinite possibilities.
I am writing too much. Once again, the photos tell the story.
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