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Be a Friend of River Ranch County Park
Friends of River Ranch County Park (FRRCP) is a 501(c)(3) organization created to support & provide volunteers for Williamson County's newest park. Join us today to help sustain the park for future generations to enjoy!
NEWS FLASH!
Announcing Two Special Events
River Ranch Celebrates 1st Anniversary with 20-Miler Challenge
FRRCP is delighted to support the 20-Miler Challenge sponsored by the Wilco Parks Department in celebration of the First Anniversary of the opening of River Ranch County Park on July 22, 2023. Individuals, families, groups, organizations and businesses are urged to take part in this user-friendly program which is designed to introduce nature enthusiasts to the RRCP trail system and provide an opportunity for enjoyable outdoor exercise while also commemorating the park’s first year of service to the citizens of Williamson County.
Over the Challenge period, explore River Ranch trails at your convenience, choosing the routes and distances which appeal to you. Visit the trails as often as you wish! When you reach the required 20-mile goal, submit your accumulated mileage records to the County.
To encourage participation in this mileage challenge, FRRCP is donating twenty (20) Annual Park Passes (each a $50 value) for redemption at Wilco parks and preserves. At the completion of the Challenge period, FRRCP will conduct a lottery at which the names of twenty successful 20-Miler hikers will be drawn at random to receive a Wilco Annual Parks Pass. Recipients who already hold a Parks Pass may apply their reward pass credit toward the following year.
In addition, FRRCP will also coordinate monthly Saturday morning Guided Hikes at River Ranch to motivate 20-Miler participants to explore the park’s 20+ miles of trail (see Upcoming Events). Watch for other perks offered by FRRCP throughout the four-month duration of the Challenge.
For the press release announcing the Challenge, click HERE.
For full details on participating in the Challenge, click HERE.
For additional hike routes ranging from 1 to 10 miles, click HERE.
Friends to Gather at Park
for Annual Meeting & Socializing
On Tuesday, September 24, members of FRRCP will gather to celebrate the completion of the fourth year of our mission to support River Ranch County Park.
This gathering of “Friends” at the Day Use Area Pavilion will combine fun and fellowship with the annual FRRCP business meeting. Children are welcome to attend.
Beginning at 5:00 PM, adorable “Animal Ambassadors” from All Things Wild Rehabilitation in Georgetown will visit the Pavilion for FRRCP’s third “Critter Meet & Greet.” Previous ATW guests have included Sam the Screech Owl and native opossum Murphy Brown. (According to ATW volunteers, September’s special attendees will be a surprise!)
Members will also have an opportunity to visit the Interpretive Center, inspect the new Bird Blind, relax at the playground and try their hand at horseshoes or washers in the Pavilion area.
Picnics “al fresco” are encouraged, with FRRCP providing dessert and beverages.
The business meeting will begin at 6:00 PM with a quick review of the past year’s accomplishments and a summary of projects and activities planned for our fifth year of operation. Board Members for the 2024-2025 fiscal year will also be elected. Watch for an E-Blast with full details.
Do plan to take a selfie with Park Mascot “Pokey the Porcupine.”
ABOUT US
OUR MISSION
Friends of River Ranch County Park (FRRCP) is a team of member volunteers who love nature and want to share our love of nature with our community. Our mission is to advocate and support River Ranch County Park through information, interpretation and assistance in the operation, maintenance and conservation of the park.
River Ranch County Park is located at 194 Reveille Way, Liberty Hill, TX 78642. For more information on River Ranch County Park, visit their website here.
OUR MEMBERS
Through financial and volunteer support, FRRCP members ensure that future generations will continue to enjoy the extensive recreational and learning adventures to be experienced at River Ranch County Park.
In return, FRRCP members receive special benefits not available to the general public, are offered unique volunteer opportunities, and are entitled to voting privileges at meetings of the general membership.
Special thanks are extended to our Lifetime Members for their ongoing support.
OUR ACTIVITIES
In partnership with park management, the FRRCP leadership team collaborates with other organizations and groups to offer a variety of activities and programs for adults and children. Chief among those projects is the operation of the Park's new Interpretive Center.
We email FRRCP Members with important news and updates. In addition to the website, you can also find us on Facebook.
All participants in FRRCP activities are required to complete our Liability and Photo Release.
OUR VOLUNTEERS
Members have exclusive access to volunteer opportunities coordinated by FRRCP. Whether you enjoy educating the public, leading hikes, guiding equestrian trail rides, gardening, conservation projects, event planning or fundraising, there's a need for your talents with the Friends group. Our members are especially crucial to the operation of the park's Interpretive Center, which is open to the public Wednesday through Sunday year-round.
All FRRCP volunteers are required to complete the Wilco Volunteer Agreement/Waiver.OUR ORGANIZATION
Friends of River Ranch County Park (FRRCP) is a 501(c)(3) organization which was formally organized on February 25, 2020, through an official partnership with Williamson County.
Both the Director of Parks for the Williamson County Parks Department and the River Ranch County Park Supervisor serve as advisors to our Board of Directors. Details on FRRCP's structure and operations can be viewed via the links below:
Board of DirectorsOUR DONORS
Individual, Corporate and Non-Profit donors make a one-time contribution of either $500 (Sponsor category) or $250 (Partner category) to support the goals of FRRCP.
Donors are publicly recognized through this website, our Social Media sites, and other FRRCP communications. Donors also receive a display item acknowledging their commitment to the Friends group. Please contact us at friendsofriverranch@gmail.com to request more information on becoming a Partner or Sponsor of FRRCP.CURRENT SPONSORS
Native Plant Society of Texas - Williamson County
INTERPRETIVE CENTER STAFFING
Interactive educational displays and maps available at the Interpretive Center introduce visitors to the flora, fauna, terrain and history of the parkland and encourage them to explore its trails and facilities. The Center is open to the public five days (Wednesday through Sunday) a week from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Thanks to the Friends members who generously devote time to staffing the Center, park visitors can interact with helpful park ambassadors and receive a special welcome to River Ranch.
To receive information on volunteering at the Interpretive Center, please email us at friendsofriverranch@gmail.com.
ANNUAL MEETINGS
Annual Meetings are held in September. See links below for information about past Annual Meetings.
2024 ANNUAL MEETING
September 24, 2024, at the RRCP Day Use Pavilion
2023 ANNUAL MEETING
September 26, 2023, at the RRCP Interpretive Center
Photos from 2023 Annual Meeting
2022 ANNUAL MEETING
September 14, 2022, at Main Street Social in Liberty Hill
Photos from 2022 Annual Meeting
2021 ANNUAL MEETING
September 8, 2021, via Zoom
2021 Annual Meeting - YouTube Video
Upcoming Events
20-Miler Challenge - Guided Hikes
Saturday 9/21/24 from 8:00 - approximately 11:00 AM
Trailhead Parking West -- or -- Trailhead Parking East
Open to 20-Miler Challenge Participants (Park Fees Apply)
Youth Participants Must Be 10 Years+ and Accompanied by an Adult
No Registration Required
Participants in the RRCP 20-Miler Club challenge have an opportunity to explore either Trailblazer Route #5 or Trailblazer Route #1 of the program’s five-segment Trailblazer options. Both hikes are of moderate difficulty level and will be conducted at a moderate pace. For turn-by-turn descriptions of the hikes, visit the RRCP 20-Miler Challenge website. Route #5 covers 5.19 miles and departs from Trailhead Parking West. Route #1 covers 5.4 miles and departs from Trailhead Parking East. These Guided Hikes are coordinated by FRRCP Board member Kathy Corbett and conducted by trained Hike Leaders with the Sun City Hiking Club, an official Sponsor of the Friends group.
2024 Annual Meeting
Tuesday 9/24/24 at 6:00 PM
RRCP Day Use Pavilion
Park Fees Apply -- No Registration Required
On Tuesday, September 24, members of FRRCP will gather to celebrate the completion of the fourth year of our mission to support River Ranch County Park. A gathering of “Friends” at the Day Use Area Pavilion will combine fun and fellowship with the annual FRRCP business meeting. Children are welcome to attend. Beginning at 5:00 PM, members will have an opportunity to visit the Interpretive Center, inspect the new Bird Blind, relax at the playground and try their hand at horseshoes and washers in the Pavilion area.
Picnics “al fresco” are encouraged, with FRRCP providing dessert and beverages. The business meeting will begin at 6:00 PM with a quick review of the past year’s accomplishments and a summary of projects and activities planned for our fifth year of operation. Board Members for the 2024-2025 fiscal year will also be elected. Watch for an E-Blast with full details. Do plan to take a selfie with Park Mascot “Pokey the Porcupine.”Nature Journaling Part 2 - Focus on Plants at River Ranch
Saturday 10/5/24 from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Meet at Interpretive Center Classroom
Open to FRRCP Members and One Accompanying Child (Age 10+) Per Adult (Park Fees Apply)
Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BABA623AAF8C25-50182686-introduction#/
Nature Journaling is a pathway to exploring the natural world and discovering your connection to the environment. This workshop is the second in a series of nature journaling workshops. Future workshops will be conducted on a quarterly basis. Participants will learn a few tips about sketching and then move outside to observe and sketch plants and other natural materials found in the park. For those who attended the first workshop, please bring the Nature Journal you started. For those who did NOT attend, we will provide you with a journal. Nature Journaling workshops will be led by Betsy Murphy, a FRRCP Board member, Texas Master Naturalist, and art educator.
Class will meet in the Interpretive Center classroom then move outside to journal in the park. Please bring a lawn chair, stool or blanket to sit on. All other materials will be provided free of charge.
20-Miler Challenge - Guided Hikes
Saturday 10/19/24 from 8:00 - approximately 11:00 AM
Day Use Area -- or -- Trailhead Parking West
Open to 20-Miler Challenge Participants (Park Fees Apply)
Youth Participants Must Be 10 Years+ and Accompanied by an Adult
No Registration Required
Participants in the RRCP 20-Miler Club challenge have an opportunity to explore either Trailblazer Route #2 or Trailblazer Route #3 of the program’s five-segment Trailblazer options. Both hikes are of moderate difficulty level and will be conducted at a moderate pace. For turn-by-turn descriptions of the hikes, visit the RRCP 20-Miler Challenge website. Route #2 covers 4.24 miles and departs from the Interpretive Center patio at the Day Use Area parking lot. Route #3 covers 4.58 miles and departs from Trailhead Parking West. These Guided Hikes are coordinated by FRRCP Board member Kathy Corbett and conducted by trained Hike Leaders with the Sun City Hiking Club, an official Sponsor of the Friends group.
20-Miler Challenge - Guided Hikes
Saturday 11/16/24 from 8:00 - approximately 11:00 AM
Trailhead Parking West
Open to 20-Miler Challenge Participants (Park Fees Apply)
Youth Participants Must Be 10 Years+ and Accompanied by an Adult
No Registration Required
Participants in the RRCP 20-Miler Club challenge have an opportunity to explore either Trailblazer Route #4 or Trailblazer Route #5 of the program’s five-segment Trailblazer options. Both hikes are of moderate difficulty level and will be conducted at a moderate pace. For turn-by-turn descriptions of the hikes, visit the RRCP 20-Miler Challenge website. Route #4 covers 3.09 miles and departs from Trailhead Parking West Route #5 covers 5.19 miles and also departs from Trailhead Parking West.. These Guided Hikes are coordinated by FRRCP Board member Kathy Corbett and conducted by trained Hike Leaders with the Sun City Hiking Club, an official Sponsor of the Friends group.
Birding Class
Saturday 11/23/24 from 9:00 - 10:30 AM
Save the date for a birding class with Jim Hailey. Details TBD.
Current Projects
Interpretive Center Training
On June 29, new recruits Mary Raymond and Vivian Kirkbridge joined the loyal group of FRRP volunteers who staff the RRCP Interpretive Center. Long-time hiking buddies and outdoor enthusiasts, they look forward to sharing their love for RRCP with visitors. During their one-hour orientation session, Mary and Vivian reviewed the basic guidelines for welcoming visitors, distributing park information and answering questions about the educational exhibits. For information on assisting with this vitally important visitor service, email us at friendsofriverranch@gmail.com.
Bird Blind Project
When visiting the park this summer, check out a FRRCP project currently underway to construct a Bird Blind in a grove across from the Interpretive Center. Funded entirely by donations, the 8’ x 12’ wood blind will feature viewing windows on the front and sides as well as a solar-powered recirculating water feature to attract wildlife. FRRCP Board Member Wayne Collins and member John Kendall are coordinating the effort in collaboration with River Ranch staff.
Havens Created for RRCP Wildlife
Humans aren’t the only visitors to enjoy the water feature and feeding stations visible through the glass-walled exhibit room in the Interpretive Center. Not only are many varieties of birds “flocking” to the feeding area, other inhabitants of River Ranch CP have also discovered this special wildlife oasis. Funded entirely by donations, the two feeder areas (one in front and one behind the IC) were installed through the efforts of member John Kendall and are proving to be immensely popular with all species!
To join the team which refills and monitors birding stations near the Interpretive Center, email us at friendsofriverranch@gmail.com.
Barbed Wire Removal Project
Over the course of two grueling work sessions (one in February and one in April), volunteers cleared fence line crossings along 80% of the Long Loop trail of dangerous barbed wire and rotting fence posts. A park crew assisted the Friends volunteers by collecting and disposing of the material. Project coordinator and FRRCP member Scott Korcz plans to resume work on this important safety project in the Fall.
20-Miler Challenge Guided Hikes
Just days after the launch of Wilco’s 20-Miler Challenge to celebrate the one-year anniversary of River Ranch, eager hikers got a head start on accumulating mileage along park trails. During Guided Hikes organized by FRRCP, one group (led by Dave Schunk) explored Trailblazer Route #1, while a second group (led by Bill Corbett) hiked Trailblazer Route #2. These July 27 outings marked the first of ten Guided Hikes offered over the course of the Challenge.
20-Miler Challenge “hopefuls” arrived at their designated River Ranch trailhead on Saturday, August 24, ready to brave the summer heat! Mother Nature was kind that day, however, and the two groups enjoyed mild temperatures (in the low 80s) and a steady breeze throughout the morning. One group (led by Bill Corbett) explored Trailblazer Route #4, while a second group (led by Don Shawhan) hiked Route #3. These represented the third and fourth in a series of ten Guided Hikes offered by FRRCP to assist Challenge participants in meeting the November 30 deadline. Routes #5 and #1 will be offered on Saturday, September 21.
Trailblazer Route #1
Use a text section to describe your values, show more info, summarize a topic, or tell a story.
Trailblazer Route #2
Use a text section to describe your values, show more info, summarize a topic, or tell a story.
Trailblazer Route #3 Crossing S. San Gabriel
After reaching the South San Gabriel River, hikers on TB #3 explored the
unmarked, secluded “discovery trail” that parallels the river near Long
Loop.
Trailblazer Route #4 at Bat House Pond
When hikers on TB #4 arrived at Bat House Pond, they found that,
although the pond itself was dry, hundreds of Devil’s Claw plants were
thriving in its sandy loam soil.
HIGHLIGHTS OF OUR PAST ACTIVITIES
Guided Hikes Along RRCP Trails
20-Miler Challenge “hopefuls” arrived at their designated River Ranch trailhead on Saturday, August 24, ready to brave the summer heat! Mother Nature was kind that day, however, and the two groups enjoyed mild temperatures (in the low 80s) and a steady breeze throughout the morning. One group (led by Bill Corbett) explored Trailblazer Route #4, while a second group (led by Don Shawhan) hiked Route #3. These represented the third and fourth in a series of ten Guided Hikes offered by FRRCP to assist Challenge participants in meeting the November 30 deadline. Routes #5 and #1 will be offered on Saturday, September 21.
County Offers Leave No Trace Class
Heather Dykstra, LNT Trainer for the Williamson County Conservation
Foundation, introduced 25 local outdoor lovers to the “Seven Principles” of Leave No Trace at the Interpretive Center classroom on Saturday, August 10. Through this customized course, attendees such as FRRCP member Scott Korcz, also earned the special Pass required for entry into Wilco’s protected preserves – including Twin Springs Preserve at Lake
Georgetown.
Water Conservation Activity
Patrol Leaders with Scout Troop #3451 in Round Rock learned the importance of water conservation in Williamson County through hands-on activities sponsored by FRRCP and presented by Texas A&M AgriLife agent Shelley Franklin on August 3 at the Interpretive Center. A highlight was the experiment with an Environscape model which demonstrated the effect of pollution on aquifers.
Native Plants Activity
During a Native Plants of Williamson County activity at the Interpretive Center on July 20, FRRCP members participated in several hands-on projects involving plant materials. With assistance from Shelley Franklin, FRRCP Board Member and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Natural Resources agent, the group learned to craft "living necklaces" and explored the composition of leaf litter.
Nature Journaling at River Ranch
At the Introduction to Nature Journaling workshop held July 13th at the Interpretive Center, Texas Master Naturalist Betsy Murphy explained strategies and purposes for creating a personal nature journal. Nature journaling is a pathway to exploring the natural world and discovering your connection to the environment. This was the first in a series of free workshops to be conducted on a quarterly basis.
Hiking Group Celebrates Spring Fling
Taking advantage of River Ranch’s extensive trail system and convenient Day Use Area Pavilion, 100 members of the Sun City Hiking Club gathered at the park on April 27th to celebrate the club’s Annual Spring Fling. Although hikers followed four routes of differing configurations and mileages, many of them ended up unexpectedly congregating at the majestic Bell Oak on the Highland Trail.
Solar Eclipse Viewing Party
Joining thousands of viewers throughout Central Texas, visitors to River Ranch CP shared the total Solar Eclipse experience on April 8 from various vantages points within the park. At the Interpretive Center, FRRCP hosted an event coordinated by the Good Water Chapter of Texas Master Naturalists, on official Friends group Sponsor, whose volunteers provided eclipse-themed craft activities as well as brief presentations describing the cosmic phenomenon.
Birding Class and Field Trip
After a lively introduction to the “wonders of birds” presented at the Interpretive Center on February 29 by FRRCP member Jim Hailey (President of Williamson Audubon Group), enthusiastic FRRCP members participated in a Saturday field trip designed to put into practice the techniques they had learned in the birding class. The group was delighted to report that during their outing they sighted 17 varieties of birdlife.
Nature Walks Explore Beauty of Springtime
Participants in Nature Walks led on March 23 and April 13 by FRRCP Board Member and Native Plant Society of Texas guru Sue Wiseman learned all about the flora emerging at the park this Spring. Sue not only regularly donates flower and plant reference materials to enhance the IC Library but also devotes personal time to sharing her expertise on flowers and plants through guided nature walks.
All Things Wild Presentation
Native opossum Murphy Brown, a popular Animal Ambassador from the All Things Wild Rehabilitation Center near Georgetown, charmed twenty-two members of FRRCP at a presentation made by ATW volunteers Roger Rucker and Sharon Dunning at the Interpretive Center on February 10. Watch the website for future critter meet-and-greets.
Wintertime on RRCP Trails
Braving strong winds and bitter cold temperatures, six hardy FRRCP members joined hike leader Mark Moen in a three-mile guided hike along park trails on Saturday, February 17. The route included stops at the Canyon Overlook and the 500-year-old Bell Oak. Check the website for details on upcoming FRRCP guided hikes and nature walks.
Owl Prowl
Hosted by FRRCP members under the leadership of event organizer John Kendall, the November 18th "Owl Prowl" introduced Friends bird lovers to the native owls of Texas. Accompanied by "Sam the Screech Owl," volunteers with the All Things Wild Rehabilitation Center shared fun facts about these birds of prey. To celebrate the initiation of the Interpretive Center's impressive outdoor fireplace, participants enjoyed hot cider and cookies and later prowled the park trails at dusk, staying alert for owl calls and surprise appearances by other creatures of the night.
Annular Eclipse Viewing
Organized by Good Water Master Naturalist volunteers and hosted by the Friends group, the October 14 event at the Interpretive Center attracted individuals, couples, families and groups eager to experience the unique Annular Eclipse occurring that Saturday. Lecture sessions in the classroom preceded the mid-day solar phenomenon. Outside on the terrace and lawn, visitors could use the complimentary solar viewing glasses or learn to make their own special glasses from cereal boxes. Relaxing at various vantage points in the park, participants safely observed the Annular Eclipse as the moon passed in front of the sun and cast a shadow on the Earth between 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM.
Grand Opening Festivities at River Ranch
When visitors to River Ranch CP got their very first look at the park’s impressive new Interpretive Center during the weekend of July 22-23, Friends of River Ranch representatives were there to welcome them and provide information on current and future park activities. At various locations in the Day Use Area, park visitors explored hiking trails, rode horses, frolicked at a playground and asked questions about local flora. Inside the Interpretive Center (where permanent displays will be installed in September) visitors were introduced to the crafts, implements and lifestyles of the Liberty Hill area’s pioneer days. Park highlights accessible by car included: expansive Hill Country overlooks; the Equestrian Area; the Improved Campground; and trailheads leading to heritage trees and the South San Gabriel River.
Become a Friend of River Ranch
To become a member of the Friends of River Ranch, please fill out and submit the Online Membership Application, then submit your dues below by selecting "ACTIVATE a New Membership".
To renew an existing membership, select "RENEW an Existing Membership" below - NO application is required.
Payments are processed through PayPal; you will be redirected to paypal.com to submit dues. A PayPal account is not required.
If you prefer, you may instead mail a Printable Membership Application and a check to:
Friends of River Ranch, P.O. Box 67, Liberty Hill, TX 78642
© 2020