Are there dinosaur tracks in Texas?

We know that Texas, the second largest state in the country, has an incredibly diverse geology and ecosystem. It has tons of natural attractions like a sinkhole, sandhills, a desert, and more! But did you know that you can even find dinosaur tracks in the Lone Star State?

What are dinosaur tracks?

Source: Paul Baker / Friends of Dinosaur Valley State Park

You know how you make footprints when you walk on sand? Well, a long time ago, dinosaurs left footprints of their own — only in their case, they left their prints in hard mud that turned into sedimentary rock over time! These prints are called dinosaur tracks, which is an example of a trace fossil.

Trivia!

Scientists who study trace fossils, which are also known as ichnofossils, are called ichnologists.

WHY ARE DINOSAUR TRACKS IMPORTANT?

A paleontologist is a scientist who studies the history of life on Earth using fossil records

Dinosaur tracks are important because they serve as clues about the creatures that left them. The shape and location of the tracks can help scientists determine the potential species, and the pattern can indicate the dinosaur’s stride and behavior, among other things. These tracks, along with all the other fossils studied by paleontologists, give us a glimpse into the prehistoric world. How cool is that?

WHERE CAN YOU FIND DINOSAUR TRACKS IN TEXAS?

There are quite a few places in the state where you can find dinosaur tracks, including;

  1. Dinosaur Valley State Park - Along the banks of the Paluxy River in Dinosaur Valley State Park are dinosaur tracks from 113 million years ago!

  2. Heritage Museum of Texas Hill Country - Over 200 dinosaur tracks are located in this museum and 2.5 acre heritage site in Canyon Lake.

  3. Canyon Lake Spillway - A historic flood in 2002 revealed the Canyon Lake Gorge, exposing ancient limestone, fossils, and dinosaur tracks from over 110 million years ago.

  4. Leander Tracks - A short, beautiful hike in Leander will lead you to a few prehistoric tracks. Keep an eye out for them!

  5. Government Canyon - The dinosaur tracks here are the only ones in south Texas located on public land. The 110-million-year-old tracks are believed to have been left by Acrocanthosaurus and Sauroposeidon dinosaurs.

Have you found others? Comment them below!

are there DINOSAUR TRACKS in Johnson City, TEXAS?

You bet! Selah, Bamberger Ranch Preserve, just a short drive from the Science Mill, is rich with Cretaceous period fossils and dinosaur tracks. The 5,500-acre preserve is committed to teaching ethical land stewardship through awesome events, workshops, and outreach activities.

Afterwards, you can try your hand at unearthing fossils at the Science Mill! Come check out the Fossil Dig exhibit at the Science & Art Park and see how many fossils you can discover!

Stop by the museum on June 22 for Dino Discovery Day!

Dig into a world of dinosaurs, fossils, and minerals. Admission includes access to special one-day-only activities about fossils and dinosaurs, additional resources for aspiring paleontologists, access to 50+ hands-on STEM exhibits, the movie theater, and more!

The Importance of Regenerative Agriculture

What is Regenerative Agriculture (Reg. Ag.)?

Regenerative Agriculture is an approach to farming that focuses on restoring and improving the health of the soil which benefits both the ecosystem and the community. 

How can we determine soil health?

Soil is a living ecosystem that sustains plants, animals and humans. Healthy soil contains bacteria, fungi and microorganisms that help our land survive. Without proper treatment, the soil itself dies and so does anything that grows in it.

Regenerative Agricultural practices can benefit homeowners as well as larger farming operations. Understanding your soil conditions will help you make informed decisions on ways to protect the environment, conserve water and save money.

What can I do to help?

Regenerative Agriculture practices offer numerous benefits to the environment as a whole. Individuals can implement simple soil protection exercises to support plant growth and maintain healthy soil.

  1. Minimize Soil Disturbance. Soil that is constantly being disturbed, through tilling, raking, digging, becomes much less efficient. 

  2. Keep Soil Covered. Make sure soil isn’t constantly left bare and choose native species and plants for cover.

  3. Grow a diversity of plants that attract different insect and animal species.

  4. Avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

  5. Use proper irrigation techniques to prevent soil erosion

  6. Start a compost bin to recycle organic waste.

Multitudes of Monarchs

Are you ready to join us and be monarch heroes?

This spring, the Science Mill and Science Outside are launching the Monarch Conservation Project – a year-long program dedicated to supporting and protecting the monarch butterflies.

What is the Monarch Conservation Project?

The Science Mill started this project in the fall of 2023 by becoming a Monarch Watch official Monarch Waystation.

This means that we have a certain amount of land dedicated to planting nectar sources for monarch butterflies as they make their way south, to the Oyamel fir forests of Central Mexico. We also participated in physically capturing and tagging adult monarch butterflies as they stopped in our backyard on their journey. 

Infographic by Xerces Society

From last October’s Monarch Tagging

This spring, we are making further efforts by planting a native milkweed garden and rearing a batch of monarch caterpillars for release.

It is the hope that the milkweed will provide for these and other monarch caterpillars for years to come, along with the wonderful nectar sources in our main pollinator garden providing for adults who may stop in for a rest. If all goes well, another tag and release will be on the horizon for next year's events. 

We hope to learn a lot this year about what works best for our site and really support migration in a big way this fall and in the spring of 2025.

— Rachel Grotte, Environmental Education Specialist and Curriculum Coordinator

It is crucial that small efforts like these are made around the continent, as monarch butterflies are struggling more than ever. Overwintering numbers were down by as much as 60%. Despite the monarch butterfly now being on the endangered species list, we remain hopeful that, with the work of numerous great organizations, collaborations, and efforts, they are on their way to recovery. 

The Science of the Monarch Butterfly: Danaeus plexippus

Monarch butterflies have an incredibly complex life cycle and migration cycle. They are considered holometabolous, or undergo complete metamorphosis. This means that they go through all four stages, including a pupal stage.

They change from a wiggly caterpillar, ravenous for tender milkweed leaves, eating a foot and a half before being satiated, to a soft jade green chrysalis, then emerging as a rather large black and orange butterfly, as lovely as it is unpalatable to predators, capable of flying hundreds of miles. 

The migration cycle is even more astounding when you realize that the central monarch migration is happening in a sort of grand relay which takes 4-5 generations before completion. Adults live 2-4 weeks at most in the summer, spending it mating and laying eggs on milkweed. Only one of the generations are migrating butterflies, the last of the year. They can live longer, but face many challenges on their way. Learn more about the science of the monarch life cycle at Journey North FAQ with Dr. Karen Oberhauser. 

What can you do to help?

Plant a Pollinator Garden!

If you plant it, they will come. The butterflies that is! Butterflies, bees, flies and many beetles all love nectar. We can plant milkweeds that are native to our region, plus nectar plants for the adult butterflies to rest and refuel on their long journey. Planting a wide variety of other native perennial flowers will serve as a food source for monarchs and other important pollinators. In Texas, we have over 800 native bee species alone!

Native flowering perennials are hardy plants that are often drought resistant, and come back every year, easily supporting the ecosystem of your backyard. See the Xerces Society guide on what nectar plants are the most impactful for Monarch butterflies in your region. Another option is to plant a mixed seed garden meant for your ecoregion. A Southern Plains pocket prairie is great for most of Texas. Native American Seed, based in Llano, is a great resource for inspiration, quality guides and instructions, plus pesticide free seeds just right for your region’s pollinators. We recommend the Pollinators Essentials or many other highly specific seed blends. 

Avoid pesticides

Monarch caterpillars feed specifically on Asclepias leaves, which are found wild and generally uncontaminated by pesticides. (If rearing monarchs, do not feed from sources that may be sprayed.) Flowering nectar plants sold in many large operation nurseries may have had broad spectrum pesticides applied to them, and are not always safe as a nectar source for adult butterflies. Talking to the people at your local nursery is a great idea. Ask them if they use neonicotinoids and similar systemic insecticides. Let them know you would love to see some pesticide free native plants in the nursery. See this page for more ideas. 

Check this database to find a resource near you!

Remove your tropical milkweed

Through research and observation,it is now known that the tropical milkweed (Asclepias curassavica) should not be planted in temperate areas where it does not die back in winter. It can grow later in the season than native milkweed, confusing adults into breeding and laying eggs instead of migrating. These eggs will not survive the winter. In addition, tropical milkweed has been suspected of furthering the spread of a protozoan parasite of monarch’s called Ophryocystis elektroscirrha, or OE. Normally, native milkweeds die back after blooming and the parasite dies along with them so that each summer’s monarch population feeds on fresh, parasite-free foliage.

Participate in Community Science or Community Projects

A great way to help monarchs and other ecologically important species is to get involved in Community or Citizen Science projects. Reporting sightings of monarch butterflies on Journey North or iNaturalist is easy and helps us learn more about Monarch populations. 

You could also consider planting a local community garden with a pollinator focus or create a seed sharing network with your neighbors. You could talk to your neighborhood about leaving the wildflowers during peak season, and avoiding pesticides in landscaping areas. 

Some Monarch specific online community science projects can also be found on Monarch Watch. You can participate by tagging monarchs, reporting monarch sightings to help with population estimates, or get serious and become a trained participant in the Monarch Larva Monitoring Project. 

Public support and resources to get started: 

Community Science and Conservation

What nectar plants to buy

Seed source

What milkweed for my area?

Check where Monarchs are near you or report your sightings!

Craft Corner

Make your own 3D Monarch Butterfly Life Cycle Paper Craft

Video

Instructions:

  1. Print the template provided.

  2. Cut out the pieces. Fold on the dotted lines. 

  3. Add glue to the glue panel on each piece. 

  4. Place the pieces together so that they connect in the correct order of metamorphosis. 

  5. Display your life cycle model proudly and tell everyone who sees it about how they can help conserve monarchs!

How to safely enjoy the upcoming total solar eclipse

This April 8, many parts of Texas, which includes the Science Mill in Johnson City, will bear witness to the total solar eclipse. This rare celestial event promises a breathtaking display of nature’s wonders as the moon temporarily obscures the sun, casting a mesmerizing shadow over the Lone Star State.

As we anticipate this once-in-a-lifetime spectacle, it’s important to remember that observing a solar eclipse requires caution and preparation to ensure a safe and memorable experience for all. Here are some essential safety reminders to keep in mind as you gear up for this extraordinary event.

PROTECT YOUR EYES

Perhaps the most vital safety precaution during a solar eclipse is safeguarding your eyes from the intense solar radiation. NEVER look at the sun directly, even during the eclipse! Doing so can cause severe and permanent damage to your vision. It's imperative to use proper eye protection such as solar viewing glasses or handheld solar viewers with certified filters. These specialized lenses are designed to block harmful ultraviolet, visible, and infrared radiation while allowing you to observe the eclipse safely.

Beware of Counterfeit Glasses

With the heightened demand for solar viewing glasses during an eclipse, counterfeit products may flood the market. To ensure your eye safety, only use glasses that meet the international safety standards (ISO 12312-2) for solar filters. Check for reputable vendors and certifications to guarantee the authenticity of your viewing equipment. Remember, compromising on the quality of your eye protection is never worth the risk.

ISO-certified solar viewing glasses available at the Science Mill Science Store!

Supervise Children and Pets

Children and pets may be particularly curious about the eclipse. However, they are also more susceptible to eye damage from improper viewing. Always supervise young ones and furry friends, ensuring they wear appropriate eye protection at all times. Explain the importance of eclipse safety to children in simple terms, emphasizing the danger of looking directly at the sun without proper gear.

Avoid DIY Solutions

While it may be tempting to improvise with makeshift viewing methods, such as sunglasses, smoked glass, or unfiltered cameras, these alternatives provide inadequate protection against solar radiation. DIY solutions can fail to block harmful rays, putting your eyes at risk of injury. Stick to approved solar viewing glasses or viewers from reliable sources to guarantee your safety and enjoyment during the eclipse.

Use Indirect Viewing Methods

If you're unable to obtain certified solar viewing glasses, don't fret. There are plenty of indirect viewing methods that allow you to experience the eclipse safely. Create a pinhole projector using cardboard or paper to project the image of the partially eclipsed sun onto a surface. You can also use a telescope or binoculars to project the sun's image onto a piece of white paper. These methods offer a captivating way to observe the eclipse without direct eye exposure.

Protect Cameras and Equipment

If you're planning to capture the eclipse through photography or videography, ensure your camera equipment is equipped with solar filters. Without proper filtration, the intense sunlight can damage camera sensors and lenses, rendering them unusable. Additionally, never look through a camera viewfinder or optical device without appropriate eye protection.

Stay Hydrated, Sun-Safe, and prepared!

Total eclipses can draw large crowds, especially in prime viewing locations. Be prepared for potential heat and sun exposure by staying hydrated, wearing sunscreen, and seeking shade when necessary. Plan ahead by bringing plenty of water, sunscreen with a high SPF, hats, and lightweight clothing to shield yourself from the sun's rays. Prioritize your health and comfort to fully enjoy the eclipse experience.

Be Mindful of Traffic and Crowds

As eclipse enthusiasts converge on viewing sites across Texas, anticipate increased traffic and crowds in popular areas. Plan your transportation and accommodations in advance to avoid last-minute hassles. Consider packing some extra food and water in case you get stuck in traffic for a long time. Practice patience and courtesy on the roads, and follow any instructions from law enforcement or event organizers to ensure a smooth and safe experience for everyone.

embrace THE EXPERIENCE

Above all, remember to savor the magic of the total eclipse. It's a rare and awe-inspiring event that is best enjoyed with friends, family, and your community.

If you haven’t found a great viewing spot, come join us for Solar Spectacle at the Science Mill! Day passes include admission for 4, 4 eclipse glasses, and a reserved parking slot. Plus, you can commemorate your experience with some great eclipse souvenirs — luckily, the Science Mill has some great ones to help you remember this moment!

To ensure guests’ comfort and safety, slots are LIMITED — so make sure to get your tickets now!

2024 eclipse poster, tote bag, notebook, magnet, and sticker available at the Science Mill Science Store

Buy Admission Tickets