Wild Plum Trail
Winding through prairies and forest habitats, the Wild Plum Trail derives its name from the thicket of Wild Plum trees along the prairie savanna. They provide a feast for the eyes and nose in early spring when the trees are in full bloom with their white fragrant flowers. Hikers are able to use this 1.1 mile trail that is divided into Wild Plum and Wild Plum South to connect with Prairie, Riverbottom, and Oak Motte Trails. The Wild Plum trail can be accessed in multiple points; across the prairie dog parking lot, the west bison range along the hay barn road, and the bison pull-out on Buffalo Road.
This trail passes through Post Oak, Bois’d arc and Pecan trees. Nine-banded Armadillo and Eastern Cottontail Rabbit burrows are often spotted along this loamy flat trail. A small hidden ephemeral pond known as the Turtle Pond gives sanctuary for herps and invertebrates. This habitat attracts Wild Turkeys, owls, and migratory songbirds.
The Wild Plum South trail takes visitors along the west and east bison pastures giving greater opportunities to peak at the Refuge bison herd. From the pathway, a tall Eastern Cottonwood grove can be seen in the west pasture. The pathway is hidden from the road by a row of Cedar Elm and oak trees that attract wildlife such as White-tailed Deer, Painting Buntings in the summer, and Texas Walking Sticks.