San Marcos closes trails in efforts to protect endangered bird species

Friday morning, March 1, saw an announcement of closures at the Spring Lake Natural Area and Purgatory Creek Natural Area made by San Marcos Parks and Recreation. The department said trails at the locations will be closed for golden-cheeked warbler nesting season from March 1 to May 31. 

According to the post, the endangered species of bird only breeds in Central Texas, specifically in the Ashe juniper and oak trees found in some of San Marcos’ natural areas. Texas Parks and Wildlife says they use long strips of cedar bark and spider webs in those landscapes to build their nests. The golden-cheeked warbler is the only bird of 360 bird species to nest exclusively in Texas. 

Trails included in the closures are Porcupine, Roadrunner, and Grey Fox at Spring Lake Natural Areas, and the Paraiso trail at Purgatory Creek Natural Area. 

In order to protect the rare birds, the San Marcos Parks and Recreation Department says the closures will reoccur annually. The nesting ground is vital to the bird as a major role in their endangered status is due to houses, roads and stores clearing natural areas that held tall juniper and oak woodlands.