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!
FRRCP BEGINS FIFTH YEAR OF SUPPORTING RIVER RANCH!
Friends Mingle with Critters at Fourth Annual Meeting
Although interactions with park mascot “Pokey the Porcupine” and two live Animal Ambassadors from All Things Wild Rehabilitation kept members engaged as they gathered for FRRCP’s fourth Annual Meeting, the group got down to business promptly at 6:00 PM on September 24 at the park’s Homestead Pavilion.
After a warm welcome from outgoing President Wayne Collins, FRRCP Lifetime member Cynthia Long (County Commissioner for Precinct 2) thanked the attendees for their enthusiastic and ongoing support for Williamson County’s newest park.
Chairs of the Membership, Communications, Programs/Outreach and Volunteer Coordination Committees reported on past, current and future activities of their respective groups.
Senior Director of Parks Russell Fishbeck shared exciting updates on parkland and trail improvements which are either already underway in Williamson County or on the drawing board. Park Supervisor Robert Moss provided insight into current River Ranch operations as well as an update on the Wilco 20-Miler Challenge, which is nearing the midpoint of a four-month initiative to celebrate the one-year anniversary of RRCP by motivating hikers to explore the park’s extensive trail system.
Nominating Committee representative Scott Korcz submitted the Slate of Candidates for FRRCP’s 2024-2025 Executive Committee and conducted the election. The six nominees were elected by a unanimous vote of members present. Photos, Minutes and Reports from the fourth Annual Meeting are posted under the ANNUAL MEETINGS section of this website.
HIT THE RIVER RANCH TRAILS!
20-Miler Challenge Reaches Mid-Point
With cooler weather on the way, park management expects participation in the Wilco 20-Miler Challenge to continue to increase. As of October 1, seventeen (17) county residents had reached their goal, logging a combined total of 403.67 miles along the park’s impressive 20-mile-long trail system. Join them in celebrating the one-year anniversary of the opening of River Ranch County Park by tackling the Challenge!
The deadline to complete the Challenge is November 30th, so mileage hopefuls are encouraged to lace up their boots or running shoes and hit the trails. Remember that it is not necessary to traverse all twenty miles at once! And your reward could be a free Wilco Annual Parks Pass – a $50 value. The Friends group has donated twenty (20) Annual Passes to be distributed to successful challengers at a drawing in December.
Participants can choose to craft their own routes: select dates, times, paces and distances of their own choosing. They can also opt to take part in Guided Hikes being offered through FRRCP and conducted by Hike Leaders with the Sun City Hiking Club on two upcoming Saturday mornings: October 19 and November 16.
For information on those Guided Hikes – ranging from 3.0 to 5.4 miles in distance and led at a moderate pace over moderate terrain – refer to the EVENTS section of this website.
Whenever you hike, remember to use an APP (such as All Trails or Map My Walk) to record a trace of your route. When you reach the 20-mile mark, email your accumulated traces to Wilco for processing.
- For Wilco Parks Department instructions on participating in the Challenge – including links to five (5) suggested “Trailblazer” routes – click HERE.
- For an additional six (6) recommended routes (ranging from 1.6 miles to 10.0 miles), click HERE.
To view an update on the status of successful 20-Miler challengers, click HERE.
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 Directors
OUR 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 Homestead 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 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.
2nd Annual Owl Prowl
Saturday 11/2/24 from 5:00 - 7:00 PM (Hike begins at 6:30)
Interpretive Center Classroom
Open to FRRCP members and Park Guests -- No Registration Required (Park Fees Apply)
Youth Participants Must Be Accompanied by an Adult
All Things Wild Rehabilitation Center will introduce us to native Texas ambassador owls and will share some interesting facts about these birds of prey. Friends will provide owl pellet dissection kits and instructions for anyone interested in learning more about. Shortly before dusk, a quiet hike will begin under the leadership of John Kendall.
Outdoor Skills Workshop
Saturday 11/9/24 from 9:00 AM - 12:00 PM (Come & Go)
Interpretive Center Lawn
Open to FRRCP members and Park Guests -- No Registration Required (Park Fees Apply)
Youth Participants Must Be Accompanied by an Adult
Our Outdoor Skills Workshop is a come & go event, scheduled for Saturday, November 9, from 9:00 AM to 12:00 noon on the park’s Interpretive Center lawn. From 9:00 to 11:00 AM attendees may rotate between stations for Wildlife identification, Orienteering, Birdwatching, and Leave No Trace Activities. At 11:00 join us for a guided hike. This activity is coordinated by Shelley Franklin, FRRCP Board Member and Texas A&M Agrilife Extension Natural Resources agent.
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
Interpretive Center Classroom
Open to FRRCP members (Park Fees Apply)
Register here: https://www.signupgenius.com/go/10C084BABA623AAF8C25-52284449-backyard
Master Naturalist, Jim Hailey will offer participants an opportunity to learn how to attract and identify common backyard birds. He will discuss feeders, field guides, binoculars, and cameras. After the presentation, participants will tour the newly constructed bird blind. Jim, a birding enthusiast for over thirty years, currently serves as president of the Williamson Audubon Group.
Class enrollment is limited to twenty (20) participants and pre-registration is required. If space is available, guests of FRRCP members will be accommodated. Although the class is free to FRRCP members, guests will be asked to either make a $20 donation to FRRCP or to apply that amount to an Annual Membership in the Friends group.
Current Projects
Interpretive Center Training
On June 29, new recruits Mary Raymond and Vivian Kirkbride 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, 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, including FRRCP member Richard Powe.
Special Team to Maintain Birding Stations
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. The first of ten Saturday morning Guided Hikes organized by FRRCP and conducted by Hike Leaders with the Sun City Hiking Club took place on July 27 along Trailblazer Routes #1 and #2.
Each of the Challenge's five suggested “Trailblazer Routes” will be offered to the public twice prior to the event’s November 30 deadline. These customized routes average about 5.0 miles in distance at a moderate pace and, when completed, provide an opportunity for hikers to explore all 20 miles of the RRCP trail system.
Trailblazer Route #1: Park Overlooks
July 27, 2024
Trailblazer Route #2: Canyon Overlook & Bell Oak
July 27, 2024
Trailblazer Route #3: San Gabriel River
August 24, 2024
Trailblazer Route #4: Bat House Pond
August 24, 2024
Trailblazer Route #5: Red Oak Trail & Bell Oak
September 21, 2024
Trailblazer Route #1: Park Overlooks
September 21, 2024
Upcoming Hikes: 10/19/24 & 11/16/24
Please join us for our last two Guided Hikes! Check the Events section for more details.
Nature Journaling: Part 2
"Plants at River Ranch" was the focus of Part 2 in a series of nature journaling workshops sponsored by FRRCP and presented by Texas Master Naturalist and art educator Betsy Murphy at the Interpretive Center on October 5. After learning tips on sketching, the group moved outside to observe and sketch plants and other natural materials found in the park. Future workshops will be conducted on a quarterly basis.
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: Part 1
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.
Guided Nature Walks Explore 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.
First FRRCP Guided Hike on Park 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 18, 2023 "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, 2023 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, 2023, 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
