Gullies are always interesting places. The grasslands has quite a few of them. Many years ago, the Soil Conservation (now NRCS) constructed many ponds and terraces to stop the erosion. By the time the land was handed over to the Forest Service in the 1950’s, most of that was built. Still today, you can find active erosion spots on the grasslands.
On this outing, we started in this gully.
As you can see, this is not a particular deep one.
The twists and turns!
Did you notice the heart shape in the bank in the previous photo? Here is a close up.
Sometimes we get lucky and have ready made steps!
A lone White Compass Plant (Silphium albiflorum).
Another plant trying to hang on! In this case it is Sensitive Briar (Mimosa quadrivalvis var platycarpa)!
Interesting how the soil erodes. Sorta looks like mini-hoodoos, or a tiny cityscape.
A Garden Spider’s (Argiope aurantia) egg casing!
The shadows highlight the mini-hoodoos.
Always interesting to see the layers. Imagine it being formed so long ago.
When I see the dirt like this, it reminds me of alluvial fans in the mountains.
We are now starting down in to the tree covered ravine. Plant communities change. And that is where tomorrow’s post will be about.
This story line and photos are super – so.e of my favs
Thanks for being there!
One of my favorite places!!
Maybe you can go when you visit…
I love this post! Those Paluxy sand outcrops are always SO interesting!
I should have mentioned that the white stuff was the Paluxy so thanks for making the comment!
Always love hoodoos. Beautiful pics