Participants on this field trip will visit the Texas State University Freeman Ranch, a 1700 ha tract located on the eastern edge of Edwards Plateau approximately 8 km from San Marcos, Texas. The Freeman Ranch is managed by Texas State University as a research and educational facility for activities in rangeland ecology, wildlife biology and ecosystem science, and is the site of active research efforts examining the ecology of woody plant encroachment, ecohydrology of karst systems, and interactive effects of fire and grazing on vegetation and biogeochemistry. Participants will be introduced to the major plant communities of this area and trip leaders will discuss the rationale and significance of current research and management projects. An additional stop will be made at a nearby site (Pollard Refuge) that represents a long-term (80 y) ungrazed/unburned tract. Participants will have lunch at the Texas State University Camp facility located on the banks of the Blanco River, which is characterized by an old-growth riparian Bald Cypress community and outstanding overlooks of the Texas Hill Country.