Williamson County Heritage Trees

In June 1999, the Williamson County Commissioners' Court passed a resolution declaring "large and venerable trees 2-1/2 feet or greater in diameter shall be designated as Williamson County Heritage Trees". The Commissioners' Court joined forces with the Health District and in Fall 2002 and a project began to document the Heritage Trees along the Williamson County Bicycle Map routes. Health District employees and VISTA volunteers combed the countryside with tape measures and digital cameras in hand to locate, measure, photograph, and make notes of the big trees. While they were out, they also documented cemeteries, historical markers and places to rest and perhaps get a refreshment.

A heritage tree in Williamson County, Texas.

Physical Activity and the Environment

This project is of particular interest to the Williamson County & Cities Health District because it provides a unique way of encouraging residents to be physically active, while fostering an appreciation for the area’s vast history and threatened environment. By increasing the awareness of appealing sites and destinations in the county and providing a map with a guide to bicycle-friendly roadways, the Health District hopes that county residents will feel motivated to engage in recreational activities that will in turn improve their level of health. Williamson County Bicycle Map

The final product of months of hard work while combating the central Texas heat is an interactive map viewed through the internet. Roadway ratings, based on the characteristics of road segments, provide information to cyclists about a roadway’s "ease of use", or how bicycle-friendly a roadway is. Other features of the interactive map include the ability to create and print a custom route, an extensive photo collection of natural attractions, and historical information. So hit the road and enjoy the scenic, natural, and cultural heritage that makes Williamson County such a unique and magnificent place to live.

The Project Team

A special thanks to Amara Maliszewski, Darien Clary, Kimberly Ferguson, and Michelle Belts for your committed energy and for taking beautiful pictures. Thanks to Annette Todd, Judge Doerfler and the Commissioners' Court, especially Commissioner David Hays, for your interest in the project and for your support. We also thank Patrick Hayes, Gina McKinley, Courtney Grant, Marge Tripp, and Paula Ferrigno for ensuring the success of the bicycle map. And many thanks to all of the individuals who provided consultation and guidance, including Margaret Fink and the Georgetown Cyclopaths, Emsud Horozovic, and wptc.