Nature’s Pecan Bounty

When I was growing up in Texarkana, we were fortunate to have three large pecan trees gracing our front yard.   Year after year, the trees served us well.   One year, the trees developed some sort of tree ailment and daddy hired a “tree doctor” for them.   The treatment was successful, giving us more good yields in the years that followed.   In present-day Central Texas, we don’t have these great trees at our home, but not far away, Berry Springs Park & Preserve, just east of Georgetown, is covered with these wonderful trees.   Throughout the year, the grove is of course resplendent to see, but when Autumn rolls in, it’s time for pecans!   It’s a good season this time around.   As long as they don’t climb them, park visitors are welcome to collect these nutty delights.   I was there a few days ago to take in the action.   The collection techniques were interesting.   Some use a stick of sorts, used specifically to grab the nuts.  If limbs are low-hanging, others jump or get on their tip toes for their treats.    And one young 11-year-old, who pitches in little league, was pretty good at aiming his pitches in just the right places.   It’s making me wish for  a nice pecan pie!