This is the mystery dried plant that I shot a photo of on the western side of the Preserve. Google lens is of no help here. The little balls are thorny. I think the shape precludes them from being the thistle we see.

Maybe Bull Thistle: https://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/showimage/480043/#b
https://www.123rf.com/photo_99877967_cl ... utumn.html