What we’re about
This group is operated by Travis County Natural Resources and Austin Water's Wildland Conservation Division. It was created to encourage awareness of and access to the Balcones Canyonland Preserve (BCP). Through the promotion of public educational opportunities, our members will be in the loop of guided hikes, programs, and volunteer opportunities. Please note, that when attending events on the BCP, pets are not allowed on the preserve.
The BCP is not one single tract of land but a system of preserves located in Travis County that exists as a multi-agency conservation effort operating under a regional 10(a) permit issued under the Endangered Species Act by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFW). Although we have similar land management goals, we are a separate entity from the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge.
In addition to existing as habitat for endangered species, these lands provide habitat for numerous native plants and animals and contribute to improved air and water quality and quality of life for the people of Austin.
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Friday Morning Nature Walk on the Snowden TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT USING THIS LINK*
Difficulty: Easy – some slight incline
Distance: ~1.5 miles – 2 hours
Location: We will meet at the Snowden house, near Anderson Mill and FM 2769Please note that pets are not allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Interpretive Guide and volunteer hike guide for an interpretive nature walk through our Snowden and Bunten tracts of the BCP.
We will start at the Snowden house and walk the trail that winds its way through open fields, creek beds, hilltops, and forests. The terrain is easy-moderately difficult, with a couple of semi-steep hills and some uneven ground. The trail is about 1.5 miles. Along the trail, staff will introduce you to the preserve, the species we protect, and our mission. Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications. For your convenience, we have hiking packs, first aid kits, reusable water bottles, and trekking poles ready for checkout. We also provide electrolyte packets at the Snowden House to help you stay hydrated.
The entrance to Snowden can be tricky to find. We recommend you search for "Snowden Tract, Travis County BCP" in Google maps, and it will take you to the correct gate. Also, look for the white "BCP Event" sign at our driveway.
Detailed directions will be emailed to everyone who registers through SignUp.com. Just a heads-up, we won't be sending any further details on Meetup.
- Wild Basin First Friday Walk and TalkWild Basin Wilderness Preserve , Austin, TX
First Friday Walk and Talk with Wild Basin Staff
Staff, Titles, Guide Date and Focus
September's Walk & Talk will be led by Trevor Rice, our wonderfully innovative Preserve Manager. Drawing on prior international conservation work, Trevor devised a trail maintenance system that promotes soil regeneration while safeguarding our precious wildlife.RESERVATION LINK IN THE DETAILS BELOW: SIGN UP USING THE WILD BASIN RESERVATION SYSTEM. (Meetup is only for promo.)
During this 1.5 - 2 hour experience at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, you'll discover what makes Wild Basin so special in terms of biological diversity—and how it is being managed as an urban wilderness preserve that supports endangered species.
Ever wondered why monitoring for invasive plants or testing the water quality of Bee Creek matters so much? Trevor will be happy to share his knowledge and what he's learned in doing this important work.
Space for this hike is limited, so please make your reservation now. We look forward to seeing you at the preserve!
This adult-focused opportunity is designed so participants get to know Wild Basin better and have direct communication with the Center's staff. Some parts of the trails cover rugged terrain and have steps without railings so feel free to bring a hiking stick or trekking poles.
Wear comfortable walking shoes and bring a full water bottle. Space is limited so be sure to reserve your spot. Cost is $15 per person and supports our conservation and research work.
Reservation Link: First Friday Walk and Talk with Wild Basin Staff
Learn more about: Wild Basin Creative Research Center
- Guided Hike on the Grandview Hills Canyon Loop TrailMuir Parke Pass, Austin, TX
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT USING THIS LINK*
Difficulty: Easy to moderate – some steep hills and uneven ground
Distance: approximately 3 miles – 3 hours
Location: Dead end of Wilson Parke Ave., where it meets Muir Parke Pass, off RR 620.Please note that no pets are allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Hike Guides for a trek on the Canyon Loop trail at Grandview Hills. The trail winds approximately 3 miles along hillsides and small canyons of closed canopy woodlands for which the Balcones Canyonlands are named. We'll finish this trail with a look into one of our shelter caves. It's easy to moderately difficult, with some steep hills and uneven ground.
The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres in western Travis County – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve. Learn more about the BCP here.
We will meet at the preserve gate at the end of Wilson Parke Ave. where it meets Muir Parke Pass.
- 9/19 Friday Morning Guided Hike on the Collins TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Austin, TX
*PLEASE REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT USING THIS LINK*
Difficulty: Moderate to arduous - please note that this hike has some strenuous inclines and declines. Hiking poles are encouraged we have a few pairs to loan out.
Distance: approximately 2.5 miles (3 hours)
Location: Snowden House, off FM 2769, near Anderson MillPlease note that no pets are allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's volunteer hike guides for an interpretive hike on the Collins Trail! This trek will start at our Snowden House, taking you up semi-steep terrain before wandering through gorgeous Golden-Cheeked Warbler habitat and back down into creek beds. Along the way, your guides will introduce you to the preserve, the species we protect, and our mission.
The BCP is one of the nation’s largest urban preserves, covering more than 33,000 acres – about 50 square miles. It is made up of more than 140 individual tracts managed by both public and private partners. The BCP was created in 1996 and continues to protect habitat for seven endangered species and other species of concern found on the preserve.
Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications. For your convenience, we have hiking packs, first aid kits, reusable water bottles, and trekking poles ready for checkout. We also provide electrolyte packets at the Snowden House to help you stay hydrated.
Detailed directions will be emailed to everyone who registers through SignUp.com. Just a heads-up, we won't be sending any further details on Meetup.
