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 (2)
See all- Walk to the Waterfall Wednesday at Wild BasinWild Basin Wilderness Preserve , Austin, TX
Wild Basin’s walk to the waterfall guided hikes are offered in the summer months of June and July every Wednesday and are a great way to learn about the native Texas Hill Country, Wild Basin’s history, and the connection to the Balcones Canyonland Preserve. Join us as one of our seasoned trail guides leads you on our trails for a 1.5-2 hour hike that covers about 1.25 miles of trails. Guided hikes begin on the deck of the Wild Basin Creative Research Center and are family friendly. Some parts of the trails cover rugged terrain and have steps without railings. A hiking stick or trekking poles are encouraged.
Space is limited so reserve your spot(s) through the provided link. No registration on Meetup. Cost to attend if $7 per person. You MUST visit the Wild Basin reservation site to reserve your spot(s). Wild Basin Walk to the Waterfall Wednesdays
Wear closed-toe shoes, dress comfortably for the weather, and bring drinking water. A water cooler is available inside the visitor gallery of the Creative Research Center to refill water bottles. Evaporative or composting toilets are available at the parking lot and/or the visitor gallery.
St. Edward's University Wild Basin Creative Research Center is located within Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. This 227-acre nature preserve is co-owned and co-managed by Travis County and St. Edward's University, and is a treasured resource for our entire community
Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is located at 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy (Loop 360) Austin, TX 78746 (About 1 mile North of FM 2244 - Bee Caves Rd.)
Learn more about Wild Basin Creative Research Center: https://www.stedwards.edu/wild-basin
No registration on Meetup. You MUST visit the Wild Basin reservation site to reserve your spot(s).
Wild Basin Walk to the Waterfall Wednesdays - Saturday Morning Nature Walk on the Snowden TrailSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
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 (BCP) Volunteer Hike Guides 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.
More detailed directions will be sent to all registrants before the date of the nature walk.
