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- Woody Plant ID Walk & Talk with a BCP BiologistTravis County Natural Resources Field Office, Austin, TX
Difficulty: Easy – some slight inclines and declines
Distance: approximately 2.5 miles – about 2.5 hours
Location: We will meet at the Travis County Natural Resources Field Office, off of RR 620, that is not normally open to the public.Please note that no pets are allowed on the preserve.
Join Travis County Natural Resources Biologist Travis Clark for a woody plant identification walk & talk. We'll explore the Nootsie and Vireo Ridge tracts of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) and identify and observe native woody plants we observe along the trail. This leisurely walk will encompass scenic views and we'll see habitat Black-capped Vireo and endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler, two migratory songbirds that are both nearing the end of their Central Texas breeding season. This is a great chance to see and learn more about the bird species we protect and manage for on the BCP - don't forget your binoculars!
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. Learn more about the preserve here.
Be prepared to walk roughly 2.5 miles, and we recommend wearing comfortable closed-toed shoes or boots and bringing water and any needed allergy medication.
- Wild Basin Walk and Talk with Trevor RiceWild Basin Wilderness Preserve , Austin, TX
This month's Walk & Talk will be led by Trevor Rice, our wonderfully innovative Preserve Manager. Drawing on his prior international conservation work, Trevor recently devised a trail maintenance system that promotes soil regeneration while safeguarding our precious wildlife.
Ever wondered why monitoring for invasive plant species or testing the water quality of Bee Creek matters so much? During this 1.5 - 2 hour experience at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, Trevor will be happy to share what he knows and continues to learn in doing this important work.
Come 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 habitat.
Space for this very special hike is limited, so make your reservation now. Due to the July 4th holiday this hike was rescheduled from the first Friday of the month.
No registration on Meetup. You MUST visit the Wild Basin reservation site to reserve your spot(s). Walk and Talk at Wild Basin - Night Hike 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.
Grab a flashlight and join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) Interpretive Guides for a night hike 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 - along the way, we will stop by a mothing station! 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, your guides will introduce you to the preserve, the species we protect, and our mission.
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 evening of the night hike.
- 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.
