try. Its uniqueness stems from a semi-tropical grotto cut PARKS AND PRESERVES deep within its sheltered canyon by perennially falling water. Orchids and cypress trees share the cool moist, Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center terrarium-like setting while cactus and juniper grow in the 4801 La Crosse Avenue hot, dry habitat above the canyon rim. It is located on Austin, TX 78739 Hamilton Pool Road, off Hwy. 71. Contact: 292-4200 The land is owned by the Lower Colorado River Au- FAX: 292-4627 thority, and run by a nonprofit organization that gives E-mail: [email protected] tours, and provides security and restoration to the site. Net: www.wildflower.org Projects/Activities: Weekend tours at 10 AM, Noon, 2 Purpose: The mission of the Wildflower Center is to PM and 4 PM, weather permitting. Weekday tours for increase the sustainable use and conservation of native organized groups can be prearranged. wildflowers, plants and landscapes. Volunteer Opportunities: Volunteers are needed to Projects/Activities: The Center’s education department train as trail guides and to do trail maintenance. conducts classes, workshops and demonstrations for all ages throughout the year. The Center’s 279-acre headquar- Dues: Vary, beginning at $15. ters has native plant gardens and natural areas, a Visitors Gallery, and Children’s Little House, all of which focus on educating people about the importance of native plants. The Center also has one of North America’s largest rooftop rainwater collection systems, as well as the Wildflower Café, and Wild Ideas (the store). Volunteer Opportunities: Opportunities exist in all areas of the Center’s operations. Please call 292-4200, x 102, for additional information. Newsletters/Publications: Native Plants, the Center’s quarterly members’ magazine; brochures; as well as more than 200 factsheets about native plants and vendors across North America. Membership Dues: Starting at $30-40/year. Visiting Arrangement: Open Tuesday – Sunday, 9 AM to 5:30 PM. Members free. Admission fees vary depending Wild Basin on season and age. 805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy. Austin, TX 78746 Contact: Walter Laich 327-7622 FAX: 328-5632 E-mail: [email protected] Net: www.wildbasin.org Purpose: The mission of the organization is to preserve and maintain Wild Basin and to educate people about the natural environment. Projects/Activities: Wild Basin conducts environmen- tal education programs during the week and on weekends. Weekday programs were developed specifically for school groups to learn about the ecology of the Austin Hill Coun- try. After-school programs are available for scouts. Pre- school tours and parent and preschool walks are sched- uled through the year. Other groups can schedule special programs during the week as well. Weekend programs consists of a variety of topics in- cluding stargazing, full-moon walks, native plants, wild- flowers, geology, ecology, storytelling, snakes, and more. Westcave Preserve Volunteer Opportunities: Office help, trail help, and 24814 Hamilton Pool Road teaching education programs. Round Mountain, TX 78663 Newsletters/Publications: The Wild Basin Magazine, Contact: John Ahrns (830) 825-3442 quarterly. FAX: (830) 825-3509 E-mail: [email protected] Membership: $35/Individual; $20/Students and se- Net: www.westcave.org niors; $60/Family. Purpose: Westcave Preserve is an ecological commu- Admission: $2/Adults; $1 for Seniors, 5-12 year olds, nity of exceptional beauty located in the Texas Hill Coun- and college students; Under 5 and members/free.

Parks & Preserves - Non-Profit 1 2 game courts. Boat ramps in Webberville while Wild Basin provides a home for and Little Webberville parks are 2 of several uncommon birds and plants in the primary access points to the Colo- the midst of steady urbanization. rado River, both for motor and paddle Milton Reimers Ranch Park is Travis power crafts. In contrast to the rugged County's new western park that in- terrain of many lake parks, the eastern cludes rock climbing, mountain bik- parks offer the more gentle topogra- ing, and fishing. phy of the Blackland Prairies. East Metropolitan Park is the latest addi- Balcones Canyonlands Preserve tion to the Eastern Parks with a swim- ming pool, sports fields, playgrounds and more. The preserve, established by a per- 1010 Lavaca, Suite 300 mit with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife P.O. Box 1748 Lake Parks Service, protects more than 30 endan- Austin, TX. 78767 gered and rare species and provides Phone: (512) 854-7275 several designated locations where Fax: (512) 854-6474 Travis County Parks include 13 sites Central Texas residents can enjoy and www.traviscountyparks.org along Lake Travis and Lake Austin, study nature. Preserve tracts are providing plentiful opportunities for owned by public and private entities boating, fishing, sailing, scuba diving, including the City of Austin, Travis Take time to explore a land of amaz- camping, and outdoor recreation. County, the Lower Colorado River ing diverse beauty – from lakes and These parks range in size from the 3.6- Authority, the Nature Conservancy of hills to rivers and prairies – and more. acre Dink Pearson Park to the 1,368- Texas, the Travis Audubon Society, as Nowhere else in Texas will you find acre Pace Bend Park. The Lake Austin well as private landowners, making it such a variety of recreational opportu- Parks are within minutes of down- one of the country’s largest urban pre- nities so close at hand. town Austin, while some of the Lake serves. The managing partners have Travis parks such as Pace Bend and currently acquired over 27,000 acres. Want to sail or scuba dive one of the Arkansas Bend are more remote. Some Public access by tours is available for cleanest lakes in Texas? Observe one of the Lake Parks include habitat for preserve tracts and is provided by the of the largest and most varied migra- several rare plants and 2 endangered agency owning the tract. tory bird populations in the country? bird species. Most of the Lake Travis You can do it right here in the parks of parks are owned by the Lower Colo- Adopt-A-Park Program Travis County, along with softball and rado River Authority and managed by soccer, family picnics, hiking, nature Travis County. Travis County’s Adopt-A-Park pro- study, or just kicking back to view a gram is designed to enhance prudent spectacular Hill Country sunset. Your Nature Preserves stewardship of Travis County Parks. opportunities are virtually unlimited! It utilizes volunteers, local businesses, Enjoy the many park features and help Hamilton Pool (photo above), Wild and special interest groups to improve us maintain them so the future gen- Basin, and some areas of Pace Bend and maintain parks facilities. erations may enjoy them as well. Park are operated as nature preserves. Special efforts are made to confine Eastern Travis County Parks recreational activities to designated Any person or group can partici- areas so that the unique beauty and pate. Call or write for an application. natural history of these parks can be When you mail it, an Adopt-A-Park The parks in eastern Travis County coordinator will contact you. Once are as varied as their western counter- preserved for generations to come. Hamilton Pool is an excellent example you are on board, your coordinator parts. These parks offer excellent oppor- will work with you to schedule projects tunities for group activities such as nu- of relatively undisturbed Balcones Canyonland’s geology and wildlife, that are best suited for your group and merous picnic areas, well-maintained the park you’ve adopted. For more ballfields, soccerfields, and multipurpose information, please call (512) 854-7275. Parks & Preserves - Travis County Parks 3 Information &

ACREAGE BARBECUE GRILLS PRIMITIVE CAMPING ENTRANCEDAY FEE USE ONLYPETS PROHIBITEDRESTROOMSDRINKING WATERPICNIC TABLES NATURE/HIKINGPLAYGROUNDS TRAILSGROUP SHELTERSSWIMMINGCLOTHING BOATOPTIONAL RAMP IMPROVEDTRAILER CAMP SITES DUMPBALLFIELDS STATIONSSPORT COURTSEQUESTRIAN Reservations NATURE PRESERVES 1. Hamilton Pool Preserve 232 GGGG G G G (512) 264-2740 2. Wild Basin Preserve 227 GGG G (512) 327-7622 LAKE TRAVIS PARKS 3. Pace Bend 1368 G GGGGG G GGGG G(512) 264-1482 4. Dink Pearson 3.6 GGGG GG For all 5. Arkansas Bend 195 GGGGG G GG other 6. Sandy Creek 25 G GGGG G GG G parks 7. Cypress Creek 15 GGGGGGG call 8. Bob Wentz at Windy Point 211 GGO GGGGG GG ∆ (512) 854-PARK (7275) 9. Hippie Hollow ◊ 109 GGGGG G GG Monday-Friday 10. Tom Hughes 5 GGGG G G 9 am – 5 pm 11. Mansfield Dam 65 G GGGGGGGG G G www.traviscountyparks.org LAKE AUSTIN AND NEIGHBORHOOD PARKS 12. Fritz Hughes 5 GGGGGG G 13. Mary Quinlan 5.8 GGGG GG G Or write: 14. Selma Hughes 5 GGGG G Travis County Parks 15. Loop 360 Boat Ramp 3 GG G P.O. Box 1748 16. Windmill Run 50 GGGG GAustin, Texas 78767 17. Allen Park 10 G GGG EASTERN TRAVIS COUNTY PARKS 18. Richard Moya 100 G GGGGGGG GG 19. Del Valle Softball Complex 35 G GGGG G G 20. Webberville 135 G GGGGGGG G GGG 21. Little Webberville 6 GGGGG G 22. Ben Fisher 6 G GGGGGGG 23. Northeast Metro 420 G GGGGGGG GG 24. Southeast Metro 299 G GGGGGGG G 25. East Metropolitan Park 273 G GGGGGG G GG WESTERN TRAVIS COUNTY PARKS 26. Milton Reimers Ranch ParkN 510 GGGG

◊-Must be 18 years of age or older to enter O-Pets prohibited on point only ∆-Boat ramp restricted to sailcraft only NMountain Biking, Rock Climbing, and Fishing

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The 123 State Recreation Parks, Natural Areas, and Historical Parks, are living museums of Texas' natural and cultural legacy: A United States Navy Battleship, battlegrounds and commemorative sites of a forming Texas Republic, military outposts that safeguarded the United States western movement, the rock art of early native Americans, historic homes offering early glimpses of ancestral daily life, pristine waterfalls, rustic wilderness of flora and fauna untouched by the modern world, quiet, contemplative places that offer alternatives to the fast-paced hustle of contemporary urban lifestyles or a visit to yesteryear's childhood memories. For tourism promotion, parks are divided into 7 regions closely following the state's ecological composition. Visit our Website at www.tpwd.state.tx.us/park for more information.

Big Bend Country - This is the far west Trans-Pecos region, a land of desert, mountains, mesas, canyons, and cactus. Camping, hiking, backpacking, sand surfing, birding and wildlife watching are just some of the activi- ties available at Davis Mountains, Balmorhea, Monahans Sandhills, and Big Bend Ranch. The cultural heritage at Casa Magoffin and Fort Leaton reflect human determina- tion to conquer this vastness. Hueco Tanks and Seminole Canyon preserve the heritage of Native American artists who painted fascinating pictographs on cave walls and boulders. Indian Lodge and the San Solomon Courts (Balmorhea) provide some of the state's most popular lodging accommodations. The Barton Warnock Center provides opportunities to study the natural and cultural history of the Big Bend area. Indian Lodge Courtyard Scene

Hill Country - Rising out of the Balcones Escarpment, this region of stunning scenery offers numerous caves, cascading whitewater streams and deep blue lakes. Pock- ets of pristine nature have been preserved, and draw Guadalupe River Park boaters, anglers, hikers, backpackers, horseback riders and outdoor lovers to parks like: South Llano River, Hill Coun- try, Enchanted Rock, Colorado Bend, Longhorn Cavern, Lost Maples, Pedernales Falls, Inks Lake, and Kickapoo Caverns. Garner State Park hosts families of multi-genera- tions who have grown with the park. The Sauer-Beckman Farm at Lyndon B. Johnson State Park recreates life on a 1915 Texas-German farmstead. Scenic McKinney Falls, in Enchanted Rock (bottom) the city of Austin, provides outdoor recreation along with interesting local history.

Pineywoods - Loblolly and short-leaf pine tower over East Texas Highways and by-ways, while blossoming dogwoods and redbuds herald the spring. Caddo Lake, Martin Creek Lake, Lake Bob Sandlin, Lake Livingston, and Lake Tawakoni, are havens for boaters, anglers, and water-recreation enthusiasts. Atlanta, Martin Dies Jr., Daingerfield, Tyler, and Village Creek invite visitors for outdoors and water recreation and nature study. Cultural legacy is preserved at Sam Bell Maxey House, Jim Hogg, Hogg Shrine, Starr Family Home, and Mission Tejas. The Caddoan Mounds illustrate the culture of the Caddo Indi- ans who brought farming to east Texas and visitors may Steam engine at Texas State relive the grand old days of steam trains on The Texas State Railroad Historical Park Railroad.

Parks & Preserves - State Parks 6 Prairies and Lakes - Between the western plains and the pinewoods of East Texas lies the region of blackland prai- ries. Millions of years ago, giant dinosaurs roamed and, a short century ago, Kiowa and Comanche warriors stood against the pioneers. Patriots forged the Republic of Texas at Washington-On-The-Brazos, now a state historical park. Also preserving the heritage of Texas are Fanthorp Inn (a historic stagecoach Inn), Monument Hill/Kreische Brew- ery, and Fort Parker. Dinosaur Valley protects dinosaur tracks and provides dinosaur educational programs. Nu- merous reservoirs provide opportunities for fishing, boat- ing, and other water-related activities. Eisenhower Birth- place, Penn Farm (Cedar Hill), and Jones Farm (Ray Rob- Horseback Riding at Lake Somerville Trailway erts) interpret the cultural legacy of the north Texas area.

Gulfcoast - Sparkling beaches and dunes echo the eter- nal cadence of surf against barrier islands. Texas' struggle Catamarans sailing at for independence is relived at the San Jacinto Complex Mustang Island (top) commemorating the battleground, monument and Battle- ship Texas. Varner-Hogg was once the site of a working plantation. Fulton Mansion has been restored to its origi- nal Victorian elegance. Outdoor fun, recreation, and na- ture study are plentiful at Sea Rim, Lake Texana, Lake Corpus Christi, Brazos Bend, and Lake Houston. Fishing enthusiasts will be drawn to Goose Island, Copano Bay, or Port Lavaca. Environmental education opportunities are Goose Island (bottom) available at Sheldon Lake, or after the ferry ride to Matagorda Island.

South Texas Plains - This region stretches through brush and mesquite plains dotted with blue water lakes, into the subtropical environment of the lower Rio Grande. Historic sites such as Casa Navarro in San Antonio, the restored Mission at Goliad, and Fannin Battleground recall early Spanish and Mexican culture and Texas' struggle for inde- pendence. Choke Canyon and Falcon offer excellent water recreation to winter vacationers and Bentsen-Rio Grande is a sub-tropical gem replete with birds and other animal life found nowhere else in the United States. Lake Casa Blanca in Laredo is the state's only designated International State Goliad Mission (above); Park. Wildlife (right)

Panhandle-Plains - This area encompasses the High Plains of the Panhandle and the adjoining Rolling Plains of northwest Texas. This area rekindles the spirit of the Old West amid picturesque canyons of the Caprock Escarp- ment with towering rainbow-hued walls carved by the headwater tributaries of the Red River. Parks in this region include Palo Duro (The Grand Canyon of Texas), pictur- esque Caprock Canyons, the archeological and cultural exhibits at the Lubbock Lake Landmark (museum), the United States military frontier outposts of Fort Richardson and Fort Griffin (home to the pure-bred Texas State Long- horn herd), and the outdoor and water recreational sites of Lake Arrowhead, Big Spring, Possum Kingdom, Copper Breaks, and Lake Brownwood. View at Caprock Canyons

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Parks & Preserves - State Parks 10 scopes and magnifying glasses, Austin Nature & Science Center use a balance, and use field guides 301 Nature Center Drive and touchable specimens for iden- Austin, TX 78746 tification of your finds. If you’re 327-8181 a collector of natural objects, you’ll Net: www.ci.austin.tx.us/ansc want to check out the Workshop’s In Zilker Park off Stratford Drive, west Trade Counter. of Zilker Botanical Garden The Austin Nature & Science Center is surrounded by an 80 acre Nature Preserve with trails and an overlook. Come on by and help us celebrate natural wonders of Austin!

Stay Awhile The Austin Nature & Science Center offers a wide variety of programs, including school programs, adven- ture activities, and camps. There are public programs for preschoolers, kids, families and adults that offer hands-on and discovery activities.

School programs engage students in activities designed to integrate subject areas such as science, math, language

Photo by Clark Hancock arts, and the use of technology while supporting concepts Explore Austin’s unique environment with hands-on recommended in the National Science Standards and Texas exhibits, interactive nature trails and live Texas wildlife. Essential Knowledge and Skills. The Center is dedicated to providing educational and recreational activities that increase awareness and appre- Look in the Teacher Resource Guide or the Natural ciation of the natural environment. Selections Brochure for more details (located online or call Hours of Operation 327-8181 for copies). Monday-Saturday: 9 AM - 5 PM Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM Sheffield Education Holiday hours: Please call 327-8181 Center at Barton Cost: Free. Donations accepted. Springs Pool The ANSC is located in Zilker Park off Stratford Drive at 301 Nature Center Drive, Austin, Texas, 78746. Explore the caves of the Edwards Aquifer and the role people play in its health and well being. Come Visit Hours of Operation Our animal exhibits feature more than 90 native Texas Tuesday - Saturday: 10 AM - 5 PM animals that can’t be returned to the wild. Stroll through Sunday: 12 PM - 5 PM the woods; listen to the calls of hawks in our Birds of Prey Holiday hours: Please call 478-3170. exhibit. Visit the tiniest Austin residents in our Cost: Free. Donations accepted. Small Wonders Exhibit. Net: www.ci.austin.tx.us/splash/ The Center is located in the Barton Springs Bath- You can follow the path house in Zilker Park at 2201 Barton Springs Drive, of Texas fossil hunters and Austin, Texas, 78746. un-cover evidence of pre- historic life in the outdoor Dino Pit. Other features of Stop by the exhibit include dinosaur Enhance your understanding of the geology of Cen- trackways, a field collection tral Texas with a visit to the Splash! Into the Edwards and an observation deck. Aquifer exhibit. Experience entering deep inside a simu- lated limestone cave, view the “Carved in Stone” video, manipulate the watershed model, see native aquatic Explore natural science species including the endangered Barton Springs sala- specimens and add to your own collection through the mander, and learn about the aquifer with interactive Naturalist Workshop and Trade Counter. The Workshop computer games. is a perfect place to explore the natural world: use micro-

Parks & Preserves - Austin Nature Center 11 13