What we’re about
This group is operated by the City of Austin's Wildland Conservation Division and Travis County Natural Resources (1/14/2020). 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 special access hikes, lectures and volunteer opportunities. 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). 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.
Check out the BCP events calendar to see all upcoming events on the BCP:
https://calendar.google.com/calendar/embed?src=hikeandlecture@gmail.com&ctz=America/Chicago&pli=1
Upcoming events (4)
See all- Travis County BCP Texas Pollinator BioBlitzSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
Join us on Saturday, October 26 from 9am-noon for the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz on the Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP).
Participating is easy – we will hike in groups taking pictures of pollinators you see and adding them to iNaturalist. Beginners and kids are welcome! This is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather, learn more about the pollinators in your area, and contribute to community science! Be prepared to hike a few miles off-trail through various terrain difficulties, from easy to moderate. If you don't know the name of a species, you can still record it in iNaturalist, and other users will identify it for you.
Before you arrive, please download the iNaturalist app to your smartphone and create an account. We will spend the first 30 minutes going over how to use iNaturalist for anyone who needs it.
The entrance to Snowden can be tricky to find. We recommend you search for “Snowden Tract, Travis County BCP” in Google Maps it will take you to the correct gate. Also look for the white “BCP Event” sign on the road.
If this is your first Travis County BCP, please fill out and submit a copy of our digital waiver. If you’re under 18 or bringing a minor with you, please fill out the minor waiver form, which requires a parent/guardian signature.
For additional resources about the Texas Pollinator BioBlitz visit: https://tpwd.texas.gov/education/bioblitz
Please email outreachbcp@traviscountytx.gov if you have any questions!
- Life Along Bear Creek Guided HikeNeeds location
**TO REGISTER FOR THIS HIKE YOU MUST SIGN UP ON OUR EXTERNAL WEBSITE www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents **
Difficulty: Moderate/Difficult - Moderate terrain, long distance - intended for audiences 15 and up in good physical condition.
Distance: 6 miles – 6 hours
Location: In Hays County off of Bliss Spillar Rd. near 1626. Directions will be emailed to participants who sign up directly on our website at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents.Get outside this weekend on Austin's Water Quality Protection Lands, sister program to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. This hike traverses 6 miles of the rugged Bear Creek watershed. We'll explore the family history of this long-time ranch and explore some of the most unique geology in Central Texas. Long pants and closed-toed hiking shoes required. Bring water and a pack lunch.
Located in Hays County off of Bliss Spillar Rd. Directions will be sent after registering at www.austintexas.gov/wildlandevents. Please note that there are no bathrooms on site and no pets allowed.
- Hike & Harvest Seed Collection EventTravis County Natural Resources Field Office, Austin, TX
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve's (BCP) Becky Woodward on Thursday, October 31, from 9-11:30am for a Hike & Harvest Seed Collection event!
We will meet at the Travis County Natural Resources Field Office, off of N FM 620 and Bay Heights Way. Be prepared for a leisurely 1-2 mile hike as we search for collectible, ripe seeds. Potential species that we may collect for this event include purple threeawn (Aristida purpurea), common yarrow (Achillea millefolium), hooded windmill grass (Chloris cucullata), mesquite (Prosopis glandulosa), Hercules club tree (Zanthoxylum clava-herculis), and other abundant ripe seeds.
Gloves will be available, or you can use your own if preferred, as some seeds may host insects and spiders. We will also have sunscreen and bug spray available. Please wear long pants, closed-toed shoes, a hat, and bring plenty of water. Long sleeve shirts are recommended, as well. Note that restroom facilities are absent, so please plan accordingly.
If you are a new volunteer to the Travis County BCP, please fill out and submit a digital Travis County liability waiver.
Please email rebecca.woodward@traviscountytx.gov if you have any questions!
- *RESCHEDULED for 11/9* Indigenous Peoples' Month Nature Walk & TalkSnowden Tract, Travis County BCP, Cedar Park, TX
Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve for a Walk & Talk at the Snowden House to learn about the Indigenous Peoples of Central Texas! We will discuss historic land management practices and native plant usage.
Time: 2:00pm (please arrive a few minutes early to allow for parking)
Difficulty: Easy – we will walk the native plant gardens around the Snowden house and some of the trail
Distance: No more than 1 mile - 2 hours
Location: We will meet at the Snowden House, off FM 2769, near Anderson MillThis leisurely stroll will start at our Snowden house and explore the native plant gardens and part of the trail. Please wear sturdy, closed-toed shoes, long pants, and bring water, sun protection, and any needed allergy medications.
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.
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.
If you have not joined us on the Travis County BCP for an event in the past, please fill out and submit a volunteer waiver.