Transportation and Natural Resources
Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Program

Education and Outreach

Travis County provides numerous education and outreach opportunities related to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve. Ranging from nature walks in portions of the preserve, to presentations concerning certain aspects of wildlife or endangered species management, to displays that can be provided for special events, Travis County’s Natural Resources would be happy to discuss outreach activities for your:

school class
science club
scout troupe
civic group
youth program
professional association, or
Community and Homeowners Association.

For more information about education opportunities related to the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and the BCCP, please contact the Travis County Natural Resources Environmental Specialist dedicated to the program at:
P.O. Box 1748, 1010 Lavaca, Austin, Texas 78745 (512) 854-9437.

Examples of Travis County Natural Resources education and outreach activities for the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve include:

Interpretation of research data and information about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and endangered species for the general public, school children, and special interest groups through preserve tours, workshops and exhibits. Volunteer work events focus attention on the purpose and practice of managing endangered species habitat.

The County is actively involved in data collection and scientific study of the species protected by the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan, as well as impacts of land management practices both within and surrounding the preserve system. Research data are summarized in annual reports and are presented for interested groups and at professional scientific conferences.

The County has developed a travelling exhibit which is provided for community events throughout the area, such as the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s annual Wildlife Expo, meetings of local chambers of commerce, and conferences for groups with mitigation needs such as real estate agencies and builders associations.

Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve staff provide presentations specifically tailored to the interests of a broad range of constituents, from avid bird watchers concerned with the population status of protected species, to homeowners associations interested in minimizing their impacts on adjacent preserve lands, to real estate associations involved in the BCCP mitigation process.

muddy hog

The County works closely with local landowners, developers, real estate associations, and scientific communities to inform, evaluate, and problem-solve issues such as fee schedules, acquisition strategies, and land management planning. Cooperation with the Citizens Advisory and Scientific Advisory Committees has allowed for dissemination of information related to the BCCP and the Preserves.

The County utilizes various media opportunities to inform the public about issues related to the Preserves, such as purchase of new Preserve lands, receipt of federal Habitat Conservation Plan land acquisition grants, and the negative impact of non-native wildlife on ecosystem health.

Several Universities, researchers, and organizations are involved in conducting research within the Preserves, and in monitoring the origin, processes, and status of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan. Researchers and Universities interested in conducting studies or in participating in on-going research projects on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve should contact the Travis County Natural Resources Environmental Specialist dedicated to the program.

The BCP Hike and Lecture Series partners offer monthly guided tours and opportunities for the public to visit and learn about the Preserve. To see the current schedule of activities and register, visit the city of Austin's website.

BCP tracts open to the public include Travis County’s Hamilton Pool and Wild Basin Preserves, and the City of Austin’s Barton Creek Greenbelt, Emma Long Park, Mount Bonnell Park, and Commons Ford Park.

Preserve tours for educational, civic, or professional groups also may be arranged by contacting the Volunteer Coordinator, or call (512) 219-6190 ext 7.

Last Modified:
Friday, January 29, 2010 4:42 PM