05/28/2026
A hidden oasis, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is tucked into the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) only a few miles west of Hamilton Pool. This 76-acre preserve maintains a collapsed limestone grotto complete with lush bundles of maidenhair ferns, towering bald cypress trees, and blooming pearl milkweed vines, all at the end of a deep box canyon. On May 2nd, this protected land, ripe with biodiversity and cultural history, celebrated their 50th anniversary with the Golden Bloom Festival, inviting community members and partners to participate in self-guided hikes, arts and crafts, archery, and more. While discussing the biodiversity of the preserve, Lacey Smith with Austin Water, who volunteered at the event, remarked, “I adore all the amazing creatures that call Westcave home. They just want food, shelter, and safety,” all attributes this preserve prioritizes for wildlife.
For this event, Travis County Natural Resources Environmental Supervisor Erin Cord, Volunteer Coordinator Becky Woodward, and Assistant Director of Natural Resources Jeremy Hull had the opportunity to table on the preserve’s uplands trail. This trail takes visitors through an oak-juniper savannah featuring two bird blinds and a wildflower garden. Throughout the event, our staff identified over 20 different birds including rare spring migratory species like the Louisiana Waterthrush and Hill Country classics like the Painted Bunting. These birds represent only a small portion of the abundant biodiversity that exists throughout Westcave.
However, this diverse green space wasn’t always so protected. In the 1960s and early 1970s, the now picturesque grotto had become severely degraded and destroyed due to constant, unregulated foot traffic and trespassing. In 1974 architect John Covert Watson purchased the property, hiring conservationist John Ahrns to protect and restore the land. After nearly 100 bags of trash were removed from the grotto, the land was left to regenerate naturally. On July 2, 1976, Westcave was established as a preserve and non-profit, securing the land for continued conservation and education for future generations.
Having Westcave as a part of the BCP means we can all share in the success of our dedicated conservation efforts which work towards protecting the same endangered and threatened species that live throughout the Hill Country. This event provided not only a chance to reconnect with nature but also with other BCP partners. “It was really special to be there to celebrate such a huge milestone among so many partner organizations and friends,” said Erin Cord.
This celebration of five decades of conservation, environmental education, and outreach is the perfect example of how nature can truly persevere if given the proper respect, care, and passion.
