Hot Spot
Barton Creek Greenbelt | March 5-10, 2020
Austin, TX
Popular for hiking, swimming, mountain biking, rock climbing and birdwatching, the Barton Creek Greenbelt in a favorite of Austinites! Running through the bustling city of Austin, Texas, “the greenbelt” in an important staple both for locals and visitors alike. Due to the proximity to the city and the variety of access points, Barton Creek sees an enormous amount of visitors daily. This has contributed to numerous impacts including pet management and waste, biking impacts, litter, water resource impacts and more. The Barton Creek Greenbelt is also home to the endangered bracted twistflower which has been further impacted by all of these things.
*The Barton Creek Greenbelt is located on the ancestral lands of the Tonkawa, Nʉmʉnʉʉ (Comanche), and possibly other tribes*
Opportunities to Get Involved
Leave No Trace Climbing
Time: Friday, March 6 @ 9:00a-12:00 p
Where: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Gus Fruh entrance to Guides Wall
Contact: Ranger Adam Jones, 512.978-2600, adam.jones@austintexas.gov
Additional Details: This is an entry-level rock climbing experience that will focus on the required gear and basic commands of safe wall climbing, while learning ways to protect and preserve natural climbing spaces. Rock climbing is an exciting and fun way to promote LNT principles, instill a sense of stewardship, and connect people to a natural space through physical activity and a sense of accomplishment. Climbing gear will be provided. Please bring water. Registration on GivePulse is required to attend this event.
Salamander Walk
Time: Friday, March 6 @ 2:00p-4:00 p
Where: Park Ranger Cottage, 2105b Andrew Zilker Road
Contact: Ranger Cassidy Stillwell, 512.978-2600, Cassidy.Stillwell@austintexas.gov
Additional Details: Did you know that hiking, and recreation behaviors on the greenbelt can impact our Barton Springs Salamander? This animal is a federally protected species that is native to barton springs. During this walk we will tour the different springs, talk about Leave No Trace and meet with City Biologist Nathan Bendik, and perhaps one of these lovely animals. Registration on GivePulse is required to attend this event.
It’s My Park Day, Barton Creek Greenbelt Clean up
Time: Saturday, March 7 @ 9:00a- 11:30a
Where: Trailheads across the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
Contact: LeAnn Ishcomer, 512-978-2602, leann.ishcomer@austintexas.gov
Additional Details: Registration on GivePulse is required to attend this event through the Austin Parks Foundation.
Registration – Barton Springs Pool Entrance
Registration – Spyglass Entrance
Registration – Twin Falls Entrance
Registration – 360 Entrance
Registration – Violet Crown Trail Entrance (290 Entrance)
Registration – Hill of Life
Leave No Trace Bird Walk
Time: Sunday, March 8 @ 9:00a-12:00p
Where: Spyglass Trailhead,1601 Spyglass Dr.
Contact: Park Ranger Owen Moorhead, 512.978-2600, owen.moorhead@austintexas.gov
Additional Details: This program is designed to introduce participants to the basics of birdwatching, including how to use binoculars and field guides and basics of bird identification, as well as LNT principles as they related to birding. Registration on GivePulse is required to attend this event.
Citizen Science, BioBlitz
Time: Sunday, March 8 @ 1:00p-4:00p
Where: Barton Creek Greenbelt,Barton Springs Pool access
Contact: Park Ranger Casey Carter, 512.978-2600, casey.carter@austintexas.gov
Additional Details: A BioBlitz involves making as many observations as possible of species found within a certain amount of time. This BioBlitz will show participants how fun and easy it is to contribute to their scientific community, inspire stewardship, and broaden their understanding of the organisms present in the Barton Creek Greenbelt. Please bring water and sturdy footwear. Registration on GivePulse is required to attend this event. Participants will also need to download the iNaturalist App and create an account before attending.
Leave No Trace Rock Climbing
Time: Monday, March 9 @ 1:00p-4:00p
Where: Barton Creek Greenbelt, Gus Fruh entrance, address
Contact: Ranger Osvaldo Martinez, 512.978-2600, osvaldo.martinez@austintexas.gov
Additional Details: This is an entry-level rock climbing experience that will focus on the required gear and basic commands of safe wall climbing, while learning ways to protect and preserve natural climbing spaces. Rock climbing is an exciting and fun way to promote LNT principles, instill a sense of stewardship, and connect people to a natural space through physical activity and a sense of accomplishment. Climbing gear will be provided. Please bring water. Registration on GivePulse is required to attend this event.
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