Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

Photo by Heather Valey

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve
805 N. Capital of Texas Hwy.
Austin, TX 78746
(512) 327-7622
E-Mail: wbasin@stedwards.edu
Net: wildbasin.org
Wild Basin, sited on 227 Hill Country acres, is one of Austin’s first nature preserves. Its 3 miles of trails are open to the public during daylight hours every day of the year. The St. Edward’s University Creative Research Center, with hands-on natural science exhibits, is open weekdays from 9 AM until 4 PM.
Audiences: Schools Pre-K – 12; General public.
Tiny Footprints Programs: Pre-K – 1st grade. Nature-based seasonal hikes to explore butterflies and caterpillars, arachnids, squirrels, and acorns.
Guided School Tours: 2nd – 12th grade. 1-2 hour guided hikes, discussing the plants, wildlife, and geology of the preserve. Hands-on natural science exhibits showcasing fossils, insects, birds, and mammals are in the Visitor Center.
Organized Program Structure: Tuesday – Friday, 9:30 – 11:30 AM. Tiny Footprints, up to 24 students per program; Guided School Tours, up to 40 students. Cost is $3 /student (teachers/adult chaperones free). Title 1 schools and schools with large share of low-income students are $1/student.
Public Programs: Monthly Second Saturday guided hikes and weekend events. Self-guided tours 365 days of the year; donation based. Protect the natural beauty of the preserve by staying ‘on- trail’ and leaving ‘no-trace’ during your visit. Pets, bicycles, fires, camping, and picnics are prohibited.
Volunteer Opportunities: Trail Stewards, Trail Guides, Public Information Rangers, invasive species removal, Student internships.