Inspiring people to develop lifelong practices of protecting & enjoying nature.

Non-Profit Organization
Opening at 9:30 AM
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Updates

MANAGING GROUNDWATER IN TRAVIS COUNTY

Mar 7, 2018 – Mar 7, 2018

“Managing Groundwater in Travis County: How, Why and Where?” is part of the traveling exhibit of Our Desired Future, made possible by the generous support of the Shield-Ayres Foundation. We are planning similar events in other communities in Texas, but we are particularly excited about this one s...

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Posted on Nov 28, 2017

Give to Protect & Enjoy Nature today on Giving Tuesday!

Please donate to Westcave today. Your support goes towards two new nature-based programs:
• Girls Outside impacts the lives of hundreds of young women who will grow through mentorship, learn about environmental science, and discover career...

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Testimonials

a month ago
One of the most beautiful places in Central Texas! Each tour leave you with something new. The guides are knowledgeable and have the best attitude. There is hiking involve so wear comfortable shoes. The grotto will leave you breathless!
- Hector G
a month ago
Nice walking paths, though a few areas require you to have sure footing. The waverfall and pool and cave at the end of the trail is truly beautiful and well worth the hike. The staff naturalists at the center is very knowledgeable and friendly, able to share a lot of information about the local flora and fauna and both the geological and more recent history of the area. There are also easier and more open walking paths where one can see a good assortment of Texas wildflowers (in season of course). This appears to be a destination for some school field trips as well. I would highly recommend a visit to this place.
- Douglas S
2 months ago
Westcave Nature preserve is a wonderful family friendly hike for all ages. It is not wheel chair accessible or those who are mobility challenged. The guides are very friendly and knowledgeable about the area and will answer questions as they truly love the preserve. At the end of the hike is Beautiful waterfall and small cave.
- Jonathan D
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Founded in 1976 as Westcave Preserve,

the mission of Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is to inspire people to develop a lifelong practice of enjoying and protecting nature. We accomplish this through educational programs, collaborative alliances, and conservation of our beautiful 76-acre preserve.

TEACHING
While many places offer opportunities for self-led nature activities, Westcave has dedicated staff who partner with schools to teach 6,000 students annually. Students learn key scientific concepts in the best classroom of all: our 75-acre preserve in Southwest Travis County and our nationally renowned Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center. What makes the experience so special? At our preserve, you not only witness a place of extraordinary beauty, you observe a living laboratory. You walk through hundreds of thousands of years of geologic formations as you hike to the bottom of the canyon. And at the head of our canyon is a lush, wet grotto where you can see with your own eyes how the water cycle works.

COLLABORATING
The Children in Nature Collaborative of Austin (CiNCA) is a mighty force for good, catalyzing 50+ member nonprofits, environmental educators, health professionals and community leaders to work together on common goals. Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center has stepped up to lead CiNCA in its efforts to connect children and families to nature, because we believe forming strategic alliances and sharing ideas and resources increases our collective impact.

CONSERVING
Our preserve is located in Southwest Travis County, one of the fastest-growing metropolitan areas in the country. Protecting this beautiful land, which is home to the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and attracts birders from all over the world, has become more important than ever.It began in 1973 with the purchase of 25 acres that had been trespassed and badly abused. The last four decades have seen that land renew and flourish under Westcave's visionary care, and today our original preserve is celebrated as a natural treasure. Recently, Westcave purchased an additional 45 acres of adjacent property, which we call the Canyon Rim. Once again, Westcave is restoring the land so that it can be enjoyed by generations to come.  

learn more at www.westcave.org
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Contact

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  • (830) 825-3442

Address

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24814 Hamilton Pool Road
Round Mountain, TX 78663
United States

Business Hours

Mon:Closed
Tue:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Wed:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Thu:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Fri:10:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Sat:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
Sun:9:30 AM – 4:00 PM
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