Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center

Updates

Come Bird with Us! All level of birders welcome!

Feb 7, 2020 – May 8, 2020

Join us for a fun and informative bird hike at Westcave Preserve.

These hikes are led by a local expert avian biologist. Westcave Preserve hosts over 170 species of birds throughout the year, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler, among other beautiful resident and migrant bird species...

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Posted on Jan 16, 2020

Special Friday Canyon Tours this January!

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Posted on Nov 15, 2019

Spend time with friends & family before Thanksgiving

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Thankful for Nature Days

Nov 25, 2019 – Nov 27, 2019

Get outside with friends and family before Thanksgiving!

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Posted on Oct 31, 2019

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Lone Star Wild | Reception & Panel with Artists

Oct 24, 2019 – Oct 24, 2019

Davis Gallery, in partnership with Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center, presents Lone Star Wild, an exhibit focused on the natural world.
Join us for a private gallery viewing, reception and panel discussion with all four artists: Margie Crisp, Billy Hassell, William B. Montgomery and David Everett.

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$10 OFF Westcave Membership

Oct 22, 2019 – Nov 1, 2019

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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...

1st Day Hikes at Westcave Preserve

Jan 1, 2018 – Jan 1, 2018

Start the new year on the right foot! Spend time hiking this New Year's Day!

Testimonials

3 months ago

Lovely view and great tour. The only thing I didn't like was that the only way to see the "highlight" hike was escorted and not very challenging. But overall it was worth the stroll. I will recommend it as a nice view on the way to a "real hike'. Oh, also super good for kids, I don't have any but there were 4in my tour, very educational

- Gina C

4 months ago

This place is absolutely stunning just like the pictures. I reserved the spot with 2 adults and 2 kids (age 9 & 5). The trail only takes less than 30 minutes to get to the cave. It took longer going in because of the tour guide will provide some information about the nature. It is a very educational trip and the walk is nice and short for kids. I would 100% recommend this place for everyone (but not toddlers or infant). Make sure to reserve the spot online first.

- A. A

5 months ago

100% need to go. This was great! They now have an online reservation system and it was easy to operate. Staff was welcoming and friendly. Our 10am tour was on time and waited for others to use restroom/check-in. Our guide, Megan, was exciting and knowledgeable. She was great with all ages. Although hot, it cooled off as you hiked down the trail. Fair warning, there are a ton on steep stairs (which you also have to climb back up to leave). The waterfall area was so pretty. You even get to walk behind it and visit the neighboring entrance cave. Tour was about 2 hours long. Tips: Get the tour- it's worth it. Bring a camera. Wear good walking shoes. Be ready for stairs. Bring water.

- Alli R

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