The Austin
Adventurer Spring Ezine 2019
THE AUSTIN BIKE COMMUNITY PG. 8 A LOOK INTO BARTON SPRINGS PG. 16 THE PROJECTS OF LADY BIRD JOHNSON PG. 24 SAVE THE SALAMANDERS! PG. 34
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 1
2 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
“In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.� -John Muir
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 3
Table Of Contents 6 - 7 Meet the Editors 8 - 13 The Austin Bike Community
14 - 15 Which Bike Would You Like?
Photo courtesy of Seths Pool on Austinmountainbiking.com
16 - 21 A Look Into Barton Springs
22 - 23 Six Ways to Splash Around Photo courtesy of the Austin History Center
4 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
in Austin
24 - 31 The Projects of Lady Bird Johnson
32 - 33 Three Best Hikes for Nature Loving Austinites Photo courtesy of Wildflower.com,
34 - 35 Save the Salamanders
36 - 37 Austin's Salamanders Photo courtesy of Dante Fenolio
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 5
Letter From the Editors Welcome to The Austin Adventurer, a truely awesome outdoor magazine focused on the Austin outdoor community. Our goal is to showcase and explore some of Austin's most iconic communities and land marks. We have created a carefully written magazine that encaptures Austin's natural beauty and impactful people. You can learn about biking, Lady Bird Johnson, Barton Springs, and much more, all at your convience in this elegantly designed magazine. We hope you enjoy reading the first edition of The Austin Adventuruer. Thank you sincerely, Ian Becher, Megan Fleming, Olivia Griffin-Erickson, and Alec Hoelscher
6 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
Cover courtesy of Olivia, inset pages courtesy of Megan, table of contents courtesy of Alec, letter from the editor courtesy of Ian.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 7
A strong community of riders that blew up rapidly in Austin and continues to grow.
The Austin Bike Community
By Alec Hoelscher
B
iking is a very exhilarating sport, and it can give a massive adrenaline rush. The feeling of the wind whipping by and the focus it requires makes the sport incredibly exciting. Road cycling is one of the hardest workouts, pushing the legs and core to the limit. Mountain biking is a challenging sport that can take people through some incredible natural scenes. BMX biking is a high action sport that has a helpful community and some very impressive tricks. Almost everyone in Austin, Texas has some association with biking whether it's through first or second hand. Over the past several years, cycling has gained popularity as a form of recreation and transportation. Austin is home to many different forms of biking including road biking, mountain biking and BMX. All of these sports have blown up recently in Austin and are constantly growing and improving.
Photo courtesy of Alec Hoelscher of a creek crossing on the Barton Creek Greenbelt.
8 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
From building new trails, or creating protected bike lanes, the city of Austin puts in a lot of effort and funding to support all three of these activities. What makes the cycling community special, however, is the amount of effort that they put into improve riding conditions. Many trails in Austin are maintained and improved by riders alone. It is a self supporting community that is helped by the city through funding and oversight.
Road biking got its start in Austin and around Texas a long time ago. Forty-two years ago Hill Abel, a long time cyclist, owner of local bike shop Bicycle Sport Shop and a part of the Bike Austin Board, moved to Austin. He recalls the road biking scene when he first moved here.
Photo courtesy of Alec Hoelscher of rider Rick Sloan on the greenbelt side trail Cupid.
"A lot of people from all over the country would come to Texas in March and train because of the climate [and] because it was so balmy in March," Abel said. From the start, Texas had a large road biking scene and this has remained an integral part of the Austin community. There are many paved paths all across Austin designed for riders to get as many miles in as possible. One example is the Veloway Park in Austin, a three-mile bike exclusive path in the Circle C area. Trails like the Veloway Park are especially useful for road cyclists because they don't have to worry about car traffic. Cars can be a major problem for bikers because many drivers forget to watch out for them. In order to make roads safer for cyclists, many streets are now enforcing protected bike lanes. Recently, the committee Bike Austin has taken major steps to increase the
amount of protected bike lanes. These lanes are very important to bikers because they make the rider feel safe. Many protected bike lanes offer little physical protection against motor vehicles, but riders still say that the lanes make them feel more secure while riding. According to Abel there is plenty of work that still needs to be done in order to make road biking in Austin safer. "There are an enormous amount of people who would like to use bicycles for transportation but they're terrified for there personal safety," Abel said. "I think what the protected facilities are gonna do is really give people the confidence to really use their bicycle."
The mountain bike scene in Austin has progressed slowly but is now one of the biggest mountain biking spots in Texas. The main trail system in Austin is the Greenbelt, which has changed drastically over the years. Abel recalls the Greenbelt's condition when he first moved here. "When we first started riding on the Greenbelt the trail was literally six-inches wide for about a mile from Barton Springs pool," Abel said. "After that it was a lot of bushwhacking." Today, the Greenbelt is a massive trail system that runs across Austin. This trail is constantly changing and offers many different side trails for more advanced riders to be challenged on.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 9
Photo by Alec Hoelscher of the greenbelt trail map at the barton springs trail head.
Mountain biking in Austin is regarded as very technicallychallenging compared to other places in the country. Darren Peoples grew up riding Utah trails and has since been a long time rider of Austin. He explained why Austin trails are so difficult. "They've made the most of the terrain It's not just flat boring stuff, they try to find the steeper terrain," Peoples said.
Spider Mountain. These trails pack miles of exhilarating trails into a relatively small area. The challenges of these trails can lead to problems. These trials are "too steep for the terrain" Hill said. This is causing drainage issues as well as erosion problems. Many lesser known trails were built without consideration of their effect on the environment. Hill suggests that some of these trails need to be closed off and rebuilt with knowledge of the effects that these trails have.
He said that Austin trails make good use of the area that they are offered. There are many mountain bike parks in Austin such as BMX is a style of riding Walnut Creek and the new that involves doing various 10 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
tricks on a special kind of bike. It is one of the most challenging styles of riding but can be very rewarding. It is usually done at a skatepark, pump track, or jump course. BMX riding has also taken hold of the Austin community. The city houses several BMX attractions including the House Park Skatepark, 9th Street BMX park, and the Pump Track at Walnut Creek. Professional rider Chase Hawk lives in Austin and frequently visits House Park to get a ride in. 9th Street BMX park is truly a spectacle, and is famous among Austinites. The park as been built up solely by
the community, who also maintains it. The jumptrack was funded by community riders who put in hundreds of back-breaking hours to build this amazing park. After the Memorial Day floods of 2015, the trails were all destroyed. A majority of them had to be almost entirely rebuilt. The community stepped in and
quickly built up a new set of jumps that were better than ever. "9th street is an incredible facility" Abel said. "it was just bunch of dudes going back there shoveling and moving dirt," Parks like this are great for riders because they are self-contained, used by riders only, and built and
improved by community. Many parks and Austin could house pump tracks which would allow for new spots for riders. "I think that we have a lot of park facilities that would benefit from having maybe pump tracks," Abel said. "Ways for people to use
“It was just bunch of dudes going back there shoveling and moving dirt. We need to go out and mindfully build 3 to 4 facilities like that in all parts of the city“ Abel said.
Photo Courtesy of Spider Moutain's website
their bikes for health and recreation." This is something that BMX riders in Austin could look forward to in the future. Biking can be a difficult sport to get into; both Peoples and Abel give advice on getting into the sport. "[Go] to the bike shops, see what clubs are out there [and] get involved with some of the clubs," Peoples suggests. "That way you get introduced to a bunch of the trails that you wouldn't know about." Abel gives additional advice: "I think that they have to start with the right equipment. Find someone that is there who can coach you and support you through those few first rides," Abel said. Mellow
Johnny's bike shop hosts many rides designed for a variety of different levels of riders. Other groups such as Ridge Riders and Ride Like a Girl are also great options for riders of all ages, gender and skill groups to gain experience. There are a couple of primary problems in the bike community. One such problem is the crowding of bike trails due to the rapid growth in popularity of the sport. "Just too many people getting out there and too many conflicts," Peoples said. I think, unfortunately, bikers probably don't have as big a voice as the other trail users so I could see us getting kicked off the trails right before others would."
Photo of the 9th Street BMX jumps courtesy of Heidi Gollub
12 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
This leads into the next problem which is the representation of cyclists in the Austin city councils. The board of Bike Austin is an organization that advocates for bicycle safety, teaches the importance of using bikes around the city and relays problems to city council. However, there is currently a lack of a unified voice in this organization which makes it difficult to communicate to the decision makers in the city. "Bike Austin is struggling a bit because we need a unified voice to really influence the decision makers in the city," Abel said. In theory, there is a lot of potential for the cycling community to grow. There is currently a master bike plan that, according to Abel, includes "220 to 240 miles of bike lane facility." If this trail gets built, biking will become a more common mode of transportation around the city. These trails will stretch all across Austin and will be used to get to any location. Peoples talks about this plan by suggesting more urban trails across Austin that connects main trail systems together. This would reduce the need for a car tremendously and allow for different routes to be strung together.
Bikes are also beneficial in reducing carbon emissions. It is common knowledge that cars emit harmful gasses into the environment, and bikes are a very feasible solution. If the city creates enough trails and protected bike lanes, biking would be a very effective option for transport. There are companies such as B-Cycle who offer bikes that can be rented for short term use. This allows for a cheap and environmentally friendly option to commute short distances without using a car. Spider Mountain is a new bike park that opened as of February 4, 2019. It is located about an hour outside of Austin in Burnet. This park features a ski lift that takes riders to the top of the 350-foot hill. The park currently houses four trails ranging in difficulty from beginner to expert, and according to riders, the extreme trails are incredibly difficult. This is just the beginning of spider mountain. They plan on opening 20 plus trails over the coming years. Downhill terrain is usually not found in Austin and is something new that riders can enjoy. Biking in Austin is growing fast and has no end in sight. It is because of the community as well as the city that supports the new trails as well as the many already built. Although there are many things that need to be improved on, Austin has still come a long way from its beginnings and has made itself into a very large community.
Photo courtesy of BIkerumor.com. Unnamed rider on Spider Mountain's blue trail.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 13
Which Bike Would You Like? B y A l ec Ho el s c her
Mountain Bike D ef ining q u a lit ies : Often has suspension in front and rear, wheel size of 26"-29", and usually made of aluminum or carbon. U se: For those who want to ride trails with rock and root features off of the road. There are many mountain bike trails all around Austin. Pr ic e R a ng e: $ 1,000-5,000
Road Bike D ef ining q u a l it ies: Little to no suspension, curved bars, wheel size 700c, skinny and smooth tires.
U se: Very good option for those
looking to get a work out in. Also good option to commute across the city.
Pr ic e R a ng e: $ 500-2,000
14 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
A ll p h o to s c o u rte s y o f A le c H o e l sch e r
BMX Bike Defining qua l i t i e s :
N0 suspension, low sitting seat, very small wheel size, much smaller bike, single speed. .
Use: For those looking to
learn stylish tricks on a bike. Great for skateparks and short distances cruises.
P r i c e Ran ge : $ 300-500
Tandem Bike D e fi n i n g q ua l i ti e s:
Two seat bike allowing for more than one user, curved handle bars, road bike style wheels.
Use: A great workout
option for yourself and a buddy, great for rides across the city or on paved paths.
P ri c e R an ge: $ 300-500
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 15
Aerial view of Barton Springs. Courtesy of Jonathan Laing
A Look Into Barton Springs
What about this natural pool makes it important to so many people? By Megan Fleming
F
rom diving into the water early in the morning, waiting until noon to bring your family, or visiting any time of the day for a multitudinous amount of reasons, diving into this freezing cold water is sure to
leave any audience refreshed and excited for your next trip. Even before a city called Austin was founded, Barton Springs served as an important Native American campsite for many years. In 1837,
16 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
it was purchased by William Barton and used as a popular spot for picnics. In the time since then, Barton Springs has weaved its way into the heart of many Austinites. Around 1990, Barton Springs faced
a threat of pollution that very well might destroy this safe haven: “the... city of Austin and developers were fighting over whether or not to build anything above Barton Springs” Heather Lonsdale said. Lonsdale was able to have firsthand experience into the push against development near Barton Springs. She observed the formation of an activist group called Save Our Springs, or SOS, in 1992, and watched them fight back against development. “At the time, everyone was worried about it, especially back then we didn’t have all the development we have now,” Lonsdale said. Even in the 1990s, Austin wasn’t near as big of a town as it is today. Entranced by the unique city, many people have begun to move to Austin, increasing the need for more housing and
development. “And even when Austin was a tiny... town… they didn’t want it to ... see it polluted and ruined” Lonsdale said. After the further development in South Austin, Barton Springs was murky and cloudy. This development would further decrease the quality and uniqueness of the Springs. The Save our Springs Alliance was crucial in the prevention of this further development. During the formation of this organization, it became apparent that Austinites would stand up for what they were passionate about and fight to have their opinion heard. Austin is known for its eco-friendly behavior, and its intense devotion to Barton Springs. This natural pool means so much so many people, so it’s no surprise that people would be that
(Top) Boy jumping into Barton Springs on a sunny day. Courtesy of Heidi Gollub. (Bottom) View of downtown Austin from Barton Springs. Courtesy of Wikipedia.
willing to devote their time and effort into protecting it. However, with the rate of the growth of Austin, it is a miracle that Barton Springs has been able to maintain this secluded and peaceful environment. “It’s become such an Austin destination, especially all the people that come in from out of town. They’re visiting, and everyone says,’Oh! you’ve got to check out Barton Springs,’ Kathryn Gose, an Austinite, said as she
A relatively quiet day of a natural pool in Austin, Texas. The natural qualities of this water make it appealing to many. Courtesy of austintexas.org
recounted the changes of Barton Springs in relation the growth of Austin. Gose has lived in Austin her entire life, and from the start, Barton Springs has been ingrained into her memory as an important destination to visit in the summer. She would go with her parents and sisters when she was younger and currently takes her children to experience the same thing she did
when she was a kid. With any growing city like Austin, destinations like Barton Springs are sure to become a ‘must-do’ on any list of activities to do in Austin. The number of tourists visiting these locations will only increase with the growth of a given city. “When I was little, it seemed so remote, far away, more secluded and kind of a more special place,” Gose
18 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
said. “As the city has grown, it has become in the middle of downtown now. It definitely doesn’t feel quite so much like you’re so far away, but it’s still a neat place and … it still is peaceful and pretty and enjoyable.” The fact that Barton Springs is able to maintain a secluded feel and continue to hold onto Austin’s unique culture despite the increase
in population and infrastructure is what many Austinites love about Barton Springs. “It’s just kind of always been there and it’s super natural, and very AustinLike,” Gose said while thinking about her earliest memories of Barton Springs. “I remember that a lot of the women were topless. You could totally be nude. And so I remember thinking this such a weird swimming pool.” Gose has begun to bring her children to Barton Springs as a way of
“And he ... discovered that connection to your natural world and your place provides meaning to your life.”
for children like Gose’s. Karen Kocher, a professor at the University of Texas, has spent years developing an interactive documentary to highlight the significance of Barton Springs. “I came here in June of 1989, and it was 100 degrees already,” Kocher said. “I lived in a house that On a hot day, many people are sure to visit Barton Springs as seen in the was pictures. It is quite a hotspot for people near trying to get out of the heat. the Photo by Will Taylor UT continuing on the fun she had there as a child. “They take their goggles, and they dive down, and they can see crawfish and fish and they go in different little spots that you can check out,” Gose mentioned. However, Barton Springs is not only an attraction
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 19
Barton Springs pictured on an empty day with only a lifeguard. With the masses of people going here each day, this view is a rarity. Courtesy of austintexasgov.com
campus that didn’t have air conditioning. We just lived in sweat at the time, and so I said, ‘Well, how do you guys deal with this?’, asking people who live here, and they said, ‘Oh, well, you should check out this place called Barton Springs.’ Really, from the first week that I lived here, it was something that was in my consciousness.” From the start, Kocher has been entranced by the
beauties that Barton Springs has to offer. “It’s really hard to overlook the colors of the water which is really just breathtaking,” Kocher said in regards to her favorite part about Barton Springs. Kocher’s interactive documentary called Living Springs serves as a website to be able to see multiple communities tied together by Barton Springs that is
20 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
important to each of them in different ways. “This ... theme that is coming out across all of these interviews is, is … how important open space of nature is, to the human condition, the human spirit” Kocher said. Kocher has seen many stories of communities and individuals becoming entranced by Barton Springs. “Perhaps one of my more interesting interviews is the swimmer, his name is Omid [Laridjani]. I don’t know if you saw that video called ‘Didge Man,’” Kocher said. “He is originally from Iran, and his family was more or less moving around the world until they found a place. He was ... feeling adrift as a person, even though he had many of the things that you would attribute to success: an education and he was making good money... but there was something missing in his life. And he ... discovered that connection to your
natural world and your place provides meaning to your life.” Laridjani’s story is a mere example of the man people that Barton Springs has comforted and provided a sanctuary to. For hundreds of years, Barton Springs has been more than
just a pool of cool water that serves to entertain families. “[Barton Springs is] a very old place I hope it’s always around. I would be very sad to see it never not here.” Kathryn Gose said. With all that Barton Springs has done for Austin, it’s no wonder
so many people feel so strongly and are so impacted by it.
A warm day where many people are at Barton Springs to enjoy the cool water. Courtesy of Stephanie N.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 21
P
6 WAYs
to splash around inAustin By Megan Fleming
Here are six ways to take a break from the hot, summer sun in the city of austin, texas!
1 2 Swan Boats
For a fun approach to splashing around, look into renting a swan boat for the day! Swan boats are self propelled paddle boats that are sure to hold you the interest of you and your family for the day. Sit inside the swan and take a look around, or dip your feet into the water to cool of from the hot Texas day.
22 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
PaddlE Boats Paddle boats are sure to be an exciting part of anyone's day. These boats usually hold about two people, and they provide a unique experiences to anyone willing to hop in a paddle boat and splash around Austin.
STAND-UP PADDLEBOARDING Stand-Up Paddleboarding is a treasured pastime in Austin. "Not a day passes on Lady Bird Lake in downtown Austin without seeing hundreds of stand up paddlers gliding across the lake's surface," supatx.com writes. It is a fun activity for many ages, and you can easily jump on and off your paddleboard for a quick dip in the water.
C a n o e i ng
3
4
Take your one-sided paddle and hop on down to Town Lake to experience some fun canoeing! With groups of about two to three people, canoeing is sure to be the highlight of your week when you work together to navigate a small boat and look around at your surroundings.
5
KAyaking Kayaking is typically done with one or two people in a boat, but that is not to say it would not be a fun activity for larger groups! Make sure to make time to take a trip down to Lady Bird Lake to kayak across the beautiful scenery, and run your hands through the cool, crisp water to experience an unforgettable moment. "With a paddle and a boat, Austin comes to life in a whole new way!" rowingdock.com writes.
Swimming As one of the most simple water activities, swimming is sure to grant you hours of fun. You can take a trip to Barton Springs and dive around in the cool, refreshing springs, or take a trip to Deep Eddy Pool for a day of excitement.
6
Photo Courtesy of CultureMap Austin The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 23
Visitors of the Wildflower Center wander around and look at the Theme Gardens. This collection of small gardens features a range of native plants from different parts of Texas. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
24 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
The Projects of Lady Bird Johnson
How the First Lady's Visions Changed Austin For Good By Olivia Griffin-Erickson The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 25
T
he Wildflower Center — quiet, calm, and serene, with flowers budding and blooming on every tree and families strolling around to enjoy the cool spring day and sunlight — sits in south Austin in the middle of a growing, increasingly urban area. The Hike and Bike Trail, filled with people running and enjoying the day, circles around the clear blue Lady Bird Lake in
the center of downtown Austin. These two outdoor attractions seem very different; although they both increase the health of Austinites and promote a green environment, seemingly nothing connects these two places. However, both of these attractions were founded by the same woman - Lady Bird Johnson. Claudia Alta Johnson, better known by her nickname, Lady
A plaque made by The Trail Foundation detailing the history of the Hike and Bike Trail sits in the middle of the Pfluger Bridge. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
26 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
Bird, was born and raised in Texas. In 1934, she married Lyndon B. Johnson, who was also a Texas native. In the 1960s, he became the president of the United States, making Johnson the first lady. Throughout her husband’s presidency, she used her new title to be an advocate for promoting greener cities and started various projects, such as the Highway Beautification Project.
Griffin Davis on the Pfluger Bridge on the Hike and Bike Trail. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
“The highway departments around the country don’t mow the mediums and the sides of the highways during the spring time and that allows the wildflowers to bloom and propagate,” Brian Shivers, the Chairman of the Advisory Council of the Wildflower Center said. “That was one of the things Mrs. Johnson got
highway departments all over the country to start doing and that’s why we got some spectacular displays
along the highways.” After the success with the Highway Beautification Act, Johnson got an idea for something bigger for the City of Austin. In the 1970s, she helped head the creation of the Town Lake Beautification Committee with the goal of creating a hike and bike trail around Town Lake. “It was right when people first started to jog recreationally,” Griffin Davis, the cochair of the Fifteenth Anniversary of The Trail Foundation and the chair of the Hike and Bike Trail boardwalk project, said. “There were not as many people out here running as recreation…
People stroll along the Hike and Bike Trail. Although it is a cloudy day, there are still many people enjoying and exercising on the Trail. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 27
They got lucky that a running trail was going to be as popular as it was.” In 2006, a group of Austinites began The Trail Foundation, a group dedicated to restoring and maintaining the trail. “There hadn’t been a group since Lady Bird’s group in the 1970s that focused
Austin in a way like that before,” Davis said. The Trail Foundation improved the trail by creating things such as new bathrooms, renovations to the trail, and even added a boardwalk extension to the trail. “The boardwalk was going to close the last gap in the trail,” Davis said. “The
is Super Volunteers. “Urban Ecology ecologist Leslie Lily was looking to create more community involvement by [using] some people that had more time [who] could commit to a volunteer project to be volunteers helping lead other volunteers,” Scott Crutchfield-Rogers, a Super Volunteer with The Trail Foundation, said. Crutchfield-Rogers doesn’t only volunteer for the trail and use it for recreational purposes, he uses it to get around Austin. “I sold off my car to actually just be able specifically on helping trail was around Lady to use the trail after I out the Hike and Bike Bird Lake the entire figured out [I could use Trail,” Davis said. “It was way except for one it for transportation],” starting to fall apart in gap for about a mile… Crutchfield-Rogers some areas.” where it veered away said. Davis joined The from the lake. It was a This is one of the Trail Foundation early dangerous path, it sent more hidden assets in its founding. “I you up over I-35… [and] of the trail, although thought that sounded there was a safety using the trail for this like a good cause. It issue. But it also took purpose is becoming was also a way to do away from the beauty more popular. something with my of a pedestrian Hike “Eastside professional skills... I and Bike Trail around neighborhoods can had something to lend the lake.” have a business to a group like that. So Another recent relationship with I wanted to help out. project The Trail downtown that doesn’t I hadn’t helped out in Foundation has started involve the use of a
“It provides a wonderful space for individuals and families to
come out and just enjoy nature”
28 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
car so it’s very helpful that way,” CrutchfieldRogers said. The success and presence of the Hike and Bike Trail is incredibly important to Austin, all due to Lady Bird Johnson’s efforts to make the area around the lake a prettier place. After founding the Town Lake Beautification Committee, Johnson founded a center that focused specifically on the research and preservation of Texas plants and wildflowers. She began the
National Wildflower Research Center outside of Austin in a then very rural area. However, this Wildflower Center had a slightly different purpose than the Wildflower Center today. “The Wildflower Center existed for a number of years as a research center before they even opened the physical facility that exists today,” Shivers said. The center researched native Texas plants and
even established the Ecological Research and Design group that still promotes the usage of native Texas plants. Being native to Texas, these plants were already adapted to Texas’ harsh environment. “In using native grasses in a lot of their design projects, they’re actually promoting water conservation,” Shivers said. The Wildflower Center also sells products and seeds to make it easy for people to save water.
Kids adventure around the Luci and Ian Family Garden at the Wildflower Center, a collection of natural playscapes and other natural attractions that are perfect for families. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 29
“There’s a product that you can buy from the Wildflower Center that’s called Habiturf, and it’s a blend of native grass seeds,” Shivers said. Along with promoting native plants, the Wildflower Center also does outreach in the community, including on the Hike and Bike Trail. “They’ve helped in several places,” Davis said. “They’ve given us some specific guidance in places like along the Zilker Bluffs, but
we’ve also taken the guidelines that they have developed and put those principles into place… We’ve been able to take advantage of the learnings that they’ve developed at the Wildflower Center and put them in place here at the trail.” Although the Wildflower Center still serves as a research center, it now also serves another large purpose for the community. “It provides a wonderful space for individuals and families
to come out and just enjoy nature,” Shivers said. “Everything from just getting exercise [from] walking around to learning about native plants and animals in the area.” The Wildflower Center also serves the community in that it promotes education about nature in Texas. “The Wildflower Center does have an education program,” Shivers said. “They do programs for both children and adults. That’s another part of the outreach that is
The view from the Observation Tower at the Wildflower Center looks out over the Texas Hill Country. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
30 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
A turtle pond sits near the entrance to the Wildflower Center. This area is a great place for spotting wildlife; turtles, fish, and dragonflies inhabit the pond, and an owl inhabits the planter in the corner of the wall. Photo by Olivia Griffin-Erickson.
actually quite popular. When you’ve got an organization like the Wildflower Center, education is a huge part of the mission because you have to make people aware of both what you’re doing and why it’s important.” Lady Bird Johnson’s impacts on the city have been numerous,
leaving a lasting legacy on the city of Austin. “I really think [Ms. Johnson] was way ahead of her time. In going back as far as the mid 1960s, she felt it was important to have places of natural beauty in built up areas,” Shivers said. The city of Austin would be a very
different place without her vision, as her projects made Austin the uniquely naturefilled city it is now. Her efforts to make Austin a prettier, healthier place will always be remembered, through the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the Lady Bird Lake Hike and Bike Trail.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 31
b e s t h i k e s for nature-lovingAustinites Written by Olivia Griffin-Erickson In a bustling, ever-growing city like Austin, it can be difficult at times to find refuge from the urban expanses that Austin provides. However, Austin is also home to a diverse selection of wildlife that is not as far from your front door as you might think. Here are three of the best hikes in Austin that can provide you a moment of relaxation after a busy, urban day.
1
Violet crown Trail
Location: Near
the intersection of Highway 290 and Brodie Lane
Mileage: 4 Miles Strenuosity: Moderate Description: The Violet
Crown Trail is a 30 mile trail that is planned to run from Zilker Park to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (the trail is currently not finished with its expansion; the extension project will be soon completed). A segment of four miles from Highway 290 to Highway 360 is a very nice hike in the middle of an urban area. Although cars can be heard for the first few minutes of walking, it doesn't take very much time for you to feel completely immersed in the wilderness. This forest hike lined with juniper trees takes you down into the Barton Creek Greenbelt. You descend into a dry creek bed and eventually reach Barton Creek. The trail is very narrow and is much rockier than the other trails, making it more advanced.
Information from Hill Country Conservancy, austin parks foundation, and travis county parks. 32 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
2
st. edward‘s trail system
Location: Spicewood Springs Road Mileage: 3.3 Miles Strenuosity: Moderate Description: St. Edward's Trail is a
removed, quiet collection of different winding trails in the backcountry of the area surrounding Bull Creek. The hike begins with a walk to a pond, which you must walk across, bringing you up to an incline that leads to lovely views of the hill country. This trail provides the hiker with a nice mixture of views and water that is perfect for the family to enjoy.
3
wild basin trail system
Photos by Olivia Griffin-Erickson
Location: Off of Highway 360 Mileage: 2.4 Miles Strenuosity: Easy Description: This is a small, tucked
away system of trails off Highway 360 that is south of Lake Travis. The trails near the entrance are very short, wide, and flat, making them very easy for young children. These trails would also be very good for beginner trail runners to get used to trail running, as they are short and flat. However, as you walk farther down, the trail becomes more rocky and strenuous. Wide views can be reached in a mere quarter of a mile. On weekends, the parking lot of this trail can get filled very quickly, so be sure to go early to find a parking place. However, even with a crowded parking lot, the trails still feel very serene and quiet. The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 33
Save the Salamanders How Austinites can help the endangered salamanders of Austin
By Ian Becher Photo of a Barton Springs Salamander in some algae courtesy of Cornell University.
A
ustin is known for its lighthearted people, growth, and plentiful outdoor scenery. Despite being the fastest growing city in the US, Austin's trails and greenery are quite abundant. However, some animals are having a hard time keeping their population numbers up. There are some things Austinites can do to help these endangered animals get back on their feet.
In 1970 the
population of Austin was 253,539, but in 2018 the population was 931,830. There was a 367.53% increase. Along with this massive increase comes much residential development. The process of building structures and people living in those structures produce much waste and pollution that can and probably will clog the aquifer in our area. There is a close link between what people do on their
34 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
property and what they do on the roads and what the water quality in the ground looks like, Nathan Bendik, an environmental scientist, said. Sadly though, there are many organisms that live in the aquifer that suffer from pollution, including the very sensitive Jollyville Plateau Salamander. What Austinites do to their property have
Photo of a Barton Springs Salamander on some rocks courtesy of Gary Nafis.
such a massive impact because the polluted water is able to travel through the water systems of Austin. The water systems include but are not limited to the Edwards Aquifer, creeks, rivers, lake and springs. All of these are part of the many watersheds across Austin that gather water and deposit it in the aquifer. Any fertilizer, pesticides, or other pollution all flow and gather into the aquifer. There's not a lot of filtrate in the aquifer between where pollution might occur and where somebody might take that water out, Bendik said.
"You can think of it in simple terms as a system of pipes that '"It comes down would not have a lot of to the practices filtration." on your own With little to no land," filtration, the amount of -Bendik said. pollution more directly affects the organisms that live in the water. for chemical leaks on your property, disposing The city of waste properly, and Austin has made an not littering. These effort to increase things may seem like the salamanders' common sense to population. some, but they also may seem completely The ways Austinites alien to others. can help save our salamanders is not If everyone does using or limiting the their own part, maybe amount of fertilizer we could give these one uses, not dumping dying salamanders a random chemicals on fighting chance to the street, checking repopulate. The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 35
Austin’s Salamanders All about Austin’s endemic and endangered salamanders By Ian Becher The Georgetown Salamander, Eurycea naufragia, is an endemic salamander to Georgetown Lake and one cave just north of Austin. They are a mysterious salamander and not much is known about their behavior or reproduction. The average Georgetown Salamander is typically six centimeters long with deep red external gills and a light brown body. They are severely threatened by habitat loss and their population is declining.
Image of Barton Creek Salamander provided by Texas A&M
Image courtesy of Courtney Griffin 36 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
Image of Georgetown Salamander courtesy of Benjamin Wermund
The Barton Creek Salamanders' population is stable (but also very low). The salamander, Eurycea sosorum, was first found in Barton Springs but as been spotted in other nearby locations. It is normally 6.35 centimeters long with small eyes, and their body is typically a shade of brown, gray or a mix. They have red external gills.
The Jollyville Plateau Salamander, Eurycea tonkawae, has gills. It spends all of its time in the water. The salamander inhabits springs and wet caves fed by the Edwards Aquifer. Research shows that as urban development booms, the Jollyville Plateau Salamander's population declines. The pollution causes the salamander’s eggs and prey to deform and die.
Image of Jollyville Plateau Salamander provideed by Kennerth P.. Wray
Image of Austin Blind Salamander provided by the Watershed Protection Department
The Austin Blind Salamander, Eurycea waterlooensis, spends its entire life under water. The salamander lives strictly in Barton Springs and in the subterranean cavities of the Edwards Aquifer. They have a grey body with a pearly white luster and can grow up to 7 centimeters. The salamander has been negatively affected by the degradation of its aquatic habitat and by pesticides and fertilizers in central Texas.
The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 37
38 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019
Cover photo by David Wilson Front inset photo by Ni Vi Vo Back Inset photo by April F. The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019 | 39
40 | The Austin Adventurer - Spring Ezine 2019