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April 3, 2012
Part of River Place nature trail closed
Part of a steep nature trail that winds through canyons and hilltops in the River Place subdivision has been closed because it encroaches on land set aside as habitat for endangered species including the Golden-cheeked warbler.
The City of Austin and River Place Municipal Utility District manage adjoining pieces of land that are part of the Balcones Canyonland Preserve.
Several years ago, River Place officials approached City of Austin officials about building a trail through the land. “We said we didn’t think the trail was a good idea and did not want it built on our property,” said Kevin Buchman, public information manager for the Austin Water Utility.
River Place built a trail anyway, which became popular with hikers, dog walkers and trail runners. The mostly shady, hard-packed and hilly 2.75-mile path travels along Panther Hollow Creek and into an adjacent canyon.
Now it turns out that part of that trail apparently extends onto City of Austin-managed property.
When city officials learned last year that about 1,600 feet of the trail encroached between 10 and 100 feet onto their land, they asked River Place officials to close the trail, Buchman said.
“We were assured on numerous occasions the trail would be closed and they would communicate that with residents,” Buchman said.
As recently mid-March, however, the trail remained open. About two weeks ago, City of Austin officials posted signs closing the portion of the trail in question. Access to the land is inappropriate, especially during mating season for the Golden-cheeked warbler, Buchman said.
Jim Casey, president of the River Place MUD board, said trail builders may have mistakenly built the trail on city of Austin property and board members weren’t aware of a problem until recently.
“The contractor the MUD hired to create the nature trail extension may have miscalculated when he staked off the area for the trail extension,” Casey said. “It is unfortunate that the City of Austin/Balcones Canyonland Preserve has not marked their land nor is there a fence or improvements so a person could see where their land begins. Their focus appears to be in police action versus education.”
Another stretch of the trail that is in Balcones Canyonland Preserve land managed by the River Place MUD will be closed during the golden-cheeked warbler mating season, from March 1 until Aug. 1, Casey said.
River Place has hired the company that built the original trail to remove the part of the trail that extends onto Austin property and restore the land to its original state, Casey said.
The project will cost River Place about $15,000, Casey said. He was unsure how much it will cost to build a new, re-routed trail. Construction can’t begin until after Aug. 1, after the warblers typically leave the area.
“We definitely want to do what’s right and we do love birds,” Casey said. “In the meantime people have the original trail and a portion of the new trail to use. I think there’s enough trail to get the endorphins they want.”
The trailhead is located almost at the end of Big View Drive, south of River Place Drive.
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September 20, 2011
Hiking River Place Nature Trail
If you’re looking for an Austin trail with enough elevation gain to whip you in shape to hike the Grand Canyon rim-to-rim or backpack through Glacier National Park, check out the River Place Nature Trail in northwest Austin.
Expect to huff and puff as you scamper up and down hundreds of steps and traipse along the mostly shady, hard-packed path along Panther Hollow Creek (now dry) and into an adjacent canyon.
Curious about just how much elevation gain the trail holds, I strapped on a Nike+ SportWatch GPS for the walk. It showed 1,158 total feet of elevation gain during our out-and-back hike of the main trail. (You can add another mile and a few hundred more feet of elevation gain if you walk to the end of the Little Fern spur and back.)
Trail makers did a superb job, building steps from rocks and railroad ties, situating wooden benches along the way and posting mileage banners to track your distance.
Our 2 hour and 20 minute tour of the place turned up plenty to see, from a wide-eyed rabbit to a few gorgeous Hill Country vistas. Signs of drought are everywhere, too, from snapped limbs to crispy-fried grasses. Water trickles over one fern-covered cliffside, but a temporary sign posted there notes that it’s intentional discharge from a nearby water treatment facility to keep struggling plants alive, not a leak.
Trail runners apparently have discovered the place. We spotted several groups of fleet-footed runners sweating their way through a challenging workout.
We also discovered a 2-foot coral snake slithering across the trail. (See photo above.) Keep an eye out!
Coral snakes, which are venomous, look very much like milk snakes, which are harmless. Need help differentiating? Just remember that old rhyme: “Red on yellow, kill a fellow. Red on black, friend of Jack.”
A bite from a coral snake constitutes a medical emergency; they inject neurotoxin that paralyzes the breathing muscles.
The trailhead is located almost at the end of Big View Drive, south of River Place Drive.
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July 8, 2011
Austin, a Walk Friendly Community?
Austin, walk friendly? Really?
According to the Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center’s inaugural list of Walk Friendly Communities, released on April 26, Austin is one of the country’s 11 best communities for walking.
What?
Walking from my home in Allendale to the nearest grocery store or restaurant a few blocks away this time of year entails walking down a buckled cement sidewalk patched with shovelfuls of black asphalt, scampering across on- and off-ramps to MoPac Expressway, walking under a hot railroad underpass populated by panhandlers and sweating profusely in 100-plus degree temperatures. It usually involves getting honked at and inhaling exhaust fumes.
It’s not pleasant by any stretch of the imagination.
And I know I’m not alone.
Austin is spread out. Walking for transportation isn’t something that a lot of people here do. They’d rather drive a car, even if their destination is less than a mile away. Auto-pedestrian accidents aren’t exactly uncommon.
Granted, we have some wonderful hike-and-bike trails, but those do not make a pedestrian-friendly city in my mind.
The Walk Friendly Community designation is awarded to applicant communities “that have demonstrated a commitment to improving and sustaining walkability and pedestrian safety through comprehensive programs, plans and policies.” The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center based in Chapel Hill, N.C., evaluated communities on safety, mobility, access and comfort.
But unless we are talking strictly about the downtown business district, I’m having a hard time understanding how Austin made the inaugural list.
Seattle made the top grade as the only platinum level awarded.
Four cities got gold status and two got silver. Austin, along with three other cities earned bronze status.
See the entire list here.
The Walk Friendly Community program is funded by FedEx and the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. It’s modeled after the League of American Bicyclists’ “Bicycle Friendly Communities.” (Austin has had silver level status in that program since 2007.)
The idea is to motivate cities to become more pedestrian friendly.
The Pedestrian and Bicycle Information Center is maintained by the University of North Carolina Highway Safety Research Center with funding from the U.S. Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration.
I love the idea of encouraging people to walk. But I’m not sure Austin should be on the list just yet.
What do you think?
(Above photo by Statesman photographer Ricardo Brazziell.)
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January 27, 2011
Captain America visits Austin
I met Captain America this morning while pedaling to work.
He was tugging on his skin-tight, red, white and blue suit just as I rounded the corner on the hike-and-bike trail, near where Shoal Creek empties into Lady Bird Lake.
Since you never know when you might need a rescue from a Super Hero, I stopped to chat.
The Captain, aka Allen Mullins, is a 28-year-old former carpenter from Dalton, Ga. He’s walking to every capitol city in the country to raise awareness of the plight of homeless veterans.
He and his dog Justice (who may also have special powers, apparently triggered by chewing on shoelaces) spent the night at the end of that spit of land on the trail.
Mullins says he walked 5,000 miles in 2009. Since January 2010 he’s visited 27 capitol cities.
He plans to stay in Austin through Friday. Then he’ll head toward Missouri.
He’s not a veteran himself, but says he was inspired to start his walk after noticing veterans and homeless people. A large percentage of homeless people are former soldiers.
“I want people to show respect for the uniform, show a little bit of gratitude,” he says. Shake their hand, tell them thank you.
He’s selling wooden toys to raise enough money to buy food.
He carries a backpack, a sleeping bag, an American flag, some clothing, press clippings and a Bible.
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November 17, 2010
Walk for a Day becomes Violet Crown Trail
The trail system that will eventually stretch more than 30 miles from Zilker Park to Hays County officially has a new name — the Violet Crown Trail.
The moniker refers to a name first referenced in the Austin Daily Statesman in 1890 and later used by O. Henry when he wrote about the city. The term reportedly comes from the purple glow — or crown — that appears over the hills to the west of the city at sunset.
Several focus groups and more than 500 respondents to an online survey chose the new name. Mayor Lee Leffingwell is expected to announce the name Thursday morning when he reads a council resolution adopting the Violet Crown Trail Master Plan.
“The Violet Crown Trail creates an image in my head that fits perfectly with the natural beauty of the Texas Hill Country,” said George Cofer, executive director of Hill Country Conservancy, which is working with the City of Austin and other partners to create the trail. “We have been working on naming this trail for many months and when I heard mention of the Violet Crown, it made sense. As a native Austinite, I’m proud that we are giving this trail a name that marries a piece of local history with the natural landscape of this area.”
For more information, or to make a charitable contribution to Hill Country Conservancy to help fund the design and construction of The Violet Crown Trail, go here.
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October 18, 2010
Rim-to-Rim at the Grand Canyon
What a walk!
I climbed out of the South Rim of the Grand Canyon on Saturday, 8 hours and 45 minutes after I hiked in from the north side.
No blisters, no cratered knees, a smile on my face and water to spare in my Camelbak.
It took nearly five hours to descend 14.5 miles from the north side to Phantom Ranch, and more than three hours to climb out of that vast crack in the ground.
Favorite moments?
Gazing down at the Colorado River from the South Rim. If you want to feel tiny and insignificant, take a gander.
Mailing a postcard (delivered by mule) from Phantom Ranch at the bottom of the canyon. And drinking ice cold lemonade at the canteen there.
Conquering all those switchbacks (the South Kaibab trail ascends 6,000 feet in 6.3 miles), and feeling strong and capable while doing it.
Meeting folks doing a rim-to-rim-to-rim run through the canyon and back. Now THOSE folks are crazy!
Not freaking out at any of the steep dropoffs on the trail.
The cheers of my fellow hikers as each of us emerged from the trail. And the beer someone put in my hand at the end.
This hike isn’t for everyone. Signs and visitor information warn hikers not to attempt a rim-to-rim hike in one day. Only people who have properly trained and are physically fit should attempt it.
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October 13, 2010
Hiking the Grand Canyon rim to rim
I’m flying to Arizona today. Saturday, I’m hiking the Grand Canyon, rim to rim, as a day hike.
Perhaps I’m crazy.
Anybody out there done this before?
It’s a 23-mile trek. We’re starting at the North Rim, breaking for lemonade at Phantom Ranch at the bottom, then slogging up to the South Rim.
I won’t be alone. A group of 20 or so folks, including several from Austin, are making the trip.
I’ll be writing about it in my Fit City column in a few weeks.
Stay tuned.
And if you’ve got tips, advice or snide comments, feel free to post them here.
(AP Photo by Amanda Lee Meyers)
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April 5, 2010
Walk for a Day trail plans unveiled
Last Thursday, while I was out hiking 27 miles around Lake Georgetown, some Austin officials were unveiling sketches of a trailhead for their own long-distance hiking system.
Attached are some renderings, provided by George Cofer of the Hill Country Conservancy, of the proposed 34-mile trail system, and what the trail head could look like.
The Capital Area Trail System, or Walk for a Day, as it’s known, will eventually link central Austin to city of Austin Water Quality lands in the countryside south of the city.
The trail is broken into three segments.
The first segment stretches from Zilker Park, along 4.5-miles of existing trail to Gaines Creek, where a new trail will begin that will lead another mile and a half through a creek valley to a plateau near the city of Sunset Valley and adjacent neighborhoods.
The second segment covers 7 miles from Sunset Valley to the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center. It crosses through seven neighborhoods, past three major retail centers, a library and three parks.
The third segment runs 21 miles from the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center south through city of Austin Water Quality Lands.
About 80 people attended the unveiling, held at the entrance to the Barton Creek Greenbelt/Walk for a Day near Barton Springs Pool at Zilker Park.
It was so rewarding to be able to hike 27 miles around Lake Georgetown without leaving a trail. I can’t wait for Walk for a Day to become a reality so we have the same opportunity here in Austin!
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April 2, 2010
Which is tougher: Running a marathon or hiking 27 miles?
Yesterday, I hiked 27 miles around Lake Georgetown with members of the Sun City Hiking Club.
Today, I’m nursing a blister the size of a pecan on my right heel. The one on my right ankle already burst. I’ve also some got nice blisters between my toes, too. It’s disgusting.
I ran a marathon (that’s 26.2 miles) about this time last year. No blisters, and it took me about 4 hours and 40 minutes.
This hike took 13 hours, if you include the hour-long lunch break.
Which was harder? I’ve been debating that all morning.
The blisters are definitely worse from the hike. The first 20 miles or so felt great. The trail that circumnavigates the lake is incredible — it covers rocky, cactus-covered ground, high bluffs along the north branch of the San Gabriel River, shady bottomlands, a field of irises, tons of bluebonnets, and some flat, graded roads.
Those last few miles really hurt, though, mainly because my boots were rubbing me wrong. I just knew I was causing some serious damage under my socks, and stupidly I hadn’t tested my boots on such a long walk before. Every step hurt, and I was hobbling by the end. (Note to self: Test all gear before backpacking at Glacier National Park this summer.)
But fatigue wasn’t an issue on the hike, like it was during the marathon. During the last 4 miles of the run, I felt like I had cinder blocks strapped to my legs. All I wanted to do was stop and walk. My feet didn’t hurt so much as my body just wanted to flop on the ground and take a nap.
Those Sun City Hikers are tough, I’m telling you. Of the 13 who started, seven made it the entire way around the lake. They ranged in age from 56 to 74, and their pace hardly flagged.
You can read about my experience in the paper in a few weeks. Hopefully I’ll be able to walk again by then.
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March 8, 2010
Davis Mountain Preserve schedules open days
The first time, my late July hike in far West Texas coincided with the annual ladybug hatching. Little red bugs covered logs and branches like scales cover a fish. The second time, I saw more horned toads than I’ve seen since I was a kid. (I’ also saw a rattle snake, but we’ll skip that part of the story…)
It’s a nature wonderland.
The peak is located in the Davis Mountains Preserve, about 25 miles northwest of Fort Davis on Highway 118. (It’s about 10 miles past the McDonald Observatory and a quarter mile past the Lawrence E. Wood picnic area.)
Access to the preserve is limited. Usually you can only hike there when you’re accompanied by a guide.
Each year, though, the preserve is open to the public on certain days. During the “open” days, visitors may camp, horseback ride, hike on their own, picnic, bird, stargaze and enjoy the land at no charge.
This year’s open dates are:
- March 12-14
- April 17
- May 7-9
- June 18-20
- July 9-11
- Aug. 14
On open weekends, the preserve is open from noon Friday until 2 p.m. Sunday. On open days, hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday. Staff and volunteers will be on hand to register guests and answer questions.
Visitors must sign in and out at the McIvor Conservation Center at the preserve. Only high-clearance vehicles are allowed past the center. No pets are allowed.
For more information, email Davis Mountains Preserve Director Chris Pipes at cpipes@tnc.org.
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February 4, 2010
Slaughter Creek Trail dedication set for Friday
Pull out your hiking boots, we’ve officially got a new trail to hike!
The 5-mile pathway along Slaughter Creek, which is open to hikers, bicyclists and horses, will be dedicated at 1 p.m. Friday. (NOTE: The ribbon cutting is still planned, but because of the rain the actual trail may be closed.)
Parking near the trail entrance at 9901 FM 1826 is limited, so organizers are asking everyone to carpool. The event will happen rain or shine. (Yay rain!)
The trail is beginner to intermediate level, with slight elevation changes and some short ledges. There is also a quarter-mile trail designed for the mobility and visually impaired.
The trail is located on lands managed by the city of Austin’s Water Quality Protection Lands Program.
Recreational groups including the Austin Ridge Riders, the Texas Equestrian Trail Riders Association and the Hill Country Foundation built the trail and will manage and maintain it. They will use social media to alert trail-goers if the trail is opened or closed.
The trail has its own Facebook page — and its own motto, “Just say no to mud!”
It’s on public land set aside as habitat for eight endangered species and 27 species of concern, and to protect the quality and quantity of water recharging the Barton Spring segment of the Edwards Aquifer.
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February 3, 2010
Glen Canyon book discussion
It’s a long drive to Glen Canyon from Austin, but the lessons it tells are just as pertinent here, where drought and population growth make water an ever-important issue.
Learn more about what happened when the canyon was flooded to create Lake Powell, which borders Arizona and Utah, in 1963, and what’s happening now, as the a decade-long drought and increased water demands have shrunk the lake to roughly half its size.
Annette McGivney, an environmental writer living in FLagstaff, Ariz., chronicles the canyon’s recovery - and writes about the bigger issues of water use and unchecked development - in her book, “Resurrection: Glen Canyon and a New Vision for the American West.”
She’ll read from her book and sign copies of it during an event hosted by the Save Our Springs Alliance starting at 6 p.m. Thursday at the Alamo Drafthouse South. A video that accompanies the book also will be shown, and McGivney will lead a discussion.
A $10 donation is suggested.
McGivney is a University of Texas graduate who spent a decade here writing about the environment. She now writes for Backpacker Magazine.
For more information, email pat@sosalliance.org or call 477-2320. Go to www.SOSAlliance.org or www.AnnetteMcGivney.com for more information.
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December 11, 2009
Walk for a Day trail gets funds
A planned trail that will wind more than 30 miles from Zilker Park in downtown Autin to Onion Creek Natural Area in Hays County got a shot of funding from Congress this week.
The $300,000 allotment for the Capital Area Regional Trail System, or “Walk for a Day,” will be used to design and engineer trailheads for the system.
This from a press release from Congressman Lloyd Doggett’s office:
These funds will support local efforts to develop the construction of the Capital Area Regional Trail System, known locally as “Walk for a Day.”
This project will begin at Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park and ultimately wind more than 30 miles south to Onion Creek Natural Area. Specifically, these federal dollars will be used to design and engineer the trailheads — the ‘doorways’ to the trail for long-distance recreational users, neighborhoods, and trail users in general.
Trailheads, a type of educational marker, will provide an opportunity for the community to enjoy a rich educational component that will “come alive” at the trailheads.
This funding will make it possible for Hill Country Conservancy to bring the best design/build team possible to the table to create trailheads that will be the jumping off points for thousands of citizens to experience this extraordinary regional trail system and cultural heritage of Central Texas.
George Cofer, Executive Director of the Hill Country Conservancy, also praised Congressman Doggett’s efforts.
“The Walk For a Day regional trail project has long been a dream of parks and trails advocates throughout the Capital Area. Thanks to Congressman Doggett, we now have our first federal funding, which will allow Hill Country Conservancy and a diverse coalition of governmental, neighborhood, business and environmental organizations to move from the drawing boards to construction. Hill Country Conservancy and its partners will use these funds to promote recreational, educational and healthy lifestyle opportunities,” he said.
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November 12, 2009
Heading to West Texas
I’m rolling out of town before dawn tomorrow, on my way to West Texas in search of stories.
I love it out there — my husband and I go to Big Bend National Park for New Year’s every year, and I’ve also done a few trips to Fort Davis, Marfa and Big Bend Ranch State Park. It’s rugged, but gorgeous. It’s also reassuring to look out over the desert and confirm that undeveloped, wide open spaces still exist.
I took the photo above last January at the national park.
I’m stopping in Marathon to interview photographer James Evans, who published “Big Bend Pictures” in 2003. I love his wildlife photos — have you seen his javelina shots? From there I’m headed to Terlingua, where I’m staying at La Posada Milagro, an adobe lodge built on ruins of the old mining town. A trip to the Starlight Theater is in order, I’m sure.
Saturday, I’ll drive into Big Bend Ranch State Park, the more remote neighbor of Big Bend National Park. The park is hosting a fiesta to unveil new trails, campsites and biking trails to the public. I’ll be camping and hiking with a crew from Texas Parks and Wildlife Department.
I’m returning Monday night.
Tips, suggestions? What’s your favorite thing about West Texas?
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October 29, 2009
Yuppie 911
Here’s an alarming trend: Pack a personal locator beacon, head out on an adventure you’re ill-prepared for, then press the panic button when you think you need a rescue.
Foxnews.com reported on the phenomenon in a recent article. Read it here.
Just last month, two men and their sons attempted a difficult hike in the Grand Canyon. When they couldn’t find water, they called for help, mobilizing rescue helicopters that flew into the steep canyon to save them. By the time they arrived, though, the hikers had already found water and sent their would-be rescuers home. The next night, they buzzed again, when the water they found tasted salty.
It happens with enough regularity that emergency responders have a name for it — Yuppie 911.
Ridiculous. Rescuers risk their lives trying to help people with legitimate problems. They’ve got enough to deal with without worrying about people whose problems aren’t serious — or people who have undertaken adventures they never should have.
In this case, technology has made people feel safe — too safe.
What do you think?
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October 28, 2009
Book chronicles receding water of Lake Powell
Glen Canyon and its 200 or so side canyons were drowned when Lake Powell was created in 1963, buried under water and hidden, presumably, forever.
Only they weren’t, and thanks to a decade-long drought and increased water demands, the lake has shrunk to half its size.
As that water level inches downward, the reservoir is giving back what it took so many years ago — incredible hiking terrain that includes beautiful slot canyons, forgotten waterfalls and archeologically significant sites.
Annette McGivney, an environmental writer living in Flagstaff, Ariz., chronicles the canyon’s recovery — and writes about the bigger issues of water use and unchecked development — in her book, “Resurrection: Glen Canyon and a New Vision for the American West.”
The book is packed with stunning photos by James Kay: Land cracked and parched like an alligator’s hide, narrow gravel-scrubbed stone crevasses, the telling “bath tub ring” that marks the dramatic drop in the reservoir’s depth.
McGivney, a University of Texas graduate who spent a decade here writing about the environment, speaks at the Texas Book Festival this weekend. She shares the stage with Laurence Parent and David Baxter during an 11:30 a.m. Saturday session titled “Parched: Water in the West.” She’ll also make an appearance at 3 p.m. Saturday at Patagonia, 316 Congress Ave.
Although her book focuses on a reservoir hundreds of miles from Austin, it has relevance here in Texas, where we’re facing a drought and water supply issues of our own.
“What has happened with Glen Canyon and Lake Powell is such a wonderful example of the consequences of short-term thinking that basically has been driving the economic machine for the last 50 years in the west,” McGivney says.
For decades, most people assumed Lake Powell would stay full. Slowly, the water disappeared.
“In Texas, reservoirs go down and fill up again,” McGivney says. “It still shows the vulnerability of the water supply and it doesn’t take much to be near disaster levels.”
McGivney, the southwest editor for Backpacker Magazine and a journalism teacher, got interested in Glen Canyon after researching an article in 2002. She realized then the shrinking lake revealed more than new hiking terrain — it exposed serious sustainability issues.
Lake Powell will probably never be more than half full again, she says, but will stay between 30 and 50 percent full.
As the water recedes, revealing nature’s treasures, it also reveals a need for study.
“Federal funds need to be dedicated to doing an inventory of the biological and archeological resources there. Instead we’re using tax payer dollars to extend boat ramps.”
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August 13, 2009
Funds for Walk for a Day trail
Good news for the Walk for a Day Trail — $405,000 in federal funding!
The trail, as envisioned, will ultimately stretch more than 30 miles from Barton Springs Pool to Onion Creek Natural Area in Hays County. The funding will be used to design and engineer trailheads where people will access the system.
Here’s more from a release from U.S. Congressman Lloyd Doggett’s office:
The funds include a $300,000 appropriation approved by the House at Congressman Doggett’s request and $105,000 from federal American Recovery and Reinvestment Act or stimulus funds approved by the Capitol Area Metropolitan Planning Organization at the request of Texas State Senator Kirk Watson. CAMPO’s award will go to support a portion of the trail located near the intersection of U.S. 290 and Brodie Lane in Austin.
“By supporting the Hill Country Conservancy’s work on the Walk for a Day Trail, people will be able to view some of the unique backdrops and distinctive landscapes Central Texas has to offer,” Doggett said. “Trail users will experience up close the beauty of the Hill Country, the natural springs and native wildlife. And there are many practical, economic benefits for surrounding small businesses and outdoor enthusiasts.”
“Initiatives like this are a big reason why Central Texas is such a great place to live,” said State Senator Kirk Watson, who chairs CAMPO. “It’s been a team effort to secure these pieces of our heritage and open them up to the people of Central Texas.”
George Cofer, executive director of the Hill Country Conservancy, praised Congressman Doggett’s efforts.
“The Walk For a Day regional trail project has long been a dream of parks and trails advocates throughout the Capital Area. Thanks to Congressman Doggett, we now have our first federal funding, which will allow Hill Country Conservancy and a diverse coalition of governmental, neighborhood, business and environmental organizations to move from the drawing boards to construction. Hill Country Conservancy and its partners will use these funds to promote recreational, educational and healthy lifestyle opportunities,” he said.
Doggett added that he will continue to work to secure additional federal funding for the project.
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August 4, 2009
Walk for a Day trail meeting
Organizers of the Walk For a Day regional trail system are asking for citizen input at a public meeting from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 5 at the Sunset Valley City Hall, 3205 Jones Road.
Walk For a Day is a proposal for a regional trail system that would provide public recreational and wilderness experiences and extend about 35 miles from Barton Springs to the City of Austin Water Quality Protection Lands in northern Hays County. Read more about it here.
The meeting is part of the public process conducted by Sunset Valley, Austin and the Hill Country Conservancy to ensure public involvement in the Walk For a Day trail planning process.
The Hill Country Conservancy is leading the effort to acquire land and access rights for a continuous trail and to provide resources to fund planning and construction, as well as perpetually endow operations and maintenance of the trail.
For more information on the proposed Walk For a Day trail, go here.
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July 13, 2009
Help plan 34-mile Walk for a Day Trail
Want to help plan a 34-mile trail system between Barton Springs and Hays County? This just in:
Organizers of the Walk for a Day regional trail system are asking for citizen input at a public meeting from 6:30-8:45 p.m. Wednesday, July 15 at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center Auditorium, 4801 La Crosse Ave.
The meeting is part of the public process conducted by the City of Austin and Hill Country Conservancy to ensure public involvement in the trail planning.
The Hill Country Conservancy is leading the effort to acquire land and access rights for a continuous trail and to provide resources to fund planning and construction, as well as perpetually endow operations of the trail.
For more information on the proposed Walk For a Day trail, visit www.ci.austin.tx.us/water/wildland/walkforaday.htm.
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April 14, 2009
In search of bug-eating plants
I’m on a mission to find a bug-eating plant!
Wednesday, I’m driving east to the Big Thicket National Preserve near Beaumont. It’s home to four types of carnivorous plants — sundews, pitcher plants, bladderworts and butterworts. Sound pretty frightening, don’t they? Like something out of “Little Shop of Horrors.”
Actually, it’s research for a story I’m working on about cool places to camp, now that none of us can afford actual hotel rooms. The story won’t run until fall, but I’m pitching my tent now, before it gets blazing hot.
My running buddy Marcy is coming with me. We’ll be backpacking in a few miles, staying the night, and soaking up some awesome spring air. I can’t wait!
M hasn’t had the pleasure of a dehydrated meal yet. We’ll be dining on just-add-water spaghetti and pasta primavera. (I prefer Mountain House brand’s Pro Packs, FYI. Learned that in Yellowstone last year.)
The Big Thicket covers 97,500 acres in 12 non-contiguous parcels. We’re planning on hiking in the Turkey Creek area, where some of those insect-munching plants are known to live.
I wonder what their favorite foods are? Perhaps I’ll bring a pocketful of beetles, larvae and fleas and run my own experiment.
I checked out the park’s website. Looks like they’ve got an alligator population, too. I bet the Creature from the Black Lagoon would be right at home there.
I need to visit a couple of other parks before I write the camping story.
Got any suggestions? What’s the best place to camp in Texas?
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December 11, 2008
Austin hiking and biking website
Looking for a great resource for all things hiking and biking in Austin? Check out http://www.austinhikeandbike.com, a website developed by local web developer Jonathan Butterworth.
I talked with Butterworth this week. He’s really into biking, whether it’s on trails or roads. He also loves to hike. He created the website as a resource for like-minded people.
“I try to ride my bike more than I drive my car,” he says. All that biking has improved his leg strength and made him a better runner, he says.
The website is packed with trail maps (including the Austin Bicycle Map, City of Austin park trail maps, and maps of greenbelts like Shoal Creek, Barton Creek and Lady Bird Lake), links to local hiking clubs and information about types of bikes and what kind is best for you. There’s even a section on geocaching.
Butterworth wants your input, too. If you’ve got tips or resources to add, email him at austinhikeandbike@gmail.com or click on the contribute link on the website.
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September 12, 2008
Backpacking with bears
Watch out, bears. My husband and I are headed to Yellowstone National Park to do some backpacking.
I’ve backpacked before, but never in grizzly bear territory. Honestly, it freaks me out a little. When I backpacked in New Zealand two years ago, the worst thing I had to worry about was a marauding kiwi.
To prepare myself for this trip, I’ve done a lot of reading about camping in bear territory. I know to string up my food on a pole 100 yards from where I set up camp. I know to take off the clothes I was wearing when I cooked dinner and string them up, too.
Bears have noses that are 100 times stronger than a bloodhound’s. Someone even told me they could even smell soup in a can. Is that possible?
I’ve talked with Statesman outdoor reporter Mike Leggett, and I had dinner with Dan Sholly, who was chief ranger at the park back in the 1980s. Sholly, who lives in Austin now and works for Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, wrote a book about the experience called “Guardians of Yellowstone.”
We’ve been over the basics: Make a lot of noise when you hike. Leave the eau de trout perfume and raspberry necklaces at home. Steer clear of mama bears and cubs. And if a bear does charge (God help me!), don’t run. (Like what should I do? File my nails while it gnashes its teeth?)
If you’re backpacking in a group of four or more, you’re fairly safe, according to the experts. But it’s just me and Chris.
I’ve already forbidden him from wearing chapstick or using soap, because all kinds of nice-smelling products can chum up bears. No deodorant. No lotion. No wandering around after dark.
We’re going to be mountain fresh. And armed with a big jar of bear spray.
I hope it works.
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June 22, 2008
National Trails Fund
Central Texas is packed with amazing hiking trails. But we’ve got to work to maintain them. Here’s a grant opportunity from the American Hiking Society:
Have a hiking trail you love? Become part of the only privately funded national grant program to help protect it.
The American Hiking Society 2009 National Trails Fund is now open for applications. This year, American Hiking will provide more support than ever to grassroots trail organizations around the country, giving local trail groups the resources they need to secure trail access, obtain and support volunteers and provide tools and materials to protect America’s cherished hiking trails.
“Trails are the gateway to healthy outdoor recreation, allowing us to experience nature on our own terms,” said Gregory Miller, American Hiking Society President. “Our National Trails Fund provides critically needed grant funding to trail organizations to maintain and protect America’s hiking trails.”
Established in 1998, the National Trails Fund provides funding to help establish, protect and maintain foot trails in America. To date, American Hiking has granted nearly $382,000 to 105 different trail projects across the U.S. for land acquisition, constituency building campaigns and a variety of trail work projects. Awards typically range from $500 to $5,000 per project.
A variety of projects will be considered for the 2009 National Trails Fund, including projects that: • Have hikers as the primary constituency, though multiple human-powered trail projects are eligible • Secure trail lands, including acquisition of trails and trail corridors and the costs associated with acquiring conservation easements • Result in visible and substantial ease of access, improved hiker safety and/or avoidance of environmental damage • Promote constituency building surrounding specific trail projects, including volunteer recruitment and support
For the 2009 cycle, American Hiking will be awarding two different types of National Trail Fund grants: American Hiking Society Trail Grants, sponsored by L.L.Bean, Therm-a-Rest and MSR and ranging from $500 to $4,999; and Nature Valley Save the Trails Grants, totaling $5,000 each.
Each grant type has specific guidelines. To apply for a 2009 National Trails Fund grant, go to http://AmericanHiking.org. All applications must be submitted electronically and limited to three pages, plus the required attachments. Submit your complete application by Aug. 15, 2008.
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