Going Wild in Austin
In many cities it's easy to forget about nature....about the great outdoors. Austin is one of the great cities where this isn't true, and Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve on the west side of the city is a prime example why. http://www.wildbasin.org/index.lasso
With 3 miles of trails in the 227 acre preserve to explore you can find plenty of nature to see, and only a fifteen-minute drive from downtown Austin along loop 360. The trails range from easy to tricky with some accessible to handicapped visitors but all are worth exploring. I can remember being taken through here when this preserve had just opened in the early 80's, and today it is still the wonder it was then.
Saturday, March 3rd, from 6:00 - 8:30p.m. there is a planned full-moon viewing from the overlook with members of the Austin Astronomical Society. Fees are $2 - $4. This sounds like a great event for a family night out. Other events are posted on the website calender.
Trails are open every day from sunrise to sunset (sounds practical) with information at the front of the preserve. Please remember to not disturb the plants, wildlife, or anything else you see there, something we were always taught as kids in nature club. "Leave only footprints."
Getting there (from their website) : The entrance to Wild Basin is on the east side of Loop 360 (805 N. Capital of Texas Highway). Entrance is approximately 1 mile north of Bee Caves Road, or approximately 3 miles south of the Loop 360 bridge over Lake Austin (Colorado River).
I bet you'll like the Preserve as much as my kids do. Remember to take a camera.
~melanie
