April 16th is Austin Nature Day.

It's what happened to Earth Day and some other similar holidays from the 70's and 80's or so I'm told.

http://www.AustinNatureDay.org

There are at least two dozen events around Austin to commemorate this day, but one of them is right in your backyard !!

The Slaughter Creek ''Water Quality Protecton Land'' (WQPL) will be open for guided tours.

You must make a reservation by phone before arriving.

It is FREE and there will be handouts and maps.

NOTE: drive-up visitors will not be admitted. There is limited parking at the site and 4 tours of 1 hour each are available. The last tour is for people with disablities.

The location is at 9901 FM 1826, which is the Ranch Gate located at the point where you cross over Slaughter Creek. It is 1 mile south (left) on FM 1826 (Camp Ben McCulouch Road) where it passes Slaughter Lane (by that great big green water tower).

Please call 263-6433

9000 years of Water....History

The program for the day is called:

9,000 Years of Water for Hill Country Residents

See one of the city's Water Quality Proection Lands. Docent-guided tours will tell the story of water on this land by interpreting the historic, geologic, and topographic features.

Austin's Water Utility -
Wildland Conservation Division

and

The Hill Country Foundation


Your tour will last about an hour, taking you on a half-mile walk along the creek.

Sensible clothes are recommended and closed toed shoes (no flip-flops or sandals are allowed for your own safety - there are fire ants). A hat, water bottle, and sun screen are also recommended.

Bring your binoculars - you may see the deer (I saw 5 of them on Sunday) or some intersting birds including a Red Tailed Hawk, Mexican buzzards, and song birds.

This is not a park and it is only open to the public with guided tours. Try to car pool. It takes 10 minutes to get there from here, although Park West actually backs up to the property.

Wildflower Center program

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (LBJ WFC)
4801 LaCrosse Ave (other side of Mopac)
(512) 292-4200

Young adults can expore careers with a ''Women in Science'' panel. Scheduled Talks & Walks identifying local birds & how to garden for them.

Special Demonstrations in Wild Ideas: The Store

(they do charge for parking, but sometimes you can park on LaCrosse and walk in) There may be an admission charge for this event - I don't know for sure.

Wildflower Center program

The Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center (LBJ WFC)
4801 LaCrosse Ave (other side of Mopac)
(512) 292-4200

Young adults can expore careers with a ''Women in Science'' panel. Scheduled Talks & Walks identifying local birds & how to garden for them.

Special Demonstrations in Wild Ideas: The Store

(they do charge for parking, but sometimes you can park on LaCrosse and walk in) There may be an admission charge for this event - I don't know for sure.