A Spring in Summer
The magic of the grotto never ceases to amaze
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Royal Colors of the Grotto by Charlie McClain
For almost 50 years, Westcave has cared for and shared one of the most iconic symbols of restorative conservation in the Texas Hill Country, and in this late Summer season, when most parts of Texas are drying out in the heat, Westcave remains a lush sanctuary; a tribute to this conservation effort. Fueled by the water of the Trinity Aquifer, the spring, emerging from the limestone rocks above the grotto, makes its course through Westcave's canyon, lapping over every root of the iconic Bald Cypress trees, until the creek tangles with the water of the Pedernales River. Here, in the heart of the Hill Country, springs are the lifeblood for thousands of species of fauna and flora, transforming this sacred space into the colors of royalty: purple, gold, and green.
As you read through our newsletter, we invite you to immerse yourself in the stories from our community and find a sense of place in the photos of Westcave Preserve. Continue brainstorming questions, and if they need answers, feel free to send them to info@westcave.org, where our team of environmental specialists, educators, and community organizers will be happy to help you connect the dots.
See you on the trail!
Signed, The Staff of Westcave Preserve
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The Ahrns Story
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In 1974, John and Brenda Ahrns moved from Dallas to Round Mountain, Texas, becoming Westcave Preserve's first resident managers. Their children, Amber, who was only two, and her brother Jeff, five, learned from a young age the importance of a connection to the natural world. Amber recalls a childhood unlike other kids her age, and as she grew into adulthood, began to more deeply cherish her upbringings as a young naturalist and lover of all things wild and free. "When I got older I worked at Hamilton Pool for the better part of a decade," says Amber. "This is when I realized my childhood (at Westcave) had prepared me for my soon-to-be career." After her father's retirement, Amber accepted a position back where it all started, as Westcave's Director of Conservation. Like her father John, Amber's care and attention at Westcave has made it one of the most cherished landmarks across Texas. John Ahrns instilled a long-lasting love for nature in every guest who came to hike and learn at Westcave. His passion for the Preserve is still seen today, the trail to and from the grotto just a small testament to his service to the land and his community.
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Young Amber Biking at Westcave
By: Ahrns Family Photos
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Working with funds from a grant awarded by the Texas College Higher Education Board (funded by National Geographic) to improve geography education, Trevor Hance (Westcave Executive Director and Adjunct Professor at Concordia University), regional experts, and other Westcave staff, including Education Manager, Lindsay, and Community Coordinator, Raul, led a group of Texas public school teachers from Central Texas school districts on an exploration-based professional learning journey titled “We all live downstream.”
Reflection points for inquiry on the expedition included the relationship of Indigenous people to the sacred springs of Spring Lake; preservation of endangered species at Spring Lake and Barton Springs, and newly discovered endangered species at Westcave; historical inequities that excluded certain people from some of today’s favorite swimming holes; and the current and future challenges due to climate change and the massive migration of people into Texas that is shifting land use patterns and increasing pressure on water resources. Over two days, the group snorkeled Spring Lake in San Marcos (home of the Sacred Springs Pow Wow) with Dr. Rob Dussler of the Meadows Center for Water and the Environment, had a guided hike to the waterfall and caves of Westcave Preserve, did some birding and citizen science at Hornsby Bend (the Austin Center for Ecological Research), kayaked to Snake Island on Lady Bird Lake, and closed the experience connecting conservation with recreation on a guided hike and swim at Barton Springs, the large, public-spring swimming pool near downtown Austin. We are so pleased to have hosted this successful professional development experience!
Check out the photos above to see how it went!
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Moon Magic
Full Green Corn Moon
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On August 22nd, the Full "Green Corn Moon" rose high into the night sky, shining among or near the stars of Aquarius or Capricornus. Known by many names, like the "Sturgeon Moon", "Red Moon", and "Grain Moon", this late summer moon is special for its marking of the peak of corn season, when the vegetable is nearly ready for harvest. Big thank you to Raul, Westcave's Community Coordinator, for these amazing photos!
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Charles Chuck Foster
Community Leader and Visionary
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Chuck is a community partner that has lent a hand in multiple projects with environmental organizations across Austin, including his work at the Westcave-partnered Pecan Springs Elementary beautification project, and the Pillow Park Project, transforming Pillow Elementary into a green school park. Outside of owning his own landscaping business, he regularly volunteers across Austin, creating a brighter future for our community. Thanks for all you do, Chuck!
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Hey Volunteers, We've Missed You!
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A note from Westcave's Environmental Education Programs Manager, Lindsay:
"This has been a very busy August for the education staff with the recruitment and training of 10 new Westcave education volunteers and the re-engagement of our beloved long-time established volunteers. We have had two education volunteers each weekend day for the last several weekends and it is making a noticeable positive difference for our staff and guests. We love the new energy the volunteers bring to the tours and their new ideas help us grow our educational offerings."
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SAVE THE DATE:
October 24th, 2021!
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WONDER AND JOY. ITS IN OUR NATURE!
Reserve your spot with the link button below!
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If you have any questions, comments, or fun stories to share please email us at info@westcave.org.
Best,
Your Westcave Family
info@westcave.org
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