Hands on Activities take place at 10:30, 11:20, 12:10 and 1:00 unless otherwise noted.
***Hands on Activities are reserved for REGISTERED STUDENTS ONLY
***Hands on Activities are reserved for REGISTERED STUDENTS ONLY
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1 Community Sewing ProjectCorinne Loperfido, Creative Reuse Artist & Community Activist
10:30, 11:20, 12:10, 1:00 Join Corinne Loperfido, a social practice artist known for her radical, upcycled creations, in a hands-on workshop where participants transform fabric scraps and discarded materials into a collaborative "flag" artwork. Learn basic stitching techniques to repair and repurpose clothing, promoting sustainable practices and reducing waste. The completed piece will be displayed at the local public library, serving as a testament to community creativity and environmental stewardship. |
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2 Cave Dye TracingNico Hauwert, Ph.D., Texas Professional Hydrogeologist #5171
with Ethan Perrine of UT Grotto 10:30, 11:20, 12:10, 1:00 Attendants will simulate a dye trace from the surface to see if it appears in a simulated cave. One team will inject dye and measure the flow. A second team will crawl into a simulated cave, measure a drip rate, measure air quality and collect samples to see where the dye discharges. Attendants will learn scientific data collection associated with groundwater protection, and see examples where dye studies are used to better understand and protect water supplies our cave heritage. |
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3 Mushroom QuestAngel Schatz & Cody Masters, Central Texas Mycological Society
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 Enter the magical world of fungi and explore the secret networks that connect plants, animals, and the environment! In Mushroom Quest, players join one of four teams—Plants, Mycorrhizal Fungi, Funkivore Animals, or Villains—to collect essential resources like water, wood, and shade while defending their territory and racing to the Mother Tree. Part capture-the-flag, part ecological scavenger hunt, this immersive outdoor adventure combines strategy, teamwork, and roleplay, all while teaching the importance of mycelial networks and the balance of natural ecosystems. |
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4 Night Sky Innovation LabDawn Davies and Rebeca Gibson, Hill Country Alliance
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 In this hands-on activity, students will work together in small groups to design and build light shields for a simulated outdoor fixture. Using simple, everyday materials such as cardboard, foil, and paper, groups will brainstorm, prototype, and test their designs to see how well they reduce glare and direct light downward. The challenge is to create a source of illumination that protects the night sky, conserves energy, and minimizes light pollution. Along the way, students will practice problem-solving, teamwork, and creativity while gaining a deeper understanding of how thoughtful design affects the world around us. |
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5 Vegetation SurveyMelissa, Wildflower Center
10:30, 11:20, 1:00 Come learn about how the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center helps protect our watersheds by studying how native plants respond to environmental conditions. Students will learn about our 20+ year research project and how prescribed fires are important to environmental conservation. We'll practice identifying a handful of native plant species and replicate a scientific survey of what's growing around Barton Springs. |
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6 Urban Heat Islands in ActionKirstin Boyd-Farmer, Conservation Ranger at Westcave Preserve
10:30, 11:20, 12:10, 1:00 Students will explore the surface heat island effect and its influence on urban hydrology. Through demonstrations and guided measurements, they will observe how different surfaces absorb and retain heat, compare thermal variations across settings, and gain an understanding of how these temperature differences impact local water systems and urban environments. |
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7 Live SalamandersJustin Crow, Fish Biologist, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, DeeAnn Chamberlain, Watershed Protection Department
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 Featuring a TWO 20 gallon aquarium housing several Barton Springs Salamanders that are part our the US Fish and Wildlife Service's captive assurance colony. Discussion about the Barton Springs Salamanders and the programs in place to help protect this endangered species. Additional discussions about endangered and threatened species, their importance, and their conservation. There will be several non-listed preserved specimens for individuals to handle and discuss basic fish biology. |
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8 Tree PlantingAnthony Flores, Community Tree Planting Manager, Gillian Hodler, Community Engagement and Volunteer Manager, Eve Dean, Community Tree Planting Coordinator, TreeFolks
10:30, 11:20 Students will help plant native trees to support healthy riparian habitat along Little Barton Creek! They will learn how to plant trees properly, the importance of trees in riparian areas, and how different tree species interact and support different parts of the ecosystem! Pants and closed-toed shoes are highly recommended for this activity. |
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9 Water Conductivity TestingJustin Camp, Hydrogeologist Technician, and Jacob Newton, Regulatory Compliance Specialist, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District
10:30, 11:20, 12:10, 1:00 The Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District will explore water conductivity with students in a hands-on activity. Participants will learn some differences between the Trinity and Edwards aquifers, what conductivity is, and how water sources can have varying levels of conductivity. |
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10 MacroinvertebratesTodd Jackson and Tyson McKinney, Environmental Scientists, Eddy Arias, Conservation Program Coordinator, Austin Watershed Protection Department
10:30, 11:20, 12:10, 1:00 Students will investigate the hidden world of benthic macroinvertebrates by observing live samples collected from Barton Creek. Using buckets and simple tools, they will identify and compare different species, learning how these small organisms serve as bioindicators of water quality. Through hands-on exploration, students will gain insight into the diverse habitats and ecosystems that support creek life and discover how the health of these organisms reflects the overall condition of our watershed. |
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11 Groundwater in ActionDana Thomas, Environmental Scientist with Austin Watershed Protection Department and Nicole Miller, Environmental Conservation Information Specialist, Austin Watershed Protection Department
10:30, 11:20, 1:00 Students will explore the hidden world beneath our feet through an interactive groundwater model. Guided by an educator and hydrogeologist, they will watch water flow from the surface, twist through underground pathways, and emerge in wells or springs—just like it does at Barton Springs. Along the way, the model highlights key concepts such as infiltration, permeability, and groundwater movement. Students will also hear about career opportunities in Watershed Protection and related fields, with time set aside for questions and discussion. |
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12 The Aquifer ConnectionEnviroscape: Erica Castillo, Programs Director, Fiona Wyrtzen and Katie Harwood, Interns, Colorado River Alliance // Limestone PH: Marsha Riti, Elisabet Ney Museum Educator and Capital Area Master Naturalist
10:30, 11:20 Discover how our actions impact the environment with an interactive “EnviroScape” model, where you’ll explore how pollution, runoff, and land use affect local watersheds and communities. Then dive into the science of acidic precipitation and see how it can impact Central Texas limestone, shaping the rocks, springs, and aquifers that sustain our region. This hands-on experience connects real-world environmental challenges to the landscapes and waterways you see every day, showing why protecting our land and water is critical for people and wildlife alike. |
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13 Guided Snorkel Tour 1Caroline Lunning, Lifeguard and Swim Instructor
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 We will be offering guided snorkel tours of the Barton Springs, where students will discover how and where Barton Springs flows from the Aquifer into the pool. Learn how to identify the plants and wildlife of the pool. We will provide snorkels and masks. Participants will be in the water for 15-20 minutes and must wear swimsuits. If they are unableto swim, they will be fitted with a lifejacket. Please indicate the number of students that want this activity on your registration form. |
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14 Writing Activity: Thinkers, Dreamers, and DoersAmy Lohr, Author & Creative Director
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 Join the generations of thinkers, dreamers, and doers who have looked to Barton Springs for inspiration. Together, we’ll explore big questions about the natural world, uncover the stories hidden in our local environment, and imagine the future we want to create, learning how our choices today shape the ecosystems and communities of tomorrow. |
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15 Eliza Springs Amphitheater TourNathan Bendik and Sarah Donelson, Watershed Protection Department
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 The Eliza Spring Day-lighting Project was completed in 2017. This project removed the old pipe draining Eliza Spring and recreated a stream in its place. This tour is a rare opportunity to see the beautiful new stream and salamander habitat up close. The amphitheater is usually closed to the public. Eliza Spring is home to the largest known population of endangered Barton Springs salamanders. Biologists will give a tour of the amphitheater and answer all your salamander questions. |
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16 Guided Snorkel Tour 2Joel Manzo, Landscape Technician, Austin Watershed Protection
10:30, 11:20, 1:00 We will be offering guided snorkel tours of the Barton Springs, where students will discover how and where Barton Springs flows from the Aquifer into the pool. Learn how to identify the plants and wildlife of the pool. We will provide snorkels and masks. Participants will be in the water for 15-20 minutes and must wear swimsuits. If they are unableto swim, they will be fitted with a lifejacket. Please indicate the number of students that want this activity on your registration form. |
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17 Water Quality TestingConnor McClean, Program Coordinator and Alondra Fleming-Parra, Social Media Coordinator, Austin Youth River Watch
10:30, 11:20, 1:00 Students will experience hands-on water quality testing, examining factors like pH, turbidity, and dissolved oxygen. They will collect and analyze samples from Barton Springs to understand the health of aquatic ecosystems. This interactive experience emphasizes the importance of protecting our local environment and the Barton Springs watershed, a critical source of water for both people and wildlife. |
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18 Live Reptiles and Eel SpecimensDr. Hayley Gillespie, Site Supervisor, Christina Burkovich, Wildlife Exhibit Coordinator, Austin Nature & Science Center, Dean Hendrickson, Ph.D., Curator of Ichthology at the University of Texas at Austin
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 See live alligators and learn about this once endangered creature’s recovery from overhunting. Almost all of the 500,000 alligators estimated to live in Texas live in the coastal counties, and Travis County is on the far northern part of their native range. Our two baby alligators from the Austin Nature & Science Center are on loan to us from the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Alligator Swap program out of Brazos Bend State Park. |
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19 Live BatsAustin Bat Refuge
Dianne Odegard & Lee Mackenzie Founders 10:30, 11:20, 12:10, 1:00 Get up close and personal with Austin local bats. Veteran bat rehabilitators and educators with extensive experience in urban wildlife issues educate students about these fascinating animals. Bats are highly beneficial, harmless, and vital to the balance of nature. The Austin Bat Refuge gives bats a second chance through rehabilitation and release, conflict resolution, and education. |
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20 The Raft ReportsMariana Perez-Isaza, UTSA Student, Santiago Perez-Isaza, Filmmaker & Photographer
10:30, 12:10, 1:00 Mariana will show students the homemade raft she built and trace her course from dam to dam in Lake Austin (the first to ever accomplish this feat!). Tracing her journey, students will examine how water quality shifts, the importance of parkland, and the impacts of human activity and development at each location. |