​About Barton Creek Time Stream

The story of the Barton Creek Greenbelt is known by few. For the first time in digital format, we gather together the history of the people and events critical to the preservation of this unique natural resource. The story is a fascinating chronicle of courage, ingenuity, tenacity and luck. This project is a gift to the people of Austin.

Explore the Barton Creek interactive timeline—rich with archival photos & documents, newspaper clippings and quotes from citizens of the day. The timeline is a deep dive into the history of Barton Creek, connecting common themes from the 1950s up to the present day.

Encounter Barton Creek enthusiasts, including artists, scientists, bikers, swimmers, climbers, hikers, cavers, a park ranger, all of whom engage meaningfully with the Greenbelt in their own personal ways (or on their own personal terms). You’ll meet them via the Timestream’s interactive map, which is also filled with fascinating Barton Creek historical tidbits.

Discover the highlights and major turning points in Barton Creek history through this insightful essay by environmental journalist Daryl Slusher, himself a major force in Barton Creek advocacy over decades.

Meet and be inspired by the many Stewards  who share their personal stories of sacrifice and stubborn dedication to preserve Barton Creek.

Meet the creators of this project

Karen Kocher
Professor of Practice Department of Radio-Television-Film, University of Texas at Austin 

The Barton Creek Time Stream project was created by Karen Kocher and Monica Flores
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Austin’s natural beauty and the stories of its protectors have captured Karen’s imagination since arriving in Austin in 1989. She is the creator of the Living Springs documentary series and a Professor of Practice in the Department of Radio-Television-Film at U.T. Austin.

Monica Flores

Monica has delighted in the wonders of Barton Creek since 1990 when she moved here for graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin. Her studies in Journalism and Radio-TV-Film led her to production work in radio, television news, documentary, and interactive media. Her latest project, with Karen Kocher is the documentary film Origins of a Green Identity.

Deena Telley

The AP Environmental Science (APES) curriculum was created by Deena Telley with the assistance of Pamela Quackenbush.
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Deena taught for 22 years at Austin High which included AP Environmental Science and Chemistry. She was the Women’s soccer Head Coach and Women’s Athletic Coordinator for 14 years. Prior to teaching she was employed as a chemist and microbiologist.

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Pam Quackenbush​

Pam is a former environmental engineer who has taught Physics at Austin High School for 24 years. In 2019, she returned to her roots, and began collaborating with longtime AHS AP Environmental Science (APES) teacher Deena Telley teaching APES. She was recently voted teacher of the year at Austin High School.
 

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Questions? Please contact livingspringsaustin@gmail.com