Barton Springs University

Live Keynote Speaker will be Dr. George Veni

7/31/2021

Dr. George Veni, Executive Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute

Global leader in cave and karst research and conservation set to keynote Barton Springs University Day 2021!

We are excited to announce that Dr. George Veni, Executive Director of the National Cave and Karst Research Institute at Carlsbad, New Mexico and President of the International Union of Speleology will deliver the opening keynote address at this year’s Barton Springs University Day, set for September 21 at Barton Springs.

This year’s BSU Day and Dr. Veni’s keynote will be one of hundreds of events around the world celebrating the International Year of Cave and Karst. Dr. Veni hosted the virtual opening ceremonies for IYCK , which you may view here.

While Dr. Veni’s work extends to cave and karst regions across the nation, much of his early career focused on research on how the Edwards Aquifer works and advising policy makers on how to protect the Aquifer, its many caves, and its Great Springs.

Three Springs Tour - 9:45am

10/20/2020

SOS Eco-Guide, Joel Manzo

SOS Eco-Guide, Justin Gadd

When you visit Barton Springs Pool, did you know that the pool is fed from an underground spring, also known as Parthenia Spring, located just west of the diving board? It is through this spring that water from Edwards Aquifer fills Barton Springs Pool.

There are 3 other springs that flow from the Edwards Aquifer near Barton Springs. Eliza Spring emerges in the old amphitheater on the pool’s north side. Old Mill Spring, aka Zenobia Spring, is downstream of the pool’s lower dam and just south of Barton Creek. Both of these springs are now reserved habitat for the endangered salamanders. Upper Barton Spring is upstream of the pool and still in its natural form. Join the Save Our Springs Guides for a fascinating tour of Parthenia, Eliza, and Zenobia Springs and discover the amazing “Barton Springs complex” right here in the heart of our city

Toxic Blue-Green Algae: A New Threat Emerges in Austin's Lakes - 10:15am

10/18/2020

In 2019, Austin's dog lovers were stunned when dogs began getting sick and dying after taking a summer splash in Lady Bird Lake. The City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department began investigating and discovered the emergence of toxic cyanobacteria (aka, blue-green algae).

Tune in to this year's Barton Springs University, as Save Our Springs Attorney Bobby Levinski interviews Dr. Brent Bellinger, an aquatic ecologist with the City of Austin, whose job is to study the ongoing situation. Learn about what the City is doing to monitor the new threat, what might be done to prevent it, and how you can keep you and your dog safe from toxic blue-green algae.

It's the Real Eel! - 10:45am

10/16/2020

The American Eel is a freshwater fish species with a unique and fascinating life history that begins out in the Sargasso Sea, with migrations into North America and the Caribbean where they spend the majority of their life. Little is known about those that make their way into Texas waters. Biologists in the Hendrickson Lab, based out of the University of Texas' Biodiversity Center and home of the Fishes of Texas Project, have partnered with Texas Parks & Wildlife to research the distribution and conservation status of this elusive species in the state. Watch this presentation by Research Scientists Melissa Casarez and Adam Cohen on the status of their Texas eel research and their upcoming eel exhibit at the Texas Memorial Museum.

Beyond Yuck! Human Waste and Clean Water in Central Texas - 11:35am

10/14/2020

Everyday we flush and forget. We hope our municipal utility takes care of our waste in a responsible manner.

But some don't. Learn the basics of why we need to keep our treated sewage out of our rivers, creeks and streams. This presentation features an introductory video on managing wastewater in the Hill Country by SOS Staff Attorney, Kelly Davis, followed by Baylor University professor Ryan King presenting his research on the effects of nutrient pollution on the Blanco River and other Texas streams.

Getting to the Roots of the Green New Deal - 11:10 am

10/14/2020

This presentation by Khristen Hamilton, Zero Hour Volunteer Management Director, outlines common misconceptions of the Green New Deal and ways that it will help the communities most impacted by Climate change.
Zero Hour is a youth-led movement creating entry points, training, and resources for new young activists and organizers (and adults who support their vision) wanting to take concrete action around climate change.

Lifeguarding at Barton Springs - 11:30am

10/12/2020

See the Barton Springs lifeguards in action and learn about how to be a lifeguard working in a spring fed pool with endangered salamander habitat all around you!