Welcome to Westcave Preserve

Westcave Preserve is a natural treasure of the Texas Hill Country, possessing unique and majestic beauty and ecological diversity. Located adjacent to the Pedernales River in southwestern Travis County about 40 miles from downtown Austin... More »

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Nomination Call for the 2012 Celebration of Children in Nature Awards

Nomination Deadline:  March 30, 2012

On September 20th, Westcave Preserve will host The 2012 Celebration of Children in Nature Awards. The centerpiece of this program is the celebration of extraordinary work in the Central Texas Community to inspire joy and wonder by getting our children out into nature.

Awards will be presented in the following four categories: 

E. Lee Walker Award for Community Collaboration

John Cover Watson Award for Vision

John F. Ahrns Award for Environmental Education

Westcave Preserve Award for Enduring Dedication

Click here to nominate an individual or organization who demonstrates the very best in connecting kids to the natural world. 

2011 Celebration of Children in Nature Awards Ceremony

El Buen Samaritano Staff with Award

On September 19^th, Westcave Preserve hosted the fourth annual Celebration of Children in Nature 2011 Awards Dinner in recognition of all those in our community who are focused on getting our local children out in nature.  The sold-out event was held at the Four Season Hotel with dinner on the shores of Lady Bird Lake following the awards presentation. 

Dr. Eduardo Sanchez M.D., M.P.H., Vice President and Chief Medical Officer for Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas provided the keynote address and Evan Smith of the Texas Tribune served as master of ceremonies.   Dr. Sanchez talked about the current disconnect between children and nature and the urgency in finding regular opportunities for kids to actively explore the natural world.   

This year award winners chosen for their excellence in connecting children to nature were:  El Buen Samaritano Episcopal Mission; Dr. Kimberly Avila Edwards; William Early, Round Rock ISD teacher; Art Pasley, C.A.S.T National Program Director.  Information on our 2011 award winners.

Environmental Learning Center

Austin architect designs gateway to pristine Texas Hill Country preserve: Experience the Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center at Westcave Preserve

When architect Robert Jackson stepped into the Santa Maria degli Angeli Church in Rome two summers ago, the experience sparked the perfect idea needed to put the finishing touches on an architectural endeavor back home in Texas... More »

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