About Westcave

Explore. Learn. Protect.

Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a nonprofit dedicated to inspiring people to develop a lifelong practice of enjoying and protecting nature.

Photo By: Matthew Guthrie

Westcave is located in Southwest Travis County and welcomes visitors, students, volunteers, and community partners into a landscape shaped by water, limestone, restoration, and care.

A Landscape Shaped By Care

THEN AND NOW

A sepia-toned photograph of a cave with water at the bottom, stalactites hanging from the ceiling, and rocks along the sides. The photo has a border with text indicating it was taken by William J. Oliphant in Austin, Texas.

William Oliphant, 1870s

Dense forest with a rocky formation and a small waterfall flowing into a river surrounded by lush green foliage.

Matthew Guthrie, 2021

What We Do

Teaching

A large group of people, many young, gathered outdoors near a rocky and green cave or grotto, with some trees and sunlight overhead.

Westcave uses the preserve as an outdoor classroom, helping students and visitors learn about geology, ecology, water, wildlife, and conservation.

Conserving

A group of people working outdoors in a rural area, with trees and an old wooden house in the background, some using tools and wearing hats.

Through restoration, monitoring, and long-term land stewardship, Westcave protects our Hill Country habitats for future generations.

Collaborating

A man standing at a podium speaking to an audience at an indoor event, with a large screen displaying the logo for Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center and an outdoor scene with trees in the background.

Westcave works with schools, nonprofits, volunteers, and community partners to expand access to nature and strengthen conservation across Central Texas.

Our Story At A Glance

Westcave’s history is rooted in community vision and long-term care. From the original land purchase in 1974 to the creation of Girls+ Outside, each chapter reflects the people, partnerships, and decisions that helped shape the preserve.

A grassy meadow filled with small colorful wildflowers, with tall trees in the background under a cloudy sky, and a logo with the text 'WESTCAVE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER' in the top right corner.
A grassy meadow filled with small colorful wildflowers, with tall trees in the background under a cloudy sky, and a logo with the text 'WESTCAVE OUTDOOR DISCOVERY CENTER' in the top right corner.

Westcave’s annual report highlights the programs, partnerships, conservation projects, community impact, and milestones that shaped the year. Explore the report for a look at the work happening across the Preserve and the people who make it possible.

Annual Report

VIEW FY 25-26 ANNUAL REPORT

Westcave Preserve is one of more than 140 protected tracts that make up the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve, a network of over 33,000 acres managed by public and private partners across western Travis County. The BCP was created in 1996 to protect habitat for endangered species, including the golden-cheeked warbler, while while providing landowners with a coordinated way to meet the requirements of the Endangered Species Act.

What this means for Westcave

Being part of the BCP connects Westcave to a much larger landscape of protected habitat. Public access, research, restoration, and land-management decisions are carefully balanced with the preserve’s primary purpose: protecting sensitive habitat and wildlife.

Learn more about the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and explore ways to volunteer across the preserve system by clicking the button below.

Part of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve

Learn more
Map of Balcones Canyonlands Preserve (BCP) properties.