About Westcave
Photo from Austin History Center
Explore, Learn, Protect
Founded in 1976 as Westcave Preserve, Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center is a nonprofit organization dedicated to inspiring people to develop a lifelong practice of enjoying and protecting nature. Today, Westcave protects our preserve in Southwest Travis County and welcomes visitors, students, volunteers, and community partners into a landscape shaped by water, limestone, restoration, and care.
William Oliphant, 1870s
Matthew Guthrie, 2021
What We Do
Westcave uses the preserve as an outdoor classroom, helping students and visitors learn about geology, ecology, water, wildlife, and conservation.
Through restoration, monitoring, and long-term land stewardship, Westcave protects rare Hill Country habitats for future generations.
Westcave works with schools, nonprofits, volunteers, and community partners to expand access to nature and strengthen conservation across Central Texas.
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.
Our Story At A Glance
