Speaker - Dr. Barbara Dugelby, Executive Director, Wild Basin Creative Research Center, St. Edward's University. Conservation scientist. Dr. Dugelby describes herself as a Conservation Scientist. Forty-six years ago she was a Rotary exchange student in Finland. Eight years ago, her daughter was an exchange student in Bordeaux, France. AND she knew Lilia, the subject of Lisa’s story. What a small world.
Wild Basin was Austin’s first nature preserve, established in 1976. This preserve protects 227 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country and is a valuable habitat for multiple rare and vulnerable species, including the federally endangered Golden-cheeked warbler. It is 15 miles southwest of Austin and was Founded by 7 women with a deep love of nature. St. Edwards took over as co- owners with Travis County in 2009.
At Wild Basin Creative Research Center, undergraduate and graduate students do robust research in a living laboratory, with the support of St. Edward’s faculty and staff. Past research includes water quality, white-tailed deer density, microbes in the soil, and predators in birds’ nests.
Offer environmental ed for children through field trips. Bus reimbursement is offered for Title I and low-income schools so no child has to miss the opportunity to learn about the environment.
Monthly events include First Friday Walk and Talk with Center Staff, Second Saturday guided hikes, Speaker Series and Stewardship Saturdays where you work with the Preserve Manager on trail and restoration projects.
There are interactive exhibits in visitors gallery which is open Monday - Friday.
There might be a club social scheduled here in the near future!