The full story
In the largest donation received by the Hill Country Conservancy, 1,205 acres given anonymously will open to the public Sept. 23 as a nature preserve, according to a release. The conservancy is a nonprofit working to balance growth in Central Texas with preservation of natural spaces, such as the Violet Crown Trail in Travis and Hays counties. Once open, the conservancy will offer guided nature hikes, cave talks, bird-watching and other educational and recreational public events.
A closer look
Located 5 miles west of Jarrell in north Williamson County, the Pecan Springs Karst Preserve is within the Edwards Aquifer's recharge zone and is home to several endangered species such as Salado salamanders, golden-cheeked warblers and tricolored bats.
What they're saying
“Pecan Springs Karst Preserve is by far the largest land donation that Hill Country Conservancy has ever received, and the property is well-suited to our mission to protect the water, wildlands and wonder of the Texas Hill Country,” said Kathy Miller, CEO of the conservancy. “The generosity of the previous landowners and the trust they have placed in Hill Country Conservancy is truly awe inspiring. We also look forward to creating numerous opportunities for the community to enjoy the unique landscape that makes the Hill Country such a magical place.”
Terms to know
Karsts are a type of terrain made of soluble rocks, such as limestone, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. At Pecan Springs, the karst's limestone ground filters water through to the Edwards Aquifer, according to the conservancy, which supplies water for much of Central Texas.
Did you know?
The preserve is located in a high-growth corridor, with 24,000 homes expected to occupy adjacent properties, according to the conservancy.
