Here are some of the projects we are involved in:
Bastrop Springs - Significant Landmark
Bastrop Springs were designated as a significant historic landmark by the Bastrop City Council September 9, 2009. Susan B. Long of the Bastrop Historic Landmark Commission submitted the request at the July 16, 2008 City Council meeting with the a historic narrative about the springs: Bastrop Springs - The Journey of a Lifetime. The springs were initially identified for their importance by Gunner N. Brune in his book Springs of Texas (exerpts from Brune's book).
Environmental Stewardship has organized a stakeholder group to put together plans for restoring the springs and to providing interpretive signage to inform the public about the historic and ecological relevance of the springs. Below is an artist's concept of what the restored spring site and interpretive trails might look like. Click here for more information.
Concept drawing of restored spring and interpretive boardwalk. Complements The River Studio.
Local Partners: ▲ City of Bastrop Parks Board
▲ City of Bastrop Park Department
▲ Bastrop Historic Landmark Commission
▲ Texas Parks and Wildlife Department (TPWD)
▲ Lost Pines Master Naturalists
▲ The River Studio
▲ Environmental Stewardship
Lost Pines Nature Trails & River Access Point
The Lost Pines Nature Trails site is located on the Colorado River adjacent to the Pines & Prairies Land Trust's River Refuge. The site is owned by the Bastrop County Water Conservation & Improvement District #2 and serves as an access point for Bastrop Paddling Trails. The paddling trails partners are working with the Water District to improve the site in order to make it more accessible by the public and to provide hike, bike and ADA trails on the 30 acre site. Click here for more information. Directions to site.
Bastrop Paddling Trails
The Bastrop Paddling Trails project is a collaborative effort between local partners (listed below) and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department’s (TPWD) Texas Paddling Trails program to bring 24 miles of designated paddling trails to the Bastrop community. TPWD provides support for inland paddling trails including: website, kiosk design, river survey, press releases, and launch event planning. TPWD and the City of Bastrop have entered into an agreement develop the Bastrop Paddling Trails.
Wilbarger Paddling Trail - 14 miles from Utley (969 bridge) to Fisherman Park
El Camino Real Paddling Trail - 6 miles from Fisherman Park to Lost Pines Recreational Trails
Heritage Trails of Bastrop, Texas - Nature Tourism
A National Park Service grant has been awarded for $70,000 (Project total $140,000 with $70,000 local in-kind matching)