City of Austin Park Rangers

06/05/2026

Rangers love love. But, we don't love it when you leave your love locks on park amenities. We believe that the truth of your love transcends what is essentially vandalism. The practice of leaving love locks on bridges can have impacts on the environment, the structure, and the organizations removing them. Folks often throw the keys in the water. That's litter. There are stories of love locks causing damage to structures because of the weight. And yes, we'll remove them when we see them, but that takes tools and time that could be used more efficiently. Here's an alternative: taka a couple selfie at your favorite outdoor spot regularly over time. This series of photos will capture how secure your love is. And each time you go outside together is an opportunity for your connection to grow deeper.

https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/park-rangers

06/04/2026

We took our Seasonal Rangers on their first patrol to the new platform next to the Wishbone Bridge. Look at them! They are so cute and excited to be outside together. We're forging them into tip of the spear rangering machines! Well, we're helping them develop their environmental education skills. They are force multiplier for us. They will be going out on patrol with our full time rangers so we can be more places at once. This summer they'll build experiences to further develop themselves along their natural resource career paths. You won't see people more excited to be outside as this group! If you see us, come say "Hi!"

https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/park-rangers

06/03/2026

What is an e-bike? What isn't? We've been noticing a variety of electric two-wheeled vehicles in our parks. For safety, not all of them are fit for our trails. We'll defer to Texas Transportation Code on this one. Electric bicycles are allowed on our trails. An electric bicycle has operable pedals (like bicycle pedals), is less than 750 watts, and can't propel a rider faster than 28mph. If the vehicle does not have operable pedals OR exceeds these specifications, it is considered a moped or motorcycle and is subject to registration and licensing under Texas law. So, motorcycles and mopeds are considered motorized vehicles and these are not allowed on Austin's trails or greenspaces. Feel free to ride these on park roads and park in designated spots.

The speed limit for any vehicle on trails is 10mph, unless posted. We're aware of the lack of enforcement on this limit. This message is a reminder for everyone including those who have e-bikes to slow down, share our trails, and bike responsibly.

Click the link to see Texas Transportation Code on e-bikes.
https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/?tab=1&code=TN&chapter=TN.664&artSec=664.001

06/01/2026

Our Seasonal Park Rangers have reported for duty and they're going through a training gauntlet over the next couple weeks. On the list this week - REPTILE TRAINING! You think you have what it takes to learn to wrangle a snake? Don't worry, this is a ranger pet - a non-venomous harmless carpet python. These trainees will be going out on patrol with our full time rangers really soon. See y'all on the trail!

https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/park-rangers

05/30/2026

Join Austin Park Rangers for a Guided Hike at Mary Moore Searight Metro Park on Saturday June 13th from 9-11am! This is the last guided hike until fall. We’ll examine the history of Mary Moore herself, the Slaughter Creek waterway, and the unique ecology that makes this park a beloved gem in deep South Austin. After the hike we will be swearing in Junior Rangers with our Junior Ranger Activity Book! Follow the park road off of Slaughter Ln. down to the parking lot near the pavilion, that’s where we’ll start and end.

Austin Park Ranger Guided Hike

Mary Moore Searight Metro Park

907 W Slaughter Ln., Austin, Texas 78748

///dunes.prank.rambled

Saturday, June 13th

9:00am-11:00am

9:00-9:15am – Skins and Skulls Touch Table

9:15am-10:45am – Guided Hike

10:45-11:00am - Junior Ranger Activity Book

Free and open to the public! Free parking onsite.

No reservation is required. All Ages. Expect a 1.5-mile hike on a shared trail. Dress appropriately, bring water and snacks. Strollers and leashed pups are welcomed.

05/29/2026

10pm is park curfew. It’s when the gray foxes come out to munch on June bugs under the street light. Yummmm! Rangers recently captured this video at Emma Long Metro Park. Keep wildlife wild!

05/28/2026

Stacked Rocks left in the creek? Rangers and cadets give it four thumbs down. On some remote trails, rock cairns mark the path. That isn't the case here at St. Edwards Greenbelt in west Austin.

These rock stacks can have negative effects on people and wildlife. For those wanting to immerse themselves in a pristine nature experience, these rock stacks spoil it. People visit greenbelts to get away from our urban reality. Ironically, that's what rock stacks can represent.

These rocks were habitat for macroinvertebrates, until they got stacked. Disrupted habitat means fewer critters. Macroinvertebrates are key indicators for stream health and play a huge role in riparian ecology. The creek's health is dependent on having lots of macros.

To those rock stackers out there, we have alternatives. We believe that environmental art is a way that people connect to nature. Use rocks that you don't have to dig up and aren't in the water. Take a picture and then take it down when you leave.

There is a learning curve to reducing your impact on nature. Use this as an opportunity to learn and grow. The more you are aware of your impacts the deeper connection you can make with our parklands.

https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/park-rangers

05/24/2026

Thanks to everyone who came to our hike! Also, thank you to our guest speakers Jordan Davis and Brad Jones. Jordan is an Anthropology PhD student and Brad is a state Archaeologist. They taught us about the recent and ancient history of the preserve. It was a delightful jaunt through a unique tract of land that we're lucky to have in our preserve system. We want to encourage strong connections with our park lands so that folks are inspired to care for them for generations to come. Thanks so much for coming out!

Our final guided hike until September is Saturday June 13th at Mary Moore Searight Park in south Austin. Keep checking back for more specific details about that free event.

https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/park-rangers

05/22/2026

We will be at Commons Ford every day this weekend coordinating the number of cars allowed into the park. Carpool or show up early to secure your spot.

ATX REMEMBER - Commons Ford parking operations are changing for the Memorial Day weekend. Beginning on Saturday, May 23, parking at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park will be limited to specified areas. Park Rangers will assist with directing traffic and explaining the change in operations. Please carpool when possible. The Memorial Day weekend parking changes address holiday weekend public safety concerns at Commons Ford Ranch Metropolitan Park. Get the latest facilities, pools and park closure information at: https://tinyurl.com/AustinParksClosures

05/22/2026

Herping. That's what its called when you go looking for reptiles and amphibians. And now is the season for that. Herpeton - from the ancient Greek "creeping animal." It's also the root of the word Herpetology, study of reptiles and amphibians. We were showing our Park Ranger Cadets from Akins High School techniques for herping that minimize the impacts on nature and are safe for the herper. Those techniques include researching what animals might be found, gently replacing logs and rocks once flipped, not handling or harassing critters, and staying on the trail.

https://www.austintexas.gov/parks/programs/park-rangers