Austin Watershed Protection

06/01/2026

Spotting fireflies is one of the magical moments of spring/summer. Firefly populations are dramatically decreasing, likely due to pesticide use, habitat loss, & more. You can help! If you have kids, get them involved too!

Support firefly populations in your own yard -- https://blog.nwf.org/2024/07/5-ways-to-support-fireflies-in-your-yard

Help firefly scientists by sending photos & info about fireflies you see -- www.firefly.org/firefly-sightings.html

National Wildlife Federation

📽️ Video includes numerous subtle firefly flashes within a mostly black background (a field at night)

05/29/2026

Visiting a non‑commercial cave is a powerful way for community members to see up-close how caring for our land & water matters.

Some of our team recently joined Austin Water Wildland Conservation & Austin Parks and Recreation Department staff to review the safety protocols for City teams who guide the public through Austin’s wild caves. This collaboration strengthens our shared safety practices & also creates space to exchange ideas & strategies for working with community members of all ages & backgrounds.

🤝Protecting Austin’s caves includes community education & teamwork!

City of Austin Park Rangers

05/28/2026

Kaitlyn Tran, a Junior at Cedar Park High School, won our Watershed Detectives Award at the Greater Austin Regional Science and Engineering Fair for her project on predicting groundwater contamination risk in a karst limestone quarry (containing holes that lead to underground) in the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone.

As part of this award, she had the opportunity to job shadow one of our hydrogeologists. She said, “It was eye-opening to get a real sense of what fieldwork in hydrogeology involves. So much history and so many instruments -- I love it!" ℹ️

www.austintexas.gov/department/watershed-detectives

05/28/2026

05/27/2026

🌿Central Texas wetlands quietly do some of the most important work in our ecosystem -- filtering water, supporting wildlife, & helping replenish water levels in aquifers and creeks.

💦 Our wetland biologists are dedicated to identifying these incredible powerhouses of biodiversity & helping develop policies to preserve the environmental benefits they provide for our community. May is American Wetlands Month-- please join us in celebrating this hardworking team & the vital landscapes they help protect! 🙌

05/27/2026

Are mosquitoes a little too comfortable in your backyard? Mosquitoes grow in standing water. They can breed really fast; in just a few days, each female mosquito multiplies into hundreds! Once a week, empty and scrub, turn over, cover or throw out containers that hold water. Check areas inside and outside your home.

Visit AustinTexas.gov/Mosquito for more information.

05/26/2026

A Flood Watch has been issued which includes the I-35 corridor, Hill Country and southern Edwards Plateau. Rain amounts generally from 1-3 inches with pockets up to 5 inches are expected which could quickly lead to flooding due to recent rainfall. There is potential for rapid, life-threatening flooding of rivers, creeks, and low-lying areas today into Wednesday morning. Have a way to receive warning information!

05/26/2026

📢 Parents & Guardians – Register for our FREE Family Clean Creek Camp to join your children (ages 9-14) in exploring & beautifying Austin creeks, springs, & caves! Hike, snorkel, cave, & kayak while learning about the local plants & critters in these areas.

📆Date options: 1️⃣ June 2-4 OR 2️⃣ June 16-18
🕜 9AM – 12 PM
📌 Various meet-up locations, including Zilker Park, Barton Springs, & the Ladybird Johnson Wildflower Center
ℹ️ austintexas.gov/watershed-protection/family-clean-creek-camp

9 to 14 year-old children, with their parent or guardian, explore and beautify Austin creeks, springs, and caves. We’ll hike, wade, snorkel, and spelunk.

05/22/2026

Ayer, adoptó Rain to River / De la Lluvia al Rio, el nuevo plan estratégico de nuestro departamento. 🌧️➡️🌊

Formado por las voces y experiencias vividas de gente a través de Austin, este plan guía cómo protegeremos nuestra comunidad y el medio ambiente durante la próxima década. 🌿💧

Rain to River (De la Lluvia al Rio) traza un camino hacia adelante enraizado en la custodia compartida y la sabiduría de la comunidad.
👉 Más información: tinyurl.com/Rain2RiverAustin