The natural areas around Lady Bird Lake provide an important refuge for wildlife within the City and connect riparian corridors as well as numerous protected areas up- and downstream. Wildlife comes to the site for food, water, and shelter provided by the Lake and the surrounding natural areas. The natural areas serve both resident wildlife and numerous migratory birds and butterflies.
Our work has resulted in improved floodplain health and function around the lake, the managing of greenhouse operations, and the growing of commercially unavailable native plants for restoration projects.
Restoration efforts like installing green infrastructure, building rain gardens, and maintaining wildflower diversity keep the Trail healthy and pristine.
Thanks to strong partnerships with donors and volunteers, as well as the City of Austin, extensive work has been done to improve the Trail, minimize human impact, and keep it as an essential natural refuge within the city.
The Lake and the nearby natural areas attract migratory birds, resident wildlife and butterflies due to the abundance of food, water and shelter they offer. Without effective conservation practices, Austin may lose creatures vital to our ecosystem.
Koelreuteria paniculata is a species of flowering plant in the family Sapindaceae, It was introduced to America in 1763, and has become a popular landscape tree worldwide.
The pied-billed grebe (Podilymbus podiceps) is a species of the grebe family of water birds. The pied-billed grebe is primarily found in ponds throughout the Americas.
Scincella lateralis, formerly Lygosoma laterale is a small species of skink found throughout much of the eastern half of the United States, and into northern Mexico.Â
Fishing is a popular past-time on the Lake with anglers catching Largemouth Bass, Redbreast and Redear Sunfish, and Bluegills. And don’t forget their food! Invertebrates like Swallowtail Butterflies, various moths, spiders, beetles, and dragonflies can be found on Lady Bird Lake.
Correll's false dragonhead (Physostegia correllii) is a rare, flowering plant characterized by purple-pink flowers and dark green leaves. It belongs to the mint family and is found in forested and herbaceous wetland habitats.
What can we say, this is the iconic bat of Central Texas. The star of the show at Bracken Cave, Congress Avenue Bridge, and many other bat viewing sites in the Central Texas SBA (Significant Bat Area).Â
Resting on logs and peeking from the Lake surface you can find Red-eared Slider turtles, Spiny Softshell turtles. Remember to give Cottonmouth Snakes a wide berth, and listen for Gulf Coast Toads.
Damselflies are flying insects and are similar to dragonflies. They are smaller and have slimmer bodies. Most species fold the wings along the body when at rest, unlike dragonflies which hold the wings flat and away from the body.
