EcoTexas Zilker Preserve Restoration

The Zilker Restoration Project began in July 2009 to improve the state of the Zilker Preserve by removing the severe threat of invasive plant species from all 60 acres of urban forest. This is being achieved by holding a few workdays a month, during which enthusiastic volunteers from the Austin community physically remove invasive plant species from the surrounding area. These workdays, which are held on Saturday mornings, are extremely beneficial to the native plant and animal species that depend on the preserve for a nurturing habitat. Additionally, they decrease the cost of damage caused by invasive species, and give local community members the opportunity to get involved in a wonderful cause. The project will make it easy for ordinary people to make a difference in Austin by reducing the environmental, economic, and public health threats posed by invasive plant species. The project is being led by EcoTexas, with the help of local groups including the City of Austin, Parks and Recreation Department, the Austin Parks Foundation, Friends of Zilker Preserve, and Keep Austin Beautiful. The Zilker Restoration Project is now over 50% complete thanks to help from the Austin Parks Foundation for financial support through grant money, Keep Austin Beautiful for lending tools, and the 750+ volunteers who have contributed over 2,000 hours - a total value of over $24,000 - to this project. EcoTexas is continuing to encourage volunteers from the Austin community to get involved in this effort, and hopes to complete the project within the year.