Our MissionTo support wildlife and habitat conservation at the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge, and in cooperation with the refuge to help broaden public awareness, education and advocacy.
| Welcome to the RefugeBalcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge manages and protects an area of the Texas Hill Country known for its diverse plants and wildlife, steep limestone ‘balconies,’ and precious endangered species. Experience the beauty of this ecological gem by visiting any of the four public use areas on the refuge. Bring your friends and family and enjoy hiking, learning and unwinding in nature. Please note the trails on the refuge are open 365 days a year, sunrise to sunset. Refuge headquarters is closed on Saturday and Sunday and on federal holidays.
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Guided Hike, Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge
Who We Are
Established in 2002, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge was founded by a few friends who loved nature and wanted to support Central Texas' only National Wildlife Refuge. It has since grown from a handful of individuals to a collective of over 300 members. Balcones Canyonlands contains some of the best habitat in the Texas Hill Country and we plan to continue the legacy of habitat restoration, conservation, and nurturing the next generation of conservation champions.
Today, the Friends of Balcones Canyonlands NWR priorities continue to be focused on protecting the land and the wildlife, on environmental education for all ages, and on creating programs that enable people to enjoy and connect with nature. We support the mission of the refuge in a myriad of ways, including managing invasive species, funding infrastructure improvements, developing and maintaining trails, and supporting habitat restoration projects.
Who are we? We share a love nature and want to see wild spaces like Balcones Canyonlands protected and supported. Join us!
Seasonal highlights
| mountain PinksThey are small clusters of pink flowers dotting the dry rocky slopes through the heat of a Texas summer. Butterflies and bees love them but they are unpalatable to livestock. Thanks to our friend Paula Richards for this photo. |
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| Fledglings have flownThe songbirds have raised their young and will soon be heading south for the winter. Did you know Golden-cheeked Warbler nestlings are ready to leave the nest after only 9-12 days? In late August, they will be heading to their winter grounds in Mexico and Central America. Thanks to our friend Gil Eckrich for this lovely photo. |
| The Sounds of SummerEvery summer in Texas, it sounds a bit like the jungle as adult male
cicada create their unique song using the timbral part of their
exoskeleton. Since their sound is so loud, they have to disable their
typana (eardrums) to prevent them from going deaf. Have you ever tried
to find where the sounds are coming from? They sound like they're coming
from everywhere! Nymphs of some species can live underground for as
long as 17 years before coming topside to moult for
the last time, shedding its exoskeleton, revealing the adult. If you
look carefully, you may find empty skeletons attached to tree bark,
under benches, or even hidden in the leaves of a small bush. Thanks to
our friend Sheryl Smith Rodgers for sharing such an awesome photo. |
