Stewarding Zilker Park: A Labor of Love

Written By Fleetwood Jacobs

A big “thank you!” to Barry Rivera from Austin Parks Foundation for contributing to Zilker 351’s guest blogger series: For the love of Zilker Park!

I remember the first time I visited the Barton Creek Greenbelt and the lasting impression it left on me. I grew up in a small town in Iowa, AKA “God’s Country”, our home engulfed by a forest with a small creek winding through it. It’s where I learned to love nature, and the unimaginable possibilities it opens up. My brothers and I spent hours back there, and it left me equating home, and belonging, with the woods. 


When I moved to Austin in 2014 it was my first time in an undeniably big city, despite the folks of South Austin still clinging to the small town vibes of Austin from yesteryear. It was also my first time since childhood living anywhere with easy access to nature - and although I loved my woods, I was blown away by the Greenbelt and its intersection with Zilker. Perhaps my experience is not that unique given that true Austinites are getting harder to come by and you’d be hard-pressed to find another urban center with such a pristine stretch of creek, cliffs, wildlife, trails and forest running through it. Back then it seemed like water was a Greenbelt mainstay and despite its popularity, you could always find lonesome pockets. Almost 12 years later I now know that even though the Greenbelt is certainly magical, it's far from pristine, and although protections are in place, it’s literally getting loved to death. But we are not without hope, because - remember, park-lover - hope is a good thing, maybe the best of things, and no good thing ever dies. As with all public land, if only some that cherish the space and have gotten so much from it, will give back a fraction of what they’ve gained we can see real change and growth. 

Austin Parks Foundation (APF) has been an integral steward of the Barton Creek Greenbelt, Violet Crown Trail and Zilker Park, in addition to all of Austin’s parks, for over 20 years. For the past five years APF has put forth significant resources annually towards restoring and preserving this 810 acre gem through invasive plant removal, reseeding and planting native species and restoring damaged trails to prevent erosion and protect water quality. APF partners with Siglo Group, an ecological planning and land conservation consultant, to identify areas of concern and revitalize the natural ecosystem through collaboration with groups like Texas Conservation Corps and Zilker 351, while providing hands-on training and volunteer experiences to support long-term appreciation and stewardship. 


In the past five years we have impacted nearly 100 acres with restoration efforts, closed or rerouted over a mile of unofficial and detrimental trails and provided nearly 3,000 hours of volunteer labor! Some project highlights include:

Barton Springs, Zilker and the Greenbelt are intricately linked and undoubtedly the heart of Austin. APF is honored to have the opportunity to impact these beloved spaces and thanks to partners like Zilker 351, there are many ways for you to get involved, all for the love of Zilker Park! Won’t you please join us in enjoying and caring for our parks?

-Barry Rivera, Senior Programs Manager, Austin Parks Foundation

This story is a part of Zilker 351’s guest blog series entitled: For the Love of Zilker Park. Zilker 351 works with every organization in Zilker Park to protect its 351 acres—restoring native habitats, safeguarding Barton Springs and the Edwards Aquifer, and ensuring the park remains welcoming to all Austinites.

If you have a story about Zilker Park that you would like to share email info@zilker351.org.

To read more stories like this, sign up for our newsletter,  and/or to make a supportive gift to Zilker Park, visit www.zilker351.org.

Fleetwood Jacobs
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A look into the New Violet Crown Trail Mile Zero Trailhead and Education Pavilion with George Cofer