The Paradox of Nature
Last month’s catastrophic floods throughout the Hill Country shook us all—devastating us with the loss of our children, neighbors, and friends. Grief hangs heavy in the air as our communities try to rebuild and take the first unsteady steps down the long road of healing. It will not be easy. The sheer force of nature—its ability to erase in moments that which we love the most—is staggering.
Paradoxically, nature—with all its power, fury, and indifference—is also where we turn for solace. The natural world holds an equal and opposite force: one of beauty, renewal, and connection. When the birds once again fill the mornings with song and the rivers quiet to a gentle flow, it is nature’s gift to us all. A simple walk in the woods can, almost magically, refill our cups with a little comfort, perspective—and maybe, eventually, peace.
Science echoes what many of us know intuitively: time in nature improves physical health, reduces anxiety, increases attention spans, and fosters social connection. But you don’t need a peer‑reviewed study to feel the truth of it. Step outside. Walk under a canopy of trees. Watch a great blue heron glide over Barton Creek. Your body already knows.
Nature also plays a critical role in keeping our communities safe. Central Texas is part of what’s known as Flash Flood Alley—one of the most flood‑prone regions in the country. If the next catastrophic flood strikes the Barton Creek watershed—and history tells us it will—we need every natural defense working in our favor.
That’s where Zilker Park comes in. Over 320 acres of it sit directly atop the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone. These acres are essential not only to the health of Barton Springs, but to the quality and quantity of Austin’s drinking water. Barton Creek, which flows through the park, empties into Lady Bird Lake and winds through downtown. What happens in Zilker doesn’t stay in Zilker—it flows through the heart of our city.
Restoration efforts—like planting native trees, stabilizing creek banks, and removing invasive species—are key to flood resilience. The deep roots of native plants soak up stormwater, reduce erosion, and slow runoff before it becomes a torrent. By caring for Zilker’s natural systems, we protect Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and Austin as a whole.
As we mourn the loss of life in our region, may we also recommit ourselves to the living systems that sustain us. Let’s make Zilker Park not just a place of beauty, but a place of healing, resilience, and belonging—for everyone.
Zilker 351 is working to restore native habitat, improve water quality, and strengthen the park as a refuge and safeguard for all Austinites. If this story moved you, your support makes a tangible difference in this work.
Donate now to support ecological restoration efforts at Zilker Park