By Dane Anderson, Staff Writer

Looking for something cool and easy to do this summer without having to leave the neighborhood? Look no further than the Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve, with it’s evening concert series, organized nights under the moon and the stars and walks on some of the preserves many trails. The Basin is a resource for many parents who want to share with their children to the area’s natural habitat. 

 

Summer concert series 

The Summer Concerts have been going on at the Basin for many years. The concerts typically feature folk music, but this year, the lineup will include country music and jazz as well.

Guests are invited to pack a picnic dinner and a bottle of wine, so they can dine on the patio before the concert. There, they can take in the scenic beauty of the Basin’s North Hollow before they enjoy the concert. 

 

Summer concert schedule

• June 27 – Stop The Truck, an Austin country band;

• Aug. 1 – Amy Speace, a singer/songwriter from New York City; 

• Aug. 15 – Sweet Jazz. 

The concert fee is $15 in advance and $20 at the door. Reservations are required at 327-7622 or purchase tickets at www.wildbasin.org.

 

Wild Basin Walk

(June 20, July 5 and Aug. 22 from 9:30-11:30 a.m.)

This two-hour walk is a great introduction to Wild Basin. Learn about the plants, animals and geology of the hill country. Bring a water bottle, sunblock and bug spray and wear closed-toe shoes. The fee is $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 5–12 and seniors. Basin members can always attend for free. Reservations are required at 512-327-7622 or hike@wildbasin.org.

 

Stargazing

(July 24 and Aug. 16 at 8 p.m.)

Learn about the planets, stars and constellations as you gaze into the night sky from the Basin’s overlook. Peer through telescopes and learn fun astronomy facts from the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. Please bring a small flashlight, water and a cushion. Fee for the evening is $4 for adults, $2 for children ages 5-12 and seniors. Reservations are required at 327-7622 or hike@wildbasin.org.

 

Moonlighting

(Sept. 4 at 8 p.m.)

Enjoy a spectacular view of the full moon rise from the overlook at Wild Basin. Learn about the different moon phases, science, legends and lore with the knowledgeable volunteers of the Austin Astronomical Society. Please bring a small flashlight, water and a cushion.

Fee: $5 adults, $3 for children ages 5-12 and seniors.

Reservations are required. Call 327-7622 or visit hike@wildbasin.org.

 

Land Management 

Workdays are held the second Saturday of each month, including July 11, from 8:30 a.m. until noon. Like to get dirty, work hard and have fun? Volunteer for trail maintenance, invasive-plant removal, re-vegetation, erosion control and other land management projects. Wear hiking boots or sturdy shoes, and long pants with a long-sleeved shirt. Bring bottled water and gloves plus a backpack to carry personal items.