Westcave Preserve in Texas More Than Doubles in Size

September 26, 2008

Contact:
Molly Stevens, Westcave Preserve, 512.444.9272
Vanessa Vaughan, The Conservation Fund, 703.908.5809
Krista Umscheid, LCRA, 512.473.3365

Round Mountain, TX – Westcave Preserve announced today that it has added 44 acres of land adjacent to its current boundary, more than doubling the size of this popular southwest Travis County attraction known for its captivating landscape and canyon grotto rich in diversity, rare plants and birds.

Westcave Preserve’s Executive Director Molly Stevens said, “The addition of buffer land to protect our water quality and the overall integrity of our preserve has been the board’s highest priority for more than a decade. We are ecstatic to have completed this acquisition.”

The preserve purchased the land from friends and neighbors Suzanne and Ted Stewart with help from several key partners. The Conservation Fund, a top-ranked national conservation organization, provided short-term financing to the preserve through its Land Trust Loan Program.

“We proudly support Westcave Preserve’s efforts to preserve these pristine, biologically-rich lands, and we applaud all those involved in making this a success,” said Reggie Hall, program manager for The Conservation Fund’s Land Trust Loan Fund. “Our loan program exists for projects like this. It’s exciting to be a part of grass-roots conservation in Texas.”

According to Westcave Preserve Board Chairman Max Scoular, “We are extremely grateful to The Conservation Fund, AMD, Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA), Chris Harte, Mike and Pam Reese, the Damuth Foundation, and our other generous donors for their support in getting this deal done. We are also appreciative of the long-standing interest in Westcave on the part of landowners Suzanne and Ted Stewart. We commend all of these partners for their role in protecting this extraordinary part of the Texas Hill Country.”

Sitting at the rim of the preserve’s well-known canyon and grotto, this ecologically significant land lies within the preserve view-shed that draws more than 8,000 visitors annually. It also provides a home for more than 400 plant species and 150 bird species, including the rare, endangered golden-cheeked warbler. The newly acquired property creates a buffer that protects the preserve’s pristine environment and the wilderness experience for visitors. In addition, keeping this land in its natural state reduces water pollution, erosion and runoff.

The ability to acquire additional acreage is an example of the organization’s growth and widening community reach. Over the past five years, Westcave Preserve has completed construction of the Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center, expanded staff and board members, developed multiple educational programs for youth and positioned itself as the community center for its Hill Country neighbors.

About Westcave Preserve

Westcave connects kids and their families to nature by providing experiences and programs that foster the discovery, exploration, and conservation of nature. While programs are primarily designed for kids, we encourage parents to discover nature with their child and believe we can serve as a model to inspire lifelong practices of valuing and enjoying nature. www.westcave.org

About The Conservation Fund

The Conservation Fund is dedicated to advancing America’s land and water legacy. With our partners, we conserve land, train leaders and invest in conservation at home. Since 1985, we have helped protect more than 6 million acres, sustaining wild havens, working lands and vibrant communities. We're a top-ranked conservation organization, effective and efficient.

http://www.conservationfund.org