Visit Us
National wildlife refuges offer us all a chance to unplug from the stresses of daily life and reconnect with our natural surroundings. Visiting Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is a great way to do just that: unplug. Go for a hike and look for signs of wildlife. Smell the flowers along the trail. Bring your binoculars and look for birds overhead. Use your smart phone or camera to capture the beauty of the wild. Spend some time reading or journaling at one of our observation decks. There are many ways to connect with nature at Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge!
Location and Contact Information
About Us
Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge is home to many native Texas wildlife and plants, and was specifically established to protect the nesting grounds of the black-capped vireo and the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. This refuge also helps to protect water quality in central Texas and lies just north of Lake Travis, the drinking water reservoir for the Austin metro area. You can experience this rugged landscape by visiting one of our observation decks or hiking one of our 10 miles of foot trails.
What We Do
The National Wildlife Refuge System is a series of lands and waters owned and managed by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Wildlife conservation is at the heart of the refuge system. It drives everything we do from the purpose a refuge is established, to the recreational activities offered there, to the resource management tools we use. Selecting the right tools helps us ensure the survival of local plants and animals and helps fulfill the purpose of the refuge.
Our Species
Originally established to protect two endangered species, the conservation work done by our staff, partners, and volunteers also benefits all the other wildlife that live here.
