Wildlife Habitat Council

Welcome to Austin Community Landfill’s certified Wildlife Habitat Park, which includes a butterfly and bee garden designed to improve wildlife habitat and raise environmental awareness.

WM worked with neighbors, Travis County Audubon Society and Texas Bee Watches to build the butterfly and bee gardens.  Click here for an article about bee gardens in the Fall 2011 Wildflower magazine of the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center and the terrific volunteers who have worked with us at the Austin Community Landfill.

Previously, WM developed a 30-acre park off of Springdale Road that included a two-mile walking trail that passed through a Texas wildflower meadow of big bluestem, Texas cupgrass and purple prairie clover. Unfortunately, WM had to close the park due to unauthorized camping, use of motor bikes on the property, vandalism and illegal dumping.

Wildlife Habitat Park Background

The first step in developing the program is to have a WHC biologist conduct a field review and audit of the landfill property to identify opportunities for wildlife habitat enhancement and protection. The WHC completed its field audit and report in Summer 2004, providing recommendations designed to augment food, cover, water and space resources for wildlife.

In early 2005, WM organized a Wildlife Habitat Advisory Team to help develop a wildlife enhancement program at the Austin Landfill.

We appreciate the help and guidance of the following individuals who are volunteering their time and expertise:

  • Sheila Hargis, Travis Audubon Society
  • Danna Lacy, Colonial Place neighbor
  • Mike Lira, Boy Scouts of America – Comanche District
  • Dennis Love, Harris Branch Neighbor
  • Linda McMurry, Texas Parks and Wildlife
  • Mike McMurry, Texas Department of Agriculture
  • Omar Sanchez & Amanda Smith, YMCA Family Enrichment and Summer Camps
  • Jane Tillman, Travis Audubon Society
  • Ray Thoresen, Walnut Place neighbor

During Summer 2005, the Wildlife Habitat Advisory Team met and toured the landfill area for wildlife habitat planning. Team Members have marked the first section of greenbelt trails, and Landfill staff have trimmed branches and cleared the trails of weeds and brush.

Neighbors enjoy walking the two-mile trail.

Neighbors start their walk on Devil's Toenail Trail

 

 

 

 

Working with the summer environmental camp program at the YMCA, WM hosted school children at the landfill who built and painted 10 blue bird houses, which have been located in the newly landscaped landfill area at the front entrance. Another group of YMCA youth helped clear the first section of trails.

 

 

Working with the YMCA, WM and community youth built a butterfly garden at the front entrance of the landfill.