Field Trips/ Scouts/ Private Groups

WEEKDAY FIELD TRIPS/SCHOOL PROGRAMS/OTHER GROUPS

All school programs include a guided tour of Westcave Preserve, classroom discussion, and (time permitting) exploration of the exhibits at our Warren Skaaren Environmental Learning Center. The hike into the canyon and back is roughly one mile, so students should be advised to wear comfortable shoes.

Programs are tailored to the age and interest of your group (see program list and descriptions below). Teachers may choose from one of our standard programs or may request a customized program that fits the needs of an individual class. The depth of material increases with the age of students for all programs

WEEKEND GROUP TOURS

If you would like to schedule a private weekday group tour that is not a school field trip, please make a request using the "Field Trip or Group Tour Request" link below for availability and pricing.

SCOUT GROUP TOURS

If you would like to schedule a private scout group guided hike that is not a part of our designated Scout Days, please make a request using the "Field Trip or Group Tour Request" link below for availability and pricing.

Note: Field Trips and Private Weekday group tours can be booked up to a year in advance. One month's notice is needed for private hikes/field trips during the week and a two-month notice is needed for private hikes/field trips during the weekends. Requested dates are not guaranteed.

Currently taking bookings for 2024-2025 school year

Girls Outside Program Hike

  • Age Range Recommended: All Ages

    Program Length: 3 hours

    Summary: In this overview program, students will learn about plants, animals, hydrology, and geology of the Texas Hill Country with Westcave Preserve as the backdrop and focal point. On the guided hike to Westcave’s Grotto, students will observe two different habitats, Live Oak -Ashe Juniper Savanna and the Riparian Woodland. In the grotto students will learn about Westcave’s cultural history and come to understand the importance of environmental conservation by hearing the story of damage Westcave suffered from overuse in the 1960’s and 1970’s. They will also learn about the recovery that is ongoing today.

    Learning Objectives:

    • Learn about the 4 basic requirements an animal needs to survive in a habitat (food, water, cover, and a place to raise their young).

    • Learn about the past geologic and hydrologic history of Westcave Preserve and the surrounding area, including fossil evidence of past environments.

    • Learn about two of the endangered species that call Westcave home and the difference between native, invasive, and endangered species. Examples of each will be provided.

    • Observe Westcave’s lush plant life and understand the importance of water in different habitats (Canyon and Savanna).

    • Gain a better understanding of the interaction of water and geology on plant and animal communities. (Canyon Tour).

    • · Experience the sounds of nature without urban background noises (Canyon Tour).

    • Understand the importance of conservation at Westcave and their own communities, especially water conservation (Canyon Tour)

    • Gain an awareness of the historical use of Westcave Preserve in and the surrounding area by people (Canyon Tour).

    • (Optional): Learn about the cycling of matter and flow of energy through food chains and food webs in an interactive game.

    Relevant TEKS:

    AQUA.10.A,     AQUA.11.D,     AQUA.14.A,     AQUA.14.D,     AQUA.14.F,     BIO.13.D,     EARTH.12.E,     EARTH.9.B,     EARTH.9.D,     ENVIR.11.A,     ENVIR.12.B,     ENVIR.6.B,     ENVIR.6.D,     ENVIR.6.F,     ENVIR.8.B,     ENVIR.9.C,     S.1.10.A,     S.1.10.B,     S.1.10.C,     S.1.10.D,     S.1.11.A,     S.1.11.B,     S.1.12.B,     S.1.6.A,     S.1.6.B,     S.1.9,     S.2.10.A,     S.2.10.B,     S.2.11.A,     S.2.11.B,     S.2.12.C,     S.2.13.A,     S.2.6.A,     S.3.10.A,     S.3.10.B,     S.3.11.A,     S.3.11.B,     S.3.11.C,     S.3.12.A,     S.3.12.C,     S.3.12.D,     S.3.5.A-S.5.5.A,     S.3.5.B-S.8.5.B,     S.3.5.C-S.5.5.C,     S.3.5.E-S.5.5.E,     S.3.5.F-S.5.5.F,     S.3.5.G-S.5.5.G,     S.3.6.C,     S.4.10.B,     S.4.10.C,     S.4.11.A,     S.4.11.C,     S.4.12.C,     S.4.13.A,     S.4.9.A,     S.5.10.B,     S.5.10.C,     S.5.11,     S.5.12.A,     S.5.12.C,     S.5.13.A,     S.6.12.B,     S.6.5.D-S.8.5.D,     S.6.5.F-S.8.5.F,     S.6.5.G-S.8.5.G,     S.7.10.A,     S.7.11.A,     S.8.12.A,     S.8.12.B,     S.8.12.C,     S.8.13.C,     S.K.1.A- S.8.1.A,     S.K.1.C-S.8.1.C,     S.K.10.A,     S.K.10.B,     S.K.11,     S.K.12.A,     S.K.13.A,     S.K.13.B,     S.K.5.A-S.2.5.A,     S.K.5.B-S.2.5.B,     S.K.5.C-S.1.5.C,     S.K.5.E-S.2.5.E,     S.K.5.F-S.2.5.F,     S.K.5.G-S.2.5.G,     S.K.6

  • Age Range Recommended: 3rd Grade and up

    Program Length: 3 hours

    Summary: Students will learn about water and examine our most precious resource. Students will learn about the hydrologic (water) cycle, watersheds, surface water, groundwater aquifers, and nonpoint source (NPS) versus point source pollution. Students will also examine Westcave Preserve's rainwater collection system and observe the natural spring-fed waterfall and other water sources on a guided hike to Westcave’s Grotto, discussing the importance of conservation

    Learning Objectives:

    • Understand that water is a limited and valuable resource and there is not much available for use as freshwater versus saltwater (recreational, drinking, showering, and cooking).

    • Learn what a watershed is and that we all live in a watershed.

    • Learn about Point and Non-Point source pollution and the effects of every day actions on our own water source and others “downstream”

    • Learn about the difference between surface water and groundwater, as well as where our water in Austin comes from.

    • The effects of flooding not only to the landscape, habitat and ecological communities but our transportation and our own livelihood.

    • Observe Westcave’s lush plant life and understand the importance of water on different ecological habitats (Canyon and Savanna).

    • Experience the sounds of nature without urban background noises (Canyon Tour).

    • Understand the importance of conservation at Westcave and their own communities, especially water conservation (Canyon Tour).

    • Gain an awareness of the historical use of Westcave Preserve and the surrounding area by people (Canyon Tour).

    Relevant TEKS:

    AQUA.10.A,     AQUA.11.D,     AQUA.14.A,     AQUA.14.D,     AQUA.14.F,     BIO.13.D,     EARTH.12.E,     EARTH.9.B,     EARTH.9.D,     ENVIR.11.A,     ENVIR.12.B,     ENVIR.6.B,     ENVIR.6.D,     ENVIR.6.F,     ENVIR.8.B,     ENVIR.9.C,     S.1.10.A,     S.1.10.B,     S.1.10.C,     S.1.10.D,     S.1.11.A,     S.1.11.B,     S.1.12.B,     S.1.6.A,     S.1.6.B,     S.1.9,     S.2.10.A,     S.2.10.B,     S.2.11.A,     S.2.11.B,     S.2.12.C,     S.2.13.A,     S.2.6.A,     S.3.10.A,     S.3.10.B,     S.3.11.A,     S.3.11.B,     S.3.11.C,     S.3.12.A,     S.3.12.C,     S.3.12.D,     S.3.5.A-S.5.5.A,     S.3.5.B-S.8.5.B,     S.3.5.C-S.5.5.C,     S.3.5.E-S.5.5.E,     S.3.5.F-S.5.5.F,     S.3.5.G-S.5.5.G,     S.3.6.C,     S.4.10.B,     S.4.10.C,     S.4.11.A,     S.4.11.C,     S.4.12.C,     S.4.13.A,     S.4.9.A,     S.5.10.B,     S.5.10.C,     S.5.11,     S.5.12.A,     S.5.12.C,     S.5.13.A,     S.6.12.B,     S.6.5.D-S.8.5.D,     S.6.5.F-S.8.5.F,     S.6.5.G-S.8.5.G,     S.7.10.A,     S.7.11.A,     S.8.12.A,     S.8.12.B,     S.8.12.C,     S.8.13.C,     S.K.1.A- S.8.1.A,     S.K.1.C-S.8.1.C,     S.K.10.A,     S.K.10.B,     S.K.11,     S.K.12.A,     S.K.13.A,     S.K.13.B,     S.K.5.A-S.2.5.A,     S.K.5.B-S.2.5.B,     S.K.5.C-S.1.5.C,     S.K.5.E-S.2.5.E,     S.K.5.F-S.2.5.F,     S.K.5.G-S.2.5.G,     S.K.6,     AQUA.10.B,     AQUA.10.C,     AQUA.10.D,     AQUA.14.B,     AQUA.14.C,     ENVIR.10.A,     ENVIR.6.C,     S.1.11.C,     S.4.10.A,     S.5.10.A,     S.6.11.A,     S.6.11.B,     S.7.11.B

  • Age Range Recommended: 4th Grade and Up

    Program Length: 3 hours

    Summary: This program focuses on the biodiversity of the Preserve, including rare and endangered species. Students will learn about the importance of plant communities, habitats, conservation, and biodiversity on a guided hike to Westcave’s Grotto. Students will also discover the four basic requirements a habitat must provide for an animal (food, water, cover, and a place to raise their young) by playing an interactive game. On the guided hike, students will stop in two different habitats (Live Oak -Ashe Juniper Savanna and the Riparian Woodland), to conduct a 5-minute biological survey to compare the biodiversity at Westcave Preserve (modified program from Animal & Botanical Marvels). 

    Learning Objectives: (work in progress)

    • Learn about the 4 basic requirements an animal needs to survive in a habitat (food, water, cover, and a place to raise their young).

    • Learn how to conduct an environmental survey and increase identification skills by analyzing ground coverage, tree coverage, and different leave shapes (introduction to plant species identification).

    • Analyze data collected at Westcave back on campus by drawing a bar chart and comparing ground coverage, tree coverage, and # of leaf shapes observed in Westcave’s two habitats (Riparian Woodland (RW) and Live Oak Ashe Juniper Savanna(S)).

    • Learn how environmental conditions such as weather, climate, and seasons can affect local flora and fauna in the area overall and from day to day.

    • Observe Westcave’s lush plant life and understand the importance of water on different habitats and ecological diversity (Canyon and Savanna).

    • Gain a better understanding of the interaction of water and geology on plant and animal communities. (Canyon Tour).

    • Experience the sounds of nature without urban background noises (Canyon Tour)

    • Understand the importance of conservation at Westcave and their own communities, especially water conservation (Canyon Tour).

    • Gain an awareness of the historical use of Westcave Preserve and the surrounding area by people (Canyon Tour).

    Relevant TEKS:

    AQUA.10.A,     AQUA.11.D,     AQUA.14.A,     AQUA.14.D,     AQUA.14.F,     BIO.13.D,     EARTH.12.E,     EARTH.9.B,     EARTH.9.D,     ENVIR.11.A,     ENVIR.12.B,     ENVIR.6.B,     ENVIR.6.D,     ENVIR.6.F,     ENVIR.8.B,     ENVIR.9.C,     S.1.10.A,     S.1.10.B,     S.1.10.C,     S.1.10.D,     S.1.11.A,     S.1.11.B,     S.1.12.B,     S.1.6.A,     S.1.6.B,     S.1.9,     S.2.10.A,     S.2.10.B,     S.2.11.A,     S.2.11.B,     S.2.12.C,     S.2.13.A,     S.2.6.A,     S.3.10.A,     S.3.10.B,     S.3.11.A,     S.3.11.B,     S.3.11.C,     S.3.12.A,     S.3.12.C,     S.3.12.D,     S.3.5.A-S.5.5.A,     S.3.5.B-S.8.5.B,     S.3.5.C-S.5.5.C,     S.3.5.E-S.5.5.E,     S.3.5.F-S.5.5.F,     S.3.5.G-S.5.5.G,     S.3.6.C,     S.4.10.B,     S.4.10.C,     S.4.11.A,     S.4.11.C,     S.4.12.C,     S.4.13.A,     S.4.9.A,     S.5.10.B,     S.5.10.C,     S.5.11,     S.5.12.A,     S.5.12.C,     S.5.13.A,     S.6.12.B,     S.6.5.D-S.8.5.D,     S.6.5.F-S.8.5.F,     S.6.5.G-S.8.5.G,     S.7.10.A,     S.7.11.A,     S.8.12.A,     S.8.12.B,     S.8.12.C,     S.8.13.C,     S.K.1.A- S.8.1.A,     S.K.1.C-S.8.1.C,     S.K.10.A,     S.K.10.B,     S.K.11,     S.K.12.A,     S.K.13.A,     S.K.13.B,     S.K.5.A-S.2.5.A,     S.K.5.B-S.2.5.B,     S.K.5.C-S.1.5.C,     S.K.5.E-S.2.5.E,     S.K.5.F-S.2.5.F,     S.K.5.G-S.2.5.G,     S.K.6,     BIO.10.A,     S.1.13.A,     S.2.12.A,     S.2.13.B,     S.3.13.A,     S.4.1.F-S.5.1.F,     S.6.12.A,     S.K.1.E-S.5.1.E,     S.K.12.B

  • Have a specific interest or curriculum you’d like to learn hands on?

  • Cancel a Westcave Field Trip?

    Westcave Field Trip Cancellation Policy: Groups will receive a full refund or credit with a two week notice of cancellation. Otherwise, a minimum charge for the group will be processed with the credit card on file. In the event Westcave has to cancel the event due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances, (weather, flooding, etc.) Westcave will either reschedule the event or offer a full refund. No-shows will be charged the full price of their scheduled field trip.

    Payment Due?

    Payment is due upon arrival. Westcave accepts credit cards, cash or checks made out to Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center.

    Arrival Time?

    Please arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled arrival time with your total number of participants. Should your group arrive late, your program may have to be shortened. Reduced fees are not offered if your program is shortened due to a late arrival.

    How many chaperones can attend?

    Chaperone Policy: As a policy no more than 2 chaperones per class are allowed due to limited space and to allow the kids to have the best possible experience. Please contact the Education Manager if any questions.

    What should my students have to be prepared?

    Please inform your students that they will need to stay with the group and on the trail at all times. Everything at the preserve is protected an no leaves or flowers may be picked from plants.

    The hike into the canyon and back is roughly one mile. Westave recommends all participants wear comfortable closed toe shoes and socks for hiking. Everyone should also be advised to wear comfortable outdoor clothes that is weather appropriate: light, loose clothing on a hot day and layers on a cold day.

    For a picnic lunch everyone should have a packed lunch, and a water bottle. Placing the kids lunches and water bottles in bins to bring into the building during the program is recommended. The students do not need anything but themselves down on the trail.

    Do you have restrooms?

    Two composting toilets and sinks for hand washing are available for guest usage. Cleaning and disinfecting procedures are in place.

    Do you have water at Westcave?

    Westcave Preserve does not have sufficient water available to meet the needs of all students. We request that you bring water for each of your students.

    Do you have a picnic area?

    Picnic tables are available for your use. Bring sack lunches and water for your group to enjoy lunch under our beautiful Ashe juniper and oak trees.

    Weather or rain day of Hike?

    No tours can be conducted in the event of severe weather. Please contact the Preserve to discuss weather conditions and rescheduling your field trip if necessary.

    Do you allow pets?

    No pets are allowed on the premises of Westcave Preserve, even if on a leash. Pets are not allowed to be left in a vehicle. If you are found with a pet on the Preserve or locked in your vehicle, you will kindly be asked to leave.

    Can we swim at Westcave?

    There is no swimming or water contact at Westcave or access to the Pedernales River.

    *Please note there is NO smoking and no drones are allowed on the property.