Whirlpool Cave Preserve

The creek is flowing this morning. The creek needs to rise about 2.5 feet to flow over the gate’s concrete berm and flood the cave. So close! Remember Turn Around Don’t Drown!

Happy National Caves and Karst Day! There’s a whole other world under Austin filled with life. All of these wonderful creatures live in caves here. We work hard to protect their world as they enrich ours!

Happy 10th Anniversary year to our “new” gate! Still going strong!

Have you ever wondered what a sunrise in a cave looks like? Join one of our Beginner Caving Trips the 2nd and 4th Wednesday of the month at 6:30pm and experience it for yourself. Sign up at [email protected]

Is your New Year’s resolution to spend less time above ground? We can help with that!

Even Labubu loves to cave!

See how the City of Austin is working to protect natural spaces like caves and the aquifer and how you can help!

Protecting Austin's Wild Side Since 1998, Austinites have voted several times to protect the water quality of Barton Springs by buying conservation easements on private lands and purchasi...

When water flows through Whirlpool Cave it travels through the Edwards Aquifer and discharges at Barton Springs. Learn about the endangered salamanders who dwell in the aquifer and why it’s important to protect them!

Protecting Springflow and Salamanders - Barton Springs-Edwards Aquifer Conservation District The Barton Springs and Austin Blind salamanders are iconic residents of the greater Austin area. They are found nowhere else in the world except within the Barton Springs segment of the Edwards Aquifer, its spring outlets, and the surrounding habitat. If you’ve ever visited Barton Springs Pool, ....

When it rain the salamanders come out to play! These Western slimy salamanders (Plethodon albagula) are common in Austin caves. They do not have lungs or gills but breathe through their skin.