The details of the events are posted on Meetup. If you would like to join an event as a non-member, please contact us to RSVP and get details.
Our monthly meetings are every 4th Tuesday of every month. Anyone is welcome to attend. We offer both in person and Zoom options based on the current health advisories.
We welcome speakers on various outdoor related topics at every monthly meeting. If you have expertise on a topic or know of someone who does, please contact us.
*** Not a TOWN-Austin sponsored event, but some of our members will attend.
Thanks for speaking with me yesterday. I wanted to follow up with you to give you more information about the Force of Nature campaign and the REI Women in the Outdoors event on May 6th.
On a national level, REI just announced our Force of Nature campaign to inspire and actively create more opportunities for women to get outdoors. Throughout the rest of the year, this campaign is going to yield more women-specific REI classes across the country, greater variety and higher quality in women’s clothing and gear, and more visibility for women in REI’s blogs, videos, photos and more.
On May 6th, we are officially kicking off Force of Nature, and locally we’ll be celebrating by offering women-specific outdoor classes all around the Austin area, and we’ll end the day with an awesome party at the Kammok Headquarters on E 7th Street. This party, the REI Celebration of Women in the Outdoors, will be a social event with snacks, drinks, films, activities, mini-classes and an announcement series by local women involved in the outdoors. The announcement series is going to consist of 5-10 women speakers giving a brief 3-minute long talk about what they do to get themselves outdoors and how they inspire others to get outdoors more. We’ll have informational tables set aside where these speakers can display more information and talk to attendees more, if folks want more than 3 minutes of information.
The tentative timeline for the event is below:
5-6:45pm Check in & mingling
6:45-7:15pm Announcement series
7:15-8 Show films/yoga session
8pm Announce raffle prize winners
8-9pm Mingle and wind down
Wednesday Walkers
Wednesday, May 10 – 8:30 am
Turkey Creek Trail
Join me for a hike that crosses creeks and is mostly in the shade.
Outing Leader/RSVP: Jacque Austin – by Tuesday May 9th please
When: Wednesday, May 10th at 8:30 am
Where: Turkey Creek Trail http://www.texashiking.com/Locations/ShowLocation.aspx?LocationID=1611 If you reach the entrance to the campground and see a kiosk, you have gone too far
1600 City Park Road, Austin, TX 78730
Getting There: From central Austin, take FM 2222 west, past Loop 360. Turn left onto City Park Road and continue south to the Emma Long Park entrance sign. The parking area for the trail is two miles from the park entrance sign, on the right hand side of the road. The parking is right after a sharp turn in the road, so be prepared when you cross Turkey Creek to turn off the road.
Shoes: Hiking shoes/boots, tennis shoes; no sandals or flip-flops. Your feet will get wet.
Canines: Definitely welcome, prepare to pick up poop.
Distance: 2.7 miles with no facilities or water source. There are some inclines and loose rocks. Sometimes we go exploring on new trails.
Bring:, water, sunscreen, snacks, poles for crossing the creek, etc. Friends and spouses are invited.
Thanks! Jacque
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.
Berry Springs Park & Preserve (Georgetown, TX)
Saturday, May 13th
Outing Leader/RSVP: CarolynD
What: Walk about 1.5 hours (about 4 miles) in a beautiful Georgetown park. We’ll see wildflowers, birds, butterflies, lots of trees, ponds, Berry Creek and a few donkeys. The walking surface is mostly paved concrete, but sections of gravel, crushed granite, dirt, mulch and grass. It is easy – the trail is flat. I recommend wearing hiking shoes or sturdy sneakers. If you would like to join me for a picnic lunch after the hike, please pack a lunch for yourself.
Where: Berry Springs Park & Preserve is at 1801 C.R. 152, Georgetown, TX 78626. Click Here for directions and more info. Meet me in the parking lots by the restroom, just past the old homestead and donkey stable. I’ll wait in the shade near the restroom.
When: Saturday, May 13th at 9:30 a.m.
Who: TOWN members and their guests, including well behaved leashed dogs. Sorry – they don’t allow un-leashed dogs.
Cost: Free
Hike at Travis County Reimers Ranch Park
Saturday, May 20
Time: 9 am
Join SallieN and Jacque at the Travis County Reimers Ranch Park.
Outing Leader/RSVP: Leader is SallieN, but please RSVP to Jacque by Friday May 19th .
When: Saturday, May 20th
Time: 9 am
Where: Travis County Reimers Ranch Park https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/reimers-ranch
Address: 23610 Hamilton Rd. , Dripping Springs, TX, 78620
Shoes: Hiking shoes/boots, tennis shoes; no sandals or flip-flops.
Canines: Definitely welcome on leash, prepare to pick up poop.
Distance: 2.7 miles with no facilities or water source. There are some inclines and loose rocks. Sometimes we go exploring on new trails.
Bring: Your lunch, Lisa will provide watermelon. We will have a picnic after hiking. Also bring water, sunscreen, snacks, poles for crossing the creek, etc. Friends and spouses are invited.
Thanks! Jacque
Notes from Travis County Park – PLEASE READ — WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU COME
- Activities at Reimers Ranch Park include rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, hiking, and equestrian trail riding. We will be hiking, not rock climbing!
- The park is open from 7 am to twilight. We do NOT allow camping
- Fees are $10 per vehicle. Vehicles with a Senior Citizen ( 62 years) or a Disabled Vet (60%) are not charged.
ALERT: Fee Change Starting May 1 Through September 30, on every weekend and holiday – A $5 surcharge will be applied to all vehicles and pedestrians on summer weekends and holidays. This $5 fee will be in addition to the usual $10 entrance fee and will apply to all vehicles, including those with Annual, Senior Lonestar, and Veteran Lonestar Permits. The fee will not be assessed on weekdays that are not holidays. This added fee is necessary to help offset the costs of operating the park during times of peak visitation.
- We accept cash and local checks. We do NOT accept credit cards.
- Pets are allowed, but must remain on leash at all times.
- Glass bottles and public display of alcohol consumption are not allowed.
- Cooking grills are allowed, but they must be above ground and not pose a fire hazard. You can burn gas and charcoal, but not wood due to the flying embers. The park does not provide cooking grills.
- Swimming takes place in the Pedernales River. Swimmers usually hike about 300 yards from the parking lot to the river. On busy summer weekends and holidays, the hike might be as long as a half-mile.
- The Mountain Bike Trails close down after a significant rain to maintain their integrity. They re-open after they have thoroughly dried. Check with the fee booth staff for current status of the mountain bike trails.
- Rock climbing and mountain biking are inherently hazardous activities. Please read the warning signs at the beginning of the trail heads leading to these activity areas.
Our TOWN-Austin monthly meeting occurs each month on the fourth Tuesday.
Our agenda is typically the following: bring your brown-bag dinner or a snack; we gather at 6 pm & socialize; 6:30-7:00 greetings, introductions, business, outings reports and planning; 7- 8 speaker; 8 – 8:15 adjournment and cleanup.
Our speaker Matthew McDermott is a certified NASAR (National Association of Search and Rescue) SARTech II and worked as a volunteer K9 Search and Rescue Dog Handler for 10 years serving the FBI, Austin, San Antonio, Lakeway Police Departments, Travis County and Bexar County Sheriffs Departments. In that role, Matthew assisted in several high-profile cases and many more that never made the news. The missions ranged from body recovery, clandestine grave detection, evidence recovery and primary investigation to establish probable cause for a search warrant. Matthew also assisted in recovery efforts in Louisiana and Texas following Hurricanes Katrina, Rita and Ike.
There are two parts to Matt’s planned presentation which are both fun and informative. He works hard to provide an entertaining look at what it means to be a K9 handler.
Staying Found: This program is suited to children, young adults and their parents. This presentation discusses preparations that you can make before venturing out to be sure you are ready for a search emergency. He will discuss what to do if you find that you are lost and how to stay safe. Matt will review how search emergencies are handled and how search dogs do their job. This presentation is perfectly suited to anyone interested in the outdoors.
Dog Training: Matt will discuss how he raises and trains his search dogs. He will discuss various training techniques specific to Search and Rescue and the many types of training scenarios that should be considered when preparing a dog for SAR work.
Join us and bring a friend!
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.
Hike at Travis County Reimers Ranch Park
We’re going to try this again! Please join us.
Saturday, June 3rd
*** Time: 9 am for about 2.5 hours for the hike, followed by lunch and watermelon.
Join SallieN and Jacque at the Travis County Reimers Ranch Park.
Outing Leader/RSVP: Leader is SallieN, but please RSVP via email to Jacque (or call 512.426.2576) by Friday June 2nd .
When: Saturday, June 3rd
Time: 9 am
Where: Travis County Reimers Ranch Park https://parks.traviscountytx.gov/find-a-park/reimers-ranch
Hike Description: This is a 4.7-mile hike the first half is a moderately demanding walk on a primitive trail with elevation changes and some steep slopes and several rocky areas to traverse while the second half is an easy walk on the upper crushed granite trail which has little shade. Recommend sturdy hiking shoes, plenty of water and walking stick.
*** Address: 23610 Hamilton Rd. , Dripping Springs, TX, 78620
*** Directions: From Austin South
Head west on US-290 W
At the Y in Oak Hill make a slight right onto TX-71 (signs for Texas 71 W/Llano)
8.3 mi
Turn left onto Hamilton Pool Rd
Destination will be on the right
11.7 mi
Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park watch for sign on right.
From North Austin
Head southwest on Ranch Rd 620/N FM 620 toward Bee Cave
Turn right onto Bee Cave Pkwy
1.1 mi
Continue onto Hamilton Pool Rd
Destination will be on the right
11.7 mi
Milton Reimer’s Ranch Park watch for sign on right.
*** Shoes: Hiking shoes/boots, tennis shoes; no sandals or flip-flops.
Canines: Definitely welcome on leash, prepare to pick up poop.
*** Distance: 4.7 miles with no facilities or water source. There are some inclines and loose rocks. Sometimes we go exploring on new trails.
*** Bring: Your lunch, Lisa will provide watermelon. We will have a picnic after hiking. Also bring water, sunscreen, snacks, poles for crossing the creek, etc. Friends and spouses are invited.
Thanks! Jacque
Notes from Travis County Park – PLEASE READ — WHAT TO KNOW BEFORE YOU COME
- Activities at Reimers Ranch Park include rock climbing, mountain biking, swimming, fishing, hiking, and equestrian trail riding. (TOWN will not rock climbing!)
- The park is open from 7 am to twilight. They do NOT allow camping
- Fees are $10 per vehicle. Vehicles with a Senior Citizen ( 62 years) or a Disabled Vet (60%) are not charged.
*** ALERT: Fee Change Starting May 1 Through September 30, on every weekend and holiday – A $5 surcharge will be applied to all vehicles and pedestrians on summer weekends and holidays. This $5 fee will be in addition to the usual $10 entrance fee and will apply to all vehicles, including those with Annual, Senior Lonestar, and Veteran Lonestar Permits. The fee will not be assessed on weekdays that are not holidays. This added fee is necessary to help offset the costs of operating the park during times of peak visitation.
- We accept cash and local checks. We do NOT accept credit cards.
- Pets are allowed, but must remain on leash at all times.
- Glass bottles and public display of alcohol consumption are not allowed.
- Cooking grills are allowed, but they must be above ground and not pose a fire hazard You can burn gas and charcoal, but not wood due to the flying embers. The park does not provide cooking grills.
- Swimming takes place in the Pedernales River. Swimmers usually hike about 300 yards from the parking lot to the river. On busy summer weekends and holidays, the hike might be as long as a half-mile.
- The Mountain Bike Trails close down after a significant rain to maintain their integrity. They re-open after they have thoroughly dried. Check with the fee booth staff for current status of the mountain bike trails.
- Rock climbing and mountain biking are inherently hazardous activities. Please read the warning signs at the beginning of the trail heads leading to these activity areas.
Leader: MarshaK
Distance: 4 -5 miles at a very brisk pace
Difficulty: moderate to difficult
Meet at Marsha’s house before 7:30 am. Group will finish before 9:30 as Marsha needs time to prep for church.
Water is required as well as good walking shoes. Sticks are also helpful.
Dogs must be on leash. Prepare to pick up your dog’s poop. Furnish water for your dog.
Contact MarshaK via email by Saturday evening if you wish to walk with her.
Time for kayaking!
Lifejackets/PFDs are mandatory for this outing!
We meet at the Rowing Dock on the s. shore of Lady Bird Lake, behind Zilker Park (www.rowingdock.com) between 5:30 and 6, planning to be on the water by 6 pm in the sleek new boats with great seats and working footpegs. $15 (cash preferred) will rent your boat, paddle, and lifejacket as we head upstream toward Tom Miller Dam, or downstream to admire the skyline and downtown buildings.
If you are new to TOWN or haven’t been out with us in a while or have an afternoon open, you can’t find a better way to enjoy the heart of Austin than on a cool, leisurely paddle on Lady Bird Lake. Two hours of scenery, sights, and enjoyable chatting to your fellow-TOWNies and their guests, followed by a social hour enjoyment on dry land at venues such as Shady Grove, Maudie’s, Rudy’s Barbecue . . . and the Four Seasons. Not kidding, but not usual, either.
If you have your own boat, you can put in behind the Rowing Dock at no charge. We will help you tote it from your car to the small dock.