Events occur inside the Creative Research Center. Speaker topics are focused on Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve and the larger Balcones Canyonlands Preserve to better understanding the local Hill Country. Time to socialize will occur before and after the speaker's talk. Light refreshments will be provided. Space is limited so reserve your spot(s) by selecting the calendar date the below event is offered.

Social time in the visitor gallery with some snacks will begin at 5:30pm. Speaker presentation at 6pm. Some additional social time after the presentation concludes will also occur.

March 25th, Glen Gillman; Wildfire Mitigation Officer; Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office

Topic: Wildfire: Rhetoric, Reality and the Practical Solutions

Wildland fire is a complicated issue and is a topic frequently highlighted in the general media and most frequently as an extreme and dangerous wildfire event. The focus on these events and the immediate response and suppression resources sustains policies and perspectives that are often disconnected from the research and experiences of those most acquainted with the full range of wildland fire events and solutions. Glen will present his perspective on a number of local fire management products and challenges and provide simple practical solutions for local residents.

Glen Gillman has worked as a wildland firefighter for over 25 years with different federal, state, and local governments. He has worked in the Austin area since 2006 and participated in the development of the Austin Water Utility, Austin Fire Department, and Travis County Parks Wildland Fire Management Programs. His primary focus has been capacity development and prescribed burn implementation, but he’s been involved in larger policy issues, to include the wildland urban interface. He has been the Wildfire Mitigation Officer for the Travis County Fire Marshal’s Office for approximately two years and works with partners to develop sustainable programs to meet wildland fire management challenges. He lives in a small house in South Austin with a Moderate Fire Danger Rating and struggles to balance his risk and lifestyle.

Please join us for this informative event by making your reservation.

Previous Speakers and Topics Have Included:

February 26th, Natasia Moore; Welcoming Wildlife

January 2025 - Moira Martin Ph.D; Rewilding Wellness

December 2024 - NO EVENT due to busy holiday season.

November 19th Volunteer Stewardship Crew; Wild Stories - An Evening of Storytelling about Land Stewardship by our Volunteers.

October 30th Darrell Hutchinson; Long Term Monitoring of the endangered Golden-Cheeked Warbler at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve

September 26th Debra Scott, Environmental Project Manager - Travis County
Topic: New and Proposed Species Listings under the Endangered Species Act in Travis County.

July 25 Christy Muse; Founding board member and current Board President, Travis County Parks Foundation.
Topic: Land conservation, collaboration, and our growing network of Travis County Parks and Greenways.

May 23rd Judy Walther; previous Education Director, Kiki Corry; previous Education Coordinator and Niki Lake; previous Preserve Manager tell their wild stories and experiences about Wild Basin.

April 25th Drew Thompson; Wildland Conservation Division - Cave Specialist and Cait McCann Teran; Wildland Conservation Division - Environmental Program Supervisor; Topic: Balcones Canyonlands Preserve - South Austin Caves

March 21st Gabriella Pardee; Research Director at Wild Basin Creative Research Center; Topic: Protecting Pollinators in Rapidly Growing Cities

February 22nd Jennifer Bristol; Author, Birder and The Atomic Cowgirl. Topic: Birds, Books and Childhood Memories

January 17th - Brooke Mellen, Founder of Cultured Forest; Topic: An Introduction to Forest Bathing in the Hill Country

November 2023 - David Mahler, First Executive Director and Mike Powers, Previous Preserve Manager; Topic: Wild Stories - Experiences from their time working at Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve.

October 2023 - Charlton Perry; Director of Outdoor Education and Land Management at St. Stephen's Episcopal School. Topic: The history of land and learning with your neighbor.

September 2023 - Dawn Houston; Avian Ecologist and Wild Basin Hook Fellow. Topic: Songbird Migration in Central Texas: Herculean Feat of a Little Bird.

August 2023 - John Barr; Owner of Native Cottage Gardens, est. 1998. Topic: Native Perennial Pollinator and Wildlife Gardens: Lessons from a Pro.

Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve is co-owned and co-managed by Travis County and St. Edward's University, and is a treasured resource by the entire community.