SUBMITTED REPORT

Trails primarily in the northwest sections of Spring Lake Natural Area and Purgatory Creek Natural Area will be closed until May 31 to protect golden-cheeked warblers during their nesting season.

In the Spring Lake Natural Area, all trails west of the junction of Blue Stem and Buckeye Trails will be closed during the mating season with the exception of trails that are compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

At Purgatory Creek, Paraiso Trail will be closed between the places it intersects with Dante’s Trail.

The golden-cheeked warbler breeds only in Central Texas and nests in the Ashe juniper and oak woodlands that are found at both natural areas. Golden-cheeked warblers are endangered because much of the tall juniper and oak woodlands that they prefer for nesting and breeding have been cleared to build roads, neighborhoods, farms and lakes.

For information, contact Watershed Protection Program Manager Melani Howard at 512-393-8448.