HS Alliance
AUSTIN (KXAN) – An environmental group is pushing the city of Austin to “revive” Zilker Park.
Save Our Springs Alliance announces it has released the Vision plan “Rewilding Zilker Park”, which aims to create more shade and protection from water and bring more wilderness to the urban park.
The alliance says the goal of rewilding is to restore forests, wetlands and grasslands. They also want to improve the connection between nature and people, as well as strengthen the mental and physical health of our ecosystems.
The SOS Alliance plan was developed by restoration ecologist and park planner Elizabeth McGreevy. She recommends that at least 75 acres of the park be returned to a “natural state”. This includes increasing biodiversity, reducing erosion and mitigating the urban heat island.
The group is keen to pitch their ideas to the leaders of Austin, as they are asking the public for feedback on the city’s own Zilker Park vision plan. The city’s next virtual community meeting is scheduled for October 19 at 6 p.m. You can register to attend on Zoom online here.
SOS Alliance worked with three neighborhood organizations on the report: Zilker, Barton Hills and Bouldin Creek. Read the full report online here.