Ready for the most peaceful way to start your Saturday? The Hill Country Conservancy is opening the doors to one of Austin’s best-kept secrets – the Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife Preserve – for a guided birding and nature hike that’ll remind you why you love living in Texas.
On Saturday, September 6th at 8:00 AM, you’ll get to explore 50 acres of pristine Colorado River waterfront that most Austinites don’t even know exists. This isn’t just any nature walk – it’s your chance to experience an environmental masterpiece right in your backyard.
Why This Preserve is So Special
The Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife Preserve sits on the banks of the Colorado River near Lake Austin, and it’s the kind of place that makes you forget you’re minutes from downtown Austin. The Nalle Family donated this beloved property to Hill Country Conservancy in 2000 with one wish: that the public could enjoy their cherished “Bunny Run” for generations to come.
What makes this place truly remarkable is that it’s both a visual treasure and an active habitat restoration project. You’re not just hiking through preserved land – you’re walking through a conservation success story where native plants and wildlife are thriving thanks to careful stewardship.
Your Expert Guide Makes All the Difference
Texas Master Naturalist and experienced birder Mikael Behrens will lead your two-hour adventure, and this is where the magic happens. Whether you’re an avid birdwatcher with your own fancy binoculars or someone who’s never thought twice about the birds in your neighborhood, Mikael will help you see this preserve through completely new eyes.
Fall is an incredible time for birding in the Hill Country, as many species either call this area home year-round or pass through during migration. With Mikael’s expertise, you’ll learn to identify birds by sight and sound, understand their behaviors, and discover the plants and animals that make this ecosystem so special.
Perfect for Every Experience Level
Here’s what makes this hike so welcoming: it’s designed for everyone. Never used binoculars before? No problem – they’ll have some available to borrow. Worried about keeping up? This is an easy, slow-paced walk with frequent stops to observe wildlife and learn about the preserve’s conservation efforts.
The two-hour timeframe is perfect for busy schedules, giving you enough time to truly experience the preserve without taking over your entire Saturday. You’ll finish by 10:00 AM with plenty of day left for other activities, but you’ll carry the peace and wonder of this morning with you.
An Environmental Education Adventure
This isn’t just about spotting birds – it’s about understanding how conservation really works. You’ll learn about the habitat restoration efforts that have transformed this property, discover which native plants support local wildlife, and gain insights into the ongoing work that keeps places like this thriving.
For families, this is an incredible opportunity to show kids what successful environmental stewardship looks like. For adults, it’s a chance to connect with the natural world in a meaningful way while learning from someone who’s dedicated their expertise to protecting Texas wildlife.
What to Expect on Your Hike
The preserve’s location on Lake Austin waterfront means you’ll be hiking through diverse habitats – from riverbank areas to upland spaces where different species of birds make their homes. The easy terrain and frequent stops make this accessible for most fitness levels, while the early morning timing means you’ll catch birds at their most active.
Bring your camera if you’re into photography – the combination of wildlife, native plants, and Colorado River views creates incredible opportunities for nature photography. Even if you’re not a photographer, you’ll want to capture some memories of this special place.
Important Details for Your Visit
A few things to keep in mind for the best experience: there are no restroom facilities on the preserve, so plan accordingly. Pets need to stay home to protect the wildlife, but you’ll be so engaged with what you’re seeing that you won’t miss them. All hikes are weather permitting, which makes sense when you’re relying on wildlife activity.
The preserve is located at 4615 Bunny Run in Austin, and with refunds available up to 7 days before the event, you can plan with confidence knowing that the Hill Country Conservancy wants you to have the best possible experience.
Why This Matters for Austin
In a city that’s growing as rapidly as Austin, places like Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife Preserve become more precious every year. This hike gives you the chance to experience what thoughtful conservation can accomplish – turning a beloved family property into a thriving habitat that benefits both wildlife and the community.
When you participate in events like this, you’re not just having a nice Saturday morning – you’re supporting the ongoing conservation work that keeps places like this accessible to the public. Your participation helps fund the habitat restoration, wildlife monitoring, and educational programs that make this preserve a true environmental success story.
Start Your Weekend Right
There’s something magical about starting your Saturday in nature, especially with an expert guide who can open your eyes to the incredible diversity of life happening all around us. You’ll finish this hike feeling refreshed, educated, and more connected to the natural world that makes living in Austin so special.
Whether you’re looking for a peaceful start to your weekend, hoping to learn something new, or wanting to support local conservation efforts, this birding and nature hike delivers on all counts.
Event Details:
- When: Saturday, September 6, 2025, 8:00 – 10:00 AM CDT
- Where: Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife Preserve, 4615 Bunny Run, Austin, TX 78746
- Duration: 2 hours
- Guide: Mikael Behrens (Texas Master Naturalist and experienced birder)
- Organizer: Hill Country Conservancy
- Difficulty: Easy, slow-paced with frequent stops
- Refund Policy: Available up to 7 days before event
What to Bring:
- Binoculars (or borrow theirs)
- Camera for wildlife and nature photography
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Water bottle
- Weather-appropriate clothing
What You’ll Experience:
- Guided exploration of 50-acre Colorado River preserve
- Fall birding with expert identification help
- Habitat restoration education
- Native plant and wildlife learning
- Peaceful start to your weekend in nature
Important Notes:
- No restroom facilities on preserve
- No pets allowed (wildlife protection)
- Weather permitting
- All experience levels welcome
Ready to discover one of Austin’s most beautiful hidden gems? Your Saturday morning adventure awaits at Nalle Bunny Run Wildlife Preserve.
