An innovative research station within a beautiful nature preserve.

St. Edward’s Wild Basin Creative Research Center is an innovative field research station located just 10 miles from campus, within Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve. This preserve protects 227 acres of beautiful Texas Hill Country and is valuable habitat for multiple rare and vulnerable species, including the endangered Golden-cheeked warbler.

Vernonia flower

VISITING THE PRESERVE

Whether you’re a hiker looking for trails to explore, a family vacationing in Austin, or a teacher planning a field trip, Wild Basin has much to offer.

Research Student at Wild Basin

RESEARCH AT WILD BASIN

Here students (from any university) and community members can do robust research at a dedicated field station that is a living laboratory, supported by St. Edward’s faculty and staff.

A place for everyone to learn about and enjoy nature.

Our environmental education programs support area schools and offer opportunities for all to connect with the natural world.

Taking care of what is here.

The expert stewardship of these 227 acres benefits not only wildlife and their native habitats but everyone living beyond the preserve boundaries. 

Monarch Butterfly
Bridge on Trail
Painted Bunting

Our generous partners and supporters.

Wild Basin became Austin’s first nature preserve in 1974. Today, Wild Basin is co-owned and co-managed by Travis County and St. Edward’s University, and is a treasured resource for our community.

We offer special thanks to our individual donors, corporate sponsors, and foundation supporters. Without you, our environmental stewardship, education and outreach, and innovative research would not be possible.

EFT Logo
AMAT Foundation Logo
Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation
William and Salome