Join The VORTEX for a Roots and Wings event featuring our beautiful Nationally Certified Butterfly Garden and celebrating the life cycle of the butterfly!

Kick-off community parade at 5pm, come dressed as your favorite butterfly or flower and join in! Costume contest at 6:30pm with a fun prize featuring a plant from Tillery Street Plant Company and goods from local businesses.

Enjoy educational fun-tivities for all ages, including making butterfly art, playing games, and more! Alex Cogburn, Keeper of the Butterfly Sanctuary, will unveil new educational placards for our butterfly plants, lead tours of the Butterfly Garden, and interview "The Egg, Caterpillar, Butterfly, and Plant" in a skit that's delightful and informative! Tillery Street Plant Company and They Might Be Monkeys will also talk about native plants and tree care.

Enjoy live music featuring Roland & the Roots Riddim, Tyagaraja Welch of SHE, and pop-ups including Save our Springs, Reggie Rap's Room, Girl Scout Troop 42121, and more!

Refreshments available from The Butterfly Bar @ The VORTEX and Patrizi's Italian Food Truck.

The Karst Preserve truly demonstrates how Austin’s Urban Trees work to help protect our caves and drinking water supply - along with having several unique Austin species to identify along the trail.

In addition to learning how to identify common Austin tree species, attendees will see first hand the significant tree canopy loss since the 2011 drought and other major extreme weather events.This will highlight how important ANNUAL TREE PLANTING and QUALITY TREE CARE are to keeping our water supply clean and our neighborhoods cool! Please bring water, comfortable walking shoes, and dress for the weather since we will be outside the whole time. You will learn how to identify native trees, and how to safely and ethically collect seeds to donate to the TreeFolks Seeds To Trees Native Nursery.

Click here to register!

The Central Texas Seed Savers is a growing network of people who love seeds with the mission of preventing the extinction of ecologically and culinarily important plants in the Central Texas Region. TreeFolks was founded as Austin’s Urban Forestry non-profit in 1989. Since then, TreeFolks has grown to work with communities throughout Central Texas in community tree planting, tree giveaways, education and urban-wildland reforestation efforts. Our mission is to empower Central Texans to build stronger communities through planting and caring for trees.

Karst Preserve Friends endeavor to increase the enjoyment of the Karst Preserve through stewardship, education and activities in support of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve mission.

Are you a crafter? Do you wish you were a crafter? How does crafting while helping out the ecosystem in your community sound?

Join John Gillum Branch (formerly North Village) and other Crafty Adults as we create Bird Seed Balls at our monthly crafting program! We'll learn the basics, the ins and outs, and then we'll let loose!

Participants will not only learn about what bird seed and impact for the environment, we'll get a chance to take some home and share with the community. Learn with us!

Do you have room to plant a shade tree at your home? Plant a tree and help lower the temperatures in your neighborhood. Combat the urban heat island effect and beautify your community.

Come to our tree adoption event at Bartholomew Park! We will be giving away up to 2 shade trees per household. Our tree experts will be on hand to demonstrate proper tree planting technique and answer any questions you may have about care of your newly adopted tree.

This event is part of the Windsor Park Eco Expo.

TreeFolks NeighborWoods is a partnership with the City of Austin and Austin Energy.

Help to restore the Country Club Creek Greenbelt by planting native trees with the East Riverside/Oltorf Combined (EROC) Neighborhood Planning Area Contact Team!

We will assemble at the South Pleasant Valley Road Trailhead of the Country Club Creek Trail, and will provide the trees, tools, and supplies. This greenbelt is a wilderness area, so dress appropriately and bring a water bottle!

¡Ayúdenos a restaurar El Cinturón Verde de Country Club Creek! La Asociación de Vecinos de East Riverside/Oltorf Corridor (East Riverside-Oltorf Corridor Neighborhood Association) solicita su ayuda en plantar varios árboles nativos de Texas.

Nos encontraremos en el punto de partida de South Pleasant Valley Road Trailhead del Country Club Creek Trail adonde le proveeremos los árboles, herramientas, y suministros. Este cinturón verde es parte de una zona salvaje. Se les sugiere vestirse apropiadamente para el ambiente y traerse su agua!

Join us at the Austin Nature & Science Center for a special volunteer day as part of the Roots & Wings Festival and It's My Park Day! Get your hands dirty and make a real impact on our local environment through hands-on activities. Help us remove invasive species to protect native plants, collect and organize seeds to learn about plant life cycles, and plant vibrant pollinator gardens to support butterflies, bees, and other essential pollinators.

This event offers a unique educational experience and a chance to connect with the community while caring for our natural surroundings. We will have bilingual staff present to lead some groups in Spanish. Don't miss out on this opportunity to enhance our urban forest and make a difference! Spots are limited, so head to the ANSC website to sign up.

Únase a nosotros en el Austin Nature & Science Center para un día especial de voluntariado como parte del Festival Roots & Wings y es el Día de Mi Parque. Ensuciarse las manos y hacer un impacto real en nuestro entorno local a través de actividades prácticas. Ayúdanos a eliminar las especies invasoras para proteger las plantas nativas, recolectar y organizar semillas para aprender sobre los ciclos de vida de las plantas, y plantar jardines de polinizadores vibrantes para apoyar mariposas, abejas y otros polinizadores esenciales.

Este evento ofrece una experiencia educativa única y la oportunidad de conectarse con la comunidad mientras cuidamos nuestro entorno natural. Tendremos personal bilingüe presente para liderar algunos grupos en español.||¡No pierdas esta oportunidad de potenciar nuestro bosque urbano y marcar la diferencia! La disponibilidad es limitada, así que visite el sitio web de ANSC para registrarse.

Come to the Terrazas Branch and make your very own ecosystem in a jar!

Learn about plant and environmental stewardship by making a beginner terrarium. A terranium is a glass container containing soil and plants that can be opened for maintenance to access the plants inside. You'll get to make your own terrarium to take home with provided supplies and plants, plus take home a baby tree sapling to plant, courtesy of City of Austin’s Community Tree Preservation!

*This is event is limited to 15 Adults (1 terrarium per household) and is first come, first serve.

Join us for an enriching and hands-on gardening workshop with local expert Austin Davenport! This adult-only event will guide you through the essentials of selecting, planting, and nurturing fruit trees, shrubs, and vines specifically suited for Texas. Discover a wide range of fruiting varieties adapted to our local climate and learn the best practices for ensuring healthy growth and long-term success. Register here!

Austin will share invaluable tips on planting, watering, pruning, and protecting your plants from harsh weather, as well as managing pests and diseases to keep your food forest thriving. Whether you're a beginner or an experienced gardener, this workshop will equip you with the knowledge, skills, tools and trees to create your own backyard bounty!

Don't miss this opportunity to learn from one of the best and take the first step toward a fruitful future! The first 50 attendees will have the opportunity to choose a fruit tree or blackberry bramble to start their own backyard orchard. Pruning tools and a limited number of grow bags will also be available for attendees who cannot plant their seedlings in the ground.

Register here!

Is your garden in need of a little TLC, or are you dreaming of starting one? We've got just the thing! Come fall back in love with your garden at the Grow Green Fall Garden Party!

Picture this: chatting with garden gurus who know all the secrets to creek-friendly gardening, and leaving with freebies like a plant, a tree, and more garden goodies! Got a pesky plant problem? The Master Gardeners will be on call at the plant clinic to help you out. And hey, don't leave the kiddos at home! We will have crafts and activities for all ages, including making seed balls & butterfly masks that are sure to get those creative juices flowing!

We'll also have Blooms & Bees: A Rain Garden and Native Plant Tour at Givens Park, where you can explore how native and adapted plants thrive in our local climate. Learn how eco-friendly landscape features, like rain gardens, can help manage rainwater naturally, while supporting pollinators and adding beauty to your space.

We'll have plenty of snacks, drinks, and good vibes to keep the garden party going! And because it's Halloween season, we say bring on the costumes, especially if they're plant-themed. Plus, don't miss your chance to enter our prize drawing for a special garden-themed gift that will make your day even brighter. We’ll also have baby trees to take home to your family! Let's make this a garden party to remember!

Are you a crafter? Do you wish you were a crafter? How does crafting while helping out the ecosystem in your community sound? Join Spicewood Springs Branch and other Crafty Adults as we create Bird Seed Balls at our monthly crafting program! We'll learn the basics, the ins and outs, and then we'll let loose!

Participants will not only learn about what bird seed and impact for the environment, we'll get a chance to take some home and share with the community. Learn with us!

Join Travis County Balcones Canyonlands Preserve and Austin Water Wildlands for our Endangered Species Habitat Restoration! We will plant a variety of native, drought-tolerant trees and scatter seeds for wildflowers and other herbaceous plants. This planting will benefit birds, bats, insects, and other wildlife by restoring endangered species habitat in an Ashe –juniper-oak woodland ecosystem. Our goal is to revitalize degraded areas, enhancing habitat for the endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler and a host of other species. All experience levels welcome! Register here!

We'll provide tools and gloves for you to use, though you're welcome to bring your own if you'd prefer. Please bring plenty of water and wear closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants for this activity. There will be off trail hiking over rocky, uneven, and steep terrain and no bathrooms or running water available. If you are a new volunteer to the Travis County BCP, please fill out a waiver using this link: https://traviscountytx.jotform.com/222756705037962

Directions and details sent upon registration.

Rain Date: Sat. Nov. 2nd at 9am

TreeFolks NeighborWoods will hold a tree adoption in conjunction with the annual Pumpkin Carver event at the George Washington Carver Museum!

Come pick out a free tree or two to plant at your home! Tree experts will be on hand to ensure that you know how to plant and take care of your newly adopted tree.

TreeFolks NeighborWoods is a partnership with the City of Austin and Austin Energy.

Join us for a hands-on Tree Care Workshop where you'll learn how to properly care for and maintain your trees!

Learn how to care for trees year-round during this workshop with City of Austin’s Education Forester, Keith Babberney. Intended for anyone interested in learning more about tree health and improving the wellness of our urban forest. Q&A and outside demonstration will follow.

Register Here!

Schedule:

• 10:30 AM – Presentation

• 11:30 AM – Q&A

• 12:00 PM – Outside Demonstration

Topics:

• Planting

• Pruning

• Mulching and Watering

• Tree Health Monitoring

Register Here!

¡Únase a nosotros en un taller práctico sobre el cuidado de los árboles donde aprenderá cómo cuidar y mantener adecuadamente sus árboles!

Aprenda a cuidar los árboles todo el año durante este taller con Keith Babberney, especialista en educación forestal de la ciudad de Austin. Destinado a cualquier persona interesada en aprender más sobre la salud de los árboles y mejorar el bienestar de nuestro bosque urbano. Seguirán preguntas y respuestas y una demostración exterior.

¡Regístrate aquí!

Cronograma:

• 10:30 a. m. – Presentación

• 11:30 a. m. – Preguntas y respuestas

• 12:00 PM – Demostración exterior

Temas:

• Plantando

• Poda

• Acolchado y Riego

• Monitoreo de la salud de los árboles

El programa será principalmente en Inglés.

Recommended for ages 18 and up

Step into the embrace of Mother Nature and experience the magic of community healing at our Greater Austin YMCA's event! Join us for a soul-nourishing day amidst the serene beauty of the great outdoors, as we unite to honor the profound connection between humanity and the natural world:

Yoga Under the Trees: Find your inner tranquility as we gather under the canopy of gentle trees for a peaceful yoga session. Our experienced yoga instructor will lead you through calming poses and mindful breath, allowing you to fully embrace the serenity of the natural surroundings.

Our other free YMCA For All events happening during the Roots & Wings Festival:

Oct 21 - Guided Trail Run with Ashlee (10am)

Oct 28 - Nature Scavenger Hunt (10am)

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the Greater Austin YMCA's events celebrating the healing power of community in nature with the Roots & Wings Festival! See you there!

Stay connected at: https://www.austinymca.org/

Join us for an environmental stewardship service event, supporting Roots & Wings Festival 2023! Attendees will be outside planting trees and Texas native plants to attract pollinators.

Participate, discover, and learn the importance of creating sustainable habitats for butterflies and other pollinators.

There will be an opportunity to plant TX native trees, perennials, and spread wildflower seeds. All are welcome for this life changing adventure!

Join us at Laguna Gloria for an evening of exploration and celebration! We are excited to be part of this year’s Roots and Wings Festival! While here, make art inspired by the rich flora and fauna of Laguna Gloria, learn more about how you can help support the pollinators in our city, and enjoy exploring all the art and nature Laguna Gloria has to offer!

Check out TheContemporaryAustin.org for more information on what the evening will hold!

We can't wait to see you!

Step into the embrace of Mother Nature and experience the magic of community healing at our Greater Austin YMCA's event! Join us for a soul-nourishing day amidst the serene beauty of the great outdoors, as we unite to honor the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

Nature Scavenger Hunt for Families: Calling all families, rain or shine! Embark on a thrilling and educational scavenger hunt through the heart of nature. Assemble your teams and explore the wonders of the great outdoors, discovering hidden treasures and fascinating insights along the way. This engaging activity is perfect for fostering community, sparking curiosity, and creating memories with loved ones.

This event serves as a powerful reminder of the healing potential that blossoms when we come together as a community, embracing the richness of the natural world. Let's celebrate the bonds we form with nature and with one another, as we strengthen our collective commitment to nurturing a healthier, happier, and more sustainable planet.

Our other free YMCA For All events happening during the Roots & Wings Festival:

Oct 21 - Guided Trail Run with Ashlee (10am)

Nov 5 - Outdoor Yoga with Scott (10:30am)

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the Greater Austin YMCA's events celebrating the healing power of community in nature with the Roots & Wings Festival! See you there!

Stay connected at: https://www.austinymca.org/

Daytime turns into night at the Caretaker’s Cottage while we explore the wide world of pollinators beyond butterflies and bees! Learn how bats, beetles, and more help make Austin the beautiful green city that it is, using a tactile matching game created by Park Rangers.

Give yourself “monarch vision" by using UV flashlights. Finally, leave the event with seed packets of night-blooming plants, and give those amazing nocturnal pollinators an excuse to visit your backyard or community garden.

Join Zilker Botanical Garden in our Roots and Wings Festival Celebration! Visit the Garden to celebrate trees, pollinators, and our community where you can learn how to maintain trees, tag butterflies for scientific research, build homes for local pollinators, and much more. This large festival features crafts, activities, and workshops throughout the day, so be sure to check our website for the day’s schedule.

Crafts and activities will be available in the Oak Grove from 10am-2pm with workshops throughout the day.

All festival events included with Admission, free for Conservancy members, and Museums for All.

Join our Tree Planting on the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve to celebrate the 6th annual Roots & Wings Festival! We will be planting trees and scattering seeds to restore the degraded habitat into a diverse, healthy woodland at the JJ&T and Medway tracts. All experience levels are welcome as we will teach you everything you need to know the day of.

We'll provide tools and gloves for you to use, though you're welcome to bring your own if you'd prefer. Please bring plenty of water and wear closed-toe shoes or boots and long pants for this activity. There will be off-trail hiking over rocky, uneven, and steep terrain and no bathrooms or running water available. Click here to register.

If you are a new volunteer to the Travis County BCP, please fill out a waiver using this link.

Come learn about bats and how they are vital to ecosystems around the world. Some bats help maintain the balance of pests and others pollinate some of our favorite plants. Meet a bat that lives at the Austin Nature & Science Center. Hosted with Bat Conservation International.

Join Cultured Forest for an introduction to guided Forest Bathing in Bull Creek Park in Austin. This session will be led by our Founder Brooke Mellen who has been featured in Vogue and WSJ Magazine. She trained with Dr. Qing Li and certified in Forest Medicine in Japan. This event is supported by Austin Parks & Recreation and created for those ages 18+.

Forest Bathing is based on a Japanese practice of Shinrin-Yoku that involves connecting with nature by “Bathing in the Forest Atmosphere.” Studies show time in nature lowers blood pressure, boosts immunity and reduces stress. In this activity, you will indulge with fellow nature appreciators in relaxing meditation and forest therapy in a guided outdoor class. Plan to appreciate the trees and natural settings of the park, while learning activities that allow you to better connect with nature through mindfulness, even in urban settings. Leave feeling centered, connected and more at peace. We are excited to end this session with a tea tasting.

Register here: https://www.culturedforest.com/events-2/forest-bathing-roots-and-wings-austin-2023

- Meeting Location: Near the Bathrooms by the Northern Parking lot (note there is a parking lot south of the walking bridge)

-Please Bring: A water bottle

-Please Wear: Dress for the elements. Wear comfortable shoes with traction (note we may need to cross the creek so your feet could get wet), a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, bug repellent

-This event will require slow walking on paved and unpaved paths, a few stairs and going up and down small inclines. We may need to cross the creek. Please reach out to brooke@culturedforest.com if you need any accommodations.

Let's swap plants and make tiny, macramé plant hangers with supplies provided by the Austin Public Library. All people and plants are welcome.

Step into the embrace of Mother Nature and experience the magic of community healing at our Greater Austin YMCA's event! Rain or shine, join us for a soul-nourishing day amidst the serene beauty of the great outdoors, as we unite to honor the profound connection between humanity and the natural world.

Guided Trail Run with Ashlee: Lace up your running shoes and set forth on an invigorating guided trail run around Lady Bird Lake. Feel the earth beneath your feet and breathe in the rejuvenating scent of nature as you bond with fellow enthusiasts along the way. Whether you're an experienced runner or a novice, this adventure promises to inspire and revitalize your spirit.

Our other free YMCA For All events happening during the Roots & Wings Festival:

Oct 28 - Nature Family Scavenger Hunt (10am)

Nov 5 - Outdoor Yoga with Scott (10:30am)

Don't miss this incredible opportunity to be part of the Greater Austin YMCA's events celebrating the healing power of community in nature with the Roots & Wings Festival! See you there!

Stay connected at: https://www.austinymca.org/

Join us at Grand Meadow Park for natural world storytelling and games with the Central Texas Cherokee Township! Win prizes playing stickball and chunkey! We will have three sisters garden seeds and lessons available for all. Kids are welcome to join activities such as making butterflies. Snacks and coffee will be available.

Rain Date: Sunday, 10/22, 10am - 1pm

Join the City of Austin Park Rangers on a tour of the historic Caretaker's Cottage in Zilker Park! At the top of every hour, Rangers will be leading a tree walk through the Cottage grounds, teaching participants to identify, care for, and meaningfully connect with our arboreal friends. The event will finish with a seedball making activity, and participants will go home with a pollinator-friendly resource they can easily add to their own yards or community gardens.