About Us

The Blanco River and its basin supports a growing human population as well as an array of diverse wildlife and vegetation, including nearly 375 species of birds, approximately 55 species of mammals, more than 70 species of reptiles, 80 species of fish, and some of the highest cave fauna diversity in the southwestern United States. The basin is also home to rare, endangered and threatened birds, amphibians, fish, and reptile species, which are often not found elsewhere. Urban development has accelerated habitat loss and fragmentation of these and many other species within the basin.

This atlas was created as a resource for local land-owners, government officals and agencies, conservation-based groups, as well as schools and outreach organizations.

Information was compiled throught partnerships with groups, agencies and individuals active in the biology and conservation of the area. Advice and assistance were sought from members of USFWS, TPWD, TCEQ, the Department of Biology at Texas State University, eBird of Audubon and the Cornell Lab of Ornithology, the Nature Conservancy, Plateau Land and Wildlife Management, and three citizen science groups: the Texas Master Naturalists, Texas Stream Team, and the Wimberley Birding Society. Information was also obtained from student theses as well as published articles and scientific papers.

About The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment:

Located at Spring Lake on the Texas State University campus, The Meadows Center for Water and the Environment’s core mission is to develop and promote programs and techniques for ensuring sustainable water resources for human needs, ecosystem health and economic development. The Meadows Center is committed to helping protect and conserve water resources while promoting economic development and social well-being by: advancing scientific and technical knowledge through research on aquatic resources; identifying and analyzing socio economic and political issues affecting water use; guiding the development of environmentally sustainable public water policy in Texas; cultivating public awareness and education about water resource issues.

Special Acknowledgments:

This atlas would not have been possible without the generous support from the Cynthia & George Mitchell Foundation.