Wild Basin Creative Research Center | St. Edwards University in Austin, TX

An Innovative Research Station within a Beautiful Nature Preserve

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

A close-up of Vernonia missurica, a vibrant purple flower with buds yet to bloom. The petals radiate from the center, creating a fluffy appearance. Brownish spherical buds cluster at the stem tips. The blurred green background highlights the sharpness and detail.

Visiting the Preserve

For decades, Wild Basin Wilderness Preserve has been a favorite Austin hiking destination. Explore our beautiful trails, or attend one of our inspiring events and workshops.

A student sits outdoors amidst dense vegetation, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and long-sleeve shirt. A small round table in front holds scientific equipment, possibly for environmental research.

Research at Wild Basin

At Wild Basin Creative Research Center, undergraduate and graduate students do robust research in a living laboratory, with the support of St. Edward’s faculty and staff.

The image shows a group of children on a nature trail. They wear t-shirts with various prints, including "Longhorns Princess" and "Wildcats." Trees and foliage surround the trail.

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.

A close-up of the Golden-cheeked Warbler, a bird perched on the branch of a coniferous tree. The bird has striking yellow and black plumage, with a prominent yellow head, black throat, and white underparts with black streaks. The background is blurred, highlighting the bird as the focal point.

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.

Wild Basin's Generous Partners and Supporters

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

Applied Materials Foundation
Capitol Credit Union
Jacob & Terese Hershey Foundation
William & Salomé McAllen Scanlan Foundation
Winkler Family Foundation

Did You Know?

Wild Basin became Austin’s first nature preserve in 1976. 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.