Text provided by the Wells Branch Wild Conservancy

Bay-breasted Warbler at Mills Pond. Photo by Dave Read

Wells Branch Wild Conservancy today announced its new status as a 501(c)3 non-profit. The newly formed non-profit is an all-volunteer effort formed to inspire and engage the Wells Branch community in stewardship of a healthy and sustainable ecosystem. Jill Douglass, President of the Board of Directors for Wells Branch Wild Conservancy, said “We have a beautiful, natural community and parklands that must be protected and nurtured.  The Conservancy will bring our community into full partnership in that stewardship.” Continued intense urban and commercial development of the surrounding area have elevated the need to protect the natural spaces of the community.

Wells Branch, a Municipal Utilities District (MUD) of 14,000 residents, is located within the city limits of Austin. It includes 84 acres of parkland with 6 miles of trails. Shelley Palmer, Wells Branch MUD Board Member, reported “We are delighted to work in partnership with the new conservancy.  The passion for nature in our community is strong and deeply felt.”

Previously known as Wells Branch Wild, the new Wells Branch Wild Conservancy

• works collaboratively with the elected MUD board members, establishing and supporting policies to protect the Wells Branch natural spaces and making privately owned properties more nature-friendly,
• raises awareness within the community of the vital importance of the local ecosystem,
• engages the community in achieving a National Wildlife Federation Community Wildlife Habitat Certification, and
• builds partnerships to enhance stewardship strategies.

Green Heron at Mills Pond. Photo by Dave Read

Thanks to the far-sighted efforts of Wells Branch residents over the past 20 years, trees have been planted, Grow-Zones established and a 15-year Urban Forest Natural Resources Management Plan developed and approved by the elected officials on the MUD board. These efforts have resulted in Wells Branch and its irreplaceable jewel, Mills Pond, becoming an essential stop-over for thousands of migrating birds and a year-round habitat for many species of plants and for avian, terrestrial and aquatic species. It is not known how many people visit the park during peak bird migration, but the more than 6,000 eBird checklists indicate many thousands.

Wells Branch Wild Conservancy helps to ensure a vibrant ecosystem for today and for generations to follow. Speaking about that future, ten year old Libby Curry, visiting her grandmother in Wells Branch, said, “Nature is more than just plants, its animals, too. I hope I can plant a tree that insects will live in and then feed the birds.”