Patsy Glenn Refuge

Overview

The Patsy Glenn Refuge encourages and protects birds and all wildlife. It has also served to inform and educate visitors, including area school children, and to improve the Cypress Creek watershed.

Patsy Glenn of Wimberley was the prime force behind the creation of this birding/nature sanctuary. With great vision and gentle persistence, she worked to create a wonderful Nature Refuge and Bird Sanctuary in the heart of Wimberley. Patsy was tireless in establishing this refuge. Through her efforts, an unused portion of land next to the proposed community center was turned over to the Wimberley Birding Society for development as a bird sanctuary. In October 2001, she enlisted over 60 volunteers to clear the land, create the nature trails, wildflower areas, and feeders to attract birds. She guided numerous improvements since that time, including a chimney swift tower, viewing platform, rainwater collection system, and butterfly garden. At the end of 2021, award-winning architect and landscape architect Jerry Lunow designed and directed construction of the Enhanced Wetlands in the preserve, creating an attraction for new bird species and other wildlife.

Park hours: 8 a.m. to Sunset. No camping allowed.

The Wimberley Birding Society brings neighbors and nature lovers together to explore, protect, and enjoy the incredible birdlife that calls the Hill Country home. Whether you’re brand-new to birding or a seasoned birder with a full life list, you’re welcome here.

Interested in joining us? Dues are $5 a year and can be paid at the next quarterly meeting or can be sent to:
Wimberley Birding Society
PO Box 1526
Wimberley TX 78676.

For more information about the group, contact [email protected]

Meetings

Meetings are held quarterly at the Wimberley Community Center 14068 Ranch Rd 12, Wimberley, TX 78676
2026 Meeting Schedule: TBA

Officers/Board Members

President: Susan Evans
Vice-President:  Robert Currie
Secretary:  Doray Lendacky
Treasurer:  Laura Legett

Chairs & Committees

Refuge Steering Committee Coordinator: Lynne Schaffer
Trips Committee: Jesse Huth, Lynne Schaffer
On the first Tuesday of the month, Jesse Huth ([email protected], 979-422-7061) leads a bird walk no more than an hour away. Meet at the Wimberley Community Center at 7:15 am, and bring $10 to pay for Jesse’s expertise.
The Patsy Glenn Refuge was established as a 1.8-acre haven for local and migrating birds, other wildlife, insects, and native plants of the Wimberley area. It was also established as a refuge for the people of Wimberley-both visitors and residents to enjoy the tranquil beauty of the Hill Country in the heart of the village, immediately adjacent to the new Wimberley Community Center.

As the restoration of the Patsy Glenn Refuge has begun, we have seen birds such as:
- American Kestrel
- Black-crested Titmouse
- Carolina Chickadee
- Cedar Waxwing
- Chipping Sparrow
- Clay-colored Sparrow
- Lark Sparrow
- Northern Cardinal
- Painted Bunting
- Scissor-tailed Flycatcher
- Western Scrub-Jay
Eastern Bluebirds have nested in boxes that were built for their specific nesting needs. Butterflies such as Red Admiral Butterfly, Monarch Butterfly, and Tiger Swallowtail have begun visiting the nectaring plants. Other animals, insects, and invertebrates have also been seen. As the habitat restoration continues, we expect to see increases in all types of animals and insects using the Patsy Glenn Refuge.

Native Plants & Trees

There are a variety of native plants and trees already growing in the Patsy Glenn Refuge, including wildflowers such as Prairie Verbena, Texas Bluebonnet, and Blue Sage; shrubs such as Agarita and Possumhaw; and trees such as Wild Persimmon and Red Oak. We have planted other native plants chosen for their ability to attract birds, butterflies, and wildlife.

In October 2008, the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center established an online Special Collections Database with all of the native plants that have been identified on The Patsy Glenn Refuge. This valuable resource makes available the common and scientific names, complete information, and color photographs of each plant.
On the Winters-Wimberley property adjacent to the Patsy Glenn Refuge, children and adults are already learning to appreciate the history of their village. With the development of the Patsy Glenn Refuge, there will be a chance to blend the history of the early settlers with learning about the rich biodiversity that was here for the settlers, and how we can maintain it by living lightly on this land. The Patsy Glenn Refuge will function as an outdoor classroom and living laboratory for visitors to learn about the unique natural history of the Texas Hill Country.

A Chimney swift tower was added early in 2006 and an educational kiosk at the base of the tower is under development. Also in 2006, we added a platform for viewing field birds near the back of the Patsy Glenn Refuge.
The restoration efforts at the Patsy Glenn Refuge demonstrate responsible stewardship of our natural resources. Whether you are a new property owner or have lived here for some time, and regardless of the size of your property, you can see sustainable clearing and habitat restoration practices that you can easily adapt for your own use, including:
- Filter-strip dams made from selectively cleared cedar to slow soil erosion and control water run-off into Cypress Creek, which in turn helps protect our fragile watershed
- Brush piles of cedar and rock to provide shelter for birds, animals, insects, and reptiles
- The Guzzler, a simple way to collect and disperse rainwater for wildlife and irrigation
Since that time, the Patsy Glenn Refuge has begun to move from vision to reality through the combined efforts of many dedicated volunteers. Through their efforts, the Patsy Glenn Refuge now has:
- Walking trails
- Areas where the cedar has been cleared to showcase existing native trees
- Filter-strip dams to slow runoff into Cypress Creek
- Native wildflowers and grasses to attract birds and butterflies
- Brush piles for wildlife habitat
- A simple rainwater collection system
- A Chimney swift tower
- Various feeders and nest boxes

Rules and Regulations

Prohibited Behaviors:

Consumption or possession of alcoholic beverages.
Smoking in the park or parking lot.
Use of foul language and lewd behavior.
Use of drugs and/or weapons.
Disorderly conduct.
Fishing.
Soliciting.
Use of drones or other flying devices.
Use of fires, stoves, or cooking of any kind except in designated grill locations.
No garbage or other solid waste may be dumped or littered in the park.
Garbage associated with park use must be deposited in containers provided.

Any violation of park rules may result in immediate removal from the park.

The City of Wimberley is not responsible for lost, stolen, or damaged personal items.