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Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve lies entirely within the recharge zone of Barton Springs. Their contact information is included in this trip description.

Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve

“If you want a good sermon, walk out into this country; that is where things come together.” —Gay Dahlstrom

Tom Jones

Undeveloped land in the Hill Country is vital for the protection of wildlife habitat, outdoor recreation, and spiritual renewal, but also critical to sustainable supplies of water.

Dye tracing studies confirmed that rainfall collected on the Dahlstrom Ranch’s recharge area contributes to Barton Springs. Thus, the creation of this nature preserve allows for the protection and management of a valuable recharge zone.

In 2008, a conservation easement for the 2,254-acre Dahlstrom Ranch was executed between the Dahlstrom Family, Hays County, the City of Austin, and the Hill Country Conservancy.

As part of this agreement, a unique decision was made to create a nature preserve on a portion of the easement that allowed for public access on private land.

We’ll take time to observe and discuss bird behavior as we encounter it. Thus, the creation of this nature preserve allows for the protection and management of a valuable recharge zone.

Download a map and brochurehere.



All visitors must make a reservation.

Now – thanks to Gay’s vision – the public will have the opportunity to experience 384-acres of one of the state’s rare, pristine natural areas.

The Preserve includes just over three (3) miles of unimproved hiking trails, and a three-quarter-mile asphalt ADA-accessible trail.

A PLACE TO RECHARGE:A recharge zone is a land surface area where precipitation and surface water can enter the aquifer.

These same remarkable resources are also responsible for hundreds of iconic Hill Country springs and rivers, including the Blanco River, the Guadalupe River, the San Marcos River, the Comal River, and many others. (Austin Geological Society Bulletin, 2005)

This article was initially published in the July 2019 Hays Humm and it has been edited and updated for the December 2022 edition.

Guest User

THE GAY RUBY DAHLSTROM NATURE PRESERVEis a 384-acre tract of land in Buda operated by the Hays County Parks Department.

Scattered across its rolling hills and swales are sinkholes that allow rainwater to flow directly into the aquifer. Gay loved the connection the land gave her to her heritage and to the environment, and she always wanted to share that connection with others.

Now – thanks to Gay’s vision – the public will have the opportunity to experience 384-acres of one of the state’s rare, pristine natural areas.

The Preserve includes just over three (3) miles of unimproved hiking trails, and a three-quarter-mile asphalt ADA-accessible trail.

A PLACE TO RECHARGE: A recharge zone is a land surface area where precipitation and surface water can enter the aquifer. The Preserve is set up as a limited lease between Hays County and the Dahlstrom Family, which allows public access for up to 20 years.

gay ruby dahlstrom nature preserve

Please also check to be sure our emails do not land in your spam folder. These natural drains are uninterrupted conduits to the groundwater resources below and account for 8 million cubic feet of replenishment to the aquifer out of an astonishing total of 72 million cubic feet of water recharged from the Dahlstrom Ranch alone each year.” (Texas Parks & Wildlife Magazine, July 10, 2010)

In 2001 ranch owner Gay Dahlstrom had a vision of the future for her family’s land.

Contact Shelia at Shelia.hargis@gmail.com with any questions.

REGISTER HERE

Email Policy
The email used to register for this field trip will be used to communicate any changes or cancellations due to weather or other factors. The Preserve is set up as a limited lease between Hays County and the Dahlstrom Family, which allows public access for up to 20 years.

If you would like to be placed on the waiting list, please use the register button below.

This field trip is free for everyone, but registration is required.

Date: 7/12/2025
Time: 7AM – about 10AM
Location: Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve in Hays County

Join Shelia Hargis and Hays County Parks staff to explore one of the lesser-known birding locations in Hays County, Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve.

This land is only a sub-section of the privately owned 2,254-acre Dahlstrom Ranch on Onion Creek. These areas are incredibly important for groundwater conservation and are sensitive to surface pollution. These areas are incredibly important for groundwater conservation and are sensitive to surface pollution. This land is only a sub-section of the privately owned 2,254-acre Dahlstrom Ranch on Onion Creek.

Twenty-five pounds of sodium fluorescein were injected into Antioch Cave on August 2, 2002 and arrived at Barton Springs between 7 to 8 days after the injection. The Dahlstroms were concerned about whether they would have to sell some or all of their land in order to pay impending estate taxes.