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South Austin Creek Alliance
About South Austin Creek Alliance
In South Austin, the work starts with the water that runs through neighborhoods, greenbelts, and dry creek beds south of the Highway 71/290 corridor. South Austin Creek Alliance shows up for those places with clean-ups, invasive species removal, public education, advocacy, and community partnerships. For donors, the appeal is simple, this is local creek care with a clear footprint and a community around it. One Williamson Creek clean-up removed at least 500 pounds of trash in a single day.
South Austin Creek Alliance stays tightly focused on the waterways south of the Highway 71/290 corridor, which gives its work a very specific sense of place. It also builds a local network through creek committees and educational events, so protection of the watershed is not just a one-off cleanup, it becomes something neighbors can keep organizing around.
Programs
The concrete work this nonprofit runs. Each program may later become a fundable project.
Creek clean-ups
Volunteer creek clean-ups that remove trash and debris from South Austin waterways and greenbelts.
Invasive species removal
Removal of invasive trees and plants, including girdling Ligustrum, to support native habitats and riparian areas.
Cave tours
Guided cave tours that introduce participants to local cave systems and the Edwards Aquifer.
Public education and outreach
Educational materials, tabling, blog posts, and community events that explain creek care, habitat restoration, and urban waterways.
Creek advocacy
Advocacy for the protection and preservation of creeks, tributaries, and dry creek beds in South Austin.
Creek committees
Volunteer-led committees for specific creek areas such as Williamson Creek West Greenbelt, Sunset Valley, and Slaughter Creek.
About this work
In their own words — what they do, who it reaches, and what your dollars actually fund.
Mission
South Austin Creek Alliance protects urban waterways in South Austin.
Who they serve
South Austin residents, businesses, local governments, and volunteers interested in protecting urban creeks and tributaries.
Their impact
- A creek clean-up in Williamson Creek removed at least 500 pounds of trash in one day.
How your donation helps
- Trash pickers, gloves, dumpster rentals, and trash bags for creek clean-ups
- Pruning shears, shovels, gloves, and other tools for invasive removal
- Helmets with lights, knee pads, ladders, and flashlights for cave tours
- Educational materials, tabling, and community event expenses
Our story
Founded in 2021 by Valarie Campbell, South Austin Creek Alliance grew around creek clean-ups, education, and community partnerships in South Austin. From the start, the focus has been on protecting and preserving urban waterways and the ecosystems around them, with residents, businesses, and local governments all part of the effort.
Stories
The people behind the work.
In their words
Protecting the planet starts in your backyard.
Every drop counts!
Events
Habitat Happy Hour
MonthlyA monthly gathering at The Little Darlin' for people interested in creek care and South Austin waterways.
Wildflower Cave Tour
Date-specificA guided cave tour at the Wildflower Center led by Dr. Nico Hauwert, with safety equipment provided.
Salamander Day
Date-specificAn educational event with salamander experts and a cave tour focused on the Edwards Aquifer and local ecosystems.
Ways to help
Concrete needs and volunteer roles South Austin Creek Alliance has shared.
Current needs
- Volunteers for creek clean-ups
- Creek Committee leaders for Williamson Creek West Greenbelt, Sunset Valley, Slaughter Creek, and other creek sites
- People to organize creek-care events
Volunteer opportunities
- Volunteer at creek clean-ups
- Lead a creek committee for a chosen creek site
- Organize a creek-care event
- Help with tree-girdling lessons and opportunities
Partners & funders
In the news
Articles featuring South Austin Creek Alliance from the Love What You Fund newsroom.
Frequently asked questions
Common questions about this nonprofit and how its work happens.
What kinds of activities does South Austin Creek Alliance organize?
It organizes creek clean-ups, invasive species removal, cave tours, public education events, creek advocacy, and creek committees for specific areas.
How do creek committees work?
The organization looks for people to lead creek committees for specific areas such as Williamson Creek West Greenbelt, Sunset Valley, Slaughter Creek, and other creek sites. If you are interested, you can contact the organization to get started.
What happens at a cave tour?
Cave tours are guided by Dr. Nico Hauwert and use safety equipment such as helmets with lights, knee pads, and gloves. They visit local cave systems connected to South Austin’s watershed.
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