Educational Programs @Redbud Center

The Colorado River Foundation operates sWater features at the Wilkerson Center at Redbudtudent programing at the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education at Redbud Center, located at the intersection of Lake Austin Blvd. and Redbud Trail in West Austin. Owned by LCRA, the five-acre riverside grounds feature exhibits that teach the history and importance of the Texas Colorado River. Interactive water features reveal how flooding and water supply is managed by the Highland Lakes and dams system. Rainwater harvesting and stormwater management systems demonstrate how water can be conserved and protected. The grounds are open to the public free of charge. Youth programming provided by the Colorado River Foundation includes grounds exploration and led activities.  Learn more about Redbud Center facility and grounds.

Join us and learn about the Texas Colorado River!

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School Programs

Bring your students to the beautiful Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education at Redbud Center. The Colorado River Foundation joined with Austin ISD and LCRA to develop TEKS-aligned student field experiences perfect for 3rd through 8th grade students. Our knowledgeable educators will engage students in exciting, hands-on activities as they teach about important earth and physical science and social studies concepts. And the best part – field trips are FREE!

Program GuideAAAAAAA

2011-2012 school year registration opens 8/15/11.

Download the Educational Program Guide to register.

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YES: Youth Experience Stewardship – Grades 3-5

Students spend four hours engaged in hands-on learning stations and leave with a solid understanding of Texas water issues. As they explore, students record important information in our special field journals which can be used in the classroom. Come prepared for a midday picnic lunch on the grounds. Review a chart of the TEKS covered during this field trip.

Enviroscape Fun

Students will explore:

  • Geology and geography of Texas
  • Sources of drinking water
  • Attributes of a healthy watershed
  • Pollution and the water cycle
  • Physical properties of water
  • Water conservation methods

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WSI: Water Scene Investigators – Grades 6-8

Students participate in four hours of ‘Water Investigator Academy’, researching real water crimes prepared for the middle school audience. Students leave with a deeper understanding of the Colorado River ecosystem and global water issues. While at the ‘Academy’, students record important information in field journals which can be used in the classroom. Come prepared for a midday picnic lunch on the grounds.

Texas Colorado River

Students will investigate:

  • Geography and geology of the Colorado River basin
  • Real life application of the scientific process
  • Complexity of a delicate ecosystem
  • Water quality data
  • Water conservation practices

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Home School and Scout Troop Programs

Scout Workshops2011-2012 Home School Program dates coming soon!

The Colorado River Foundation provides programming for both home school groups and scout troops. Download the Home School Program Guide and learn more. Contact the Foundation program coordinator for scout troop program options at sarah@coloradoriver.org.

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More for Teachers and Parent Educators

Colorado River Kits – Bring the river to your classroom!

Can’t bring the students on a field trip to Redbud or want to extend field trip learning in the classroom? Colorado River Kits are a free curriculum resource for use in the classroom. Kits reinforce science TEKS through lesson plans and hands-on activities…with all supplies provided for you. Fifth grade kits include Wetlands Exploration and Water Cycle in Action. Seventh grade kits include Drop by Drop- Exploring Properties of Water and Watershed Wonders.  You simply arrange a pick up and drop off time and the kit is yours! Download Colorado River Kit Information and Request Form.

Redbud Programs Curriculum CD

Looking for more lessons and information about the Colorado River and related water topics? Download the latest version of the Redbud Programs Curriculum CD. Austin ISD teachers visited the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education and compiled an amazing assortment of lessons and activities divided into eight units of study including water conservation, ecosystems, weather patterns, catastrophic events, and geological changes over time. With activities TEKS-aligned for 3rd through 8th grade classrooms, you’re sure to find the right lesson plan for your classroom!

Redbud Teacher Training Institute – to be held in 2012

About Past Institutes

On October 13th, 2010, the Colorado River Foundation hosted the second annual Redbud Teacher Institute entitled “The Colorado River and Central Texas Geology”.  Leading scientists presented the latest research and environmental educators engaged teachers in hands-on lessons perfect for the classroom. Weren’t able to participate? Enjoy some of the presentations and lessons we shared with the links below!

Groundwater to the Gulf Summer Institute

The Colorado River Foundation partners with several area non profits and agencies to provide the annual institute – Groundwater to the Gulf.  Ideal for 4-8 grade Central Texas teachers, this 3-day, field trip based institute emphasizes techniques for teaching water-based curricula. Participants follow the path of water in Central Texas from its origins to its final destination in the Gulf of Mexico. Learn more about Groundwater to the Gulf.

General Public Tours and Information

The Redbud Center building and the Wilkerson Center for Colorado River Education are open to the public. To learn about the river and why it’s important to conserve and protect it as our water supply, come for a self-guided tour. For community members wishing to book a tour, contact LCRA at 512-473-3535.  The park grounds are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. There is no admission. Learn more about the Wilkerson Center at Redbud.

View map and directions.