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Coordinates: 30°16′1.46″N 97°45′40.63″W / 30.2670722°N 97.7612861°W / 30.2670722; -97.7612861
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{{Short description|River in the United States of America}}
{{Geobox|River
{{other uses}}
| name = Barton Creek
{{Infobox river
| category = Texas
| name = Barton Creek
| image = BartonSprings_1900_USGS.jpg
| name_native =
| image_caption = Barton Creek in 1900<ref>Hill, R.T. 1901. Geography and geology of the Black and Grand Prairies, Texas with detailed descriptions of the Cretaceous formations and special reference to artesian waters. In: Walcott, C.D. (Director), Twenty-First Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey to the Secretary of the Interior (1899-1900), Part VII-Texas, Washington: Government Printing Office, 662 pp.</ref>
| name_native_lang =
| image_size = 300
| name_other =
| country = {{flag|United States}}
| name_etymology =
| state = {{flag|Texas}}
<!---------------------- IMAGE & MAP -->
| region = [[Texas Hill Country]]
| image = BartonSprings_1900_USGS.jpg
| district =
| image_caption = Barton Creek in 1900<ref>Hill, R.T. 1901. Geography and geology of the Black and Grand Prairies, Texas with detailed descriptions of the Cretaceous formations and special reference to artesian waters. In: Walcott, C.D. (Director), Twenty-First Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey to the Secretary of the Interior (1899-1900), Part VII-Texas, Washington: Government Printing Office, 662 pp.</ref>
| municipality = [[Austin, Texas|Austin]]
| map = {{maplink-road|from=Barton Creek (Central Texas).map}}
| source = [[Hays County, Texas]]
| map_size =
| source_location = | source_region = | source_country =
| map_caption = Barton creek watershed in Travis County
| source_elevation = 380
| pushpin_map =
| source_lat_d = 30
| pushpin_map_size =
| source_lat_m = 14
| pushpin_map_caption=
| source_lat_s = 22.87
<!---------------------- LOCATION -->
| source_lat_NS =N
| subdivision_type1 = Country
| source_long_d = 98
| subdivision_name1 = United States
| source_long_m = 9
| subdivision_type2 = State
| source_long_s = 10.4
| subdivision_name2 = [[Texas]]
| source_long_EW =W
| subdivision_type3 = Region
| mouth = [[Colorado River (Texas)]]
| mouth_location = [[Lady Bird Lake]]
| subdivision_name3 = [[Texas Hill Country]]
| subdivision_type4 =
| mouth_region = | mouth_country =
| subdivision_name4 =
| mouth_elevation = 130
| subdivision_type5 = Municipality
| mouth_lat_d = 30
| subdivision_name5 = [[Austin, Texas|Austin]]
| mouth_lat_m = 16
<!---------------------- PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS -->
| mouth_lat_s = 1.46
| length = {{convert|64|km|mi|abbr=on}}
| mouth_lat_NS =N
| width_min =
| mouth_long_d = 97
| width_avg =
| mouth_long_m = 45
| width_max =
| mouth_long_s = 40.63
| depth_min =
| mouth_long_EW =W
| depth_avg =
| length = 64
| depth_max =
| volume =
| discharge1_location=
| watershed =
| discharge1_min =
| discharge =1.84
| discharge1_avg = {{convert|1.84|m3/s|cuft/s|abbr=on}}
| discharge_max =
| discharge1_max =
| discharge_min =
<!---------------------- BASIN FEATURES -->
| map = Travis_County_BartonCreek.svg
| map_caption = Barton creek watershed in Travis County
| source1 = [[Hays County, Texas]]
| map_background =
| source1_location =
| source1_coordinates= {{coord|30|14|22.87|N|98|9|10.4|W|display=inline}}
| map_locator =
| source1_elevation = {{convert|380|m|abbr=on}}
| map_locator_x =
| mouth = [[Colorado River (Texas)]]
| map_locator_y =
| mouth_location = [[Lady Bird Lake]]
| website =
| mouth_coordinates = {{coord|30|16|1.46|N|97|45|40.63|W|display=inline,title}}
| mouth_elevation = {{convert|130|m|abbr=on}}
| progression =
| river_system =
| basin_size =
| tributaries_left =
| tributaries_right =
| custom_label =
| custom_data =
| extra =
}}
}}


'''Barton Creek''' is a [[tributary]] that feeds the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] as it flows through the [[Texas Hill Country]]. The creek passes through some of the more scenic areas in [[Greater Austin]] and forms a [[Green belt|greenbelt]] that is the [[habitat (ecology)|habitat]] for many indigenous [[species]] of [[flora (plants)|flora]] and [[fauna (animals)|fauna]], including at least seven [[endangered species]] of plants.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/rbb30.html |title= Barton Creek|work= Handbook of Texas|accessdate=6 November 2009|author=Anonymous}}</ref>
'''Barton Creek''' is a [[tributary]] that feeds the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] as it flows through the [[Texas Hill Country]]. The creek passes through some of the more scenic areas in [[Greater Austin]], surrounded in many parts by a [[Green belt|greenbelt]] of protected lands that serves as a habitat for many indigenous species of flora and fauna.<ref name="Handbook">{{cite web|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/rbb30 |title= BARTON CREEK (HAYS COUNTY)|website=[[Handbook of Texas Online]]|publisher=[[Texas State Historical Association]]|accessdate=16 November 2015}}</ref> The creek passes through [[Barton Creek Greenbelt]] and is fed by [[Barton Springs]].


==Course==
The creek begins in northern [[Hays County, Texas|Hays County]] and flows {{convert|40|mi|km|0}} east through Austin to [[Lady Bird Lake]] (formerly Town Lake), where it merges with the Colorado River. The creek falls into the fissure of the [[Edwards Aquifer]] in southwest Austin and reemerges at [[Barton Springs]]. During rainy seasons, upper Barton Creek hosts water recreation including kayaking, tubing, and swimming. The Lower [[Barton Creek Greenbelt]] features these water sports year-round with swimming in [[Barton Springs Pool]], and kayaking and caneoing in the creek fed with the discharge from the springs.
The creek begins in northern [[Hays County, Texas|Hays County]] and flows {{convert|40|mi|km|0}} east through Austin, draining into the [[Edwards Aquifer]] recharge zone in southwest Austin.<ref name="Handbook" /> The stream then reemerges at [[Barton Springs]] and proceeds toward [[Lady Bird Lake]] (formerly Town Lake), where it joins with the Colorado River. The main entrance to [[Airmen's Cave]] is in the banks of Barton Creek.


==History and conservation==
==History==
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Barton Creek was believed to host [[Tonkawa Indians|Tonkawa]] and [[Comanche]] Indian camps.
During the 17th and 18th centuries, Barton Creek is believed to have hosted [[Tonkawa Indians|Tonkawa]] and [[Comanche]] Indian camps. The creek is named after William Barton, who built a house near [[Barton Springs]] in 1837. As Austin grew the springs became a popular resort, and the natural swimming hole was replaced with a pool some time during the 1930s.<ref name="Handbook" />


===Water quality conservation===
The creek is named for William Barton, who built a house near [[Barton Springs]] in 1837.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.tshaonline.org/handbook/online/articles/BB/rbb30.html |title= Barton Creek|work= Handbook of Texas|accessdate=6 November 2009|author=Anonymous}}</ref> The springs quickly became a popular [[resort]], and its [[swimming hole]] was replaced with a [[Swimming pool|pool]] some time during the 1930s.
Development in Austin in the 1970s and 1980s began to threaten both the creek's water quality and wildlife. Heavy rainfall often led to contamination of the stream due to [[Surface runoff|runoff]] and [[sanitary sewer|sewer]] line seepage from the upstream subdivisions entering the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.


Development in Austin in the 1970s and 1980s began to threaten both the creek's [[water quality]] and [[wildlife]]. Heavy [[rainfall]] often caused pools at the springs to close due to [[contamination]] from [[Surface runoff|runoff]] and [[sanitary sewer|sewer]] lines, the effluent of the affluent upstream subdivisions entering the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone which feeds the springs. Following public outcry, the Austin City Council passed the Barton Creek [[drainage basin|watershed]] ordinance in 1980 and the Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance in 1986. Proposals in 1990 to develop land in the watershed resulted in more public outcry which spurred passage of the Save Our Springs Citizens' Initiative of 1992, which severely limited [[construction]], curtailed [[tax exemption]]s, established pollution control standards and implemented methods for reducing accidental contamination. Now the creek is extremely murky due to the development of Barton Creek, and many plants and animals are threatened or even extinct.
Following public outcry, the Austin City Council passed the Barton Creek [[drainage basin|watershed]] ordinance in 1980 and the Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance in 1986. Proposals in 1990 to develop land in the watershed resulted in more public outcry, which spurred passage of the Save Our Springs Citizens' Initiative of 1992, which severely limited construction, curtailed [[tax exemption]]s, established pollution control standards and implemented methods for reducing accidental contamination.


===Ecological conservation===
Barton Creek also fronts the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, a {{convert|4100|acre|km2|adj=on}} habitat maintained by local residents and the [[Nature Conservancy]]. The reserve is home to old-growth stands of juniper, oak, cedar and elm trees, rare woodland flowers and plants such as [[Boraginaceae|Heller's marbleseed]] and [[Brickellia|gravelbar brickellbush]], endangered [[golden-cheeked warbler]]s and [[black-capped vireo]]s, and the threatened [[Guadalupe bass]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/texas/files/barton_creek_fact_sheet_1008_lowres.pdf|title=Barton Creek Habitat Preserve Fact Sheet|work=Nature Conservancy|accessdate=8 April 2010|author=Anonymous}}</ref>
The middle part of the creek runs through [[Barton Creek Greenbelt]], a public recreation space of protected land surrounding the creek. In 1994 [[The Nature Conservancy]] purchased land surrounding the upper creek to establish the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, a {{convert|4084|acre|ha|adj=on}} habitat maintained in cooperation with local residents. The reserve is home to old-growth stands of juniper, oak, cedar and elm trees, rare woodland flowers and plants such as [[Boraginaceae|Heller's marbleseed]] and [[Brickellia|gravelbar brickellbush]], endangered [[golden-cheeked warbler]]s and [[black-capped vireo]]s, and the threatened [[Guadalupe bass]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.nature.org/ourinitiatives/regions/northamerica/unitedstates/texas/placesweprotect/barton-creek-habitat-preserve.xml|title=Barton Creek Habitat Preserve|website=[[The Nature Conservancy]]|accessdate=16 December 2015}}</ref>


==Recreation==
During rainy seasons, upper Barton Creek hosts water recreation including kayaking, tubing, and swimming. The Lower [[Barton Creek Greenbelt]] features these water sports year-round with swimming in [[Barton Springs Pool]], and kayaking and canoeing in the creek fed with the discharge from the springs.

==Gallery==
<gallery>
<gallery>
File:Barton Creek TX waterfall 1.jpg|Waterfall on Barton Creek
File:Barton Creek TX waterfall 1.jpg|Waterfall on Barton Creek
File:Barton Creek Vizsla.jpg|A [[Vizsla]] standing near the [[Little Barton Creek]] confluence
File:360 Barton Springs 5July08 (9).JPG|[[Barton Springs]]
File:360 Barton Springs 5July08 (9).JPG|[[Barton Springs]]
File:Zilker canoe.jpg|Barton Creek near the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] confluence
File:Zilker canoe.jpg|Barton Creek near the [[Colorado River (Texas)|Colorado River]] confluence
Line 68: Line 86:


== See also ==
== See also ==
*[[Texas Hill Country]]
*[[Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge]]
*[[Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge]]
*[[Barton Creek, Texas]]
*[[List of rivers of Texas]]


==References==
==References==
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==External links==
==External links==
*{{Handbook of Texas|id=BB/rbb30|name=Barton Creek}}
{{commons category|Barton Creek|<br/>Barton Creek}}
* [https://darksky.org/news/shield-ranch-barton-creek-named-the-first-urban-night-sky-place-in-texas/ "Shield Ranch Barton Creek named the first Urban Night Sky Place in Texas"] by [[DarkSky International]] (July 23, 2024)
*[http://fractasia.com/cgi-bin/pw1.pl?photoguid=brianp&suite=Barton.Creek Extensive photo collection of Barton Creek at Fractasia]
*[http://www.nature.org/wherewework/northamerica/states/texas/files/barton_creek_fact_sheet_1008_lowres.pdf Barton Creek Habitat Preserve]
* [https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/barton-creek-habitat-preserve/ The Nature Conservancy: Barton Creek Habitat Preserve]
* [https://nickgray.net/barton-creek/ Austin’s Barton Creek: Rope Swing, Bridge Jump]

{{Clear}}
{{Austin}}
{{Austin}}
{{Greater Austin}}
{{Greater Austin}}
{{Texas}}
{{Texas}}


{{authority control}}

[[Category:Rivers of Texas]]
[[Category:Tributaries of the Colorado River (Texas)]]
[[Category:Geography of Austin, Texas]]
[[Category:Geography of Austin, Texas]]
[[Category:Streams of Texas]]
[[Category:Rivers of Hays County, Texas]]

Latest revision as of 22:40, 24 July 2024

For other uses, see Barton Creek (disambiguation).
Barton Creek
Barton Creek in 1900[1]
Map
Barton creek watershed in Travis County
Location
CountryUnited States
StateTexas
RegionTexas Hill Country
MunicipalityAustin
Physical characteristics
SourceHays County, Texas
 • coordinates30°14′22.87″N 98°9′10.4″W / 30.2396861°N 98.152889°W / 30.2396861; -98.152889
 • elevation380 m (1,250 ft)
MouthColorado River (Texas)
 • location
Lady Bird Lake
 • coordinates
30°16′1.46″N 97°45′40.63″W / 30.2670722°N 97.7612861°W / 30.2670722; -97.7612861
 • elevation
130 m (430 ft)
Length64 km (40 mi)
Discharge 
 • average1.84 m3/s (65 cu ft/s)

Barton Creek is a tributary that feeds the Colorado River as it flows through the Texas Hill Country. The creek passes through some of the more scenic areas in Greater Austin, surrounded in many parts by a greenbelt of protected lands that serves as a habitat for many indigenous species of flora and fauna.[2] The creek passes through Barton Creek Greenbelt and is fed by Barton Springs.

Course

[edit]

The creek begins in northern Hays County and flows 40 miles (64 km) east through Austin, draining into the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone in southwest Austin.[2] The stream then reemerges at Barton Springs and proceeds toward Lady Bird Lake (formerly Town Lake), where it joins with the Colorado River. The main entrance to Airmen's Cave is in the banks of Barton Creek.

History

[edit]

During the 17th and 18th centuries, Barton Creek is believed to have hosted Tonkawa and Comanche Indian camps. The creek is named after William Barton, who built a house near Barton Springs in 1837. As Austin grew the springs became a popular resort, and the natural swimming hole was replaced with a pool some time during the 1930s.[2]

Water quality conservation

[edit]

Development in Austin in the 1970s and 1980s began to threaten both the creek's water quality and wildlife. Heavy rainfall often led to contamination of the stream due to runoff and sewer line seepage from the upstream subdivisions entering the Edwards Aquifer recharge zone.

Following public outcry, the Austin City Council passed the Barton Creek watershed ordinance in 1980 and the Comprehensive Watersheds Ordinance in 1986. Proposals in 1990 to develop land in the watershed resulted in more public outcry, which spurred passage of the Save Our Springs Citizens' Initiative of 1992, which severely limited construction, curtailed tax exemptions, established pollution control standards and implemented methods for reducing accidental contamination.

Ecological conservation

[edit]

The middle part of the creek runs through Barton Creek Greenbelt, a public recreation space of protected land surrounding the creek. In 1994 The Nature Conservancy purchased land surrounding the upper creek to establish the Barton Creek Habitat Preserve, a 4,084-acre (1,653 ha) habitat maintained in cooperation with local residents. The reserve is home to old-growth stands of juniper, oak, cedar and elm trees, rare woodland flowers and plants such as Heller's marbleseed and gravelbar brickellbush, endangered golden-cheeked warblers and black-capped vireos, and the threatened Guadalupe bass.[3]

Recreation

[edit]

During rainy seasons, upper Barton Creek hosts water recreation including kayaking, tubing, and swimming. The Lower Barton Creek Greenbelt features these water sports year-round with swimming in Barton Springs Pool, and kayaking and canoeing in the creek fed with the discharge from the springs.

[edit]

See also

[edit]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Hill, R.T. 1901. Geography and geology of the Black and Grand Prairies, Texas with detailed descriptions of the Cretaceous formations and special reference to artesian waters. In: Walcott, C.D. (Director), Twenty-First Annual Report of the United States Geological Survey to the Secretary of the Interior (1899-1900), Part VII-Texas, Washington: Government Printing Office, 662 pp.
  2. ^ a b c "BARTON CREEK (HAYS COUNTY)". Handbook of Texas Online. Texas State Historical Association. Retrieved 16 November 2015.
  3. ^ "Barton Creek Habitat Preserve". The Nature Conservancy. Retrieved 16 December 2015.
[edit]
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