Celebrating Community, Conservation, and Native Beauty
At the end of October, Wells Branch Wild Conservancy hosted its annual Community Celebration—and what a joyful gathering it was!
We were proud to present the 2025 Steward Honor to the Austin Chapter of the 
Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT). This award recognizes the chapter’s outstanding efforts in promoting native plant use and conservation across Central Texas, and their continued support of our mission to protect and enhance local ecosystems. Notably, NPSOT sponsored our 2025 plant sale, helping us distribute 800 native plants to the Wells Branch community! Julia Weatherby, President of the Austin Chapter, accepted the award on behalf of NPSOT.
We also celebrated a major milestone: 63 new wildlife habitats certified this past year, bringing our total to 169 certified properties in Wells Branch! We’re well on our way to reaching our goal of 200 certified habitats by 2026. Interested in joining the movement? Visit www.nwf.org/certify to learn how to certify your property.
Another highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of our new logo, featuring the leaf of the cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia)—a tree that’s as native as it is beautiful. Cedar elms are hardy, drought-tolerant shade trees that thrive in our local soil. You’ll spot them throughout Wells Branch, especially their young branches with quirky corky “wings.” In fall, their small leaves turn a brilliant yellow and compost naturally, enriching the soil and providing shelter and food for wildlife year-round. Fun fact: Mourning Cloak and Question Mark butterflies rely on cedar elm as a larval host!
And speaking of leaves—did you know the oxygen levels in our atmosphere actually dip in winter when trees shed their leaves? It’s a fascinating reminder of how vital our urban forest is to the health of our environment.
Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating nature, community, and conservation. Together, we’re making Wells Branch wilder—and better—every year!
Upcoming Wells Branch Wild Events:
Ask the Landscapers!
Saturday, December 13 | 9:00am
Wells Branch MUD Annex | 14611 Wells Port Dr
Professional landscapers Mason and Lindzey will answer all your questions about residential landscaping. Topics include native plants, wildlife habitats, problem areas, irrigation, and City of Austin rebates.
Wildlife Habitats & Wildfire Safety
Saturday, January 10 | 9:00am
Wells Branch Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive
Join Glenn Gilman from Travis County to learn how to
balance wildlife habitat creation with wildfire safety.
His recommendations are tailored to what matters most
here in Wells Branch.
2026 Native Plant Sale & Earth Fest
Saturday, March 28 | 1:00–4:00pm
Wells Branch Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive
Get your native plants for spring planting!
This family-friendly event features:
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- Native plant sale • Live animals
- Gardening & sustainability exhibitors
- Children’s activities • Wildlife education
We’d love to see your whole family there!
Want to Join the Movement?
Details & Events: wellsbranchwild.org
Follow us: @wellsbranchwild on Facebook & Instagram
Let’s keep the WILD in Wells Branch!