WBNA Board Leadership Update: Request for Community Engagement

by Margaret McGhee-Sufke, WBNA acting Director

Last year I stepped back from the leadership role.  Shortly after the new board was sworn in a few board members’ commitments changed unexpectedly. I continued to serve, helping to ensure that the 2025 events and programs took place and it was business as usual. It was a very successful year for the community and the group.

As the WBNA team gears up to close out the year with the Luminary Fest Crafts, 2026 Calendar Sales and the current membership drive—it’s time to take stock. At the beginning of each year we hold our elections and host the required annual town hall meeting. In 2026 we are slated to loose four of the current board members. That is significant. There are two new members, who have taken on active roles in the group but they will need the help and support from community members who are ready to take an active role.

The WBNA remains a vibrant and important association within the neighborhood. It is the only group that spans the entire community, whether you own your home or rent, live in an apartment, have kids or are a senior and regardless of being in or out of the WB MUD District or in one of the 6 separate HOAs. Since 1992, a dedicated group of volunteers have lead this invaluable organization, building community together.

Please consider taking an active role in the group. Without new board members helping to lead the activities and programs, the WBNA will cease to exist. Share your ideas and energy along with your friends and neighbors and help to preserve the WBNA and spirit of Wells Branch—that’s what makes our community so special.

Please email: info@wbna.us with your questions, concerns or comments. You may also reach out to me directly via email: mmsufke@gmail.com.

Ready to contribute to our wonderful community?  Renew your WBNA Membership for 2026!

Here’s your chance to make a BIG difference in the neighborhood. Please renew your commitment to the WBNA, or become a new member. Your membership is an investment in our wonderful neighborhood. All dues collected are treated as a donation and are returned directly into the community through our traditional events and educational programs. To pay by check just mail in the membership form from the newsletter. It’s easy to renew online at: https://wbna-inc.square.site/.

Early Renewal Bonus: When you pledge your membership of $25 you will receive a FREE 2026 WBNA Community Calendar while supplies last. Remember it’s a limited edition, so when they’re gone, they’re GONE.

As a reminder the WBNA organization is truly a labor of love and operates through a network of dedicated volunteers. Without that dedication, community support and the funds raised through dues and donations, many of the events would not take place. Your membership in the WBNA is your annual pledge to support this wonderful neighborhood as membership is voluntary.

Please join today, we truly appreciate your support.

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:

• • 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!

WBNA Pumpkin Patch,
Pumpkin Painting in the Park
& WB MUD Homestead Open House

Saturday, October 18 | 10am – 1pm
Chuck Walters Pavilion, KF Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive

Mark your calendars for the annual WBNA Pumpkin Patch! This year’s fall festival will also include an open house at the Wells Branch MUD Homestead, hosted by Gwendolyn Johnson. There will be pumpkins galore! Remember to come early and select your perfect pumpkin! We will have a photo area set up for festive autumn family photos and pets are welcome! The painting station will be set up in the gazebo. While you are waiting for your pumpkin to dry be sure to stop by the open house at the Homestead—there are new exhibits and an exciting creative activity is planned.

• Pumpkin Patch, grab a pumpkin and a family snap (limit 1 pumpkin per child)
• Pumpkin painting area, supplies provided
• Tour the WB Gault Homestead, seasonal craft included
• Explore the new 8-week programs, Austin Community College is this year’s sponsor
• Donate: Remember to bring dry or canned goods for the St. Andrew’s food pantry

A special thank you to this year’s event sponsor ACC, Austin Community College! Be sure to stop by their information booth.

A Safer Neighborhood Starts with YOU!

Take a stand against crime. It is more important than ever to be vigilant within your immediate area and be aware of your surroundings. Following the pandemic there has been a significant drop off in local Neighborhood Watch Groups. Just installing a camera isn’t enough and posting a group message after the fact doesn’t prevent crime.

Continue reading Neighborhood Watch →

Announcing the 2026 WBNA Community Calendar Photo Contest Winners!

We would like to recognize this year’s winners!  Each exceptional image showcases the unique characteristics and charm of Wells Branch.  We would like to thank everyone who participated in the contest. We had nearly 50 entries and the pubic voting response highlighted overwhelming support for the neighborhood.

This year’s 10^th anniversary calendar is a great a mix of local area landscapes, our incredible wildlife, seasonal views and Wells Branch landmarks.  Our cover celebrates the love that went into the mural in the children’s area at the Library.  Painted by the Heart of Texas Tole Painters, concept and design by Dianne Koehler.

Continue reading 2026 WBNA Calendar Contest Winners →

Community Spotlight: St Andrews Food Bank:  Donations and Program Information

The WBNA continues to partner with the St. Andrew’s Food Bank team. We host a collection point for donations at most of our events. Over the last year, St. Andrew’s has seen a significant increase for their support services, serving 200-300 community members at each pantry session. You can learn more here:  https://www.staopen.org/community-outreach-ministry

Continue reading St. Andrew’s Food Bank →