Barton Springs The Soul of Austin

1/45 10/19/2022 Barton Springs: The Soul of Austin Exhibit Content Outline WORKING DRAFT May 26, 2011 Developed by Bridget Quinn, Michael Adair, Clark Hancock Pan el # Image/Item Text *All panels to be flush-edge mounted on 1/8” Gator Board with wall stand-offs S1 Section Title: Bounty of the Springs Quote: … a rainbow was driven by the Great Spirit with so much force against the rock, to shiver it asunder; where Barton’s celebrated springs gushed forth from the mountain side, and a portion of the brilliant bow, having mingled with the waters of the fountain, caused the beautiful prismatic colors reflected from the depths of its waters ~ Native American folklore documented in Frank Brown’s Annals of Travis County UU S1.01 [Display box containing: projectile points 11” x 14” overall size w/sign text] Caption/sign: Projectile Points from 8,000-10,000 B.C.E These projectile points were attached to the ends of spears used by early hunter-gatherers that passed by Barton Springs during the early Archaic period, about 10,000 to 8,000 B.C.E (Before Common Era) During this period, the Barton Springs area was a swamp with stagnant pools of water and frequent flooding The current springs emerged around 7,000 B.C.E 2/45 10/19/2022 S1.02 Barton Springs Menu Pecan Soup A rich infusion of crushed pecans, wild onions, and powdered bison jerky Pemmican Ash Cakes A dough is formed from meal and warm water then baked on oak leaves on the floor of the fire-pit, topped with honey and berries; your choice of acorn, mesquite, or corn Hearty cakes of powdered jerky and bison Honey Roasted Pecans fat mixed with Mesquite Bean meal, and wild Shelled pecans roasted on an open fie and pomegranates covered in wild honey Small Game Stew Choice of fresh jackrabbit or squirrel simmered with wild onions, yucca roots, sage, corn and beans (depending on availability) Fruit and Nut Sampler Small bowls of Mesquite Beans, Pecans, Mexican Plums, Mustang Grapes, Wild Pomegranates, and Mulberries for your snacking pleasure Pit Roasted Bison and Venison Feast Large cuts of fresh bison, venison (deer), and other large game wrapped in rush mats then slow cooked in a buried fire pit Spit-roasted Javalina Wild caught javalina slow roasted over an open fire and served with sweet prickly pear relish Nopalitos Tender strips of prickly pear paddles seasoned with salt then sautéed with wild onions in animal fat Summer Mesquite Drink Finely ground mesquite flour mixed with spring water and sweetened with wildflower honey Field Mint Tea Fresh mint steeped in spring water, sweetened with honey * These recipes are based on native ingredients and cooking methods utilized by the Comanche, Lipan-Apache, and Tonkawa 3/45 10/19/2022 S1.03 Native Peoples From 1582 to 1799, French and Spanish explorers identified more than 20 nomadic groups living in what is now central Texas European settlers began moving into central Texas beginning in the mid 1700s The three largest groups of native people they came into contact with in the Barton Springs area were the Tonkawa, Lipan Apache, and Comanche S1.04 Tonkawa ~ The Wolf People As early as the 1400s, the nomadic Tonkawa roved throughout what is now Texas Like the wolf with which they identified, they moved from place to place hunting for food Settlers found them to be a peaceful people Tonkawas often served as scouts and skilled fighters for the Texas Rangers in conflicts with their mutual enemy the Comanche Despite beneficial relationships with the settlers, in 1862 the Tonkawa were moved to the Indian Territory in present day Oklahoma There they suffered attacks from other tribes and eventually were moved to Fort Griffin in Texas S1.05 Image Caption: A Tonkawan scout and war chief named Johnson and a woman named Ida Creaton pose together This photo was taken 20-30 years after the Tonkawa were forced to leave central Texas Photo by H.S Shuster, Austin History Center CO10826 4/45 10/19/2022 S1.06 Comanche ~ The Lords of the Southern Plains The early Texas settlers and local natives were haunted by an ever-present fear of raids from the fearsome Comanche The Comanche engaged in ruthless attacks defending what they saw as their territory They lived in a warrior culture with raiding parties traveling hundreds of miles in search of horses, goods, and captives The Comanche were known for their horsemanship They lived in small nomadic groups following the great bison herds With a Comanche trail running by Barton Springs, settlers like William Barton were at risk of attack The destruction of the great bison herds, the devastating effects of small-pox and cholera, and continual attack by Texas Rangers and the U.S Army, forced the Comanche’s traditional way of life to end around 1880 S1.07 Image Caption: Two Comanche warriors dressed for battle Austin History Center C09259 S1.08 Image Caption: The nomadic Comanche and Tonkawas used tipis for shelter They were easy to transport and were commonly covered with large bison hides Photo by J.C Caldwell “Comanche Camp” 1890 Lawrence T Jones III Texas Photography Collection HUU UU 5/45 10/19/2022 S1.09 Lipan-Apache ~ The Light Grey People The Lipan tribe migrated into what is now Texas in the 1600s It was a large nomadic tribe Their primary food source was the bison They practiced a simple form of agriculture planting corn and squash then staying in the area until harvest In the 1700s, as the Comanche extended their influence, the Lipan moved farther South and towards what is now San Antonio The Lipan maintained close ties with Tejanos and Texicans during the early 1800s By the 1840s, their warriors rode with Texas Rangers in battles against the Comanche In the 1850s, with outbreaks of small-pox and pressure from a growing Anglo population, the Lipan moved south and West into Coahuila and New Mexico S1.10 Image Caption: An Apache woman mounds soil on top of an earthen oven This type of cooking pit had been used in the area since the Late Archaic period Evidence of two earthen ovens was fond at Barton Springs in the 2009 archeological dig Photo by Edward Curtis, “The Covered Pit” 1906, Smithsonian S1.11 Image Caption: The Lipan-Apaches lived in wickiups constructed out of brush Wickiups were not moved as the tribe moved like like tipis; instead they were simply left behind Photo by Frank A Randall “View of Camp with Group in Native Dress Outside Wickiup”, Smithsonian 6/45 10/19/2022 S1.12 Spanish Missions 1730 - 1731 In 1730, three Spanish missions were re-located from East Texas to near Barton Springs to be closer to the Mission San Juan Bautista in San Antonio Less then a year later, these missions were again moved to permanent locations near San Antonio The move may have been motivated by flooding or the raids of Native Americans in the area S1.13 Image Caption: A rock wall by Sculpture Falls, on Barton Creek thought by some to be a stock pen wall from one of the Spanish missions Photo by Clark Hancock 2011 S1.14 Image Caption: This is one of the earliest photos of Barton Springs The men in the photograph are standing next to the main spring, where the diving board is now located Austin History Center CO0078 7/45 10/19/2022 S1.15 Old Man Barton’s Close Call William Barton’s son was late returning home from a journey to Bastrop one day so old man Barton took his gun and climbed a small hill to scout downriver in the direction of his sons travels As Barton passed a thicket, a handful of Indians suddenly rose up and fired, just nicking the rim of the old man’s hat Mr Barton returned fire and wounded one of the Indians The rest of the party then charged upon him whooping and yelling The aging Barton turned heel and ran for his life, knowing full-well that his attackers would soon over take him Barton reached the edge of the hill and stopped suddenly Then in plain view of the Indians, he began shouting in a loud voice while beckoning with on hand to unforeseen reinforcements just below the embankment-outside the Indians line of sight “Here they are boys, come quick!” Barton yelled, pointing with his other hand at his surprised attackers The Indians fell for the trick and bid retreat from the wrath of unseen forces Barton quickly fled in the opposite direction, running as fast as his old legs could take him By now a small group of Barton’s guests had heard commotion and stood guard of the cabin As they watched, the old man ran out of the woods at full-gallop and dropped in complete exhaustion into their midst, saying “Boys, it’s a good thing it wasn’t you or you would have surely been killed.” ~ Frank Brown’s Travis County Annals [Need citation AHC, William Barton bio, article] 8/45 10/19/2022 S1.16 William “Uncle Billy” Barton -“The Daniel Boone of Texas” In 1837, William Barton moved his daughters, sons and slaves to the mouth of Barton Creek, then called Spring Creek Billy named two of the springs after his daughters Parthenia and Eliza He and his family loved their property with the abundant wildlife, wild horses, and cattle in the area The cool springs became known as “Barton’s” and were a favorite spot for fishing, swimming and sightseeing An added attraction was the two tame bison Uncle Billy kept on his property Because of his ownership of the springs and pioneer spirit the City of Austin named the springs and creek after William Barton and his family S1.17 Image Caption: City of Austin and Vicinity, 1839, W.H Sandusky Excerpt showing Spring Creek and “Barton’s” Texas General Land Office S1.18 Image Caption: Rabb House 1870’s The Rabb family lived and worked on the land of Barton Springs, operating a mill and raising cattle [citation] 9/45 10/19/2022 S2 Section Title: Power of the Springs Quote: “With the splendid water power of Barton Springs, it is strange that all you see in the way of machinery or factories is the two bit tub mill, for making corn meal.” ~ Daily State Gazette August 1876 S2.01 Spring of Economic Growth Barton’s was viewed with great pride by Austin’s growing population The power of the water flowing from the Springs was a driving force in the growth of local industry Barton’s was the site of several mills between 1839 and 1900 These mills produced flour and lumber for the growing city The springs were also home to “artificial ice” operations, limestone quarries, and a fish hatchery Cattle and horses were ranched on the surrounding land S2.02 Caption: Paggi’s Mill 1876 In the 1870s, Michael Paggi operated a grist or flour mill and an artificial ice manufacturing business at Old Mill Springs, currently known as Sunken Gardens When the flow was strong, the spring at Paggi’s mill could generate up to horse power Austin History Center C03293 10/45 10/19/2022 S4 Section Title: Discovery and Stewardship Quote: Let’s make them proud that their ancestors cared enough about this place to fight for it ~ Daryl Slusher S4.01 Liquid Treasure Underground In the late 1800s, geologists identified the source of the water that flows from Barton Springs as the limestone formation that forms the Edwards Aquifer This underground source of water stretches from north of Austin to west of San Antonio The segment that feeds Barton Springs is south of the Colorado River into Hays County When rainfall flows over the area where the Edwards formation meets the surface, the water is channeled underground through sinkholes and fractures The water channeled underground emerges at Barton Springs The area where this runoff capture occurs is called the Recharge Zone Researchers continue to develop innovative approaches to better understand this important natural resource Robert T Hill and Wayland Vaughan, “Geology of the Edwards Palteau and Rio Grande Plain Adjacent to Austin and Santonio, Texas” – USGS 18 th Annual Report part - 1898 Caption: Groundwater Flow Routes Nico Hauwert “Groundwater Flow and Recharge Within the Barton Springs Segment of the Edwards Aquifer, Souther Travis and Northern Hays Counties, Texas” – 2009 [insert picture of dye study] 31/45 10/19/2022 Caption: Water enters the aquifer through fractures, faults, and sinkholes in the Edwards limestone Anything carried by this flow may eventually show up at Barton Springs Illustration by Sam Hurt 32/45 10/19/2022 S4.02 Caption: Austin’s Growing Pains Felt at Barton Springs As Austin’s population expanded, concern over the possibility of polluted runoff entering the aquifer and Barton Springs grew Austin History Center, [citation] Austin American Statesman collection AS 76 93135A-7 S4.03 Caption: Flood Water Bypass Tunnel In 1974, a bypass was installed at Barton Springs This concrete tunnel diverts creek water around the pool It ensures the pool is only filled with spring water Austin History Center PICA 17282: [citation] S4.04 Summary: Texas Monthly article by Suzanne Winkler 1984 33/45 10/19/2022 S4.05 The All Night Hearing By the late 1980s, concern over the effect of urbanization in the Barton Creek watershed reached a peak On June 7, 1990, city council convened to consider approval of a 4,000 acre proposed development in the sensitive Barton Creek watershed More than 1000 citizens signed up to speak in opposition to the development because of their concern about environmental impact to Barton Springs After an all-night meeting council unanimously rejected the planned development Caption: A protest outside of city council chambers the day of the “all night hearing” Photo by Alan Pogue Caption: Shudde Fath, a long time treasurer of the Save Barton Creek Association demonstrating outside of council chambers Organized in 1979, Save Barton Creek Association continues to protect and conserve the flora, fauna and water quality of Barton Creek and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Photo by Eric Beggs, S4.06 The SOS Ordinance In August 1992, Austin voters strengthened environmental regulations by passing the “Save Our Springs (SOS)” Ordinance This was adopted through a community initiative with goal on nondegradation of the Barton Springs watershed 34/45 10/19/2022 Caption: Lovers of Barton Springs joined hands around the pool in silence the morning of the SOS election, August 8,1992 Photo by Eric Beggs 35/45 10/19/2022 S4.07 Summary: This article discusses the importance of preserving the quality of the water at Barton Springs, and identifies salamanders as indicators of water quality By Helan Ballew, West Austin News, Feb 13, 1992 S4.08 The Savior of the Springs: The Barton Springs Salamander First collected and studied in 1946, the Barton Springs Salamander was formally described in 1993 and given the name Eurycea sosorum in honor of the citizens who helped bring the SOS initiative into law Barton Springs Salamanders are only found in the four springs of Zilker Park They live in fissures and cobble stones at the bottom the Springs They are fully aquatic useing external gills to breath Adult salamanders grow to a length of 2.5 -3 inches In 1997, the Barton Springs Salamander was added to the Federal Endangered Species List due to the sensitive nature of its limited habitat The primary threats to this species are degradation of the quality and quantity of water that feeds Barton Springs due to urban expansion over the Barton Springs watershed Also of concern is disturbance to the salamander's surface habitat in the pools " (USFWS, 1997) Photo taken by Laurie Dries S4.09 [Content summary: Development/ Breeding/Gills] Video and Photographs by Deeann Chamberlain and Laurie Dries edited by Michael Adair Digital Photo Frame (8” x 10”) 36/45 10/19/2022 S4.10 Salamander Food Web [Summary: This graphic incorporates photos of animals that are common predators and prey of the Barton Springs Salamander.] What’s all that green stuff in Barton Springs? Algae are single cell plants that play an important role in the aquatic food web They serve as food and shelter for macro-invertebrates and fish living in the pool The presents of some algae are a sign of a healthy eco-system since they feed on nutrients in the water Too much algae may indicate an un-balanced system causing a lack of plant diversity by blocking sunlight An excessive algae bloom may be the result of runoff containing fecal matter or fertilizers An underwater garden The biologists of the Watershed Protection Department take care of the native aquatic plants that beautify and improve Barton Springs as a habitat These aquatic plants are food and shelter to many of the animals that live in the pool Photos by Laurie Dries and Liza Colucci Yummy Macroinvertabrates! Macroinvertebrates are an important part of the Barton Springs food web They lack an internal skeleton and range in size from the size of a pencil dot to larger creatures like snails and crayfish Macroinvertebrates feed on algae and bacteria When they die, they decay leaving nutrients behind that plants reuse These tiny creatures are an important food source to the Barton Springs Salamander and other critters of Barton Springs Different types of macroinvertabrates have varying levels of tolerance to pollution making them useful indicators of water quality Ostracods are tiny crustaceans sometimes called seed shrimp 37/45 10/19/2022 S4.10 c’ont Chironomids or fly larva Amphipods resembling tiny shrimp Predators! Look out little salamander! Even though the Barton Springs Salamander is a “protected species”, it is still part of the natural food web In the aquatic world, most creatures will eat any smaller animal Measuring only three inches in length, a salamander has many natural predators Crayfish and other large invertebrates will feed on salamanders, but mostly prey on salamander larva, and young salamanders Look closely at the mouth of this crayfish Long-eared Sunfish Guadalupe Bass Wading birds like the Great Blue Heron 38/45 10/19/2022 S4.11 Habitat of the Barton Springs Salamander The Barton Springs Salamander occupies one of the smallest habitats of any vertebrate species in North America Its population is restricted to the four spring sites in Zilker Park he Salamander’s habitat ranges into the Edwards Aquifer but researchers are uncertain on how deep [Highlight habitat areas on Arial photo] S4.12 Caption: Barton Springs Pool is an important part of the habitat for the Barton Springs Salamander The Pool is managed differently now than it was 30 years ago because of the salamander Patrons are asked to stay out of certain and leave the rocks and plants alone to maintain a healthy salamander habitat What should I if I find a Barton Springs Salamander? Leave it alone Could I accidentally step on one? Probably not, the Barton Springs Salamander is an expert at hiding in the fissures and cobbles at the bottom of the pool [Photo TBD] Caption: Eliza Springs underwent habitat restoration and now hosts the largest population of Barton Springs Salamanders The spring mouth is completely covered by cement with water traveling through pipes to get to the surface [Photo TBD] Caption: Sunken Gardens or Old Mill Spring hosts a small population of salamanders Biologist are currently working to make it a more hospitable habitat The photograph shows city biologists doing a salamander survey [Photo TBDPhoto by Laurie Dries] 39/45 10/19/2022 Caption: Upper Spring is located upstream of Barton Springs Pool It is the only spring in Zilker Park that remains in a natural state This spring stops flowing when the water level in the aquifer is low [Photo TBD] 40/45 10/19/2022 S4.13 Salamander Monitoring City of Austin biologists conduct monthly population surveys at each of the spring sites They count salamanders and collect data on the abundance of aquatic invertebrates, an important food source for the Barton Springs Salamander Basic water quality conditions including temperature, pH and oxygen levels are monitored Caption: Survey data for Barton Springs Pool (left) and Eliza Spring (right) Water quality and quantity affect the number of salamanders Graphs courtesy of the city of Austin’s Watershed Protection Department Caption: A biologist conducting a survey in the pool Photo by Laurie Dries Caption: Eurycea waterlooensis Population surveys of the Barton Springs Salamander led to the discovery of the Austin Blind Salamander, Eurycea waterlooensis Like the Barton Springs Salamander, the Austin Blind is fully aquatic With few individuals seen in Eliza Spring or the Pool, researchers think it spends most of its life deep in the aquifer Photo by Laurie Dries S4.14 Captive Breeding The City of Austin established a captive breeding program in 1998 Raising captive salamanders is a safeguard against extinction in case a catastrophic event destroys the wild population This also allows researchers the opportunity 41/45 10/19/2022 to further study this important species Photo by Deeann Chamberlain 42/45 10/19/2022 S4.15 Caption: Volunteer to Clean the Pool! “Volunteering to help with the pool cleanings is a great way to learn more about the Pool Once you’re in the pool wrestling the floor buffer or swimming along with the giant algae skimmer, you’ll begin to understand how the water flows through the pool, where the main springs are, what creatures live in the pool and where, and how we can continue to improve pool cleaning and maintenance practices.” ~Friends of Barton Springs Pool To sign up for the next pool cleaning email: service@friendsofbartonspringspool.org HUU UUH [Photo credit] S4.16 Preserving Land in the Recharge Zone The Violet Crown Trail The Hill Country Conservancy and the City of Austin are developing the Violet Crown Trail Beginning at Barton Springs and stretching south into Hays County, it will meander for thirty miles across the Barton Springs Recharge Zone Preserving this land for recreation and conservation will help keep the Springs waters to flow clean 43/45 10/19/2022 S4.17 What can you do? Water is essential to all life Barton Springs is a special place but no matter where you live protection of water resources is important Here are some simple things you can to help: Conserve water Conserving water is as easy as turning the water off while brushing your teeth! - Adhere to your communities watering restrictions -Go to WaterWiseAustin.org to pledge to cut your water use by 10% -Austin Water offers rebates on water saving yard and home and improvements and appliances Visit ci.austin.tx.us/watercon/rebatelist.htm to see a list of current rebates HUU UUH Grow Green! Garden with native and drought tolerant plants Look for the least toxic gardening products Visit ci.austin.tx.us/growgreen for green gardening tips! HUU 0B UUH Dispose of chemicals and waste properly 1B Rainfall runoff will wash soil, yard waste, fertilizer, motor oil, and other pollutants into waterways The City of Austin Household Hazardous Waste Facility is open to City of Austin and Travis County residents for the safe disposal of hazardous waste Pouring chemicals down the drain, dumping them on the ground or putting them in the trash is dangerous and harmful to the environment 2B Organize a Creek Clean-up! Keep Austin Beautiful and The City of Austin Watershed Protection Department offer resources to help you organize and implement your own Creek Clean-up Get some neighbors together and 44/45 10/19/2022 make a big impact in just one day! Visit keepaustinbeautiful.org for helpful hints about getting started! 45/45 10/19/2022 ... waterlooensis Population surveys of the Barton Springs Salamander led to the discovery of the Austin Blind Salamander, Eurycea waterlooensis Like the Barton Springs Salamander, the Austin Blind is fully... property Because of his ownership of the springs and pioneer spirit the City of Austin named the springs and creek after William Barton and his family S1.17 Image Caption: City of Austin and Vicinity,... to go to the picnic Those swim-ins at Barton springs and other pools began the civil rights movement in Austin It took about a year for the policy to be officially changed Then the Springs were