North Star Greenbelt riparian restoration, Austin, Texas

Ready, Set, Plant! at North Star Greenbelt - TreeFolks RSVP to volunteer here! Ready, Set, Plant! is a volunteer tree-planting program that plants 10,000 trees each year along Austin’s creeks and rivers. In partnership with the City of Austin and Keep Austin Beautiful, we educate volunteers on proper tree-planting techniques and riparian restoration. ...

We have some new "Grow Zone" signs up - we will see how well they work...

The spring in the North Star greenbelt on the last day of 2025.

Please beware - the decking on the new bridge on the west side of the park nearest Parkfield has some screws sticking up. I am notifying PARD.

A male downy woodpecker in the North Star greenbelt, on the last day of 2025.

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT!
The City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department (WPD) recognizes the North Star Greenbelt (NSGB) as a valuable example of a healthy riparian restoration. This is important, because it's the kind of project that the City would like to do in more watersheds. Our greenbelt is a place where people can see an example of a better way to manage drainages in Austin.
Over 10 years ago, we did a mass planting of new native trees. The WPD wants to do a second planting on Valentines Day, 2/14/26. We need volunteers to help plant young trees! Mark your calendars!

Did someone leave this trash in the park? It's now by the recycle can on Parkfield:

Now this is weird. This is the center bridge, and it was 5 in the afternoon. I think it will get repaired soon, but the sign made little sense:

They've repaired the second bridge - the one on the east (Barchetta) side of the center creek. Here it is, with the colorful fall leaves after Monday morning's freeze:

So some neighbors had a meeting with PARD and the Watershed Protection Department about mow lines, and it appears we have made some progress in protecting the riparian zone. While they were out there inspecting the park, PARD decided start repairs one of our three bridges. They are doing it over a couple of days. Here are some pictures:

Join us for a creek cleanup in the North Star Greenbelt on Nov. 1st at 9AM!

austinparks.givepulse.com

Question: Who in the neighborhood hates grapevines?
Over the past few months, someone has been "guerrilla cutting" grapevines in the watershed restoration. This is against City ordinance. Not only is cutting vegetation without permission illegal, but using power tools on City land is, as well.
Grapevines are native vegetation. They provide habitat and, particularly, food for wildlife. Maybe you don't want them in your yard, and that's fine. The park is not your yard.
Please do not cut ANYTHING in the restoration area.