A Hidden Jewel in Wimberley
Patsy Glenn Refuge
Meet the Mulch Movers! Back row (L–R): Larry Calvert, Robert Fisher, and Steve Janda. Front row (L–R): Mary O’Hara, Carolyn Langlinais, and Sarah Carlisle. Don Locke was part of the crew too—just not caught on camera! All photos courtesy Mary O’Hara
Mary O’Hara
Nestled in the heart of a bustling tourist destination lies a secret gem for nature lovers—a 1.8-acre sanctuary where visitors can escape the clamor of shoppers and sightseers and relish the tranquility of the natural world.
In 2001, beloved birder Patsy Glenn enlisted volunteers to clear the land, create the nature trails, wildflower areas, and feeders to attract birds. Aiming to protect all wildlife and native plants, the refuge also serves to inform and educate visitors, including area school children, and to improve the Cypress Creek watershed. Patsy Glenn Refuge | Wimberley, TX
Free of the recreational swim seekers who head to popular big sister sites like Blue Hole and Jacob’s Well, the petite Patsy Glenn Refuge boasts the kind of serenity found only when one is blissfully immersed in birdsong.
In addition to a fully equipped and comfortable bird blind, your self-guided hike includes a wetland designed to capture runoff from uphill commercial buildings, multiple rainwater collection stations, a chimney swift tower, a pollinator garden, and a fascinating natural art sculpture.
Expect a gentle, relatively flat stroll that offers a rich experience of Mother Nature right in the heart of the city.
Keep an eye out for Heather Carter’s natural wood sculpture just off the trail—it’s sure to catch your curiosity. Discover the story behind the piece and its creator in Art of Renewal by Mimi Cavender.
Twenty-four years later, the spirit of Patsy Glenn continues to thrive through the efforts of the Wimberley Birding Society and Hays County Master Naturalists, with materials provided by the Wimberley Parks and Recreation team.
The most recent project involved constructing a bridge across the overflow creek and adding mulch to the trails surrounding the new structure.
A hearty thank you to landscape architect Jerry Lunow, who designed and supervised the venture, and to the Bridge Builders and Mulch Movers who lent their brains and brawn to complete the endeavor!
So come out and see the latest Patsy Glenn Refuge accomplishment, located just beyond the Wimberley Community Center at 14068 RR 12. The trailhead starts at the far back corner of the parking lot. It’s good for your soul!
Dick McBride
Carolyn Langlinais and Robert Fisher
Sarah Carlisle
Larry Calvert and Steve Janda