Today’s Forecast

69º | Rainy | 87% chance of rain | Sunrise 7:28 a.m. | Sunset 5:42 p.m.

Pedernales Falls, with pools of blue water, looking toward hills in the distance

Some of the limestone at Pedernales Falls is 320 million years old. | Photo by ATXtoday

To commemorate the 100th anniversary of Texas State Parks, we’re visiting eight state parks in Central Texas.

We asked you which park you wanted us to visit next, and your votes are in: buckle up, we’re going to Pedernales Falls.

History

This park, which is about one hour outside of Austin, was acquired by the state in 1971, but there’s 10,000 years of history behind that date.

Indigenous peoples settled the land dating back to ~9,500 BC, with Lipan Apaches and Comanche competing for the area as late as the early 1800s.

White settlement didn’t arrive until after Texas joined the US in 1845. By the late 1880s, a community of a few dozen people farmed the park’s site, and built a shared school, cemetery, and roads. The land was purchased around ~1900, and traded hands as a ranch for the next several decades.

The name “Pedernales” comes from the era of Spanish settlement, derived from the word for the flint rock found in the river bed.

People walking on Pedernales Falls, with light blue pools in the foreground. — Depending on recent rainfall, you may be able to walk around on the falls themselves.
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Photo by ATXtoday

What to see

You’ve gotta see the falls. The geologically fascinating cascade displays millions of years of erosion. Depending on recent rainfall, you may be able to walk around or picnic on the falls — reader Patrick C. suggests visiting them “after a big spring rain.”

Another tip comes from Geruza P., who suggests: “Look at the bird space created. You can sit and observe them. They place food and [the birds] come.”

Pro tip: This park is listed as one of the best parks to see a Golden-cheeked warbler.

A hiking trail alongside the Pedernales river. — Enjoy hikes alongside the Pedernales River.
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Photo by ATXtoday

What to do

Pedernales Falls State Park is 5,212 acres, so there’s a lot to do, including:

Camping, starting at $10 per night
Hiking and biking
Horseback riding
Swimming, tubing, and kayaking
Fishing

Make a reservation to visit Pedernales Falls State Park.

Asked

What state park should we visit next?

A. Blanco State Park
B. Longhorn Cavern State Park
C. Inks Lake State Park
D. Other

Share your input

Events

Tuesday, April 4

BoomBox Hero: Hip-Hop Fu Dance | Tuesday, Apr. 4 | 3:30-5:30 p.m. | Asian American Resource Center, 8401 Cameron Rd., Austin | Free | Kids age 7-17 can learn the fundamentals of hip hop dance and philosophy at this dance course.
Bike Night at COTA | Tuesday, Apr. 4 | 6 p.m. | Circuit of the Americas, 9201 Circuit of the Americas Blvd., Austin | $5-$10 | Take a spin on COTA’s track with your own two wheels.

Wednesday, April 5

Nancy Holt’s Birthday | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 3-5 p.m. | Laguna Gloria, 3809 W. 35th St., Austin | Free | The museum is celebrating sculptor Nancy Holt’s birthday with extended hours.
Neil deGrasse Tyson | Wednesday, Apr. 5 | 7:30 p.m. | The Long Center for the Performing Arts, 701 W. Riverside Dr., Austin | $77-$356 | The popular astronomer will discuss science and the future of the universe on his “Cosmic Perspectives on Civilization” tour.

Thursday, April 6

San Antonio Spurs vs. Portland Trail Blazers | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 7 p.m. | The Moody Center, 2001 Robert Dedman Dr., Austin | $35-$2, | Kick off the first ever I-35 Series by supporting the Spurs at the Moody Center.
Steve Hackman’s Brahms X Radiohead | Thursday, Apr. 6 | 7:30-9:30 p.m. | Moody Amphitheater, 1401 Trinity St., Austin | $39-$89 | This symphonic fusion experience blends modern sounds and classic tunes.

Friday, April 7

Chris Tucker | Friday, Apr. 7 | 8 p.m. | ACL Live, 310 W. Willie Nelson Blvd., Austin | $41 | The award-winning “Rush Hour” actor and comedian is in Austin for one night only.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

News Notes

Weather

88º | Cloudy | 7%
Central Texas’ drought is worsening. Texas is seeing its worst conditions since November, with 81% of the state in some form of drought. Currently, 43% of Travis County is experiencing extreme drought. (Austin American-Statesman)

Edu

Austin ISD will be put under state conservatorship due to concerns that its special education program was not meeting students’ needs. By late summer 2023, two-to-three salaried conservators will step in, and are expected to stay for 18 months. (KVUE)

Biz

Austin has the second-hottest job market in the US, according to a recent analysis by the Wall Street Journal. The Capital City — which fell just behind Nashville — ranked highly for its unemployment rate and labor force participation rate, among other metrics.

Health

Central Health announced plans to build a $90.5 million medical complex in northeast Austin. The facility, which aims to bring care to low-income communities and people experiencing homelessness, will have clinics, a pharmacy, a detoxification center, and 50 care beds. (KXAN)

Cause

A new nonprofit called Zilker 351 will protect and care for Zilker Park and surrounding areas. The organization’s mission is meant to smooth communications between existing groups and improve visitor experience. (CultureMap Austin)

Closing

Pittsburgh-based PNC Bank will close its South Congress location as part of widespread closures affecting 47 branches nationwide. The company announced the closures will take place on Friday, June 23. (Austin Business Journal)

Travel

An average of 75% of flights arrived on time at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport last year. The number is the lowest on-time figure since 2004, and slightly lower than Dallas DFW and San Antonio’s airports. (KXAN)

Wellness

Adriene Mishler, the instructor behind popular YouTube channel Yoga With Adriene, has a new East Austin office for filming videos and running her subscription platform Find What Feels Good. Learn more about the space, which employs wood details and natural light. (CultureMap Austin)

Drink

The most polished organizational item in your kitchen: the Fellow Atmos Coffee Canister, which not only looks great but keeps coffee fresh by sucking oxygen out of the jar. Pro tip: You can use it to store any snack and it will stay fresh longer.

Quiz

📰 A news refresh

the Austin skyline, as seen from Zilker Park

How well have you been keeping track of this month’s news? | Photo by ATXtoday

Between SXSW, Rodeo Austin, the NCAA Tournament, and a slew of other big events, openings, and announcements, March has been a busy month in ATX.

With all the hubbub going on in the Capital City, we don’t blame you if you’ve let a little bit of your news consumption slide. Test how much you missed this month, with our quiz on ten of the top March headlines.

Test your knowledge

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
London

From the editor

I’ve been enjoying the warmer weather with some early morning kayaking on Lady Bird Lake.

Pro tip: Show up before 10 a.m. to beat the crowds, and if your pup can handle it, bring them along — it’s quickly becoming one of my dog’s favorite activities.

Missed yesterday’s newsletter? Mark your calendars with these Movies in the Park dates.

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