On Friday, September 18, you can head to Barton Springs Pool in Zilker Park for a full day of outdoor learning and fun! Barton Springs University is an annual event that features lectures, hands-on learning activities, snorkeling tours and live music.

Barton Springs University 2015 is designed for high school and college students, but the general public is also welcome to attend. The event is free, except for the pool entry fee which will be waived until 2 p.m.

What can you expect at Barton Springs University?
The event takes place from 8:30 am. – 7 p.m. You can click here for a full printable schedule of activities. Check out these highlights of the event:

–> 8 – 10 a.m.: Welcoming and snorkeling tours (limited availability)
Discover the geologic features, plants, and animals below the surface of the pool with guided tours of Barton Springs.  Space is limited, and reservations are accepted by emailing [email protected] or (512) 289-1363.

–> 8 – 10 a.m.: Storm Drain Painting
Ten artists are painting storm drains in Austin this month with designs that both invigorate our cultural landscape and remind residents of the importance of protecting the quality of Austin’s water.

–> 10 a.m. – 3 p.m.: Learning Sessions and Activities
More than 20 professors, professionals, and experts will be presenting learning sessions throughout the day at 5 venues around the pool.  Topics include the hydrogeology of the Edwards Aquifer, biodiversity and spring ecology, water quality conditions and challenges, water policy in a changing climate, and the cultural history of the springs.  At 12 p.m., Austin Mayor Steve Adler and Reggie James, Director of the Sierra Club’s Lone Star Chapter, will deliver a keynote discussion on water policy issues facing Austin and central Texas. The general public is invited and teachers are encouraged to bring their students.

Learning sessions will take place under the trees on the south side hill of Barton Springs Pool and at other locations on the grounds, including the Philosophers’ Rock statue at the front entrance. Everyone is also encourage to visit the Splash! Exhibit in the Sheffield Education Center.

–> 4 – 7pm: Live music

• 4 p.m. — Classical guitarist Thales Smith will perform musicfrom his debut CD, “Confluence”
• 5 p.m. —  The Austin Community Steelband will get the audience grooving to sounds of the Caribbean
• 6 p.m. — Rock drummer Josh Halpern and friends will bring the event to a dynamic close

Want to participate with your school? If you are a teacher interested in your class participating in any part of Barton Springs University, please contact Thales Smith at [email protected] or (512) 289-1363. Assistance with transportation and lunch for school groups are possible.

Barton Springs University is presented by the Save Our Springs Alliance in collaboration with the UT Environmental Science Institute and with lessons by the City of Austin. To learn more about the event, you can visit www.bartonspringsuniversity.org.

Please take not that since this is an outdoor event, a rain date has been set for Friday, September 25.