Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve Opens

Left to right, Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones, Hays County Parks Department Education and Outreach Specialist Katherine Sturdivant, Hays County General Counsel Mark Kennedy, Lead Parks Specialist Jay Taylor, Countywide Operations Budget & Operations Manager Lisa Griffin, Cecilia Dahlstrom-Barrantine, and Precinct 2 Executive Assistant Jennifer Scott get ready to try out the ADA-accessible trail at the newly opened Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve.

Gay Ruby Dahlstrom Nature Preserve, Buda, TX – Hays County and the family of the late Gay Ruby Dahlstrom today officially opened the nature preserve named in her honor.

“This 384-acre preserve is the culmination of Gay Ruby Dahlstrom’s vision to share her love of the environment and natural beauty with everyone,” Precinct 2 Commissioner Mark Jones said. “Thanks to the Dahlstrom family and our other partners, this space is now open for those seeking the peace and quiet of unspoiled land.”

The Preserve includes a three-quarter-mile ADA-accessible trail and a total of nearly 5 miles of natural trail, allowing visitors to enjoy numerous species of bird, plants and native animals, as well as majestic oak trees. Signage along the trails gives context to what visitors are experiencing.

During May, access is by tour only, offered at 10 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. The Hays County Parks Department expects to expand access in June; however, all visitors will need to reserve their time online, along with payment.

The preserve is limited to 60 visitors per day. To reserve a tour, visit jwna.checkfront.com/reserve and choose the Dahlstrom option. Online payment is required to secure your reservation.

The preserve is located at 5131 FM 967 in Buda.