Elementary Specials

List of 5 items.

• What happens in The Bird's Nest?

  • Group hikes
  • Community Events
  • Ropes course teamwork and leadership-building activities
  • Lifetime memories made

• What is the Bird's Nest

  The Bird’s Nest—Headwaters School’s Nature Habitat on Brodie Lane—is 10.7 acres of beautiful trees, wildflower gardens, native mixed-grass prairie habitat, and an expansive outdoor classroom including a challenge course. The area will remain true to its natural habitat, with Texas Persimmon, Ashe Juniper, Texas Mesquite, Cedar Elm, Texas Live Oak, and Deciduous Yaupon trees. Natural pathways will be created that lead to each section of the Bird’s Nest. Over time, we hope the land will offer space for campouts, community events, and outdoor learning.

• History of the Bird's Nest

  The Bird’s Nest was donated to the school in December of 2013. The school met the land owner/developer when we were searching for property for the Creek Campus. The owner loved the school’s mission and thought we could use the land for nature walks and outdoor learning. This land is very special and very protected. It is part of the Edwards Aquifer and the cave system that is south of the property. It is considered an environmentally sensitive area, but one filled with natural habitats that are great for learning.

• How was the land developed?

  In working with the city of Austin environmentalist, State Biologist, Arborist, Landscape contractor - Palamino, and expert outdoor learning staff members, a plan for the land was created. The goal was to create nature paths, walking trails, campground space and a challenge/ropes course. The property is beautiful, but limited in what we can do with it. We do not have water access and can not disturb the land by adding anything into the ground. The idea is to keep the area natural to support the natural habits, bird species, and plant growth. 
  
  The landscaper was approved to cut a path through the property and place mulch as a walkway. The ropes course was designed and built by Rope Works Inc. in partnership with our expert staff members, David Heroy and Dave Wofford (past staff member). David Heroy has built courses in his past and his knowledge was invaluable.

• More about the low ropes course

  We are very fortunate to have one of the few low ropes courses inside the City of Austin! It is also known as a “challenge course,” because it challenges its participants to learn and experience more about themselves and each other. It includes a series of individual and group activities that are physical, mental and emotional, and which require a combination of teamwork skills and individual commitment.

  Read More