Woodcreek Receives $100,000 LCRA Grant For Jacob's Well Preservation

From a June 26 City of Woodcreek Press Release:

The Mayor of the City of Woodcreek, Gloria Whitehead, announced today that the Lower Colorado River Authority (LCRA) has awarded the city a $100,000 Partnership in Parks Grant (PIP) for the Jacob's Well Natural Area. The LCRA PIP grant program funds improvements and development of park and preserve land in the LCRA service area. Jacob's Well is an artesian spring thought to be the longest underwater cave in Texas and discharges spring flow to form the Cypress Creek just north of the City of Woodcreek and upstream from Wimberley.

"We would like to thank the LCRA for this generous grant which will enhance our community by developing a trail system for the Jacob’s Well Natural Area," said Mayor Whitehead. "We look forward to starting the first phase of trail access for this historic landmark spring."

The Jacob's Well Natural Area was purchased in 2006 by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, a local non-profit land trust whose mission is to protect the water quality and quantity of the region. "The WVWA is excited about the opportunity to partner with the City of Woodcreek and LCRA to preserve this vital water resource for the Texas Hill Country and the State of Texas. Jacob's Well is truly a unique natural wonder and these funds will help us create safe access for all visitors to the preserve," said Patrick Cox, President of WVWA.

If you would like to visit Jacob’s Well Natural Area, the public is invited to a benefit for the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association this Saturday June 28, 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. The WVWA is celebrating the LCRA grant and the recent Hays County Commissioners’ commitment of park bond funds to Jacob's Well Natural Area. The event is by donation and will benefit the WVWA environmental education and water quality monitoring programs.

Tours of the preserve will be led by the Hays County Master Naturalists to identify native flora and fauna. Tours will be given every hour beginning at 2:30 p.m. Local leaders will speak including Mayor Gloria Whitehead, County Judge Elizabeth Sumter and Andrew Sansom, Director of the Rivers System Institute. Entertainment will begin at 4 p.m., with live music from piano virtuoso Dylan Meek. Beverages and light hors d'oeuvres will be served. Join the fun this Saturday at Jacob’s Well. Bring your swim suit and dive in to celebrate the cool spring waters of this unique treasure of the Texas Hill Country.