Sentinel Peak Preserve
Open Space & Natural Area
Precinct:
3
Location:
Wimberley
This 530-plus acre preserve will serve as protected Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat and features public access along an approximate one-mile stretch of the Blanco River.
Hays County purchased Sentinel Peak Preserve in May 2022. This 530-plus acre property located just west of Wimberley will serve as a Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat preserve, a federally listed endangered species that is included in the Hays County Regional Habitat Conservation Plan.
It will also feature a riverfront park along an approximate one-mile stretch of a pristine segment of the Blanco River. This riverfront park will include low-impact swimming recreation and other family-friendly activities to ensure the conservation and environmental protection priorities of the preserve. In 2019, Hays County approved a partnership with The Nature Conservancy to acquire the Sentinel Peak Preserve, which will continue to hold the conservation easement on the land.
As the park plan is implemented, the County will provide for reservation-based, low-impact public access along the river and trails. This project will also preserve the condition of water quality and quantity for the Blanco River, San Marcos Springs and River, and the Trinity and Edwards Aquifers. Hays County Commissioners approved $6M for the easement, and an additional contribution of $7M from the 2016 Hays County Transportation Bond. Furthermore, the Commissioners Court approved $3.25M to fund park improvements.
The design and construction planning for improvements are currently in progress.