1978

Rising concerns about development in the Barton Creek Watershed—especially near Zilker Park and the planned MoPac South extension—spurred local residents to action. In just two weeks, Betty Brown and Marilyn Simpson organized a grassroots coalition of neighborhood, civic, and environmental activists to oppose rezoning 108 acres for dense development. Their efforts resulted in 20 acres being approved for office use. In the same year, Brown helped defeat a proposed Barton Skyway Bridge over Barton Creek and co-founded the Barton Hills–Horseshoe Bend Neighborhood Association with her husband, Norman Brown. This coalition became known as the Zilker Park Posse, which later gave rise to the Save Barton Creek Association (SBCA). Their coalition successfully persuaded Austin City Council to block the shopping center project near Zilker Park—marking a major early victory for Barton Creek preservation.

1979

• May 2 – The “Zilker Park Posse” (ZPP) is publicly recognized as a grassroots coalition of neighbors and environmentalists opposing zoning changes near Zilker Park that would allow a lounge and 100 apartments next to parkland and a Girl Scout camp.
• June 12 – ZPP calls for a moratorium on zoning changes in the Barton Creek area until an ordinance is enacted to protect water quality. They also advocate for a citizen advisory board, greenbelt land purchases, and preservation of archaeological sites.
• June 18–22 – Despite opposition, Austin City Council approves zoning for 38 acres along Barton Creek. Councilmembers later propose a development moratorium.
• Summer – ZPP successfully lobbies for a six-month moratorium on new subdivision approvals in the watershed. This effort lays groundwork for the Barton Creek Watershed Ordinance (passed in 1980).
• August – ZPP hosts a public meeting at the new downtown library, selling “Save Barton Creek” t-shirts and bumper stickers to raise funds.
• September 21 – Save Barton Creek Association (SBCA) is officially incorporated. Founding board members include Betty Brown, Dianne DeBois, Ken Manning, Dorothy Richter, and others.
• September 23–24 – SBCA hosts its first major public event: a four-mile “Urban Run-Off” hike along Barton Creek, ending with a rally at Zilker Hillside Theater. Nearly 300 people attend.
• October 16 – SBCA holds its first Board meeting.
• October 23 – Concerns arise over a city consultant’s conflict of interest—working simultaneously for developers and the City on watershed controls.
• December 18 – The city’s consultant recommends a 400-foot no-development buffer on either side of Barton Creek and stricter development standards elsewhere in the watershed.

1980

• Betty Brown, along with Jackie and Dr. David Bloch, gathered a team of dedicated advocates—including attorneys Wayne Gronquist, Ken Manning, Joe Riddell, Frank Cooksey, and Seth Searcy—to form SBCA’s first Board of Directors.
• January 30 – SBCA held its first membership meeting at Good Shepherd Episcopal Church. Alongside the Zilker Park Posse (ZPP), SBCA played a key role in drafting the Barton Creek Ordinance, adopted by the Austin City Council to regulate development in the watershed.
• February – Ahead of a city bond election, ZPP formally separated from SBCA to become a political action committee, allowing SBCA to remain a nonpartisan nonprofit. 
• April 14 – The Barton Creek Task Force, led by community advocates including Ken Manning, Seth Searcy, and Gwen Sederholm, published its majority report recommending development limits to protect water quality.
• Spring – The Barton Creek Task Force's proposed ordinance was sent to City Council. Press releases from SBCA highlighted unresolved concerns with developers over density limits, impervious cover, and critical water quality zones. Though the McClellan Council passed a version of the ordinance, later variances weakened its effectiveness—laying the groundwork for the SOS Ordinance a decade later.
• June 15 – SBCA Board member Joe Riddell led a public hike along Barton Creek to showcase erosion and runoff impacts from the construction of Barton Creek Square Mall and Mopac South.
• Summer – SBCA began advocating for broader watershed protections beyond Barton Creek. Riddell noted this was a turning point—afterward, City task forces on water issues were increasingly dominated by developer interests.

1981

SBCA opposed major zoning proposals on the 160-acre “Brodie Tract” near Ben White and South Lamar. The Brodie family’s proposal for intense commercial and residential development led to a compromise: 80 acres were preserved as greenbelt parkland along Barton Creek. SBCA successfully pushed to reduce building heights near the creek, though the city later granted variances that weakened watershed protections. On June 17, the ZPP hosted a major fundraiser at Fiesta Gardens featuring Jerry Jeff Walker, Asleep at the Wheel, and Tex Thomas & His Danglin’ Wranglers—building public support for watershed protection. The Austin City Council passed new ordinances to protect Williamson Creek and the Lower Watersheds (Slaughter, Bear, and Onion Creeks). The Lower Watersheds Ordinance introduced buffer zones and development density restrictions along waterways but also allowed for unproven pollution control measures. Barton Creek Square Mall opened, paving over more than 100 acres for parking. The development, approved back in 1975, symbolized the ongoing threats of urban sprawl. 

1983

Jack Goodman and James Pinedo, representing United South Austin (USA), filed a lawsuit against the City of Austin for the ongoing pollution in the lower Williamson Creek watershed. The suit highlighted serious public health concerns, particularly the exposure of children playing in the creek upstream from a problematic package wastewater treatment plant. 

1986

Cooksey Council passes the Comprehensive Watershed Ordinance, limiting impervious cover for the first time. However, 97% of requests for exemptions are granted by the City.  

1988

The Austin community is outraged by the massive 4,000-acre proposed PUD development on Barton Creek by Jim Bob Moffett.  

1989

• SBCA began holding our annual membership meetings at the Zilker Park Clubhouse, overlooking the beautiful downtown Austin skyline.
• SBCA filed a lawsuit against TxDOT and MoPac South Transportation Corporation, alleging violations of NEPA and the Safe Drinking Water Act.
• SBCA launched a $50,000 legal fundraising campaign to fight road expansions threatening Barton Springs.

1990

The Planning Commission, with then-SBCA president Jackie Goodman as the dissenting vote, passed the Barton Creek PUD plan. SBCA began publicizing the issue with flyers, mailings and a few ads on the radio featuring advocate Robert Redford. Popular KUT deejay John Aielli urged people to attend the council meeting. On June 7–8, the "Barton Creek Uprising" drew 1,000+ citizens to speak out, leading to a unanimous City Council rejection of the PUD. Celebratory events followed, including “Pound the PUD” at La Zona Rosa and a fundraising luncheon with Robert Redford hosted by Charles & Angie Umlauf. 

1991

• SBCA hosted our first Valentine Bash in February.  
• To build support for preserving Barton Creek, Barton Springs, and the Edwards Aquifer, SBCA Board members Wayne Gronquist, Joe Kendall, and Joe Riddell started organizing canoe trips for local leaders, including elected officials and influencers. Each day-long journey covered 13 miles of Barton Creek, from what is now the Nature Conservancy Preserve near Bee Cave Road to the Lost Creek Boulevard bridge. Gronquist coordinated participants and outreach, Kendall provided equipment and logistics, and Riddell served as guide and educator. Whole Foods and the Chautauqua Foundation sponsored the events, including riverside lunches. Notable participants included Ronnie Reynolds, Gus Garcia, George Cofer, and Bill Oliver, who performed his environmental songs creekside. The trips always ended with a cold beer and shared commitment to protect Barton Creek. 
• Governor Ann Richards declared June 7th as Barton Creek & Springs Day. Media coverage from Daryl Slusher, the Statesman, and local television helped establish the central importance of water preservation.  
• Betty Brown received the Lucadia Pease Award from We Care Austin for her early work preventing development near Zilker Park. 

1992

• The Save Our Springs Coalition (later SOS Alliance) was formed by Brigid Shea, Bill Bunch, and Mark Yznaga to defend and implement the SOS Ordinance. On August 8^th, the passing of the Save Our Springs Ordinance marked a major victory for Austin’s environmental community, effectively limiting impervious cover throughout the environmentally sensitive watershed.
• Also on August 8^th, Austin voters authorized $20 million in bonds to create the 1,050-acre Barton Creek Wilderness Park (the Greenbelt) and approved $22 million for the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan.
• SBCA hosted benefit performances of “Evita” (March 24) and “Sweeney Todd” (April 13) at Capitol City Playhouse to raise funds for advocacy efforts.
• George Cofer attended the Barton Creek Greenway Study, sponsored by PARD in conjunction with the National Park Service, with the purpose of seeking strategies for a Greenway to enhance public recreation opportunities and conserve the integrity of the Barton Creek’s resources.
• SBCA sponsored Barton Springs Day, a major community celebration hosted on June 7^th and featuring a 5K race, picnic, arts fair, and live concert with acts like Jerry Jeff Walker and Esther’s Follies, alongside food, beer (donated by Shiner distributor Marshall McHone), and free medical services from Bruce Patterson's clinics.
• SBCA co-produced Hill Country Oasis: Barton Springs, Barton Creek, Edwards Aquifer, a 32-page color brochure written by Damond Benningfield and published with Austin Parks & Recreation and the Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District.
• Joe Kendall established the Chautauqua Foundation (later Texas River School) with LCRA support, equipping the Barton Creek canoe trips with necessary gear and supplies to educate and inspire community leaders.

1993

• SBCA and the SOSA Legal Defense Fund hired attorney Philip Poplin to successfully challenge Phase II of the South Austin Outfall sewer project in Barton Creek.
• SBCA opposed the Barton Creek Community Master Plan and urged the City Council to withdraw from negotiations with Barton Creek Properties.
• SBCA sent letters to Mayor Bruce Todd requesting expanded speaker time at Council meetings, fencing concerns at Zilker Botanical Garden, and the addition of the SOS Ordinance to the Council agenda.
• SBCA also urged the City to acquire the Uplands and Sweetwater tracts to protect critical Recharge Zone.SBCA launched naturalist-guided school tours along Barton Creek to promote environmental awareness.
• Jon Beall became SBCA President, succeeding John Sherwell, who moved out of state. 
• SBCA strongly supported the creation of the Balcones Canyonlands Conservation Plan (BCCP)—a major regional effort to protect endangered species habitat in Central Texas. While the original biological recommendation called for preserving 200,000 acres, negotiations scaled it down to about 30,000 acres. Today, the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve spans over 33,000 acres, protecting critical habitat for eight endangered species. SBCA also backed efforts to establish the Balcones Canyonlands National Wildlife Refuge—a separate, larger area northwest of the preserve. Although the City of Austin didn’t acquire this land, the S. Fish and Wildlife Service, along with land trusts and community allies, secured much of it. Today, the refuge protects roughly 27,000 acres of additional habitat.

1994

• SBCA continued opposing water threats, including sending letters to:
  • Mayor Bruce Todd, urging completion of the Barton Creek Wilderness Park.
  • John Hall at the TNRCC, expressing concerns over Edwards Aquifer Rule enforcement.
  • The S. Fish and Wildlife Service, requesting a hearing on listing the Barton Springs Salamander as an endangered species.
• SBCA filed an application to designate Barton Creek and Barton Springs as Outstanding National Resource Waters, in partnership with several environmental groups and experts (including Lauren Ross, Bill Bunch, and Dan McNamara).
• SBCA opposed the Ingram Cement Mixing Plant near Little Barton Creek, urging relocation to a less sensitive area.
• May 21: SBCA sponsored a benefit performance of Greater Tuna at the Paramount Theatre.
• June 28: SBCA hosted a cultural fundraiser with flamenco artist Jose Greco at Gilligan’s Restaurant and Capitol City Playhouse.
• SBCA sponsored a 5K Run, Arts & Crafts Fair, and Barton Springs Day events to promote awareness and celebrate local waterways.
• SBCA sounded the alarm about a planned water pipeline to San Antonio, which would draw from the Colorado River Basin—deemed cheapest but environmentally concerning by SBCA and allied groups.
• SBCA became an operator of South Side Bingo on Oltorf to raise funds for environmental work and maintained involvement in Big Star Bingo, receiving a portion of net proceeds per state law.

1995

• SBCA President Jon Beall joined the Board of the Save Our Springs Legal Defense Fund, deepening collaboration between advocacy organizations.
• January 16: SBCA co-hosted “Support Our Springs”, where 5% of all Whole Foods Market purchases supported the future Splash! Exhibit at Barton Springs.
• February 5: SBCA sponsored a Tibetan monk blessing ceremony at Barton Springs to honor and spiritually protect the site.
• May 8: SBCA co-sponsored “A Splash for the Springs”, a high-profile Whole Foods pre-opening benefit featuring Asleep at the Wheel, Esther’s Follies, and Jim Hightower. Funds supported the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center, with key support from Council Members and Mayor Bruce Todd.

1996

• February 13: SBCA leaders met with Mayor Bruce Todd to address seven key environmental and policy concerns related to water and land protection.
• September 22: SBCA initiated discussions with H-E-B about its proposed development at William Cannon and Brodie Lane. The coalition—including SBCA members and neighborhood advocates—pushed for environmentally responsible city planning.

1997

• SBCA led efforts to challenge the LCRA’s proposed operation of water and wastewater systems for Freeport McMoRan’s Barton Creek MUD, citing potential conflicts of interest. Key voices included Jack Goodman, Shudde Fath, Ken Smith, George Cofer, and Steve Beers.
• In partnership with the Colorado River Watch Foundation, SBCA launched a community-based restoration of Pecan Springs, with leadership from Jack Goodman and Jon Beall.
• SBCA played a central role in developing the SPLASH! exhibit at Barton Springs, designed to educate the public about the Edwards Aquifer. Jim Collett was a key contributor, working alongside Clark Hancock from the Austin Nature & Science Center. (Exhibit opened in 1998.)
• SBCA members Jon Beall, Craig Smith, Lauren Ross, and George Cofer successfully negotiated with H-E-B to voluntarily comply with the SOS Ordinance, resulting in Austin’s first “green” store.
• Craig Smith, on behalf of SBCA, sent a formal letter to EPA Administrator Carol Browner condemning intentional pollution of Barton Creek and the Edwards Aquifer by FM Properties.
• Fortune Bingo at South 1st and Stassney was successfully operated as an SBCA fundraiser by Jon Beall, Jack Goodman, Elizabeth Welsh, Claudia Geraldo, and Yvonne Robles.

1998

• The City of Austin purchased a 77-acre property adjacent to the Barton Creek Greenbelt, through the Water Quality Protection Lands (WQPL)  This acquisition helped safeguard a critical recharge area for the Edwards Aquifer, ensuring the continued flow of clean water to Barton Springs. The tract was named in honor of Shudde Fath, a tireless environmental advocate and SBCA founding member.
• SBCA and SOSA co-sponsored the advance screening of Robert Redford’s new movie “The Horse Whisperer” to raise money for Barton Springs.

2004

On October 2, 2004, Save Barton Creek Association played a key role in bringing together an unprecedented coalition of 75 stakeholders at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center for a “Southwest Trail and Greenbelt” design workshop. Hosted by Dr. Fritz Steiner, then Dean of the UT School of Architecture, the event united neighborhood associations, developers, environmental groups, businesses, community organizations, and professional planners to build a shared vision for a connected greenway system in Southwest Austin. The workshop resulted in a broad endorsement—by over 30 groups—for the creation of a “Southwest Greenway,” which ultimately inspired the development of the Violet Crown Trail (VCT). Together, participants agreed to pursue a continuous trail corridor extending from Onion Creek in Hays County north to Barton Springs in Zilker Park. When fully completed, the Violet Crown Trail will span 34 miles, linking multiple creek watersheds across the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone and offering Central Texans a unique opportunity to experience and protect the region’s vital natural landscapes. 

2012

SBCA President Jackie Goodman worked on the Imagine Austin Plan together with David Foster of Clean Water Action, Dick Kallerman, president of SOSA, and Craig Smith and Kay Plavidal of the Austin Regional Chapter of the Sierra Club. 

2015

SBCA partnered with UT faculty member Karen Kocher on the documentary project Living Springs.  

2017

• SBCA established a Finance Committee.
• SBCA officially adopted the Barton Creek Greenbelt from the entrance at Highway 360 to Spyglass Drive. The Adopt-a-Creek program is achieved through a partnership between Keep Austin Beautiful and the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department. This program encourages organizations and other groups to commit to maintaining segments of creeks through trail cleanups and restoration projects.
• SBCA Board President, Clark Hancock, partnered with Joe Kendall and the Chautauqua Foundation/Texas River School to create a hands-on outdoor education program for underserved fifth-grade students in public schools. Designed in collaboration with Texas Parks & Wildlife, the program brought students on guided canoe trips starting at Lady Bird Lake and up Barton Creek to Barton Springs Pool. Along the way, students engaged in enriching, nature-based activities such as scavenger hunts, snorkeling, underwater camera exploration, and compass-based orienteering, all designed to foster environmental awareness and a connection to Austin’s natural waterways.

2019

• Clark Hancock took the reins of SBCA as Board President, successfully leading the organization through the Covid years.
• SBCA organized six trash cleanups for their adopted stretch of Greenbelt in 2019, as well as guided hikes and monthly happy hours with guest speakers.
• SBCA continued our No Dumping Sewage campaign, speaking out against wastewater pollution in Austin and the Hill Country streams with support from the Mitchell Foundation and Patagonia.
• SBCA continued to advocate for a redesign of Highways 290 and 71 through Oak Hill.

2020

In January, SBCA proudly published the Explorer’s Guide to the Hill Country Oasis: Your Map & Guide to the Most Interesting and Refreshing Natural Attractions in Central Texas. This beautifully designed resource highlights scenic destinations, swimming holes, and ecological treasures across the region. The project was made possible through the generous support of sponsors including the Shield-Ayers Foundation, Environmental Fund of Texas, Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District, Austin Water Wildland Conservation, Austin Parks Foundation, City of Austin Parks & Recreation Department, Hill Country Conservancy, Save Our Springs Alliance, Wimberley Valley Watershed Association, and other valued contributors.

2022

The powerful environmental activist and SBCA founding member, Shudde Fath, passed away at the age of 106.

2024

SBCA successfully advocated for the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ) to set a record-low phosphorus limit of 20 µg/L in Liberty Hill’s wastewater discharge permit—25x lower than the previous limit—protecting the South San Gabriel River from algae pollution.

 The Commission relied on two key pieces of evidence – documentary photos from landowner Stephanie Ryder Morris and water quality testing from Baylor University Professor, Dr. Ryan King. King’s data revealed that the last pristine streams in Texas have no more than 10 micrograms of naturally occurring phosphorus per liter of water. He also discovered that excessive algae growth can start when the phosphorus level rises above 20 micrograms per liter. In light of these groundbreaking findings, SBCA broadened our focus to protect all pristine streams in Texas from wastewater discharge that could coat these vulnerable waterways in algae, damaging their ecological integrity.

2025

SBCA staff expanded to include an Executive Director, Advocacy Director, and Operations Manager and plans for new roles to deepen our reach and impact. In light of our broader geographic range, SBCA changes our name from Save Barton Creek Association to Save Texas Streams to reflect the full scope of our work. In the same year, we launched a new website with our rebranded logo to showcase our new direction.