The trees, grasses and other flora offer visitors a view of what this Hill Country land looked like before the surrounding development occurred. Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary Walter E. Long Metropolitan Park, U.S. Hwy. The sanctuary is in a 200-acre section of the Walter E. Long Park in Northeast Austin. The sanctuary is designed to protect Blackland Prairie habitat for a variety of flora and fauna, notably a variety of prairie grasses. The wetlands along Lake Long are home to an abundance of wildlife.
Access is limited to guided tours only.
Karst Preserve 3900 Deer Ln. This interesting preserve is off Brodie Lane in Southwest Austin and adjacent to the Maple Run subdivision. Karst is the name scientists have given to the type of honeycombed limestone formations found in several areas of the world, including the Texas Hill Country. This 8-acre site, and this part of Austin, is riddled with sinkholes, caves and honeycombed limestone. Walking over a large expanse of grass, say a soccer field, it is possible to feel the temperature change around your ankles as you pass over trapped pockets of cool air.