Mr. Ahrns, the founder of the preserve, uses natural materials for steps instead of concrete. He also uses trails that have formed from continuous use instead of disturbing the wildlife by putting concrete trails like some parks currently do. From this upper level our visitors literally walk through geologic time as they descend through a limestone crevice into a lush, green canyon grotto. Westcave's second ecosystem was created millions of years ago by the collapse of the roof of an immense limestone cave and now flourishes as a natural terrarium canopied by giant cypress trees that shelter flowering native plants found in few other places in Texas. Westcave Visitor's Guide Erosion Erosion is when rainfall, wind, or overuse wears away the rocks and soil.
Freezing water expands cracking and breaking the rocks.
Water then washes it away. Wind can cause erosion too. When land erodes, not as much can grow there. The animals and native plants have less of a habitat. They enjoyed it all over.