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City Cast Austin

Let us help you find Mother Nature in this concrete jungle.

Kelsey Bradshaw

In just a couple of weeks, a new section of 

, complete with three bridges, a boardwalk, and hundreds of added trees, will open to the public.

The Confluence is the second phase of Waterloo Greenway. The first phase was the opening of Waterloo Park and Moody Amphitheater in August 2021. Construction on the second phase started in May 2023 and will open on June 6 with a public celebration.

“Waterloo Greenway has always been about gathering the community, and with The Confluence, we are continuing to bring that vision to life as a welcoming and inclusive gathering place for all,” said Colette Pierce Burnette, Waterloo Greenway Conservancy CEO, in a news release.

The Confluence section of Waterloo Greenway spans 13 acres along Waller Creek between Fourth Street and Lady Bird Lake. It’s 

, was funded through city and private donations, officials say.

Roughly 1,600 new trees, 200,000 native plants, and 10 acres of seed mixes were added to the trail, and a biofiltration pond was built.

Lots of structures and walking paths were added, including:

Three lattice bridges over Waller Creek for east-west connection

A half-mile of new trail connecting the Lance Armstrong Bikeway, Rainey Street, and the hike-and-bike trail

ADA-accessible trail connections to the Mexican American Cultural Center and the hike-and-bike trail

A bridge connection to Waller Creek at Fourth Street

A grand opening celebration kicks off at 10 a.m. on June 6 at The Confluence.

, and includes a ribbon-cutting ceremony, park tours, scavenger hunts, face painting, live music, art, and more.

What To Know About Waterloo Greenway’s Confluence Project

Get to know the natural side of Austin: the plants, animals, weather and more that make our city unique.

Austin Urban Almanac

Urban Almanac

We all have a lumpy bag full of unwanted clothes for donation living in our cars or in the corner of a room. I’ve got great news if getting to a donation center has been last on your to-do list for too long: The city will pick up those clothes for you.

can now schedule appointments for clothing and textile pick-up

. You can make an appointment by calling 311, in the Austin Recycles app, or 

. You’ll be required to put your items in one, 13-gallon bag and set them outside by 5:30 a.m. on pick-up day.

“This program helps keep clothing out of the landfill,” the city said.

You can put almost anything in your donation pile:

After your donation is picked up, it is taken to the city’s Recycle and Reuse Center. From there, Goodwill picks the items up for reuse or recycling, officials say.

“Usable items may be resold in stores, while others may be repurposed into materials like cleaning rags,” the city said.

Austin Resource Recovery customers can also schedule pick-ups for 

bulk items, brush, and hazardous waste materials

Austin Is Now Offering On-Demand Clothing Pickup

Spring is the best. It’s the last stop before summer, flowers are blooming, and you’ve still got plenty of time to get your vegetable garden in tip-top shape.

With all the rain we’ve been having lately, it’s just cool enough to spend a morning outside in the garden. April is actually a great time to plant a whole bunch of summer produce favorites. 

According to Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

, April is the ideal time to plant the following in Travis County:

A transplant is a seed that has been grown inside and germinated for three to four weeks. This helps the roots withstand the move from inside to outside.

“The other reason to recommend transplants is the number of days it takes to harvest. Central Texas has two very short growing seasons. A crop like brussels sprouts just doesn’t have enough time in their ideal growing temperatures to amount to anything unless started as a transplant,” 

. (Brussels sprouts are best planted in January or February.)

One could really spend a whole day on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension website learning about gardening and planting vegetables. But thankfully, they’ve got a 

 if you don’t have that kind of free time.

Apply preplant fertilizer to your garden.

Keep a record of what’s going on in your garden — things like when you plant, and when you water.

Water as needed and use mulch to conserve moisture.

Which Vegetables To Plant in April in Austin

Despite recent rainfall, drought conditions in the Austin area won’t be changing any time soon.

A total of 2.37 inches of rainfall have been recorded in Austin so far this month, which is a jump from what’s normal during the first 13 days of April. The area usually sees just 0.92 inches of rainfall by this time, National Weather Service data shows. While rain is in the forecast this week, it likely won’t be significant, said Mack Morris, a National Weather Service Meteorologist.

“This rain probably won’t put much of a dent in the drought,” he said. “We basically need another year’s worth of additional rain to completely break out of the drought. It would take significant rainfall.”

 shows the majority of Travis County is in an extreme drought and some western parts are in the lesser severe drought. Part of the problem is that the area has been stuck in a La Niña pattern since the fall.

A La Niña pattern happens when the eastern Pacific Ocean near the equator cools, which can lead to warmer and drier conditions across the southern U.S., 

the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration says

Austin is down about 2-4 inches of rainfall in the last three months in an area that has seen a lack of rainfall over the last five years, Morris said.

“The constant La Niñas have been a problem,” Morris explained.

But relief from the La Niña is finally on its way — a neutral weather pattern is expected to kick in within the next few weeks, Morris said. The neutral pattern is expected to last through the summer months before an El Niño pattern moves into the area, making conditions cooler and wetter.

“We’ll take it,” Morris said. “Literally anything is better for this area than a La Niña.”

A steadier steam of rain would help the area’s drought conditions, and lucky for us, Austin should get 

Rain is possible on Wednesday, with showers and thunderstorms after 1 p.m. More storms are expected on Saturday and Morris said a decent amount of rainfall is possible.

Travis County is experiencing severe drought conditions. 

Travis County Needs a Year’s Worth of Rain To Break Out of Drought, Meteorologists Say

Travis County Needs a Year’s Worth of Rain To Break Out of  Drought, Meteorologists Say

It’s that time of year again, y’all! Birds are migrating through Texas and need our help traveling.

 building owners, businesses, developers, and homeowners to turn off all non-essential nighttime lighting on buildings and other structures from 11 p.m. to 6 p.m. during bird migration season.

Migration season started March 1 and runs through June 15, according to Audubon Texas. Peak migration happens between April 22 and May 12. During these times, 

 where temperatures are more mild, daylight hours are longer, and food is more abundant.

Most North American birds do their traveling at nighttime. That’s where we come in. Lights from buildings, your porch, or even your living room, can confuse birds.

“In fact, between 100 million and 1 billion birds die every year in collisions with manmade structures – one of the biggest killers of migratory birds,” Audubon Texas says.

So, what can you do? Turn off all your outside lights between 11 p.m. and 6 a.m., close your curtains and blinds, turn off exterior floodlights, and avoid using overhead lighting when working late, 

. Use warm lightbulbs when possible, and direct the light you use to fall only where needed.

You can also help the birds’ cause by getting a free “Lights Out Texas” sign! Signs are currently available 

for free at the following Austin libraries

Spicewood Springs: Pick up on Tuesdays 9-11:30 a.m., and Thursdays 4:30-7:30 p.m.

John Gillum: Pick up on Wednesdays 2-5 p.m.

Hampton Branch at Oak Hill: Pick up on Saturdays 2-5 p.m.

Windsor Park: Pick up on Fridays 1-4 p.m.

Why Birds in Texas Need You To Turn Off Your Lights Right Now

Why Texas Birds Need You To Turn Off Your Lights Right Now

It’s My Park Day, a twice-a-year volunteer event at Austin’s many parks, is on Saturday. You can volunteer to help beautify, restore, clean up, and more. Here’s what you need to know:

It’s My Park Day kicks off at 9 a.m. on Saturday and runs until noon. 

 and make sure you RSVP. Volunteers receive a free T-shirt, sticker, and access to discounts at spots like Zilker Brewing Co. and Rosen’s Bagel Co.

Volunteer opportunities are located all over the city, so finding a park to help should be easy! You can spread mulch at the 

, or fill holes and do other beautifying tasks at 

. The options are endless! Restore a trail at 

, or promote responsible pet ownership in 

 to help care for trees, fence lines, and shared park spaces at 

. If you’re interested in being part of a group that is community-engaged, learn more about 

It’s My Park Day generates roughly $650,000 in volunteer labor for park improvements every year, officials say. In the fall, volunteers completed 177 projects and collected more than 25,000 pounds of trash.

“Every volunteer who spreads mulch, collects trash, or maintains and restores our greenbelts is helping to shape Austin’s green spaces for the better. The energy and care Austinites bring to this day ripple across our neighborhoods all year long,” said Colin Wallis, Austin Parks Foundation CEO.

It’s My Park Day Is Coming Up. Here’s What You Need To Know.

Ava Wojnowski

, you brave runners may be wondering the best way to manage cold temperatures while running outside, especially since it always feels cooler out at Lady Bird Lake.

Before you set out on your run, check the weather! This will help you determine what kind of supplies you’re going to need.

 You want to keep your chest warm, so even a tank top as a first layer helps once you add your long sleeves.

 Winter means wind and cold temperatures, so make sure your jacket is prepared to fight the elements.

 Smartwool socks can help keep your feet warm, even if they get wet from rain or snow.

 Make sure the shoes you are running in have a good grip to help with traction. 

Some running shoes are even made of waterproof material

 to keep your feet dry when running in wet conditions.

 Put Vaseline on the parts of your face that are exposed to keep them insulated and warm on cold runs. Windburn is the worst!

Get those ears and hands nice and toasty. When it’s really cold, you can also try hand warmers.

 Winter running often means running in the dark. Make sure you wear some reflective gear to stay visible.

The Spurs Austin International Half Marathon also 

Doing a warm-up or activation before any run is crucial, but it’s especially important when it’s cold outside.

This may seem obvious, but the most important tip for after a cold run is to get out of your sweaty workout clothes as soon as possible. When you are wet AND cold, that’s a recipe for disaster.

Always pack a change of clothes if you have to drive home after a cold run. A thermal cup with hot coffee inside isn’t a bad idea, either.

Take a hot shower as well to loosen up your muscles before you stretch for post-run recovery, too.

If you are planning to go inside immediately after your run, let your breathing come down before doing so. Going from cold to hot too quickly 

How To Safely Run in the Austin Cold 

Freezing rain and sleet are expected throughout the Austin area starting Saturday and lasting through Sunday morning, 

Forecasters are warning that roads, including bridges and overpasses, will become slick and ice could accumulate on power lines and tree limbs, which could lead to power outages, starting Saturday. Wintry precipitation will be possible in the Austin area as early as Saturday evening.

Temperatures will be around 45 degrees during the day on Saturday before dropping to 21 degrees at night. There’s a 90% chance of precipitation on Saturday, which will fall to 30% on Sunday. Sunday will also see freezing temperatures with a high near 31 degrees and a low around 16 degrees, according to the National Weather Service.

Wind chills from Saturday evening to Monday morning could get as low as 2 degrees below zero, forecasters say.

Forecasters recommend delaying all travel this weekend. But if you must travel, use extreme caution and pack a winter storm kit. A kit should include items like tire chains, booster cables, a flashlight, shovel, blankets, and extra clothing. Make sure to pack water and a first-aid kit, too.

When venturing outside, dress in layers and wear gloves.

The city can alert Austinites through phone and email, but you can sign up for other alert services, too. You can sign up for notifications from 

 online. The city will be providing weather updates 

 and recommends signing up for Ready Central Texas alerts or downloading their mobile app.

An accessible alert system for people who are deaf, hard of hearing, blind, or deaf and blind is 

It’s always good to have a few supplies on hand during a winter storm in Texas. The Department of Homeland Security 

has a great guide to building an emergency supply kit

 for your home. Items you should have include:

One gallon of water per person per day for several days

A several-day supply of non-perishable food

Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert

Medicine including prescription and things like Tylenol

Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery

A wrench or pair of pliers to turn off utilities (and, make sure you know where your water shut-off valve is)

Want to know more about the storm, and how to tell weather facts from fiction online? Listen to today’s podcast episode for a breakdown from CBS News Meteorologist Avery Tomasco. ⬇️

What To Know About the Winter Storm Hitting Austin This Weekend

Austin has not exactly been a winter wonderland lately, as unusually high temperatures have plagued the city in recent weeks, peaking at 88 degrees on Jan. 2.

And it looks like you won’t need your winter sweaters too much this year — warmer-than-normal temperatures are expected to continue all season due to La Niña, forecasters at the National Weather Service say.

. Austin has been in a La Niña pattern since the fall, and as long as it persists, any cold fronts the Austin area experiences for the next few weeks won’t be long-lasting, said Bob Fogarty, an NWS meteorologist.

“We could still get cold events,” Fogarty explained. “Even though it's La Niña, you can still get nasty winter weather. It’s just going to be that way every so often.”

This week, high temperatures will be in the 80s before a cold front moves into the area on Friday, Fogarty said. The front will pull temperatures down into the 60s during the day and 40s at night. Temperatures into next week will drop into the 30s, but likely won’t hit freezing.

January in Austin normally sees highs in the 60s and lows in the 40s, Fogarty said.

“The way this winter has been going, I suspect it’s going to get warmer to the point where we don’t like it,” Fogarty said.

But it’s not all bad news – warmer-than-normal temperatures for the season could mean a high of, say, 69 degrees or in the 80s like we’ve been seeing.

For now, we recommend taking advantage of the unseasonably warm conditions. Go for a dip at Barton Springs Pool 

It's going to be unseasonably warm this winter in Austin.

Warmer-Than-Normal Temperatures Expected This Winter in Austin, Forecasters Say

All brave, weirdo Austinites to the front, please! The new year is right around the corner and if you can’t start 2026 without jumping into a frigid body of water, we’ve got you covered. Not in a towel, of course, but hopefully you have one of those handy!

Here’s where you can plunge on Jan. 1, 2026:

Save Our Springs Alliance hosts a polar bear plunge at Barton Springs Pool, 2131 William Barton Drive, every year. While the organization has not posted full information about its 2026 plunge, they 

You also can just go to Barton Springs Pool whenever you want on Jan. 1! The pool is open year-round and has free entry during winter months.

Six of the city’s pools are open all year, including Bartholomew, Barton Springs, Big Stacy, Colony Park, Deep Eddy, and Springwoods. Pop in to one and do your own polar bear plunge! Just be sure to check the temperature – pools will close if the air temperature on a pool deck is at or below 32 degrees.

The Austin Aquanauts Dive Club is hosting a dive at Mansfield Dam Park on Lake Travis, 4370 Mansfield Dam Park Road, at 11 a.m. on Jan. 1. Entry fees are $15 for members of the dive club and 

Leander’s polar bear plunge starts at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1 at Robin Bledsoe Park Pool, 601 South Bagdad, and includes a hot cocoa bar, giveaways, games, and more. The event is $10 for plungers and free for spectators. 

The city of Cedar Park is hosting its polar bear plunge at Veterans Memorial Pool, 2525 New Hope Dr., at 10 a.m. on Jan. 1. 

 and has a hot cocoa bar for after your dip!