Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center

The Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center is home of the Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer exhibit, a fun and exciting learning experience deep inside a simulated limestone cave. Multimedia displays and interactive exhibits demonstrate how the aquifer was formed and how it maintains its average daily flow of 32 million gallons of water at Barton Springs. The endangered Barton Springs Salamander, and other native aquatic species on display, illustrate the diversity of life dependent on the water quality of local springs, creeks, and rivers. Visitors can also investigate how their routine activities impact local water quality while learning about water quality testing.

Field Trips

Discover local ecology in the dynamic setting of Zilker Park. Our nature based programming meets TEKS standards in an engaging setting and the Splash! exhibit and Sheffield Education Center offer a variety of instructor led programs as well an On-Your-Own tour.

Instructor led programs include:

On-Your-Own Field Trips are free at the Sheffield Education Center! Scheduling your group is highly recommended. For more information, please refer to our teacher resource guide.

Girl Scout Troops, if you are getting a Water Badge please contact us to see how we can help.

For additional questions please call the Austin Nature & Science Center's visitor services staff at 512-974-3888 or email us.

Austin's Salamander Species

Austin is home to three species of aquatic salamanders not found anywhere else in the world. They include the Barton Springs Salamander, the Austin Blind Salamander, and the Jollyville Plateau Salamander. For more information please visit Austin's Watershed Protection Department.