Mary and I helped conduct a tour of the Jacob’s Well Natural Area for the Lost Pines Chapter of Master Naturalists back in October.

Once considered a sacred area by the Native Americans, Jacob’s Well is a natural spring and is believed to be the longest underwater cave in Texas. It is the primary source of water for Cypress Creek which flows through Woodcreek and Wimberley and then into the Blanco River.

The entrance to the well

The Jacob’s Well Natural Area is located at 221 Woodacre Dr. in Wimberley. The Natural Area consists of 55 acres owned and managed by the Wimberley Valley Watershed Association. A map is available here.

The WVWA is a non-profit organization dedicated to protecting the region’s water quality and quantity by promoting sustainable watershed management through education, conservation, and land protection. You can find out more about the WVWA at their web page.

Looking downstream along Cypress Creek from the well

Our chapter members participate in habitat restoration which involves removal of impervious ground cover (which is mostly complete) and identifying and marking native plant and wildlife for the benefit of the public. Our members also identify and manage the invasive species and help develop a long-term habitat management plan. Other work includes extensive trail building and serving as docents for public tours.

Other activities at the center include science and research.  There is on-going research and exploration of the well, monitoring of water quantity and quality, and studying the effects of land development on the well and aquifer. There is a USGS monitor station at Jacob’s Well. You can see the real-time data here.

Research divers emerge

Jacob’s Well is a beautiful place and most people have never heard of it. You should try to visit if you’re in the area. You’ll be impressed.