Barton Springs University Launches October 27th

​Mark your calendars!  The 2020 online version of the Barton Springs University Day event will launch Tuesday, October 27th. This year we will be offering curriculum for schools and the general public on the BSU website – materials that will be available for use and viewing at any time. Here's info on two of our new feature videos -- stay tuned for more!  

Toxic Blue-Green Algae: A New Threat Emerges in Austin's Lakes
In 2019, Austin's dog lovers were stunned when dogs began getting sick and dying after taking a summer splash in Lady Bird Lake. The City of Austin's Watershed Protection Department began investigating and discovered the emergence of toxic cyanobacteria (aka, blue-green algae). 
Tune in to this year's Barton Springs University, as Save Our Springs Attorney Bobby Levinski interviews Dr. Brent Bellinger, an aquatic ecologist with the City of Austin, whose job is to study the ongoing situation. Learn about what the City is doing to monitor the new threat, what might be done to prevent it, and how you can keep you and your dog safe from toxic blue-green algae.

Beyond Yuck!  Human Waste and Clean Water in Central Texas
Everyday we flush and forget.  We hope our municipal utility takes care of our waste in a responsible manner. 

But some don't. Learn the basics of why we need to keep our treated sewage out of our rivers, creeks and streams.  This presentation features an introductory video on managing wastewater in the Hill Country by SOS Staff Attorney, Kelly Davis, followed by Baylor University professor Ryan King presenting his research on the effects of nutrient pollution on the Blanco River and other Texas streams. 

​Dr. Brent Bellinger

Dr. Ryan King