Graduate students at the University of Texas’ College of Natural Sciences’ Brackenridge Field Lab host a free monthly lecture series on science topics – [Science under the Stars](https://scienceunderthestars.org/about/).
Our event consists of 3 parts:
**6:10pm:** Meet at “The Rock”, which is the nickname for the trailhead area of Lady Bird Lake where Veterans Dr passes under Mopac. It is at the north end of the Roberta Crenshaw bridge. You may navigate to “2104 Stephen F Austin Dr ยท Austin, TX”. After 6pm there is free parking along Veterans Dr. If arriving earlier you will need the [Park ATX app](https://www.parkatxapp.com/) to pay. If coming from south Austin, it is more convenient to park at the south end of the Roberta Crenshaw bridge. Also consider taking [CapMetro](https://www.capmetro.org/). No pets please.
Participants must sign a Liability Waiver at the trailhead. You may view the waiver document: [https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020](https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020)
We’ll take a **3 mile** **moderately brisk** hike through the Zilker Nature Preserve. A few sections are **rocky**, and there are hills equivalent to 10 flights of stairs. We’ll end our walk at Brackenridge Field Lab.
**7:15pm:** Meet at Brackenridge Field Lab, [2907 Lake Austin Blvd](https://www.google.com/maps/place/2907+Lake+Austin+Blvd,+Austin,+TX+78703/@30.2843076,-97.7804075,17z/data=!3m1!4b1!4m6!3m5!1s0x8644b54e3da1d00b:0xd8f73151e21270f4!8m2!3d30.284303!4d-97.7782188!16s%2Fg%2F11b8v7xp2p) , for a tour of the outdoor biology lab. Grad students will explain their current research projects. If driving to BFL come early – their parking lot may fill up.
**8pm:** At Brackenridge Field Lab, the [Science Under the Stars presentation](https://scienceunderthestars.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/suts-fall-2024.png) begins. Chairs are provided. You may bring snacks to munch on, and perhaps a jacket. Following the program we will walk back to The Rock (0.8 mile).
**WEATHER NOTE:** The hike may be cancelled due to rain or anticipated bad weather. A decision would be made on this page 1 hour before start time.
