Nerd Nite: Cave Fest Edition

Nerd Nite Austin and the Austin Cave Festival are teaming up for some talks about the city’s underground world. We’ll excavate such topics as: geology and groundwater chemistry, new salamander research, and cavers (those sweet but sometimes smelly scouts).

This event is FREE and no reservation is required. Seating is limited and available on a first come, first served basis.

Learn more about Austin Cave Festival (Feb. 22)
Learn more about Nerd Nite Austin
Learn about volunteering to help protect wildlands and caves

Doors for the Great Hall open at 7:30pm
Show begins at 8:00pm
Food and drink available for purchase from Pueblo Viejo and The North Door

Presentations:

Groundwater Salamanders of Central Texas: Bellwethers of Aquifer Health and Integrity
Your introduction to the amazing group of salamanders found only in the Edwards-Trinity aquifer system of west-central Texas, the threats they face, and why we should conserve them. Tom Devitt will explore the topic through a lens of evolutionary and conservation biologist’s perspective with a hint of environmental stewardship thrown in for good measure.

Tom Devitt was born in Minnesota and moved to Austin when he was seven. He has been catching salamanders since he was three and enjoys hunting, fishing, exploring nature, and telling you why you should care about salamanders.

Tour D’Tap
In and around Austin, there are at least three — some may say five — common water sources that supply residents with drinking water, and while everyone’s drinking water may look the same, pH and total dissolved solids measurements demonstrate their differences. Robin’s presentation will answer many questions, including: “What is the real source of my tap water?,” “How can I find out where my tap water comes from?,” and “What makes groundwater, surface water, and rainwater measurably different?”

Robin Gary, originally from Houston, is the senior public information and education coordinator with the Ground Water Conservation District, and has over 15 years of experience. She enjoys momming, adventuring, and baking bread.

Austin’s Cave Heritage: Community Discovery, Restoration & Creativity
Caves were historically filled across Austin area (for many reasons) such that relatively few remain. Thanks to early discoveries by local cavers, Austin has many restoration projects to remove trash and fill from caves to reduce flooding, increase recharge to wells and springs, protect our water supply, restore habitat for cave life like bats, preserve historical artifacts, and provide exciting recreational and educational resources. These underground habitats inspire our community — from explorers, to biologists, to artists.

Nico Hauwert, Ph.D., is a professional geoscientist: His career in unraveling the mysteries of the underground frontier began through cave exploring since 1979 in Texas, Ohio, Peru, Mexico, Europe, and Canada. He previously served as both president and vice president for the Austin Geological Society, completed his Ph.D. dissertation in May 2009 at the University of Texas, received an M.S. in geology from the University of Toledo’s Department of Geology in 1991, and obtained a B.S. in geology from the University of Texas in 1984. From 1993-2000 he started groundwater tracing studies as assessment program manager and senior hydrogeologist for the Barton Springs/Edwards Aquifer Conservation District. From 2000 to 2016 he served as environmental scientist senior for the City of Austin Watershed Protection Department, managing various cave restoration projects. Nico currently manages the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve Program for Austin Water.