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Greenbeat Magazine looks at the stories in Barton Springs Interactive

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Bill Moyers is a writer, television show producer and host, and a former press secretary to President Lyndon Baines Johnson. His recent tv and book credits include "Healing and the Mind," "Genesis: A Dialogue," "The Wisdom of Faith." Photo: Public Broadcasting System

This beloved swimming hole is fed by a natural spring that gives forth millions of gallons each day of some of the cleanest water in the entire Southwest.

The Springs constant flow has provided habitat for animals and humans alike for thousands of years. These waters were, in fact, part of the reason Austin was chosen as the capital of Texas.

Today, Barton Springs lies at the heart of a growing urban area, and with this growth comes the age-old challenge to preserve the natural treasures that have made this place so special. Few other cities in the world enjoy such a large body of fresh, swimable, water so close to their center.

The story of Barton Springs, of its wonders and its workings, and of the efforts being made to understand and preserve it, is so complex, as to defy any one one tale. And so, in our efforts, we have collected a hundred stories, which speak to the relationship between people and nature, cleanwater and the landscape.

In this program, you'll be able to uncover the rich human history and fascinating science of Barton Springs and the Aquifer which gives life to this area. Swim along side of a freshwater eel, check in on the hottest new dives, or take a tour of the Aquifer; like the Springs, there is something here for everyone. We hope you enjoy your visit, and please... be sure to come for a swim sometime.

This story is made possible in part through support from
The National Environmental Education Training Foundation.

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