Ezell's Cave Preserve

A registered National Landmark and home of the endangered Texas Blind Salamander, which was first discovered here, and other diverse fauna, Ezell’s Cave is a delicate ecosystem that suffered from vandalism and brief periods of commercial tours over its history.  The entrance was even sealed by a developer who failed to commercialize for part of the 60s, in between periods of ownership by the Texas Herpetological Society and the Texas Nature Conservancy.  Thanks to the TCMA’s efforts, the entrance is now protected by a bat-friendly gate.

Ezells Cave is formed entirely within the Edwards Limestone Formation and is one of the few caves that provides access to the Edwards Aquifer. It gives a unique opportunity to study groundwater and biologic resources in the aquifer. The cave’s location along the regional flow path as well as the access it provides to physically enter the aquifer make this an exceptional research location. The protection of the land surface above the cave is of utmost importance.