About
Living Springs is a multi-platform documentary series about the history, science and culture and spiritual practices at Barton Springs, Barton Creek and the Edwards Aquifer. Our series provides inspiration and education highlighting the importance of Barton Springs and Barton Creek to Austin's identity.
Origin Story
Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center at Barton Springs
Living Springs Interactive Installation
Living Springs began in 2010 when documentary producer Karen Kocher set out to create a comprehensive video experience for the theater in the Beverly S. Sheffield Education Center at Barton Springs. Working with computer programmers, graphic designers, and the Austin Nature and Science Center, she developed an interactive installation for the Splash! Into the Edwards Aquifer exhibit. Funded through her efforts and launched in 2015 with 20 original videos, the project's video content was later licensed to the City of Austin and will be presented in the new theater.
Educating the Community
Our website and YouTube channel provide an on-demand educational library designed to support nonprofit volunteer training and classroom instruction.
Austin PBS
The Living Springs series extends to a broadcast audience through presentations on Austin PBS. The collection features curated 30-minute compilations alongside deeply researched, hour-long standalone historical documentaries—bringing richly produced storytelling and scholarship to public television viewers. Through its Austin PBS broadcasts, the series has reached more than 30,000 households, expanding access to regional history and environmental education.
Interactive Installations
The Barton Creek Timestream Website (2022)
The Barton Creek Time Stream website documents citizens' efforts to preserve Barton Creek amid Austin's rapid growth since the 1950s. Each timeline event provides rich primary source materials for in-depth exploration. An interactive map highlights the creek's geography, cultural landmarks, and personal stories. Stewardship profiles showcase individual conservation efforts, and accompanying lesson plans give AP Environmental Science teachers a way to engage students with civic participation and environmental stewardship.
The Barton Creek Timestream Exhibit (2020–2021)
Before the website existed, we created a hands-on exhibit that brought Barton Creek's history to life. It explored over 50 years of preservation efforts, highlighting key events and the stories of more than 80 individuals whose dedication helped create and protect the 7-mile greenbelt—a cherished space that continues to inspire Austin residents and visitors today.
Faces of Barton Springs Exhibit
In 2018, we brought the community's love for Barton Springs to life with the Faces of Barton Springs exhibit. Every image, poem, and reflection in the exhibit came directly from the swimmers themselves, capturing personal memories, celebrations, and connections to this iconic Austin landmark. Together, these contributions created a mosaic of stories that showed how Barton Springs is cherished by those who know it best.
Summer Screening Series
On summer nights—sometimes by full moon—we host open-air screenings at Barton Springs. Guests enjoy films from our series, hear local musicians, and connect with the community. These events also highlight ways to get involved in protecting the Springs, bringing together friends, neighbors, and stewards of this iconic Austin landmark.
Documenting Barton Springs Swimmers
In the Profiles section of our website, we showcase the stories of Barton Springs swimmers—their memories, reflections, and personal connections to this beloved Austin landmark. Each story offers a glimpse into why the Springs matter, creating a tapestry of voices that celebrates community, shared experience, and the deep bond between people and place.
Do you have a Barton Springs story? Contact us.
Creating an Archive for Future Generations
Through its work, Living Springs is creating a lasting archive of Barton Springs, Barton Creek, and the Edwards Aquifer. Over 60 hours of interviews and rare footage will be preserved at the Austin History Center, ensuring future generations can explore the stories, people, and history behind these iconic places.
Community Lectures
Karen Kocher, creator of the Living Springs project, regularly gives talks and lectures to community groups, sharing her expertise on Barton Springs, its ecology, history, and conservation. Through these presentations, she inspires public engagement, educates audiences on environmental stewardship, and advocates for the protection of Austin's iconic natural resources.
Awards and Recognition
- 2024 — The University of Texas at Austin's 2024 Tower Awards — Glen Baumgart Visionary Community Engagement Award
- 2023 — Austin History Center Association, Katherine Drake Hart Award for "Origins of a Green Identity"
- 2023 — Texas Digital Library Consortium, Digital Excellence award for "Barton Creek Time Stream"
- 2020 — Sierra Club Lonestar Chapter "Art in Service of the Environment"
- 2018 — Wildlands film selected for inclusion on the U.S. Forest Service website for cave education
- 2017 — National Association for Interpretation, Outstanding Multi-Media, Region 6
- 2017 — Winner One of 10 Best Interactive Digital Stories in the Madeira Film Festival
- 2016 — Save Barton Creek Association Distinguished Community Partner Award
- 2015 — SXSW Interactive, Dewey Winburne Community Service Award