Central Texas residents and visitors have admired the gorgeous vistas and striking rock features of Mount Bonnell for decades, but a new GeoSign offers a fresh understanding of how the distinctive Austin landmark came to be.  The “Mount Bonnell and the Balcones Escarpment” GeoSign was installed atop Mount Bonnell in Covert Park on May 5, 2021, and, through panoramic illustrations and clear scientific explanations, gives viewers a solid perspective of the geological processes that shaped this special high point over millions of years.
 
Researched and designed by the Bureau of Economic Geology, and in partnership with Austin Parks and Recreation Community PARKnerships program, the new GeoSign is one of a number of signs of the Texas GeoSign Project, a statewide initiative to promote the geoheritage of Texas.
 
“As the State Geological Survey, a large part of the Bureau of Economic Geology’s mission is outreach to Texas citizens to help broaden their understanding of the incredible geological features of our state,” related Bureau Director and Texas State Geologist Dr. Scott Tinker. “This amazing new GeoSign will be a wonderful source of geologic information for Mount Bonnell visitors for many years to come.”
 
The goals of the Texas GeoSign Project include establishing a network of geologic information signs that are accessible to the public at physical locations and online; enhancing the public understanding of and appreciation for the geology and geologic history of Texas; engaging and educating people when they visit parks, highway rest areas, and other public areas; and encouraging the conservation of the state’s geoheritage sites.  The “Mount Bonnell and the Balcones Escarpment” GeoSign is intended to educate visitors about the geologic history of the Balcones Escarpment, Mount Bonnell, the Balcones Fault Zone, and the groundwater found in the Fault Zone. 
 
About The Texas GeoSign Project
The Texas GeoSign Project involves collaboration with state, federal, and local entities which manage sites where signs are displayed, and all of the current GeoSigns are available for download and online viewing at www.BEG.UTexas.edu/GeoSign. Other Texas GeoSigns include those located in Bell County, Eastland County, LaSalle County and in Pecos County, and at the Goat Cave Karst Preserve in South Austin. People and organizations interested in having a Texas GeoSign in their area can contact the Bureau’s Information Geologist, Linda Ruiz McCall, at Linda.McCall@BEG.UTexas.edu.
 
About Austin Parks and Recreation
Austin Parks and Recreation Department (PARD) seeks to inspire our community to learn, play, protect and connect by creating diverse programs and experiences in sustainable natural spaces and public places. PARD protects and maintains parkland, urban forest, and trails as well as offering sports, recreation, educational enrichment, arts programs, cultural opportunities, and nature and aquatic activities for Austinites. For more information visit AustinTexas.gov/Parks.