WBNA | Wells Branch Neighborhood Association

Happy Holidays
from the WBNA!

The holidays are right around the corner. We hope you’ll join us in celebrating these wonderful Wells Branch traditions. Reach out to new folks so they feel welcome.  Take time to reconnect with family, friends and neighbors. We look forward to seeing each of you at the festivities!

WB MUD Thanksgiving Potluck
Saturday, November 22 | 6:00-8:00pm
WB Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive

Share your best dish with the whole neighborhood at the free Thanksgiving Potluck. This gathering is one of our most precious community traditions, where residents attending are encouraged to bring a dish of their own, be it a homemade treat, a secret family recipe, or just your favorite food! Wells Branch MUD provides the main courses and sides, you provide the rest! Whether coming with the family or coming on your own, we can’t wait to share a meal and memories with you!

As a side note, there’ll be Brown Santa collection bins in the lobby and St. Andrew’s will be taking non-perishable donations for their food pantry.

2025 Wells Branch Luminary Fest
Friday & Saturday, December 12 & 13 | 6:00-9:00pm
WB Community Center, WB Homestead & KF Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive
Sponsored by WB MUD Parks & Rec. Dept.

Savor the warm glow of the holidays as our trails twinkle with over 1200 traditional paper luminaries around Katherine Fleischer Park. The WB MUD Luminary Festival is a unique community tradition for the entire family! Join us Friday and Saturday evening and witness the park come alive with holiday lights.

Hop on a caroling hayride to nearby decorated homes or the kiddos can ride on the holiday express train for an up-close experience of the luminaries. Santa will be making a special appearance inside the Homestead to greet children. Photo ops will be provided. While you wait to meet Santa, children are welcome to participate in a traditional homestead holiday activity with our Curator, Gwendolyn Johnson, or make a craft.

Be sure to stop by the Community Center to warm up! The WB MUD will have holiday elves on hand serving up delicious hot chocolate and cookies. Both kids and parents will share in the holiday spirit creating seasonal crafts on Friday and Saturday evenings, compliments of the Wells Branch Neighborhood Association and the WBNA Calendar will be on sale. Our WB Friends of the Library team will offer holiday tattoos. There’s a special treat in store this year as the WB Library will offer a story time corner near the giant holiday tree. The St. Andrew’s Food Pantry is requesting that all attendees please drop a canned good or dry pantry item in the lobby to help those families in need.

Lighting the Luminaries – are your ready to help?

The WB MUD invites you and your family to join their Parks & Rec Team in helping to light (and re-light) the luminary candles on Friday and Saturday beginning at 3:30pm. The MUD will have lighters on hand, but please feel free to bring your own long lighter. Questions? Please reach out to the WB MUD Parks and Rec at 512-251-9814.

We HO HO HOpe to see you there!

St. Andrews Presents an Evening of Music
with The Austin Handbell Ensemble
St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church | 14311 Wells Port
Monday, December 15 | 6:30pm

Join friends and neighbors for a holiday handbell concert on Monday, December 15 at 6:30pm at St. Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, as they present their Winter 2025 Concert.

For ticket information, please visit their website at austinhandbells.org/.

Holiday Gift Wrapping Workshop
hosted by the WB MUD Parks & Rec Dept.
Tuesday, December 16 | 6:30-8:30pm
WB Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline

By the end of this workshop you’ll be a gift wrapping pro! Having trouble wrapping that bottle of wine or oddly shaped toy? Instead of putting it a boring old bag, wrap it! We will teach you several way to wrap even the strangest of items.

This event is free and limited to the first 20 participants. Registration for this workshop will close on Dec. 16. Participants under the age of 15 and under should have an adult for supervision and assistance.

More details & registration available at wellsbranchmud.com/parks-a-recreation/events

Santa and the Grinch FREE Photo-Op
Monday, December 22 | 6:00-8:00pm
WB Community Center | 2106 Klattenhoff

Here’s a special community holiday meet and greet session you won’t want to miss. Wells Branch neighbor Randy Baker has a personal connection with Santa and the Grinch. Stop by the Community Center on Monday evening from 6:00-8:00pm. Kiddos can write and post a letter to Santa, for last minute delivery. Then spend a few  minutes capturing holiday memories with two special photo backgrounds. Parents may take as many photos as needed to get the perfect shot. Pets are also welcome. And if you’ve good, Santa will even pose with the Grinch, if the Grinch behaves.

WBNA 2026 Community Calendar Sales

The WBNA Celebrating Wells Branch 2026 Community Calendar is on sale NOW! There are several ways to purchase your 2026 calendar either in-person, online or by renewing your membership. To purchase in person just stop by any of our Pop-up Sales locations. Be sure to watch our website wbna.us and the WBNA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WBNA.WellsBranchNeighborhoodAssociation for updates or monitor the WB Google Group for upcoming locations. Be sure to watch our website and the WBNA Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/WBNA.WellsBranchNeighborhoodAssociation for updates or monitor the WB Google Group for upcoming locations.

Buy online at  https://tinyurl.com/WB2026Calendar $10 per calendar, they make great gifts!  Or claim one FREE calendar when you renew your annual WBNA membership. https://wbna.us/membership/ Remember to renew early!

Thanks to a very generous sponsorship from local State Farm Agent, Marijane Billington, the calendars will sell for $10 this year—this is a fantastic bargain! The additional funding also allows us to offer 1 free calendar for every paid membership in 2026 while supplies last. Plan to get yours early!  Please remember that the calendar is produced as a limited edition and when they are gone, they are GONE!

WB MUD Thanksgiving Closures

Customer Service, District Administration and Recreation Center: Closed Thursday, Nov. 27 and Friday, Nov. 28

Willow Bend Pool: Closed Thursday, Nov. 27

Curbside Trash & Recycling Collection

There will be no curbside trash and recycling collection on Thursday, Nov. 27. Collection for Thursday and Friday will be moved forward one day. All other collection days will remain the same.

Winter Wastewater Averaging

During the three-month billing period between December 10, 2025 and March 10, 2026, your average water usage will be calculated, and used as your monthly wastewater usage for the next 12 months. This is done because wastewater flow is unmetered, and winter water usage is typically only indoors. To save money all year, conserve water and check your plumbing for leaks. Turn off any valves going to automatic irrigation before December 10! wellsbranchmud.com/wwa

WBNA Board Leadership Update: Request for Community Engagement

by Margaret McGhee-Sufke, WBNA acting Director

Last year I stepped back from the leadership role.  Shortly after the new board was sworn in a few board members’ commitments changed unexpectedly. I continued to serve, helping to ensure that the 2025 events and programs took place and it was business as usual. It was a very successful year for the community and the group.

As the WBNA team gears up to close out the year with the Luminary Fest Crafts, 2026 Calendar Sales and the current membership drive—it’s time to take stock. At the beginning of each year we hold our elections and host the required annual town hall meeting. In 2026 we are slated to loose four of the current board members. That is significant. There are two new members, who have taken on active roles in the group but they will need the help and support from community members who are ready to take an active role.

The WBNA remains a vibrant and important association within the neighborhood. It is the only group that spans the entire community, whether you own your home or rent, live in an apartment, have kids or are a senior and regardless of being in or out of the WB MUD District or in one of the 6 separate HOAs. Since 1992, a dedicated group of volunteers have lead this invaluable organization, building community together.

Please consider taking an active role in the group. Without new board members helping to lead the activities and programs, the WBNA will cease to exist. Share your ideas and energy along with your friends and neighbors and help to preserve the WBNA and spirit of Wells Branch—that’s what makes our community so special.

Please email: info@wbna.us with your questions, concerns or comments. You may also reach out to me directly via email: mmsufke@gmail.com.

Ready to contribute to our wonderful community?  Renew your WBNA Membership for 2026!

Here’s your chance to make a BIG difference in the neighborhood. Please renew your commitment to the WBNA, or become a new member. Your membership is an investment in our wonderful neighborhood. All dues collected are treated as a donation and are returned directly into the community through our traditional events and educational programs. To pay by check just mail in the membership form from the newsletter. It’s easy to renew online at: https://wbna-inc.square.site/.

Early Renewal Bonus: When you pledge your membership of $25 you will receive a FREE 2026 WBNA Community Calendar while supplies last. Remember it’s a limited edition, so when they’re gone, they’re GONE.

As a reminder the WBNA organization is truly a labor of love and operates through a network of dedicated volunteers. Without that dedication, community support and the funds raised through dues and donations, many of the events would not take place. Your membership in the WBNA is your annual pledge to support this wonderful neighborhood as membership is voluntary.

Please join today, we truly appreciate your support.

Celebrating Community, Conservation, and Native Beauty

At the end of October, Wells Branch Wild Conservancy hosted its annual Community Celebration—and what a joyful gathering it was!

We were proud to present the 2025 Steward Honor to the Austin Chapter of the Native Plant Society of Texas (NPSOT). This award recognizes the chapter’s outstanding efforts in promoting native plant use and conservation across Central Texas, and their continued support of our mission to protect and enhance local ecosystems. Notably, NPSOT sponsored our 2025 plant sale, helping us distribute 800 native plants to the Wells Branch community! Julia Weatherby, President of the Austin Chapter, accepted the award on behalf of NPSOT.

We also celebrated a major milestone: 63 new wildlife habitats certified this past year, bringing our total to 169 certified properties in Wells Branch! We’re well on our way to reaching our goal of 200 certified habitats by 2026. Interested in joining the movement? Visit www.nwf.org/certify to learn how to certify your property.

Another highlight of the celebration was the unveiling of our new logo, featuring the leaf of the cedar elm (Ulmus crassifolia)—a tree that’s as native as it is beautiful. Cedar elms are hardy, drought-tolerant shade trees that thrive in our local soil. You’ll spot them throughout Wells Branch, especially their young branches with quirky corky “wings.” In fall, their small leaves turn a brilliant yellow and compost naturally, enriching the soil and providing shelter and food for wildlife year-round. Fun fact: Mourning Cloak and Question Mark butterflies rely on cedar elm as a larval host!

And speaking of leaves—did you know the oxygen levels in our atmosphere actually dip in winter when trees shed their leaves? It’s a fascinating reminder of how vital our urban forest is to the health of our environment.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in celebrating nature, community, and conservation. Together, we’re making Wells Branch wilder—and better—every year!

Upcoming Wells Branch Wild Events:

Ask the Landscapers!
Saturday, December 13 | 9:00am
Wells Branch MUD Annex | 14611 Wells Port Dr
Professional landscapers Mason and Lindzey will answer all your questions about residential landscaping. Topics include native plants, wildlife habitats, problem areas, irrigation, and City of Austin rebates.

Wildlife Habitats & Wildfire Safety
Saturday, January 10 | 9:00am
Wells Branch Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive
Join Glenn Gilman from Travis County to learn how to
balance wildlife habitat creation with wildfire safety.
His recommendations are tailored to what matters most
here in Wells Branch.

2026 Native Plant Sale & Earth Fest
Saturday, March 28 | 1:00–4:00pm
Wells Branch Rec Center | 3000 Shoreline Drive
Get your native plants for spring planting!
This family-friendly event features:

• • Native plant sale • Live animals
  • Gardening & sustainability exhibitors
  • Children’s activities • Wildlife education

We’d love to see your whole family there!

Want to Join the Movement?

Details & Events: wellsbranchwild.org
Follow us: @wellsbranchwild on Facebook & Instagram

Let’s keep the WILD in Wells Branch!

WBNA Pumpkin Patch,
Pumpkin Painting in the Park
& WB MUD Homestead Open House

Saturday, October 18 | 10am – 1pm
Chuck Walters Pavilion, KF Park
2106 Klattenhoff Drive

Mark your calendars for the annual WBNA Pumpkin Patch! This year’s fall festival will also include an open house at the Wells Branch MUD Homestead, hosted by Gwendolyn Johnson. There will be pumpkins galore! Remember to come early and select your perfect pumpkin! We will have a photo area set up for festive autumn family photos and pets are welcome! The painting station will be set up in the gazebo. While you are waiting for your pumpkin to dry be sure to stop by the open house at the Homestead—there are new exhibits and an exciting creative activity is planned.

• Pumpkin Patch, grab a pumpkin and a family snap (limit 1 pumpkin per child)
• Pumpkin painting area, supplies provided
• Tour the WB Gault Homestead, seasonal craft included
• Explore the new 8-week programs, Austin Community College is this year’s sponsor
• Donate: Remember to bring dry or canned goods for the St. Andrew’s food pantry

A special thank you to this year’s event sponsor ACC, Austin Community College! Be sure to stop by their information booth.

A Safer Neighborhood Starts with YOU!

Take a stand against crime. It is more important than ever to be vigilant within your immediate area and be aware of your surroundings. Following the pandemic there has been a significant drop off in local Neighborhood Watch Groups. Just installing a camera isn’t enough and posting a group message after the fact doesn’t prevent crime.

Continue reading Neighborhood Watch →