Sheldon Lake Prairie Wetland Restoration Project

The project involved the re-creation or restoration of wetlands which existed before agricultural influences and alterations. This wetland type only exists in Texas and Louisiana with the vast majority in Texas. Geologically they are most similar to vernal pools found on the lower coastal plain of California, such as those in the Los Angeles Basin.

This is the first time in Texas that one of these wetlands that had been filled has been restored by re-excavation of the original basin. Most of these freshwater, non-tidal wetlands have been destroyed by being filled for farming purposes. Perhaps several million acres have been filled on the Texas coast. A relatively small percentage of these were destroyed through drainage only, whereas most have been destroyed by being filled. Past restoration attempts have involved those that had been drained only and were accomplished by blocking up the drainage ditches. This is the first attempt I know of to restore this type of wetland by re-excavating one that had been filled.

In other situations these wetlands have been created (created means that a wetland had not previously existed on the site) or enhanced (enhanced means that some portion of the original wetland remained and that the activities undertaken were meant to improve the remainder) by impounding entire fields or by excavating holes in uplands. Creation and enhancement of wetlands often is not as effective (less plant diversity and less animal use) as restoring wetlands. My experience with created freshwater, non-tidal wetlands is that either they aren't successful or a wetland is produced that does not have as much value to wildlife, nor as much plant diversity.

So, the apparent success of the Sheldon site is pretty substantial and may lead the way for future restoration efforts. Only another 3.5 million acres to go.

	beginning excavation
	ponds are coming together
	ponds are finished but don't look like much
	Andy's got to survey (and do it right!)
	planting in solid rock
	watering our poor plants
	And the rains shall come, and we shall plant!
	And plant...
	And plant...
	And be done!

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