Background: The
original 2,800 lake was constructed in 1941 on Carpenters Bayou to provide
water in support of the war industries located nearby. After the war, half the
lake was drained and used as a wildlife refuge. Over time, the land was leased
for farming and the native habitat was leveled and plowed. Review of old aerial photographs of the
area showed native prairie and prairie wetlands where the land was presently
being farmed. Hence, a restoration process was initiated to restore native
habitat and the first phase of wetland restoration was completed in 2008. Complimentary
prairie restoration was then initiated and both efforts continue today. The
goal is to restore native prairie and wetland to 400 acres.
The Teams: The Wetland Restoration Team is a volunteer effort between Texas Sea Grant/Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service and the Texas Master Naturalist program focused on the restoration of wetlands within the Galveston Bay watershed. The Prairie Restoration Team at Sheldon is a volunteer effort between TPWD, Texas A&M Agrilife Service, and the Texas Master Naturalist program focused on the restoration of native prairie at Sheldon. Volunteer Activity: The Prairie Restoration Team begins work each Tuesday at 8:00 AM, with a break at 9:30 AM and concludes at 11:30 AM. Activities includes plant rescue, seed collection and propagation, potting seedlings, and planting mature plants and sprigs. The Wetland Team begins work each Wednesday at 9:00 AM and concludes with a brown bag lunch at 11:30 AM. Activities include plant rescue, sprigging, potting and planting. School and outside groups visit frequently and are mentored in the process. Come out and join the team!      Check out our scorecard! |
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