Efforts to restore the Guadalupe River are moving forward after recent flooding erased some of the progress made by nonprofits and landowners working to heal the river corridor. Last winter, groups worked with hundreds of property owners along the Guadalupe River to plant native grasses, sedges, wildflowers, and grown plants.

Restoration Progress

The work was part of a long-term restoration plan to stabilize the riverbank, reduce erosion, and support the native habitat. Rebeca Gibson, a Hill Country Alliance member, said it is still too early to know how much of that restoration work survived the latest flooding.

The Guadalupe River is an essential part of the Hill Country’s economy and environment. It draws families and visitors, supports local businesses, and provides a habitat for native plants, fish, and wildlife. Gibson said the restoration work is expected to take years.

While the latest flooding was heartbreaking for those involved, it has not stopped the effort. The Hill Country Alliance and Kerr Together are asking private landowners not to remove natural debris, such as trees, from the river unless it poses a danger or creates a hazard.

Gibson said that natural material can become a habitat for plants and animals and could help slow future floodwaters. The restoration effort continues with support from the San Antonio Botanical Garden, which has set aside thousands of native tree seeds. The plantings are expected to begin in the coming months.

Original reporting: San Antonio, TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.