Once, prairies covered vast stretches of land. Now, let’s explore one of Austin’s hidden gems Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. It offers a glimpse into a vital ecosystem. It’s not just a field of grass. It’s a testament to restoration efforts.
Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve is near Walter E. Long Lake. This preserve and the Louis Ren Barrera Indiangrass Wildlife Sanctuary are special. Access is limited to special events. These include pre-approved birding walks. Volunteer workdays also occur at the Indiangrass location.
Travis Audubon partners with the city to raise awareness. They also seek stewardship opportunities for these areas. The Indiangrass site boasts rolling grasslands. Wildflowers dot its slopes leading to the lake. Decker showcases the results of intense management. It helps preserve and restore Blackland Prairie habitat.
In 2019, Indiangrass was renamed. It honors Louis Ren Barrera. He was a conservation advocate. He was also a former preserve manager for Austin.
Large-scale restoration is underway at Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve. Despite overgrowth and invasives, native plants persist. Tropical Sage and Maximilian sunflower stand out. Frostweed and camphorweed thrive. Bluestem and Southwestern bristlegrass add to the diversity. Pockets of Indiangrass hint at future possibilities.
Nicole Netherton is the Travis Audubon Executive Director. She emphasizes the importance of prairies. They are among the most threatened ecosystems. Travis Audubon aims to collaborate on future restoration projects. Their goal is another prairie success story.
Travis Audubon organizes field trips to the Barrera site. In January 2020, a group searched for wintering sparrows and raptors. A Common Raven surprised them. Northern Harriers and Sharp-shinned Hawks soared above. Several Crested Caracaras also appeared.
Austin park rangers conduct annual grassland bird surveys. These surveys happen at Barrera. They need volunteers to help. The surveys occur monthly in December, January, and February. They last from 7:45 a.m. to 10:00 or 11:00 a.m.
Experience identifying sparrows is helpful. It is not mandatory. You can contact Owen Moorhead for information. He can also sign you up.
Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve shows what dedicated effort can achieve. It is a reminder of the importance of prairie conservation. It also reminds us that restoration is possible. Although not always open to the public, Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve represents the commitment of the community to protect an endangered natural treasure. The success story of Decker Tallgrass Prairie Preserve highlights our responsibility to preserve these threatened ecosystems.