Ten Years of Ecological Restoration on a Texas Hill Country Site

Abstract

We describe ten years of restoration work on a 56-ha tract of former ranchland. The historical characterization of this area at the time of the displacement of indigenous people by settlers initially formed the basis for our restoration decisions. Today, a higher human population density and a change in climate preclude a return to the presettlement state, necessitating the formulation of other restoration goals and methods. The methods employed, metrics to determine the results of restoration, and the results of bird, butterfly, and plant surveys are listed. Changes in vegetation due to the restoration are illustrated and future plans are discussed.