Texas Battleground Marsh Restored

the San Jacinto Marsh in La Porte, Texas

Coastal America, a partnership of Federal, State, and local agencies and private organizations, recently presented Eddie Seidensticker, NRCS soil conservationist in Anahuac, Texas, with the 2004 Coastal America Partnership Award for his role in helping restore the San Jacinto Marsh in La Porte, Texas. The partners restored the tidal marsh at the San Jacinto Battleground State Historic Site to its 1836 appearance and function. The historic marshes bogged down General Santa Anna’s troops many of whom drowned resulting in a victory for Sam Houston’s army and freedom from Mexico for Texas.

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Coastal America recognized NRCS and its partners for restoring 100-plus acres of tidal marsh habitat and construction of a three-mile long interpretative trail that includes a boardwalk, observation decks, outdoor classrooms, and an educational and outreach program. The decks and classrooms provide excellent vantage points for wildlife watching as well as student and adult educational opportunities. The project has been an overwhelming success, exceeding all expectations for the quality of tidal habitat created; the diversity and abundance of birds, fish, and other wildlife now using the site; and the public response to access created by the trail system. As a result of the project, thousands of students and casual park visitors -- many of whom have never seen tidal marsh habitats up close -- are now experiencing the parks’ prairies, marshes, and forests.
Your contact is Eddie Seidensticker, NRCS soil conservationist, at 281-383-4285 or eddie.seidensticker@tx.usda.gov.