Natural Resources
Grazing and Hay Leases
Bardwell Lake, located in the blackland prairie region of Texas, currently has a little over two thousand acres in the agricultural lease program. Leases vary in size from about two hundred to seven hundred acres; duration of the leases are from three to five years. Grazing and hay production are utilized to control vegetative growth so that range conditions and wildlife habitat will be improved. Many species of native grasses such as Eastern Gamagrass and Big Bluestem that have been almost eliminated in Ellis County by continuous heavy grazing will hopefully be reestablished through proper management. Work abatement programs are utilized in conjunction with the agricultural lease program to improve resources around the lake. By utilizing the work abatement program, tasks such as new fence construction, establishment of wildlife food plots, seeding of native prairie grasses and spraying of undesirable woody vegetation are accomplished in lieu of cash rental payments. Persons interested in bidding on agricultural leases should contact the Bardwell Lake Office by mail at 4000 Observation Drive, Ennis, Texas 75119 or by telephone at (972) 875-5711 and request that they be added to the Grazing/Hay Lease Bid List.
Buffalo Creek Wetland
This wetland is the result of a cooperative effort between the Department of Energy and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Development of the wetland was initiated to mitigate for losses incurred during construction of the Superconducting Super Collider. It provides a unique opportunity to observe, photograph and study numerous species of riparian plants and animals. The name is derived from Waxahachie Creek, which is located adjacent to the wetland. The term "Waxahachie" is a native American word meaning buffalo creek. Ellis County pioneer Robert F. Mayfield describes what he saw during the 1840's near what is now the Texas Motorplex: "We climbed those trees to get a good view, a view extending almost from Ennis to Waxahachie, and from Waxahachie to Grove Creek. As far as the eye could reach in every direction, the whole prairie was covered with buffalo."
Map
Ecosystems of the Buffalo Creek Wetland
Three different types of wetland are present in the Buffalo Creek Wetland complex. Heron Lake, a portion of which will be continuously flooded, will contain a mixture of emergent (moist soil) and aquatic (submerged) plants. The water level in Heron Lake may be up to seven feet deep. An island was constructed in Heron Lake to provide protection for waterfowl from predators such as coyotes, bobcats and raccoons. Sedge Meadow, will be managed as a moist soil unit and consist mainly of emergent species. The water level in Sedge Meadow will be less than two feet deep and a large portion of this field will not be inundated. Beaver Slough is a green tree reservoir or wooded wetland, which should attract a variety of riparian wildlife, including the wood duck. Bottomland hardwood forests can be seen along the Bardwell Lake outlet channel as well as between Heron Lake and Sedge Meadow. Bison Bluff, in the northwestern corner of the wetland complex, will contain native grasses and forbs that were utilized by wildlife and large herds of buffalo in this blackland prairie region during the time of Robert F. Mayfield; 1840’s pioneer to the Ellis County area.
Buffalo Creek Wetland is a valuable resource that may be utilized by local schools as an outdoor classroom or laboratory to enhance environmental education programs. A nature trail and strategically placed observation blinds will provide opportunities to photograph and view plants and animals in each of the wetland components. Hunting and fishing will not be permitted in the vicinity so that wildlife opportunities may abound. Further information is available upon request at the Bardwell Lake Office.
Bardwell Lake Office
Nesting Platforms for Wildlife
On April 6, 2006, TXU Electric Delivery and Flowers Construction, an Infrastrux Company, worked with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to install four osprey nesting platforms at Bardwell Lake.
The nesting platforms were erected in Mott and Waxahachie Creek parks, Meadowview Nature Area, and the Overlook Area. Each structure consists of a three-foot by three-foot wooden platform mounted on a 35-foot tall utility pole.
The Corps of Engineers gratefully acknowledges the donation of manpower, equipment and materials by our partners in this effort.
Osprey Nest Installation
