Andy Sipocz, Texas Coastal Prairie: Geomorphology and Restoration
Channel: Prairie Partner
Date: 2015-11-17

Texas’ coastal plain is built from a series of coalescing fluvial deltaic deposits largely created during many rising and high stand sea level intervals. Relict geologic features including river channels and levees, meander belts, crevasse channel and splays and interfluvial sumps have created a geologic legacy of wetlands, prairies and forests. The
close juxtaposition of differing soil textures, pH, and wetness has created a diverse, species rich arc of coastal prairie from southwest
Louisiana to south Texas. Understanding the geology of the region is key to restoration of prairies and wetlands converted to agricultural
uses. A restoration method employing this knowledge is described.

Presented at the 2015 Southern Plains & Prairies Conference, held at the Houston Zoo in Houston, Texas.