In order to accomplish this project, a holistic goal was designed to effectively work in a collaborative effort. This goal and research project was borne out of Natural Resource Management , a course taught by Drs. Richard and Pat Richardson in the Department of Zoology at the University of Texas at Austin. Learning the history of OCNP Learning the process of making seedballs Examining the effects of grazing on a grassland Using the web to display results and inform about seedballs Team work and collaboration between the University and Community. Grasslands and prairies used to be a common and natural occurrence in the United States, but because of their nutrient rich soils, they were well suited as agricultural land, and as a result, have significantly decreased in size and number.
Prairie restoration begins with an attempt to remove exotic species.
Native plants are then introduced to re-establish themselves. Included in this area is the Onion Creek Nature Preserve in Travis County, which consists of approximately 150 acres of grassland and Onion Creek. After the area was cleared by settlers for agricultural use in the early 1800's burning was suppressed, which allowed for the expansion of woody species such as mesquite. In addition, the peripheral area of Onion Creek was grazed continuously by cattle, which also decreased the native species diversity. Although an effort towards the restoration of Onion Creek Nature Preserve was attempted, the future of the preserve is uncertain due to a lack of funding and potential development of the area .