Search ... Wednesday, December 1st, 2021 Home Board Projects Services Parks & Recreation Other Resources Parks Conservation Tree Species Lookup Customer Service To protect our staff, we have temporarily reduced our staffing. Our customer service staff is available by phone Monday - Friday only Available by Phone Phone: 512-251-9814 Fax: 512-251-0890 Mon- Fri 6am - 8pm Sat - Sun Closed Email: Contact Us Physical Address: 3000 Shoreline Drive Austin, TX 78728 For Water and Wastewater Emergencies Call: Crossroads Utility Services 512-246-1400 Grow Zones Wells Branch MUD Grow Zone and Vegetative Buffer Program The Wells Branch Grow Zone Pilot Program started in 2012 was officially adopted as our official maintenance plan for the Wells Branch Creek on March 22, 2016. The Wells Branch MUD has established natural grow zones and vegetative buffers in many areas along the creek in our parks system. These are areas where our landscapers will utilize limited maintenance to allow a natural riparian habitat to grow. These areas are marked by limestone boulders and signs. Benefits of Creek-Side Grow Zone and Vegetative Buffers Filters runoff and improves water quality and quantity. Stabilizes or moderates creek bank erosion. Provides wildlife habitat. Shades and lowers temperatures. Promotes native plant recovery and growth. Improves natural and beneficial functions of the floodplain. Wells Branch MUD Grow Zone and Vegetative Buffer Program and Ongoing Maintenance Procedure The Wells Branch Grow Zone Pilot Program evolved during the initial 2011 Trees for Trails, Pond Team, and Stream Team focus group efforts. It became adopted as a pilot program by the Board during 2012 and is an accepted success. Experience and citizen input resulted in two levels of growth and maintenance efforts, now defined as Grow Zones & Vegetative Buffers. Grow Zones are native riparian areas allowed to grow year round without mowing or aggressive maintenance. Vegetative Buffers are native riparian areas within or near high use and routinely maintained parks. These areas are maintained in a taller fashion while being trimmed and cared for on a monthly basis to promote a neater natural appearance. Grow Zone and Vegetative Buffer areas are located within the District and along both sides of the creek known as The Wells Branch of Walnut Creek. These two areas have widths of 10 to 50 feet where possible. Native boulders and educational signs mark the limits of Grow Zones, while taller growth delineates the limits of Vegetative Buffers. Trash and debris is collected and stands of ragweed and mustard cabbage are removed on a monthly basis from both areas. Grow Zones and Vegetative Buffers are monitored on an ongoing basis by the Landscape Consultant, Parks & Recreation Committee and Wells Branch Management & Staff. On a case by case basis dead-fall, debris, and tree growth found to be blocking or diverting stream flow are removed as required. Invasive seedlings, noxious weeds, and overgrown areas may be removed or controlled on a periodic basis as directed and approved by District Management. Periodic native trees, creek type plantings, erosion controls, large scale invasive plant removal, and other improvements may be scheduled as directed and approved by the Board of Directors. Grow Zones and Vegetative Buffers will be evaluated each growing season and the Board of Directors may apply adaptive management practices when necessary. Grow Zone Behind the KF Park Playground For More Information Wells Branch Grow Zone Overview Presentation (May 7th, 2013) - Grow Zone Overview Presentation (5/7/13) For any questions or comments please contact us. Home | Privacy Policy | Request for Public Information | Contact Us Admin Website Design & Website Hosting by Just In Time Design Back to Top © 2021 Wells Branch MUD