Veterans group supports restoration work

Members of the local American Veterans (AMVETS) Post 104 visited the Discovery Center on Jan. 18 to award a check of $500 to support work on the Sessom Creek Natural Area Restoration project. AMVETS is known for their generosity in helping organizations in San Marcos that improve the lives of its citizens.

“Organizations in San Marcos provide services that help veterans and all of our families,” says Commander Emeritus Dr. Mario Garza. “We all benefit from efforts to keep our San Marcos River clean and protect our endangered species.”

The Sessom Creek Natural Area Restoration began leading volunteer workdays in October 2016 and has accomplished a considerable amount of progress since then. Tasks include removing non-native invasive species, constructing contour terracing, broadcasting native seed and removing trash.

The purpose of this work is to restore the ecosystem functions of the natural area. These measures slow and sink storm water runoff, establish deeply rooted native understory vegetation, and stabilize soil. With this work, the San Marcos River will receive less sediment load and pollutants from Sessom creek outflow.

“We are addressing sedimentation and water quality issues in the San Marcos River at the source — Sessom Creek watershed,” says Eric Weeks, the city’s Habitat Conservation Specialist. “This protects the habitat for endangered and threatened species.”

The city hosts monthly volunteer Sessom Creek Natural Area Restoration Workdays. If you’re interested in volunteering, contact Weeks at eweeks@sanmarcostx.gov. For information on AMVETS Post 104 contact Commander Steven Saxon at ssaxon@mygrande.net.