A 10-year study of the effects of brush management on groundwater recharge and soil conservation was conducted between 2001 and 2010, in the eastern section of the Honey Creek State Natural Area.  For three years, measurements were taken of rainfall, evapotranspiration, runoff, and sediment load in two adjacent, heavily-cedared watersheds of 233 and 340 acres, respectively.  Then in the larger watershed cedar trees (Ashe juniper) were cleared and native grasses allowed to regrow.  The control and experimental sections were then monitored for the next 6 years.  The results indicated that groundwater recharge in the experimental section increased 7% due mainly to decreased evapotranspiration compared to the control section.  Sediment load, an indicator of erosion rates,  decreased in the experimental section after cedar removal, compared to the control section.  A detailed report of the project can be found here.  

A workshop based on the above study was cosponsored by the Friends and the Cibolo Nature Center in April of 2019.  Part of the workshop was held at the CNC, and part out in the field at Honey Creek State Natural Area.  For photos of the workshop, click here.