BAIRD RANCH WORKSHOP
The three hour workshop about mountain cedars, led by our program director, Elizabeth McGreevy, was not only educational…it was and fun! We were blessed with gorgeous weather and our hosts, Carolyn Vogel and Janet Rasmussen, organized this fantastic event, attended by about 25 people. This event was their trial run and they would like to provide more in the future.
Photo credit: Marjesca Brown
WE NEED BUMPY, NOT SMOOTH GROUND
Have you noticed the growing number of Texas karst country contractors offering to grind exposed limestone to smooth the ground to create a “cleaner” aesthetic? Originally, most of this work focused on roadwork and areas around a home, but now they’re advertising their grinding services to come and smoothing out all one’s land.
But here’s the thing: bumpy, rocky land helps slow down heavy rains. Slowing it down means rain can enter the ground to enhance soil biology and groundwater. If it’s moving too fast, such as across smooth surfaces, then it will contribute more to erosion and flooding. And, that’s why bumpy ground is a good thing for any flash-flood prone region.
When managing karst country, it’s important to note there are basically two types of rocky surfaces: karst rock outcroppings and eroded bedrock. The first is a normal feature of karst that adds surface diversity. The second happens when karst soils erode so much that it exposes the rocky substrate. A better solution to grinding the rocks would be to promote more dense, continuous vegetation to cover and keep the soil covered.
Where soil is degraded, grinding up rocks only addresses the symptoms, not the problem.
NORMAL KARST ROCK OUTCROP – EVEN THESE ARE BEING GRINDED
Photo credit: Geary Schindel