Before Columbus arrived in the Americas, much of Texas bordering the Gulf of Mexico was pure, undisturbed coastal prairie. Over time almost all of it was plowed for agricultural purposes.  In relatively recent times, Chambers County was well known for growing rice, contributing to the local economy.

Saturday, February 27, 2010, members of the Friends of Anahuac Refuge, volunteers and Refuge staff contributed to native prairie restoration by digging up 100 eastern gama grass plants from a single field of mostly non-native plants.  Fifty were transplanted to a field that already has some native grasses. In the near future the field from which the plants were taken will be tilled to prepare it for native grass seeding. The other 50 grass plants were potted to be replanted after the field is tilled.

Though it was a chilly day, every one felt that they where doing a worthwhile activity which helped to stay energized. We finished with a lunch provided by the Friends of Anahuac Refuge and are looking forward to another outdoor project soon. For more information or to join our team, call Travis Lovelace, 409 252-3454.