Conservation Initiatives

The playa is the ecological heart of Watersong — a seasonal wetland that sustains life in the Southern High Plains. These shallow depressions capture rainfall, recharge groundwater, and create dynamic habitat for hundreds of species. Our resource management efforts focus on balancing this ecosystem so that both wildlife and people can thrive.

Managing Species
Two of the most persistent challenges in playa restoration are cattails and salt cedar.

• Cattails are native wetland plants, but when left unchecked, they can quickly overtake shallow waters. Their dense stands crowd out open water needed by wading birds, amphibians, and aquatic invertebrates. By carefully thinning cattail growth, we maintain a mosaic of open water and vegetated areas — a balance that supports a wide diversity of species.
  
  

• Salt cedar (tamarisk), on the other hand, is an invasive tree that aggressively competes with native plants for water. It depletes groundwater, alters soil chemistry, and shades out native vegetation. Our team works diligently to remove salt cedar and restore native grasses and shrubs—even employing innovative methods like the release of salt cedar beetles in partnership with TPWD—improving water quality and expanding habitat for wildlife.
  
  

Supporting Wildlife Year-Round
A managed playa offers critical stopover habitat for migratory birds traveling the Central Flyway. Beyond seasonal water management, our dedicated volunteers — the MidNats (Midland Naturalists) — play a vital role in supporting resident and migratory birds. They keep our bird-feeding stations stocked, clean, and safe, ensuring food is available during critical times of the year. This small but essential act strengthens our role as a sanctuary for birds and deepens the connection between people and wildlife.

Erosion Control & Habitat Protection
Because playas are shallow basins, they are especially vulnerable to erosion and sedimentation from heavy rain, wind, and human use. Our team implements erosion-control strategies such as stabilizing entry points with native vegetation, reinforcing trails to reduce runoff, and designing water flow patterns that protect the playa’s natural shape. These efforts safeguard the playa’s ability to capture and filter stormwater while protecting the fragile soils and plant communities that surround it.

Stewardship for the Future
Healthy playas don’t just benefit wildlife. They capture and filter stormwater, enrich soils, and create outdoor classrooms for science and conservation education. Our management practices prioritize ecological integrity while also keeping Watersong accessible for the community to enjoy and learn from.

Technology is transforming the way we understand and care for the playa. At Watersong, our drone mapping initiative provides powerful tools for conservation by revealing what’s happening across the landscape with greater precision than ever before.

Why Drone Mapping Matters
Playas are dynamic systems. Shifts in water levels, vegetation growth, and sediment buildup can dramatically alter habitat quality from season to season. Traditional ground surveys are essential but limited — they can’t capture the full scope of the playa’s changes. Drone technology fills that gap, giving us detailed aerial perspectives that guide smarter, more effective management.

Partnerships in Innovation
Our work wouldn’t be possible without collaboration. We’ve partnered with Midland College’s UAV/Robotics program under instructor Dann Schantz, Matt Norton, and Vertical Bearing LLC, to design and carry out advanced mapping missions. Together, we are:

• Capturing thousands of high-resolution images that provide a bird’s-eye view of the playa.
  

• Stitching those images into detailed maps — including topographic, orthographic, and digital surface models.
  

• Experimenting with multispectral imagery to measure plant health, track nutrient uptake, and detect stress in vegetation before it’s visible to the human eye.

From Data to Conservation Action
With this technology, we can:

• Track cattail overgrowth and prioritize areas for removal.
  

• Identify and monitor salt cedar infestations.
  

• Measure sedimentation and erosion patterns over time.
  

• Assess the overall health of wetland and upland vegetation.

This data provides the foundation for management decisions that keep the playa balanced and resilient.

Building Local Expertise
Drone mapping isn’t just a tool — it’s also a teaching opportunity. Our Conservation Land Manager continues to collaborate with Midland College and Vertical Nearing LLC, refining methods and training the next generation of conservation leaders.

At Watersong, community stewardship shapes our conservation work — and our Eagle Scout partners have played an invaluable role in improving the landscape. Through their leadership, creativity, and hard work, Scouts have completed projects that strengthen both the ecological health of the playa and the experience of every visitor who walks our trails.

Cactus Garden
One of the most striking projects is the Cactus Garden, a living showcase of hardy, native plants adapted to thrive in our semi-arid climate. Designed and installed by Eagle Scouts, this garden not only provides habitat for pollinators and small wildlife but also serves as an educational feature, inspiring visitors to consider water-wise landscaping in their own yards.

Bird Boxes
Eagle Scouts have helped expand nesting opportunities for our feathered residents by building and installing bird boxes throughout the playa’s upland and woodland areas. These boxes provide safe spaces for cavity-nesting birds — from chickadees to owls — helping maintain healthy populations while offering visitors a closer look at local birdlife.

Wildlife-Proof Litter Bins
Keeping the wild space clean while protecting wildlife is no small task. To address this, Eagle Scouts designed and installed wildlife-proof litter bins along popular pathways, and the Midland Palette Club elevated the project with custom murals on each bin.. These bins prevent animals from accessing human trash while encouraging visitors to take part in preserving the beauty of Watersong.

Bird Blinds
Birding is one of the most popular activities at Watersong, and thanks to Eagle Scouts, visitors enjoy an additional bird blind that allows quiet observation of waterfowl and songbirds. Built with natural materials and designed to blend into the landscape, this structure gives guests a front-row seat to wildlife behavior without disturbing the animals themselves.

Insectarium Refurbishment
Another outstanding contribution is the refurbishment of our insectarium, where visitors can explore the fascinating world of pollinators and other beneficial insects. Eagle Scouts revitalized the space, making it more engaging, educational, and accessible for families and school groups. This project not only highlights the importance of insects in healthy ecosystems but also ensures that younger generations can connect with nature in fun, hands-on ways.

Building Leaders, Strengthening Community
Each of these projects reflects more than just physical improvements — they represent the leadership, dedication, and vision of Scouts who chose to invest their time and talents in the future of Watersong. Their efforts leave lasting impacts on wildlife, visitors, and the community as a whole.