Beginning in 2016, Headwaters at the Comal has transformed close to 5 acres of asphalt into an immersive native prairie landscape.
94% Reduction in the total suspended solids (pollutants) reaching the Comal Springs System through:
- Removing 50% of the impervious cover currently on the property.
- Uncapping and restoring the historic spring cistern.
- Constructing berms, bioswales and vernal pools to filter and cleanse stormwater before it enters the Comal River.
Environmental improvements include:
- Restoration of the natural riparian habitats for numerous endangered and threatened species, endemic only in the Comal Springs or Edwards Aquifer.
- Removal of 1/3 of the 1930s era spring cap allows leaves, pollen, and other organic matter to fall into the water, which improves habitat for endangered and threatened species living in the springs system.
- Planting hundreds of native grasses, plants, and trees. Reestablishing two (Riparian Woodland and Savanna), of the eventual four, different regional planting typologies that will be featured on the site.
- Diversion of the overflow pipe from the existing water storage tank on the site into a gabion catch basin. In the event of an emergency, this measure will prevent chlorinated water stored in the tank from entering the springs system unchecked and allow the water to filter and cleanse first.
- Removing invasive species and restoring natural plant communities.
- Installation of permeable pathways, including grass pavers along the crushed granite fire lane, reuse of concrete foundation as pavers along trails, repurpose old facility building into open air education/event pavilion.
