Trinity River Audubon Center is in the Blackland Prairie ecoregion, one of the most endangered ecosystems in the nation. The habitats within our boundaries include bottomland hardwood forest and seasonal wetlands, but majority of the plant communities found here are grasslands, indicative of our ecoregion the Blackland Prairie. It is coined the Blackland Prairie due to its dark, rich fertile soil that hosts a vast array of plant life. Unfortunately, the richness of the soil is also one of the causes of its demise. Most of the prairie within its original range has been converted to cropland, overgrazed, or developed. Today, less than 1% of this ecosystem remains intact. Because of this, grassland dependent birds have declined by 53% since the 1970s.

We are actively managing and restoring the various habitats at TRAC with an emphasis on the grassland plant communities. These provide critical habitat for imperiled birds and associated organisms. Many of the birds and other animals we are restoring and protecting habitat for are considered Species of Greatest Conservation Need in Texas.

If you would like to help with our restoration efforts, assist with bird surveys, or learn more about Audubon’s work in North Texas, email jake.poinsett@audubon.org.