Tule Creek and Marsh Project History
This restoration project was established with the goal of restoring the dominance of native habitat and old wetlands in areas that had been taken over by invasive species. There was a desire to develop an education area with signage and and extension of the boardwalk to stimulate ecotourism. The project would help preserve and enhance the floodplain filtration and sedimentation of flood waters to decrease excess siltation into Little Bay.
Funded a hydrologic engineering study of Tule Creek in 2005-6 to prepare for restoring Tule E Marsh($32K) and extend the trail system. Project was funded by local donors, HEB Community Investment, and proceeds from the Snowbook 2004-Coastal Management Program.
CMP/County/AF grant ($52k) in 2007 to clear invasive species, recreate wetland ponds and allow regrowth of native species, build extension of boardwalk and covered pavilion, and trails in the Live Oak upland for birding and education and restore Demo Garden.
Tule E Marsh acted in past as the last part of a naturally functioning storm water retention system in flood conditions for the large 3400 acre Tule Creek drainage system of North Rockport and Fulton to Little Bay and then to Aransas Bay.
Became Texas Coastal Birding Trail #50
Received Coastal Bend Bays and Estuaries Program (2010) grant of $54,000 for invasive species removal, water pump, deepening ponds, deviate storm water drain from Highway 35 and Wal-Mart to wetland ponds as water quality project. Later combined with City and County funds to clear invasives in Tule East and West.
Lease transferred to Aransas Pathways Project 2011
