Habitat Improvements to Begin at Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve

Removing Trees to Make Room for Wildlife

CORPUS CHRISTI, TX – The Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve & Learning Center will use grant funds to begin the selective clearing of mesquite trees from 30 acres of the site in mid-July. This removal will improve the habitat for wildlife such as bobcats, deer, birds and more. The work will begin on July 17, 2019 (weather permitting) and continue for approximately four weeks.  

Preserve Manager Sara Jose says, “Animals, like people, need space to move, so we will be clearing about 30 percent of the mesquite brush to give our wildlife room to search for food, walk around, and be able to get further into the Preserve.” Mesquite trees are typically controlled with cattle grazing or fire, which are not options in the 162-acre property surrounded by neighborhoods. Brush clearing has been recommended by the U.S. Department of Agriculture/Natural Resource Conservation Service endorsed conservation plan for the Oso Bay Wetlands Preserve.  

Jose also stated, “The contractors we plan to work with are aware that we are promoting wildlife habitat and know what to look for. Therefore, only the smallest trees will be removed. The contractors are also invested in avoiding bird nests, and dense areas where animals may be bedded down.”  

All work will remain 40 feet away from trails and from the wetlands to keep sensitive habitats and visitors protected.  

For more information, call (361) 826-3335 or visit www.osopreserve.com.  

The Corpus Christi Parks & Recreation Department is dedicated to providing quality, affordable enrichment programs for all ages and interests. For more information about the wide variety of programs and services offered by the department, visit www.ccparkandrec.com. We invite everyone to Live. Learn. Play!