Preserving History & Our Ecosystem with Native Plant Relocation

Employees of the San Antonio River Authority move Sagittaria plants into the San Antonio River.

NPS Photo.

The Texas Conservation Corps and the San Antonio River Authority collaborate at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park to relocate Sagittaria plants from the Espada acequia to the San Antonio River. Sagittaria is a native plant species, also known as the Arrowhead plant. This project not only supports the cultural resource of the acequias by removing plants that obstruct the water flow, but it also benefits natural park resources by preserving native plant species. Acequias, established here about 300 years ago, were the lifeblood of the missions. They are a key cultural resource in the park, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park is committed to preserving them!

Prior to the native plant relocation project, Sagittaria (also known as Arrowhead Plants) were obstructing the historic acequia

NPS Photo.

The 13 mile long San Juan and Espada acequias are irrigation ditches constructed by the 18th century Indigenous inhabitants of the missions. These irrigation systems provided much needed water for agricultural and other endeavors. The San Juan acequia is a critical aspect of the Spanish Colonial demonstration farm at Mission San Juan.

In the image shown here, Sagittaria (also known as Arrowhead Plants) were obstructing the historic acequia.

Texas Conservation Corps interns replant Saggitaria plants at the San Antonio River.

NPS Photo.

In May 2021, the Texas Conservation Corps and San Antonio River Authority relocated 3,800 plants from the historic Espada Acequia to the San Antonio River. Sagittaria, or Arrowhead Plants, usually cost between $8 and $22 per plant at a retail store. At a value of $10 per plant, this project equated to an in-kind donation to San Antonio River Authority of $38,000. It also impacted the historic acequia and local ecosystems in invaluable ways.

Texas Conservation Corps intern removes Sagittaria from the Espada acequia.

NPS Photo.

Sagittaria Plants, also known as Arrowhead Plants, are native to Texas and the southeastern United States. The tubers of this plant are an important food source for ducks, geese, and muskrats. Ducks will also sometimes eat the seeds from Arrowhead plants. This aquatic plant creates prime habitats for many micro and macro invertebrates. These invertebrates in turn are used as food by fish, amphibians, reptiles, ducks, and more.

Employee of the San Antonio River Authority holds an adult red-eared slider turtle that was in the historic acequia.

NPS Photo.

San Antonio River Authority is a valued park partner to San Antonio Missions National Historical Park. The San Antonio River Authority manages land along the San Antonio River, between the historic missions and adjacent to some cultural resources such as the acequias. Through this important work, the San Antonio River Authority inspires actions for healthy creeks and rivers. They are committed to safe, clean, and enjoyable creeks and rivers in San Antonio.

The Texas Conservation Corps crew and Park Rangers at San Antonio Missions National Historical Park pose for a group photo. This project is funded by the National Park Service.

NPS Photo.

Texas Conservation Corps is a program of American Youthworks. Headquartered in Austin, Texas, this organization matches young adults with hand-on learning experiences in national parks. This organization aims to help others and meet critical needs in the community. In 2021, The Texas Conservation Corps led by Carlos Leos assisted NPS mason staff Matthew Roothame and Joel Osborne removed 30 cubic yards of sediment from the Espada acequia. The estimated weight of that sediment was nearly 2,500 pounds all moved by hand with shovels and buckets. That quantity of sediment is equivalent to filling a medium sized construction dumpster!