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Smiles were abundant this past Friday, when several local citizens and friends came out to get a little dirty by helping plant shrubs, trees, and grasses in the new Waterwise Wildlife Garden next to the Marine Science Education Center. Volunteers also helped by making seed balls with wildflower seeds that will be planted throughout the garden once they have dried. The garden creates a sheltered space for visitors to enjoy a stroll and learn about the benefits of native plants that often require little water to thrive.

WWWGplanting20160311 01 Credit web“We are very excited to provide an opportunity for visitors to learn about native pants and their benefits to our local environment” said Katie Swanson, the Stewardship coordinator for the Mission-Aransas Reserve and project lead.  “With a little planning you can have a landscape that not only provides beauty, but is also good for the environment and local wildlife.”

This new garden was made possible with guidance and support from Texas Master Naturalists with funding from The University of Texas Green Fee Program and Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program.