Nursery Pilot Project Development and Maintenance

Partners: Turtle Creek Aquaculture, Matagorda Bay Foundation (MBF), BIO-WEST 
Funder: Matagorda Bay Mitigation Trust (MBMT) 
Status: Ongoing

Project Description :

The Nursery Pilot Project focuses on modifying Turtle Creek Aquaculture's facilities to support the growth and establishment of coastal aquatic plants, including Juncus roemerianus, Spartina alterniflora, and Ruppia maritima.  This initiative includes the creation of large-scale wetland growing cells and raceways to facilitate plant experimentation, growth, and harvest.  Over the course of a 20-month study, the project aims to produce over 30,000 plants for habitat restoration.  In addition to growing plants for restoration, the project will foster local outreach and public education by partnering with conservation groups, environmental organizations, and schools for hands-on restoration activities and facility tours.  A significant portion of the plants will be allocated to local restoration projects and conservation efforts.