Bishop Wetlands

Presidio, TX

Services Provided

Ecological restoration, wetland and riparian habitat design and construction, water-management infrastructure, native plant harvesting and installation, habitat enhancement, community engagement, and environmental education.

Awards

Texas Parks and Wildlife Foundation grant for construction of a wildlife observation platform

Collaborators

 Terry Bishop and the Bishop Family - Presidio Valley Farms, Trans-Pecos Land & Water Trust, Oxbow Ecological Engineering, Environmental Defense Fund — Karen Chapman, Texas Conservation Corps, Sul Ross University, Big Bend National Park, American Bird Conservancy, Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, Fred Phillips Consulting

Restoring Riparian Habitat and Community Connections in the Presidio Valley

The BJ Bishop Wetlands Restoration Project transformed a 12-acre fallow farm field in Presidio Valley into a thriving wetland and riparian ecosystem using treated effluent from the local wastewater treatment plant. The project restored critical habitat along the Rio Grande through the design and construction of aquatic, wetland, and riparian habitats, supported by water-control structures and levees that allow for sustainable water management.

Native wetland and riparian plants were sustainably harvested and established throughout the site, creating habitat for wildlife and improving ecological conditions in a region where significant portions of historic riparian habitat have been lost. The restored wetlands provide important habitat for more than 300 bird species and have become a destination for birdwatching and environmental education.

The project also emphasizes community involvement and long-term ecological research. The site serves as a research resource for Sul Ross University and provides opportunities for students, researchers, and the public to engage with the restored landscape. With support from regional conservation organizations and partners, including Big Bend National Park and the American Bird Conservancy, the project demonstrates how collaborative restoration can improve habitat, water management, biodiversity, and community connections in the Presidio Valley.