The Presence of Water

Water. Groundwater. Surface water. Freshwater. Saltwater. Where does our drinking water come from? How do we protect it from pollution? How do we ensure there will be enough water in the future? How do we make sure that all living things have access to the water that is necessary for survival?

In the Hill Country, water is a complex topic. At times, we suffer from extended droughts, and at other times we experience flooding. Water is stored belowground in vast limestone aquifers. We have springs, man-made lakes, creeks, and rivers, some that travel below the surface through caves. In the dark, wet cracks and crevices of the subterranean unique creatures thrive - salamanders, fish, snails, and harvestmen -  creatures that cannot be found anywhere else. And we have swimming holes with rich histories, both cultural and ecological, and a community and economy that rely on tubing, boating, and fishing.

Water is life.

So of course, when planning a habitat garden, wildlife garden, or pocket prairie, water is one of the first things to consider. Food and shelter are also key components. For years I relied on birdbaths and shallow clay containers to provide water. They worked well, but in the hottest months, I had to replenish them multiple times a day.

Last summer a new idea emerged. My son and I spent a day at the LBJ Wildflower Center in Austin. Among other things, we tried to keep up with a pair of neon skimmers, fiery red dragonflies that darted and dipped at high rates of speed. We both began to dream of our own yard filled with dragonflies. Since dragonflies lay their eggs in still water and the wingless nymphs develop in freshwater, we needed more water. 

I wanted something that would look natural, like it had been there all along. After some research, I found Stonebridge Pond and Waterfall Company. They designed a small river (pondless waterfall) complete with a spring. Honestly, it looks like the spring just popped up under the oak trees. Native plants completed out newest habitat. Then we sat back, binoculars at the ready, to see who would visit.

From deer to the smallest insects, the river has been a hit. Finches, mockingbirds, cedar waxwings, white winged doves, titmice, and hummingbirds visit regularly. The hummingbirds engage in an unexpected behavior: they land on the water and let it carry them, like riding a wave.

The water feature has become my coffee/birdwatching spot, my writing space, an interactive  playscape, and a wonderful spot for happy hour, too. My son, whose window is nearby, falls asleep to the sound of frogs and awakens to birdsong. What could be better?

I'm sure our wildlife list will continue to grow, and the mini-river will be the setting for many future stories.