The University of Texas Hill Country Field Station for Biodiversity Research
A driving force behind Mirasol Springs is a commitment to educate its guests, visitors, and homeowners on how to respect and appreciate the land and, in particular, the Texas Hill Country. Mirasol Springs, in partnership with The University of Texas, will establish the University of Texas Hill Country Field Station for biodiversity research.
The field station will serve as an anchor for the environmental stewardship that the property represents and will strengthen the University’s field station network across the state to conduct world-class research, setting the stage for long-term studies and data collection on biodiversity and land management throughout the state. The field station will feature research and teaching labs, cabins for faculty and students, and create dedicated land for biodiversity research.
Currently planned studies and collaboration with the Field Station include:
- Water quality data collection.
- Dendrochronological and speleothem studies to create data on drought and climate change patterns through the growth rings in timber.
- Ecological restoration of native grassland and woodland, with a focus on soil, biodiversity, and hydrology.
- Baseline biological data collection using both conventional field methods and eDNA.
- Pollinator studies.
- Studies relating to existing and new drought resistant vegetative options for landscaping.
- Manager Aquifer Recharge technologies including vegetative restoration, recharge basins, and aquifer storage and recovery (ASR).
About Mirasol Springs