EduScape

EduScape - UGRA's educational landscape  Located at 125 Lehmann Drive in Kerrville

As you stroll along the landscape pathway you will see numerous examples of water conservation and stormwater detention practices that help stretch scarce water supply and protect all our water resources including the Guadalupe River. You can implement these same practices in your home or business landscape. We invite you to take a self guided tour of the EduScape at any time.  If you would like to schedule a guided tour, please contact UGRA through the form at the bottom of this page.

Topics Featured in the EduScape

The Guadalupe River - Rainwater Harvesting - Texas Wildflowers - Pervious Surfaces

Dry Creek Bed - Lawns - Condensate Collection - Rain Gardens - Xeriscape

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Pictured L to R: UGRA Board Director and Master Gardener Diane McMahon, Master Gardeners Melayne Arnold, Debra Foley, Pam Umstead, and Meg Scott-Johnson

UGRA recognizes the innovative stewardship of the Hill Country Master Gardeners in the design and construction of the EduScape.  For additional photos and information about the Hill Country Master Gardeners, visit their webpage.

Certifications

The UGRA Eduscape hold the following certifications:

Monarchwaystation
Monarch Waystation #22438
Wildlifehabcertif2018
Certified Wildlife Habitat

Welcome

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Additional Landscape and Water Conservation Resources:

Many of the plants featured in the EduScape are highlighted in the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service "Native and Adapted Landscape Plants" resource - pdf  Check it out!

City of Kerrville Water Conservation Initiative - website

Recommended Plants for the Kerrville Area - pdf

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The Guadalupe River

Rainwater Harvesting

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Additional Rainwater Harvesting Resources:

Rainwater Harvesting Manuals - TAMU pdf and TWDB pdf
Rainwater Harvesting with Rain Barrels - pdf
Rainwater Harvesting Information from Texas AgriLife Extension Service - website and publications
ARCSA (originally the Texas Rainwater Catchment Association) - website
Rainwater Harvesting in Texas - website
Harvesting Rainwater for Wildlife - pdf

Reasons Your Plants Will Love Rainwater!

  • It is free of salts, minerals, and chlorine

  • It has a neutral pH

  • Plants will be healthier and require fewer added nutrients and pest controls

Cross Connection Control and Backflow Prevention: 
Ensure your rainwater catchment system complies with relevant plumbing and building codes.  Additionally, rainwater harvesting systems are identified by TCEQ as a potential hazard to a public water system because of the potential for cross contamination.  Residents with rainwater harvesting systems should install a suitable cross contamination prevention assembly (i.e. use of valve to prevent backflow or air gap to separate potable and non potable water). Contact your water provider for guidance to prevent contamination of the community water system.  
Additional information from TCEQ

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Texas Wildflowers

Pervious Surfaces

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Pavers used in UGRA EduScape

Grasstone by Pavestone
Perm Pavers by Pavestone

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Dry Creek Bed

Lawns

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Additional Resources for Lawns:

Managing Lawn Problems - pdf
Landscape Irrigation - pdf
A Watering Guide for Texas Landscapes - link

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Condensate Collection

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Additional Resources for Condensate Collection:

Did you know Peterson Regional Medical Center is a leader in condensate collection in Kerrville?  The facility generates an estimated 400,000 gallons of condensate water each year just from the air conditioning system.  The 90,000 gallon storage tanks convey water to their landscape irrigation system and provides a constant supply - even during drought. The stored water also serves as an emergency non potable water supply. Read more here - pdf

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Rain Gardens

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Additional Resources for Rain Gardens:

Stormwater Management: Rain Gardens - pdf
Rain Gardens Fact Sheet - pdf
How to Create a Rain Garden - pdf
Rain Garden Design - video
Rain Garden Maintenance - pdf

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Xeriscape

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Additional Resources for Landscape Maintenance:

Yard Care - pdf
Managing 10 Common Texas Yard Pests - pdf
Mulching and Composting - pdf
How to Create a Drought-Tolerant Yard - link

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