Pitcher Plant Bog Assessment: Big Thicket National Preserve

Location: Tyler County, TX

DESCO evaluated the existing hydrology, soils, and vegetation of the largest pitcher plant bog within the Big Thicket National Preserve in Tyler County, TX. This study was performed on behalf of the National Park Service to obtain a complete understanding of this ecotone, including its hydrology, soil regime, and vegetation composition, for future restoration and management efforts. DESCO examined and measured vegetation survival, density, and growth across four vegetation stratums: overstory (canopy), midstory, shrub, and herbaceous layers. DESCO provided a complete plant list in the report, including native bog species, other native species, and exotic/invasive species. DESCO used monitoring equipment for determination of hydrologic duration of saturation or flow, hydrologic connection to nearby aquatic resources, and groundwater flow paths. DESCO also provided recommendations on exotic/invasive species removal and increasing herbaceous ground cover. DESCO provided restoration recommendations regarding woody trees and shrub removal to increase herbaceous vegetation and reduce localized water loss. The pitcher plant bog ecological assessment is the most in-depth study of this ecosystem within the BITH.

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