The headwaters of the Comal River are the original water source for the communities and ecosystems of New Braunfels, TX. From 1940 to 2004, industrial use of the 16 acres surrounding the headwaters have had significant hydrologic impacts and degraded riparian habitats.

New Braunfels Utilities is committed to restoring and redeveloping this site into a multi-use facility that will restore habitats and encourage future stewardship of water and other natural resources. Phase I of the project has already removed asphalt surfacing and restored the native savanna landscape, including berms and other features to channel and filter stormwater to run away from the sensitive nearby Comal Springs. Community access and education are facilitated by a series of trails, an outdoor amphitheater, and an industrial building repurposed into an education center. Phase II will remove the remaining asphalt and repurpose the remaining buildings to serve as public amenities and education spaces.

This project will restore the site’s natural hydrology and reduce the amount of pollutants entering the headwaters of the Comal River by 94%, from 11,870lbs in a normal rainfall year to less than 670lbs. It will also provide community education to promote storm water management, energy conservation, and other low-impact development best practices.