Background:

Wranglers for Soil Health mission focuses on educating the public about soil and water conservation.  Gaining knowledge and understanding the complexity of our natural resources, specifically soil and water resources, is imperative for conserving resources and ecosystem health for the future.  Wranglers for Soil Health’s goal is to expand their current teachings about conservation to more specific issues affecting soil health and water quality and quantity.  This exhibit is located at the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center. The Texas Botanical Gardens features sustainable design uses local materials in its construction, conserves water, conserves natural resources, and promotes appropriate land and plant use. Integrating tactile exhibits, visual placards and plant ID cards will help patrons easily recognize the important work in soil and water conservation and impact on the land.

Project:

Wranglers for Soil Health began their project in March 2019 located on the grounds of the Texas Botanical Gardens & Native American Interpretive Center in Goldthwaite, TX in Mills County.  The physical location occupies one city block in downtown Goldthwaite and is a living exhibit which continues to grow and expand its conservation message. Visitors are welcomed to visit and enter through the Goldthwaite Welcome Center located at the corner of US Hwy 183 and 2nd Street in Goldthwaite, Texas. The exhibit will feature hands-on and tactile educational exhibits, walking exhibits and placards, rainwater and soil demonstration throughout the garden.

Community Impact:

Their small oasis in the city limits is a focal point for learning and demonstrations, enrichment and fellowship. The vision of the TBGNAIC is broadening its educational toolbox to explore the physical components of natural resources.  By understanding the soil, water, physical and chemical weathering processes, the community will gain the knowledge to manage and sustain flora and fauna for many generations to come.  TBGNAIC with its Wranglers for Soil Health will use soil and water resources to teach others about the five principles of soil health and the soil web process.  By understanding these processes, an individual will make better choices in managing these components of our habitat and ecosystem. As a result, with the expansion of their exhibits to include these additional conservation displays and experiential learning opportunities, the impact is expected to continue to expand and influence the decisions youth and adults make regarding conservation of our natural resources. With their beautiful natural landscape in the middle of town the garden exhibit is a great teaching tool to share the message about the need for soil and water conservation.