University of Houston
OP-10: Biodiversity

The University of Houston Coastal Center (UHCC) is designated by the Texas legislature as the Texas Institute for Coastal Prairie Research and Education. The 925-acre UHCC is a mosaic of coastal prairie – some on soil that has never been disturbed – and wetland and forested areas. Over 300 acres is managed as coastal prairie or in the process of restoration. Future plans include the removal of invasive brush on additional acreage. The high plant biodiversity is a hallmark of the site. It has been a source of quality prairie seed used in restoration of coastal prairies at local and state parks in the region.

The International Union for the Conservation of Nature has designated the monarch butterfly as endangered. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service determined that listing of the monarch butterfly was warranted, but that listing of other species had a higher priority. UHCC hosts a healthy population of several species of native milkweed that are a food sources for the migrating monarch butterfly. The high biodiversity of successively blooming forbs and grasses provide food and shelter for numerous pollinators. Pollinator-friendly habitat is highly valuable in a rapidly urbanizing area.

While much of the other native animal life at UHCC may not be directly threatened, studies of biodiversity and resiliency of their food webs directly gauge the ecological health of this threatened ecosystem. For example, populations of Prokelisia sp. planthopper, Chaetopsis sp. fly, and Conocephalus aigialus, are not threatened, but the substrate (coastal grasses) supporting their food webs is. Thus, by generating assessments of these arthropods' food webs, the Coastal Center is able to gauge the impact of various detrimental ecological events. Again, links to publications of these studies are available below.

The Coastal Prairie holds substantial biodiversity importance due to its range of ecosystems and high-quality habitats, including over 364 plant species. It is an identified environmentally-sensitive area known as a "coastal tallgrass prairie" with less than one-tenth of one percent of the original habitat remaining, according to the United States Geological Survey Research Program.

The UHCC also contains wetland areas, both natural and man-made. These wetlands support fish populations and provide a vital water source for a variety of wildlife. A forested area of live oaks adds to the diverse habitat. These varied environments foster a range of research activities, from grassland and wetland ecology to invasive species and climate change studies.

Various methodologies are used to identify endangered and vulnerable species as well as areas of biodiversity importance at the UHCC:

Dr. Ann Cheek's group uses trail cameras to monitor wildlife, providing ongoing surveillance of animal populations and aiding in identifying vulnerable species.

Several researchers conduct field studies that can help identify endangered or vulnerable species. For instance, Dr. Kerri Crawford's research on soil microbes' influence on prairie communities and Dr. Steven Pennings' work on plant and herbivore communities provide insights on species distribution and their responses to changing environmental conditions.

The Center is home to a high level of plant biodiversity, with over 364 species identified. Regular plant surveys help monitor these plant populations, identify endangered species, and understand the impact of invasive species.

Dr. Bob Wang's group uses real-time GPS stations to monitor land subsidence. While primarily used to understand geophysical changes, these stations can also help track changes in habitats and the potential impact on biodiversity.

The UHCC collaborates with other universities and institutions to conduct extensive research, increasing the potential to identify and monitor endangered and vulnerable species.

Only the 925-acre Coastal Center was assessed for biodiversity. Main UH campus was not included in the assessment.

The UHCC implements several strategies for protection and enhancement of identified species, habitats, and ecosystems. This commitment is manifested in the active management and restoration of habitats and research on ecosystem dynamics. The conservation of coastal prairie is a central aspect of the UHCC’s mission, embodied in initiatives such as stocking and redistributing seeds from threatened plant species.

The UHCC's seed conservation program ensures the continuous regeneration of vital plant species within the center. The stored seeds are used in replanting programs within the UHCC season-to-season. Moreover, these seeds are also distributed to both private and public entities regionally for use in further restorative efforts, extending the UHCC’s influence on coastal prairie conservation beyond University of Houston's campus.

Additionally, the UHCC employs management techniques such as mowing, applying herbicides, and prescribed burning to maintain its restored coastal prairie units and control invasive species such as the Chinese Tallow tree.

See the U.S. Geological Survey coastal prairie research program site and publications for information on coastal prairie species, biodiversity and endangerment:
http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/prairie/index.htm
http://www.nwrc.usgs.gov/factshts/019-00.pdf

Visit the publications and past lab member sections for more information on biodiversity and other assessments at the Coastal Center:
https://uhcc.uh.edu/research/activities

News Information:
https://www.uh.edu/news-events/stories/2023/january-2023/01052023-coastal-center-tallow.php
https://thedailycougar.com/2016/02/17/contest-challenges-universities-to-recreate-prairies/
http://archive.thedailycougar.com/vol66/12/features/features-index.html
http://www.uh.edu/magazine/2015-spring/feature-stories/going-coastal.php

Studies on climate change at the Coastal Center: http://www.uh.edu/research/news/magazine/2016/climate-change/

Explore the UH Coastal Center:
https://uhcc.uh.edu/