Product made from crushed coconut shells is helping new growth take root.
SAN ANTONIO — A product that uses crushed coconut shells is helping to keep the San Antonio River healthy and well protected from erosion.
They’re called Coir Logs and Michael Kollodziej of the San Antonio River Authority said the natural fiber product helps native plants take root, as they serve as a host while the young delicate sprouts get established.
“They let those roots really get around all that coconut fiber, get a real good strong hold in them and prevent erosion,” Kollodziej said.
Wooden stakes are used to anchor the logs, that look a little like huge brown worms, to areas of the bed and banks that are most vulnerable.
Kollodziej said controlling sediment movement in the tight urban environment is crucial.
“The proximity from trail to river’s edge is pretty close so we don’t want that river to come and damage our trail in any way,” Kollodziej said, adding “We have quite a bit of water willow and different rushes like bull rush or spike rush and water fern.”
So far, the devices have been installed near the Blue Star area south of South Alamo Street and below Roosevelt Park a little farther south.
As they learn how the devices work, the program may be expanded.
“Throughout the Mission Reach we want to take it back to its native state. We like to promote different native species, along with diversity,” Kollodziej said.
“We collect data on where we are going to put them and then come back in 30 days or 60 days to assess them,” Kollodziej said.
Because the river trail is so well-loved by natives and visitors alike, Kollodziej said work teams get many compliments about the work.
“People like to be able to walk down the trail and feel like they’re in nature even though we are in a highly urbanized area,” Kollodziej said, adding it’s a good feeling when people appreciate the effort to improve a naturally wonderful resource.
The River Authority has an active volunteer program for those who wish to help with litter abatement, invasive species removal and much more.
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