Springs Habitat Springs bubble up from the ground. Spring-fed rivers often support unique communities of plants and animals. Many of these are endemic species, which means they are only found in that area. Fountain Darter Comal Springs Texas Wild Rice San Marcos Salamander Of the 281 major and historical springs identified in Texas in 1981, more than 65 no longer flow. Riffle Beetle San Marcos River San Felipe Creek

Largemouth Bass Texas River Habitat Water Strider Paddling the Neches River Great Egret Red-eared SliderRiver Otter 15 major rivers 3,700 named streams 191,000 miles of streams and rivers Rivers support many different kinds of plants and animals. How are rivers, streams, and creeks important to fish and wildlife? Rivers support people. We drink their waters, use them for transportation, and irrigate farmlands with them. People fish, swim, enjoy nature, and paddle in rivers. What other ways do people use rivers and streams? Blue Crab

Wetlands Habitat Wetlands improve water quality, prevent floods, control erosion, and are used for recreation. Wetlands are transition zones between land and water. They are characterized by their hydrology, plants, and soils. Wetlands provide food, cover and nursery areas for many types of fish and wildlife. They also provide essential habitat for many rare species, such as the whooping crane. AlligatorFrogs and Toads Tri-colored HeronWhite Ibis Water Lilies Riparian Wetland Whooping Crane Marsh

Estuarine Habitat Estuaries or bays are where rivers meet the sea. Estuaries have brackish water, a mix of freshwater from rivers and saltwater from the sea. Estuaries are transition zones loaded with nutrients. Estuaries provide important nursery grounds for most of our seafood, saltwater sportfish, shrimp and crabs. Galveston Bay Shrimp Boats Shrimp Brown Pelican Blue Crab Nueces Bay Bay Fishing

Why is Freshwater Important to Texas Bays? Freshwater inflows bring nutrients into estuaries, which are necessary for the survival of many kinds of animals. Oyster Speckled Trout Stone Crab Freshwater inflows dilute saltwater which protects juvenile species from disease and predators. Fish FingerlingsJuvenile Red Drum Gulf Shrimp Freshwater inflows provide sediments important for maintaining deltas and wetlands. Delta Wetland Red-winged Blackbird Nest

Why is River Conservation Important? The amount of freshwater in the world is limited. Stream systems are a dynamic part of the environment and are ecologically important. Fresh and saltwater habitats depend on freshwater inflow. Rivers are important for our economy and quality of life. River water is used for drinking, irrigation, wildlife habitat, wastewater treatment, and recreation. What happens upstream on a river has many effects on people, communities, and the environment downstream.

Don’t litter or dump chemicals down storm sewers or into streams. Don’t use excessive amounts of pesticides or fertilizer on lawns. Participate in river cleanups. Conserve water…spread the word! What Can I Do To Help?