Restoration of habitat includes the removal of invasive and exotic species like water hyacinth and elephant ears which thrive and propagate in the cold spring water- choking out native species and depleting oxygen levels in sensitive areas. SMRF volunteers and local groups meet on the 4th Saturday of the month at Spring Lake to remove invasives, restore natural meadows and re-plant native species. On the 3rd Saturday of the month, SMRF organizes volunteers in kayaks to remove invasive plants from Spring Lake and Sink Creek. Volunteers can also help with planting erosion control natives along the banks of the river, gardening in the demonstration gardens located at the Meadows Center or assisting Texas Parks and Wildlife professionals in the Annual Wild Rice Survey. The San Marcos Aquatic Resource Center at the National Fish Hatchery also uses SMRF volunteers in their work with habitat restoration, captive propagation of endangered species and research.
