In the Santa Cruz steppe, small springs are coming back to life thanks to a new restoration campaign in Patagonia Park.
These water sources, originating from the Buenos Aires and Summich plateaus, feed wetlands that are beginning to regain their natural dynamics, transforming the arid landscape into a more fertile and diverse environment.
Project History
In 2018, after the removal of livestock and fences from the fields that now form part of the park, the team at El Unco Biological Station initiated the first interventions on the springs.
The result was surprising: a wetland that occupied 8 hectares expanded to 30 hectares in just four years, consolidating a work approach focused on the restoration of these systems.
Interventions Carried Out
Restoration does not mean building something new, but rather helping the system to function again. Among the most notable actions are:
- Cleaning of natural channels to remove invasive species such as mint and watercress.
- Water retention at various points to increase the flow of the wetlands.
- Rechanneling of courses to improve water circulation.
- Planting of native species such as rushes and sedges to expand wet areas.
Changes in the Landscape
The results are observed in the more direct distribution of water and the permanence of wet areas. This favors the regeneration of hydrophilic vegetation and the arrival of fauna associated with the wetlands:
- Birds: southern gallinule, ducks (overo, barcino, spectacled, maize, capuchin), silver grebe, geese, flamingos, ibises, herons, coots, snipes, and rheas.
- Mammals: guanacos, coypus, foxes, and pumas in winter.
In a landscape dominated by dry tones, the recovered wetlands stand out for their intense green and the activity of birds and animals.
Community Work
The restoration also involves the local community, which contributes knowledge about the terrain and the springs. This connection turns the project into a process of shared conservation, where the memory of the place is combined with technical knowledge to achieve sustainable results.
The restoration campaign in Patagonia Park demonstrates that intervening with precision and respect for nature allows the recovery of vital environments for biodiversity. The restored springs and wetlands not only transform the landscape but also strengthen the relationship between communities and their environment, consolidating a conservation model rooted in the Santa Cruz steppe.
