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Field-based research, education, and partnerships advancing wildlife conservation and resilient landscapes across the Borderlands.
Improving Riparian Habitat with Trincheras in the Chihuahuan Desert
Aaron Ortega
Aaron’s research evaluated the effectiveness of trincheras (small rock structures constructed across ephemeral channels) for restoring degraded riparian areas at Nine Point Mesa Ranch. A total of 130 trincheras were installed, with 50 monitored across two rainy seasons to measure sediment accumulation and changes in ground cover. The structures consistently captured sediment upstream, with accumulation reaching approximately 13 cm during the first year and continuing during the second. Litter cover increased from 2% to 13%, while bare ground declined from 91% to 79%. Although vegetation cover did not increase during the study, the results demonstrate that trincheras can reduce erosion and create improved microsite conditions that support the early stages of long-term vegetation recovery.
