Feature image photo credit: Seth Winkler. Interpretive landscape art illustrates the extensive root systems of native plants, emphasizing their role in promoting drought resilience and improving rainwater infiltration.
The SITES Gold Ditch Water Discovery Center—known as “the Ditch”—is an innovative project in Stephenville, Texas, that tackles environmental challenges and sets a new standard for land and water stewardship. The Ditch stands as a powerful example of how communities can come together to protect natural resources for future generations.
As Patrick Wagner, general manager of the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District, explains, “The Ditch Water Discovery Center embodies the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District’s mission, and serves as a model of sustainability and education, demonstrating how innovative design and community engagement can protect groundwater resources and inspire lasting environmental stewardship.”
Setting a new standard in groundwater education
Texas is home to 98 groundwater conservation districts, each tasked with managing and protecting the state’s vital groundwater resources. The Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District distinguishes itself as the only district with a dedicated education center and teaching landscape, providing a new opportunity to expand its environmental stewardship efforts.
Aligned with the district’s mission to protect and conserve groundwater, the Ditch integrates a comprehensive suite of green infrastructure strategies:
- Rain gardens, bioswales and restored native prairie mitigate stormwater runoff and promote groundwater recharge.
- A rainwater collection system and all-native landscaping reduce the center’s irrigation demand by 97% compared to typical sites.
- On-site green infrastructure manages 1.97 inches of rainfall (95th-percentile event), sustaining vegetation and replenishing soil moisture.
Promoting water security in a changing landscape
In a region where groundwater is the primary source of water for cities, agriculture and industry, the Ditch provides an immersive learning experience that underscores the importance of sustainable groundwater management. While Erath County remains predominantly rural and agricultural, rapid urban development has increased the urgency for innovative water solutions. The Ditch’s public education promotes understanding and support of this time-sensitive mission.
Native demonstration gardens, stormwater bioswales, and raingardens welcome visitors at the project entrance, offering educational opportunities along accessible trails. Photo credit: Kate Audrey.
A green oasis and living laboratory
The Ditch offers a striking green oasis amid growing urbanization, providing hands-on experiences in water conservation and ecological education. Artful interpretive displays captivate visitors by seamlessly blending artistic expression with educational value, making complex environmental concepts accessible and engaging.
A reclaimed 1900s steel truss bridge spans a restored riparian corridor, connecting visitors to the outdoor learning center. The facility is designed for net zero energy performance through the use of solar power and is constructed from locally manufactured, recycled steel. Perforated steel walls with operable panels optimize daylight and natural ventilation, eliminating the need for HVAC. The classroom incorporates reclaimed materials, such as Thurber bricks salvaged from Stephenville streets and repurposed wood cladding. Notably, 44% of construction materials are salvaged, 54% contain recycled content, and 77% are sourced from local manufacturers.
Community engagement and lasting impact
Since its grand opening, the Ditch has quickly become a local hot spot. While originally designed for school visits, the center also offers programming for the broader community. Events such as “Flow in Nature” yoga sessions and moth-lighting nights, hosted in collaboration with Tarleton State University's Wildlife Society, invite the public to connect with nature and learn about conservation.
With Wi-Fi enabled outdoor spaces, shaded seating, restrooms and power outlets, the Ditch attracts visitors seeking a scenic, peaceful place to work or unwind. Its thoughtful design supports both productivity and relaxation, making it a welcoming space for all.
"I believe the most powerful education happens through experience - when people feel the tickle of native grasses or dance with a butterfly, complex environmental issues become personal. Stewardship starts with that connection, and it grows one act of conservation at a time.
The Ditch was designed to do just that. It's a living classroom, where community members can gather and foster a spirit of stewardship by engaging with the landscape through experiential and accidental learning. Whether it's planting a native species or simply observing the life a healthy landscape supports, each action brings us closer to understanding our role in sustaining the natural world."
- Stephanie Keith, former public relations and education coordinator for Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District
Fostering lifelong learning
Designed to accommodate diverse audiences, the Middle Trinity Groundwater Conservation District will host groups ranging from students to professionals, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable groundwater management and conservation.
“I supported the creation of the Ditch because it’s more than just a green space; it’s a living classroom,” explains Frank Volleman, director of Comanche County. “By transforming this landscape, we’re helping our community understand the vital role groundwater plays in our daily lives and why its sustainability matters—not just for us, but for generations to come.”
The Ditch Water Discovery Center exemplifies how thoughtful, sustainable design can transform a rural community, providing lasting educational value and setting a new standard for groundwater conservation in Texas.