Duck Creek Soil Erosion Project

In 1929, one of ten erosion control research stations in the United States was set up southeast of this site for the purpose of studying erosion problems and the effectiveness of erosion control methods. This was one of the first organized efforts to solve the nation's soil erosion problems in a planned, scientific manner. Five years later, in 1934, the Duck Creek watershed near this site was approved as a demonstrational project for working with all known methods of erosion control. In cooperation with the landowners in the 25,000-acre area, a plan of conservation treatment was devised for each farm. Much of the labor used in carrying out these plans, such as building dams and fences and planting trees and pasture grass, was provided by a nearby Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp. The success of the Duck Creek project attracted much attention and many visitors to the area. Duck Creek was used by the Soil Conservation Service as a training ground for agronomists, soil surveyors, engineers, biologists, foresters, economists, and others who carried knowledge learned here to many other states across the country.

Duck Creek Soil Erosion Project is a historical marker in Lindale, Smith County, dedicated in 1984. It is one of 90 historical markers documented in Smith County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 272 historic sites cataloged across the county.

The site sits at 32.5509, -95.4577 near Lindale. The nearest cataloged historic site is Site of Flora (historical marker), about 0.3 miles away. Others within a short drive include Carmel Cemetery, Tate-Bundy, and Vial-Fragoso Trail.

This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5423007722. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.