Restoring mined lands through research and training

In Texas, surface mine reclamation is a decades-long process – one that requires scientific precision, environmental insight and strong collaboration.

For nearly 50 years, Texas A&M AgriLife has worked alongside lignite mining companies, regulators and land professionals to support the recovery of mined lands through research-based guidance, workforce development and long-term planning.

At the heart of this effort is Jake Mowrer, Ph.D., Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service state soil nutrient and water resource specialist and professor in the Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences Department of Soil and Crop Sciences.

“This work is more than simply restoring the vegetation. It is about working together to rebuild functional ecosystems from the soil up,” Mowrer said. “Landscape restoration is an intricate process, ultimately fostering the return of organic matter, subsurface ecology and the wildlife that once thrived there.”

Bringing research into practice with an evolving industry

Texas once ranked sixth in coal production, with lignite making up 99% of its output. While some mines remain active, others have ceased operations.

Yet the work continues for those mining operations like the Jewett Mine that closed mining operations in 2016.

Regulations under the Texas Railroad Commission require that mined land be returned to a condition as good as, or better than, its original state. The commission makes monthly site visits to ensure compliance, and restoration efforts can span decades.

At the Jewett Mine, for example, a community garden, which donates to local food banks, is a jewel of the reclamation work. However, complete restoration will take years. The process involves soil scientists, geologists, consulting firms and third-party organizations conducting sampling and analysis.

The annual Surface Mine Reclamation Workshop, led by Mowrer and industry partners, serves as a communications platform for these professionals, offering updates on scientific innovations and regulatory changes.

Sometimes, restoration requires creative solutions respectful of the site-specific complexity that companies often face. For example, one of Mowrer’s favorite reclamation stories involves ecological specialists protecting a cactus species by redrawing mining plans to avoid disturbance. In another case, when a dead tree threatened to displace a family of eagles, reclamation experts built a false tree to replace it, and the eagles returned.

Training for today and the next generation

Mowrer said mine reclamation projects build on the Department of Soil and Crop Sciences’ legacy and impact, one that spans generations of scientists, students and land stewards. Workshops that educate professionals and guide decisions are part of that legacy.

He is currently planning the 46th annual Surface Mine Reclamation Workshop. This gathering brings together soil scientists, mining companies and regulatory bodies to share knowledge and strengthen partnerships.

Each year, training the next generation remains a cornerstone of the workshop, with initiatives like the student poster contest offering scholarships to undergraduates. These efforts spark curiosity in land restoration and foster meaningful connections between students and seasoned professionals.

Through ongoing training programs like the Soil Survey and Land Resource Workshop, AgriLife Extension also helps Texas’ professional geoscientists and nutrient management planners maintain licensure and stay current in their field. The Texas Mining and Reclamation Association partners in this mission, offering teacher training powered by AgriLife-developed materials.

Recognizing that reclaimed lands often transition to cattle grazing, AgriLife Extension also supports nutrient management planners with annual short courses, while animal scientists contribute expertise to ensure sustainable land use.

Mowrer also offers more information and in-depth commentary on various soil issues in his Song of the Soil podcast.

Together, these efforts form a comprehensive, forward-looking approach to land restoration and stewardship. From education to practical application, Texas A&M AgriLife equips communities, professionals and future leaders with the tools to restore, manage and optimize the land.

“We provide the whole picture, from the science involved in restoring the land to training the current and future professionals,” Mowrer said. “We’re equipping people with the knowledge, tools and networks they need to make lasting, positive change. Whether it’s through research, outreach or hands-on training, we’re building a foundation for resilient landscapes and thriving communities. The work we do today is shaping the future of land stewardship across Texas and beyond.”