A group of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services employees are launching a nonprofit group aimed at bolstering protection of the San Marcos River and its ecosystem. Jeffrey Hutchinson and Leah Murray said they are starting the Friends of USFWS San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center to help restore riparian and terrestrial sites along the San Marcos River, create additional wildflower patches for the monarch butterfly and beautify areas of the San Marcos Aquatic Resources Center, among other things. Hutchinson said the USFWS has about 115 acres of blackland prairie that would be ideal for creation of a birding trail. The prairie land belongs to the public, so he said he hopes the group's project can encourage more people to explore the area. Hutchinson said volunteers do not need prior technical training. We could provide equipment and technical advice and work with these volunteers, Hutchinson said. He said he believes the group can be complimentary to other area organizations such as the San Marcos River Foundation. "I dont think there would be a lot of people switching over [to the Friends of the USFWS from the SMRF]," Hutchinson said. "I think it's still pretty much a cooperative effort among us all." Hutchinson and Murray said the group is hoping to hold its first meeting in mid-January. Those interested in learning more can contact Leah Murray(512-353-0011, extension 227 or [email protected]) or Jeffrey Hutchinson (512-353-0011, extension 228 or [email protected]).