Nestled in the heart of the Big Thicket, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe of Texas is quietly pioneering one of the most inspiring sustainability success stories in East Texas. Their 11,706-acre reservation, the oldest in the state, is more than a home—it’s a living testament to generations of environmental stewardship.
Now, in the wake of the 2022 drought, that stewardship has taken on a powerful new form: rainwater harvesting.
Turning Rain Into Resilience
Faced with increasingly unpredictable weather and growing demands on local water systems, the Tribe saw an opportunity to honor their environmental legacy with forward-thinking action. Partnering with the USDA Southern Plains Climate Hub and the Bureau of Indian Affairs Southern Plains Region, they launched a rainwater harvesting initiative designed to protect and replenish their most vital natural resource.
A 100-by-200-foot rooftop on the Tribe’s Veterans Pavilion now funnels rainfall through a precision-engineered gutter and downspout system into a massive 65,000-gallon Pioneer water tank. Installed entirely by the Tribe’s own Natural Resources team—led by Gesse Bullock, Deputy Tribal Administrator—the project showcases how sustainable infrastructure can be built from within the community, for the community.
As of this spring, the tank has already captured more than 35,000 gallons of rainwater. Once a few final adjustments are completed, it’s expected to consistently operate at full capacity.
Water With a Purpose
This isn’t just about conservation—it’s about transformation. The harvested water is already being used to irrigate community gardens, playing a central role in the Tribe’s movement toward food sovereignty and improved health through local nutrition. It also supports essential functions like dust control during events and prescribed burns—an increasingly critical land management tool as fire seasons grow longer and more intense.
Educating for Empowerment
Perhaps most remarkable is the Tribe’s commitment to sharing knowledge. Through hands-on community workshops, tribal members learn how to build and maintain their own rainwater systems. Each participant leaves with a 55-gallon rain barrel and the confidence to install it at home. These sessions go beyond practical skills—they deepen environmental awareness and empower families to take sustainability into their own hands.
The Tribe has also turned its attention to long-term water health, restoring vegetation along local waterways to improve groundwater recharge. These efforts are helping to protect clean water access for future generations across East Texas.
A Ripple Effect Across the Region
This innovative project hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2024, the Alabama-Coushatta Tribe was awarded the Texas Rain Catcher Award by the Texas Water Development Board, recognizing their excellence in water conservation. More importantly, their success has sparked action in other tribal nations—spreading inspiration from Oklahoma to California and even as far as Washington State.
As Lee Miller, publisher of Texas Forest Country Living, noted:
“The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe exemplifies the kind of leadership that honors tradition while innovating for the future. Their rainwater harvesting program is not only a smart environmental investment—it’s a shining model for all of Texas Forest Country.”
A Vision Rooted in Heritage, Built for the Future
The Alabama-Coushatta Tribe’s rainwater harvesting initiative is a powerful reminder that sustainability doesn’t always start in big cities or research labs. Sometimes, it starts with community, commitment, and a deep-rooted respect for the land.
For East Texas and beyond, this is more than a success story—it’s a blueprint for resilience.
Want to learn more about sustainable living across Texas Forest Country? Stay tuned to TFCLiving for stories that inspire and empower our region’s communities.
