We planted 4 Aromatic Sumacs, 5 Western Sand Plums, and 10 Sugar Plums in this cattle panel enclosure. We built many enclosures, exclosures, and individual fenced areas to protect the new plantings and planted over 500 native trees and shrubs in 2004. This type of planting, although to a smaller scale, was also done in 1999.

Nanking Cherry. We planted over 24 different types of trees and shrubs to provide cover and food for wildlife, increase our plant diversity, reduce erosion and to add visual beauty to the ranch.

We plant several food plots with both spring and fall plantings to supplement our wildlife's feed and reduce stress on the habitat.

Our various food plots are managed to supplementally feed deer, turkey, doves and quail which aid our wildlife and reduce strain on the habitat.

With our new Quail Renewal Program we are planting small 'micro' food plots with sorghum to provide both food and cover for the quail.

We supplement our wildlife's feed (deer, quail, turkey, exotics, and etc.) to maximize their health and growth potential and to reduce stress on the habitat.

A beautiful habitat is worth protecting.

Ranch Habitat

Ranch Habitat

In igneous rock water is everything. In our higher country we have thin topsoil, which holds little moisture, and erosion is a problem. The substrata rock formations were formed from one molten mass and, thus, there is no aquifer. Ground water is scarce and hard to find.

We impound water at every opportunity but as one should anticipate Mother Nature also gives us a sandy/loam soil with less clay so it is difficult to get our stock tanks not to leak.

The ranch is blessed with four free flowing natural springs which create a small Garden of Eden in the heat of summer. If the water table is protected, these springs should serve the ranch wildlife's needs from now on.

Our ancestors use the windmill for their water, however, now that most of us are using high-volume electric pumps we make a much greater negative impact on the water table.

To reduce the demands on our groundwater, we collect rainwater and have two holding tanks (this one contains 17,000 gallons) to allow us to use as little ground water as possible.

Running water in Sandy Creek is a well appreciated ranch resource.

Sandy Creek dries up in the heat of summer, but we have a natural granite dike that forces water to the surface and even in the driest summers we have 100 yards of running water.

Gulf Fritillary on a Lantana

The realization of the fragility of the habitat and water sources on our ranch forces one to appreciate our renewable resources. Photography, hiking and other activities make minimal stress on the environment.

Collecting shed deer antlers is another good example of obtaining enjoyment while utilizing renewable resources and it certainly creates excitement while hiking and allows our guests to add to our antler arch.