Ranch Walks Are Back!
Our ranch walks are hosted by land owners who have conservation easements on their properties. This is a way to see some of the hidden treasures of the Hill Country, and meet owners who have gone through the conservation easement process. The walks are presented in partnership with the Cibolo Center for Conservation (Cibolo Nature Center). Registration is required and space is limited. Donation suggested: $25.
Malakopf Hill
Cedar has been vilified by ranchers for encroachment on grasslands, consumption of water, and causing erosion. Recent research has provided new information that counters many of these long held beliefs. The program will present the case for preservation of old growth cedar in the hill country from one rancher’s unique perspective and 24-year experience in ranch restoration in Boerne. Hillside erosion control and trail building techniques will be presented as we hike to the top of Malakopf Hill where 360° views of Boerne surround an historic Texas monument honoring Dr. Ferdinand Herff.
Frost Ranch
You are invited to a rare opportunity to explore the big views and wild lands of the
original Herff Ranch, having been in the family for 165 years. The great, great, great grandson of Dr Herff has permanently protected the land with a Conservation Easement in 2019, and now invites you to this special tour, hosted by Tom Frost III and Meaghan Solay, with guest naturalists along to answer your questions.
Brown Ranch
For several years the Cibolo Conservancy teamed up with the Brown family to find ways to protect their 1,600 acre ranch. We have worked with the Texas Nature Conservancy and other organizations to keep the land protected and in family hands. We are so happy to report that the Brown Ranch is now secure. The Texas Nature Conservancy assisted the City of San Antonio with purchasing an easement on the 1,600 acre Brown Ranch, protecting a bigtooth maple forest, miles of pristine creeks and springs, and the headwaters of Cibolo Creek – which flows downstream to Boerne City Lake and all the way to the San Antonio River. The Brown Ranch represents a jewel of the Texas Hill Country and conserving it in perpetuity will preserve these incredible natural resources for generations to come.
In the early days of Kendall County, the Upper Cibolo Creek was a favorite day trip for Boerne residents for picnicking, fishing, or hunting deer, wild turkey, and mountain lion. This stretch of the Cibolo was always a sleeping giant, waiting for a Texas gully-washer to swell into a major flood. Brown Ranch includes fragile headwaters for the Cibolo Creek watershed, its aquifers, and Boerne City Lake.
In 1962 the Cibolo Creek produced massive flooding, taking lives and homes.
This event spurred on the planning for floods. Boerne City Lake was built in 1976 for flood control and a future water supply. Now, some headwaters of the creek are at last protected and preserved, thanks to the care that the Brown family have provided. And, we all benefit.
Songs and Stories
