72 Acres of Blanco River Open Space Protected Forever

We are excited to announce the completion of a 72-acre donated conservation easement of native habitat and open space along the Blanco River in rapidly growing Hays County. The conservation easement on Cathedral Oaks Preserve protects native habitats, water quality, and scenic views from public spaces as the property adjoins the future Hays County park, El Rancho Cima. The lush live oak savannah and bald-cypress riparian forest will remain intact forever.

The Road to Conservation 

Wimberley and Hays County are booming areas of central Texas that face tremendous growth and development. These pressures threaten our aquifers, streams, plants, wildlife, and way of life. Fortunately, landowners John and Ginger Gay of Rockport, Texas, see the value in protecting these special parts of Texas. After 37 years of loving and stewarding the Cathedral Oaks Preserve, John and Ginger have now ensured the permanent protection of their beloved property with a conservation easement donation to Texas Land Conservancy. 

History of the Property 

For the current landowners, the property has always served as a quiet getaway for friends and family to enjoy the beautiful landscape and scenic river. One of the unique aspects of Cathedral Oaks Preserve is how much rest the grassy savannahs have been given from livestock, which is believed to be at least half a century. Without grazing pressure, the native grasses have flourished. Until the 2015 Memorial Day Flood, the Blanco River was known for its idyllic stretches of cypress-lined banks, and Cathedral Oaks Preserve was no exception. While the loss of many cypress and other hardwood trees was catastrophic, it wasn’t a 100% loss. Several trees have persisted and, thanks to the landowner’s responsible riparian management, have begun to revegetate the ravaged corridor.  

The Environment  

Typical wildlife such as white-tailed deer and turkey take refuge in the preserve. Fishes and aquatic invertebrates of the Blanco River are benefited by the natural riparian habitat. The property serves as buffer for endangered Golden-cheeked Warbler habitat within earshot.  

The natural open space helps absorb rainwater and runoff into the Trinity aquifer. Healthy riparian habitat contributes to the baseflows of the Blanco River and in the event of flooding, slows the water, reducing the impact downstream. 

Beautiful fields of little bluestem, seep muhly, and silver bluestem span the property between majestic (or shall we say cathedral?) Texas live oak mottes. Patches of yellow Indiangrass and big bluestem persist thanks to the absence of grazing animals. Pollinators benefit from the rich diversity of flowering plants in Spring, Summer, and Fall. 

Connecting Conservation 

While growth and development are at an all-time high for this region, a network of closely connected conservation areas is forming around this stretch of the Blanco River. TLC’s Waterstone and The Narrows conservation easements are located upstream of the preserve in addition to the multiple successes by three sister land trusts: Guadalupe-Blanco River Trust, Hill Country Conservancy, and the Nature Conservancy. 

The cherished natural resources of the Edwards Plateau/Blanco River region are under constant threat. It’s important that landowners know there are alternatives to subdividing their land, ways to create a legacy, and tools for ensuring the best parts of Texas are protected forever, for all current and future generations of Texans.