95 Acres of Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat Protected Forever
In the heart of the Texas Hill Country, nestled in Bandera County, lies a 95-acre landscape of restored beauty and biodiversity known as East Verde Creek Preserve. This sanctuary for the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler, reflects the vision and dedication of its stewards, James Smyle and Joan Miller. Over the past 30 years, James and Joan have worked tirelessly to restore the property’s natural habitats, ensuring that its ecological and historical values endure for future generations.
Restoring Wildlife Habitat
Once a patchwork of overgrazed uplands and row-cropped fields, East Verde Creek Preserve has undergone a remarkable transformation. The fields along East Verde Creek, once cleared for cotton and corn, now flourish as native pastures, spotted with antelope-horns milkweed attracting pollinators like monarch butterflies. The uplands, once degraded, now thrive with healthy Ashe juniper and oak woodlands. These efforts provide essential habitat for diverse wildlife, including the endangered golden-cheeked warbler. Annual bird surveys confirm nesting populations, underscoring the property's significance in regional conservation efforts.
Aquifers and Watersheds
The property lies within the Edwards aquifer contributing zone, where rainfall gathers and flows downstream to its recharge zone, sustaining groundwater levels vital for municipal and ecological needs. Simultaneously, the Trinity Outcrop beneath the property absorbs rainwater through its porous limestone and replenishes its springs, a crucial role for the regional hydrology, ensuring water quality and availability through natural filtration. Natural springs provide constant flow into East Verde creek, supporting a healthy riparian corridor lined with escarpment black cherry, bald cypress, and black willow.
A Haven for Biodiversity
East Verde Creek Preserve supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life, reflecting the landowners’ commitment to ecological restoration. Grasslands and woodlands host iconic species such as the painted bunting, Northern bobwhite quail, monarch butterfly, and escarpment black cherry. The property's location within the central migratory flyway provides critical resources for native and migratory species.
Preserving History and Scenic Beauty
The restored landscapes pay homage to the land’s history while providing modern benefits, such as erosion control and carbon sequestration. The property offers a glimpse of an unspoiled rural landscape, increasingly rare in a rapidly developing region.
A Conservation Success
East Verde Creek Preserve exemplifies how dedicated land stewardship can restore ecological integrity and sustain vital ecosystem services. Its protection under a conservation easement ensures the perpetuation of these efforts, safeguarding critical wildlife habitat, water resources, and cultural heritage for future generations. The success of this preserve is strengthened by its proximity to an existing network of conservation lands. Texas Land Conservancy is honored to partner with James Smyle and Joan Miller in their vision to leave a lasting legacy of conservation in the Texas Hill Country.
Help protect more properties like this across the state!
Texas Land Conservancy could not do this important conservation work without our members, partners, and supporters. With your support, we can work with more landowners and protect more land across the state from the negative effects of land fragmentation and poorly-planned development.