A New Chapter for the 9,269-acre Christmas Mountains Preserve
Texas Land Conservancy is thrilled to welcome the Christmas Mountains Preserve into our protected properties portfolio! This magnificent 9,269-acre property in southern Brewster County is located near the city of Terlingua and shares a boundary with the iconic Big Bend National Park. This historic property was once owned by the state of Texas and is now part of the Texas State University System (TSUS) to be used for research. Through a collaborative effort with The Conservation Fund, a conservation easement was placed on this property in 1991 that was officially transferred to TLC at the end of 2022. TLC stewardship staff will now be responsible for monitoring Christmas Mountains Preserve and working with TSUS staff to ensure its abundant wildlife habitats and scenic beauty continue to thrive.
This unique ecosystem encompasses a diverse range of habitats, from the Chihuahuan Desert in the lowlands to the steep inaccessible slopes boasting healthy grasslands, and the Texas sotol grasslands with desert shrubs at the highest elevations. By safeguarding this invaluable ecological treasure, we not only protect thousands of acres of irreplaceable habitat but also create an opportunity for education, scientific research, and archaeological exploration for generations to come.
The TSUS plans to develop a research and education center just off-site. This research station will have the ability to serve as a base camp for educators and researchers locally, nationally, and beyond. This station will serve as a hub for those who want to explore the wild and untamed nature of this remarkable property. By permanently protecting the Christmas Mountains, TLC and the TSUS have committed to conserving the property but also to exploring its distinctive flora, fauna, geology, and historical values. Long term studies of vegetation, wildlife, geologic formations, and climactic activities will allow descriptions of the current and future states of this property. Historical discoveries along the streams and rock formations within the site will allow researchers to uncover more about the Christmas Mountain Preserve’s past and allow for the protection of these significant archeological sites.
The Christmas Mountains Preserve boasts a wide variety of native wildlife; ground squirrels, jack rabbits, mule deer, coyotes, foxes, snakes, lizards, and there have even been black bear and mountain lion sightings reported by neighbors throughout the years. The Christmas Mountain range also served as a prospecting site for a variety of mining endeavors that have since been abandoned. These former mine sites have since been sealed for safety, but the cavernous openings created have the potential to serve as roosting habitats for native bat species.
Placed firmly next to the iconic Big Bend National Park and joining the ranks of other West Texas protected lands, the Christmas Mountains Preserve provides protection not only for the future but for those historic discoveries that have yet to be made. TLC is proud to be part of this important conservation partnership and excited for all the possibilities in its future!
As we move forward, we will share more detailed updates on the exciting projects and initiatives that will take place within the Christmas Mountains Preserve. Your involvement and support remain instrumental in ensuring the long-term success and sustainability of this remarkable endeavor. Thank you for your continued partnership and trust in our organization's mission.