Conserving Las Fogatas: "It was really for the critters."
Phil overlooking a rugged stream that flows through Las Fogatas. // Stephen Ramirez
As a law student in the late sixties at the University of Texas at Austin, TLC landowner Phil Ferguson would escape to the Hill Country for a much needed break, driving in and around Fredericksburg and just taking in the landscape. “I love the Hill Country,” he says. His passion for the plant and animal life of this region led him to conservation, and for him it’s all about a partnership between people and nature. When asked why he’s chosen to protect his 250-acre property, he says, “It was really for the critters.”
The critters and the trees. “There are native trees that are 200 years old,” says Phil. “Deep soil and a seed bank.” He remarks that Conservation Director Stephen Ramirez was nearly speechless by the vigor and height of the little bluestem on a recent visit to the property.
His relationship with TLC began in 2007, but only after he’d interviewed several prospective land trusts. He recalls asking Executive Director Mark Steinbach all kinds of questions. He found out later, it was Mark’s very first property visit, and yet… “He seemed like a seasoned pro!”
Now Phil has brought neighboring landowners to the fold. “I told my neighbor one day what I was about to do with my land, and soon enough…he put his land in an easement with TLC, too.” Yet another two landowners down the road have since come on board. “All together we have 2,100 acres along this road,” says Phil. “We couldn’t be more thrilled.”
Phil admits to growing up “a city boy” but spending summers with his grandparents on their farm. “I was a boy scout and loved camping. Loved being outdoors.” He and his wife have worked hard to control the cedar population and revive the spring on Las Fogatas. It was an emotional experience seeing it come back to life. “My wife and I sat on the banks and cried. To this day, that spring keeps water all the time. There’s a little lake—cattails, bass, ducks by the dozen.” Again, it’s all about the power of Texas nature, but in partnership with dedicated stewards of the land itself. “Nature did that,” says Phil, “but it was through our efforts that the spring came back. We’ll never ever forget that.”
Tall stands of little bluestem observed by Stephen Ramirez.
CLICK HERE to check out photos from our recent Fall Hike at Las Fogatas!
Celebrating 40 Years of Conservation
We have been collecting stories and photos from people that have made this organization what it is today, highlighting all the hard work, special moments, and conservation successes we have had over the last four decades. We have been sharing these throughout the year here: https://www.texaslandconservancy.org/40-years-of-conservation
As we move forward to the next 40 years, we hope you will continue to support this important work and help to create a future where being in nature won’t be a thing of the past.
Join or renew your TLC membership today—$40 for 40 years!