Naconiche Creek: An Oasis of Biodiversity
Flooded hardwood bottom at Naconiche Creek in Nacogdoches County, taken by East Texas Program Director Tyler Brady during a very wet monitoring visit.
Larry Shelton calls his land “an island.” Surrounded by working farms and residential areas, Naconiche Creek is both an off-grid residence and an oasis of biodiversity. “We have a dozen rare species,” says Larry, “high value for birds nesting in spring and migrating in fall.” All aspects of the land are crucial, he says—the bottom lands, the wetlands, the slopes, bogs, and seepage areas. It’s all connected, and its wildness has welcomed animals to make a home here. “I love to see the owls and the animals ignoring my presence,” he says, “and feeling that connection with the land.”
Larry became involved with TLC when he met Ned Fritz in 1985. “He was an incredible presence, an incredible leader,” says Larry. “He had a profound effect on my life.” Larry worked side by side with Ned, assisting on biological assessments and helping spread the message of the desperate need for conservation of both public and private lands. Larry was an integral part of the volunteer efforts that gained TLC early momentum. “I have a lot of fond memories as we were doing it for the land,” he says, “and for ourselves.” Working closely with stewardship directors has enabled him to watch TLC evolve. “The new technology for monitoring allows the stewards to get good coverage,” he says, “and greater understanding of the land when they visit it.”
Of course, with wildness comes adventure. The flood of 1998 is still fresh in Larry’s mind. “That morning the water would rise like I’ve never seen in 20 years.” Using his trusty canoe, which he’d thankfully tied up and secured, Larry paddled across the river, fetched his chainsaw, cut up a lightning-struck tree blocking the road, saved the solar batteries in his off-grid house, and even grabbed a vehicle on higher ground to drag out a sunken truck, all while dodging a Copperhead swimming in the floodwaters. “I didn’t have time to worry about that snake,” says Larry. After the adventure, he just spent the day paddling. “When you backpack and canoe,” he says, “you learn to embrace that kind of adventure.” Connecting with the land means going with the flow—sometimes literally—and for Larry, that’s all part of protecting this island of Texas nature.
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!