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In 2009, Cactus Creek Ranch hosted local area ranchers and neighbors to introduce them to a live Ocelot. |
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About Us |
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Cactus Creek Ranch is an international learning center for implementing future conservation as well as to share knowledge about the great outdoors.
In 1995, the ranch was started with only a few blades of grass and a few local cacti. Located on 400 acres, it has been developed into prime South Texas native habitat, with a commitment to habitat restoration and conservation.
In 1996-1997, the Nature Conservancy planted 20,000 native plants. We are now a haven for many birds, animals, and insects both indigenous and migratory. A species list is under development.
Cactus Creek Ranch, in cooperation with the South Texas Private Lands Initiative, is a Habitat Restoration Site. The Ranch is a joint project of the Nature Conservatory and Texas Parks and Wildlife, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and private donors.
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Slither was tasting the air around himself with his tongue when I moved in to capture this image. |
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Together We Can Get Conservation in the Curriculum |
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Webmaster—Swanny (swanny@swancosa.com) v11.6 — 29.06.11 |
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As a dedicated Partner in Wildlife, CCR's habitat restoration has been undertaken through the direction of Wetland Habitat Alliance of Texas and the Nature Conservancy of Texas.
Every effort has been made to protect and preserve endangered wildlife species and to create an environment that focuses on the best that Texas has to offer. Our alliances with local, state, and federal organizations demonstrate the strength of ecology and economy by working together. Our slogan is "Rebuilding Family Traditions," and our motto remains to be: “Together, we can put conservation in the curriculum.”
CCR is a partner in wildlife with the following organizations: W.H.A.T. Ducks, Nature Conservancy of Texas, NRCS-Texas, Soil Conservation, United States Department of the Interior, U.S. Fish and Wildlife; and Ducks Unlimited.
Cactus Creek Ranch is # 23 on the Great Texas Birding Trail bordering the west edge of Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge. Click on the link below, scroll down, then click on #23 for additional details. To return to the CCR site, click the Back button on your browser.
April 28, 2011 Regional Lone Star Land Stewards for 2011 Announced AUSTIN – Native habitat restoration and enhancement for the benefit of wildlife is a common thread among the recipients of this year’s Lone Star Land Steward Awards. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Sand County Foundation are recognizing these model land stewards and others, who have shown exemplary efforts to manage their property as ambassadors of conservation. The Parks and Wildlife Department announced that Cactus Creek Ranch and Mary Jo had won the Special Recognition Award for Education and Outreach, one of the 2011 prestigious Lone Star Land Stewards awards.
“From restoring ocelot habitat or developing wetlands to organizing Ranchers for Wildlife, the Ocelot Conservation Festival, wildlife photo contests, and outdoor classrooms, Mary Jo Bogatto has done a lot for Texas wildlife. Her habitat work has been impressive – working with TNC to plant 20,000 native plants, restoring plant diversity and habitat for ocelots, Aplomado falcons, and Texas horned lizards. But her commitment as a conservation leader reaches far beyond her front gate. As president of the Laguna Atascosa NWR friends group, she played a key role in the acquisition of the 27,000 South Padre Island unit of the refuge. As a Master Naturalist, Hunter and Junior Angler Instructor, and hunting/fishing guide, Mary Jo is a model of how to motivate people of all ages for conservation of wildlife and habitats.”
http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/newsmedia/releases/?req=20110428a&nrtype=all&nrspan=2011&nrsearch= |