There are a number of R&D projects conducted at Cactus Creek Ranch. One of these is a partnership with school systems to put Conservation in the Curriculum.

Research & Development

Conservation in the Curriculum

Together We Can Get Conservation in the Curriculum

Welcome, young friends to another academic year.  We take pleasure in introducing you to a yearlong ecological project that will be the focus of this year’s curricula. An interdisciplinary project, Conservation in the Curriculum (CITC), will integrate ELA, math, history, and technology into its science curriculum.  As we rebuild America’s traditions with the outdoors, we will peak your interest and, with guidance and exposure, develop your love of nature. In light of the climatic changes occurring all over the world, the class will focus on local, state and US ecology.  Together, we will study:

 

· the various ecosystems (grades 4-6),

· the importance and interdependence of wildlife (grades 5-6),

· the various cycles needed to sustain wildlife (grades 4-6),

· the impact of weather patterns (grade 6), and

· the need for conservancy (all ages and grades). 

 

A primary component of this study will be your work with Cactus Creek Ranch in Deep South Texas, whose sole purpose is to provide natural habitats and protect the wildlife that inhabit this approximately 400 acre private property adjacent to the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife Refuge.  Much of this work will be conducted via the Internet. However, there will be occasion visits to the ranch. One of your field trips will be to spend a week on the ranch studying and learning about the ranch and surrounding environments. We at Cactus Creek Ranch are excitedly looking forward to our new partnership with you, the student.

 

MJ Bogatto 

Environmental Studies with High School Students

Digital Game Camera Studies with Laguna Atascosa Wildlife Refuge

In cooperation with Laguna Atascosa, CCR is placing digital game cameras at designated locales to capture and document species such as the ocelot. These digital images will be the basis for a background study for numerous ecological activities. The Laguna Atascosa coordinator is Jody Mays.

Under Roadway Ocelot Crossings

Since 1997, in cooperation with Laguna Atascosa and the Texas Department of Transportation (TXDOT), county and local representatives to place underground ocelot crossings beneath pubic roadways to the Refuge. The first two such crossings will be established on CCR.