conservancy protects threatened wildlife
The Texas Land Conservancy has expanded its efforts to protect Texas’ natural habitats with the acquisition of the East Verde Creek Preserve, a 96-acre property in Bandera County. Former landowners James Smyle and Joan Miller are thrilled that their land will now serve as a permanent sanctuary for the golden-cheeked warbler, a “threatened” species that nests exclusively in Central Texas.
Smyle and Miller, who have owned the property since 1992, first discovered the small bright yellow and black birds by hiring a bird surveyor who examined the nests left on some cedar trees.
At first, it was a struggle for Smyle and Miller to create a permanent habitat for the birds.
“One of the reasons why this species is struggling right now is because they use the bark of cedar trees for their nests. But cedar trees are getting cleared out because central Texas’ population is growing,” Smyle said.
In addition, the land maintains a steady supply of water year-round.
“East Verde Creek is a seasonal creek,” Smyle said, “but we also have watering stations around the property.”
“There’s a misconception that trees soak up all the water on your property,” Miller said. “It’s not true. Trees will not dry up your creeks. Our land proves the opposite.”
The land boasts cedars, red oaks, Ashe junipers, and other essential vegetation for the golden- cheeked warblers.
Red oaks are especially useful, as they provide the diet of insects needed to feed their young.
To maintain their conservation, Smyle and Miller are required to produce land-management and agricultural plans to TLC, and
The 96-acre East Verde Creek Preserve boasts essential vegetation for golden-cheeked warblers.
BULLETIN PHOTO/ Veronica Rector yearly updates to the county and state.
Two bird surveyors are conducted in the winter and the spring, and annual surveyors come to inspect if there are any invasive plants or species that need to be cleared out. Despite the work that goes into maintaining a conservation, Smyle and Miller find the dedication worthwhile.
“This is something we have always wanted to do,” Smyle said. “Joan and I met in graduate school studying forestry. We want this property to be a permanent preserve. When we pass on, whoever purchases this property is required to maintain it as a conservation. But we do understand that it’s a financial investment to do so – that’s why many people are deterred from classifying their lands as conservations with the state.”
“There’s also the issue of landowners selling to land management companies that aren’t versed in the native vegetations in Texas,” Miller added. “People will buy land because it’s pretty, but they don’t know how to maintain it properly.”
Texas Land Conservancy Executive Director Mark Steinbach expressed his appreciation for Smyle’s and Miller’s commitment.
“When landowners like Jim and Joan make a commitment to permanently protect their land, they are making a promise for future generations. It’s an altruistic act and ensures we have wild places for wild things in an increasingly developed world. Private landowners are the foundation of conservation in Texas, and Texas needs them more than ever,” Steinbach said.
To learn more about conservation in Texas, visit texaslandconservancy. org.
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