AUSTIN – Texas Land Conservancy, a leading conservation organization dedicated to protecting the land, water, and wildlife of Texas, is proud to announce the permanent conservation of the East Verde Creek Preserve. This 95-acre property, located in Bandera County, serves as a sanctuary for the federally endangered golden-cheeked warbler and was made possible through the dedication of landowners James Smyle and Joan Miller.
Restoring and Preserving Texas Hill Country
Once degraded, the uplands of East Verde Creek Preserve now thrive with healthy Ashe juniper and oak woodlands, thanks to the landowners’ commitment to ecological restoration. These efforts not only provide essential wildlife habitat but also contribute to erosion control, carbon sequestration, and water quality protection. As Texas experiences rapid development, properties like East Verde Creek Preserve offer a glimpse into the region’s natural heritage while providing tangible environmental benefits.
The Importance of Protecting Golden-cheeked Warbler Habitat
The golden-cheeked warbler, a species that exclusively nests in Central Texas, has recently been in the spotlight due to its potential downlisting from endangered to threatened status.
Rapid development in Central Texas, driven by population growth, threatens habitats like the oak and Ashe juniper woodlands that are essential for the breeding and survival of the precious species. The preservation of East Verde Creek Preserve not only safeguards critical habitat but also strengthens a growing network of protected lands, ensuring clean water, breathable air, and open spaces for all residents of Texas.
Annual bird surveys confirm the presence of nesting golden-cheeked warblers on the property, underscoring its importance to regional conservation efforts. In addition to the warbler, East Verde Creek Preserve supports a rich diversity of plant and animal life, including painted buntings, Northern bobwhite quail, monarch butterflies, and escarpment black cherry trees. Its location within the central migratory flyway provides critical resources for both native and migratory species.
“Unfortunately, this change in status doesn’t mean its habitat is secure; its nesting areas remain under threat,” said Mark Steinbach, Executive Director of Texas Land Conservancy. This makes protecting habitats like the East Verde Creek Preserve more crucial than ever.”
A Growing Movement for Land Conservation
With 95% of Texas land privately owned, voluntary conservation efforts by landowners play a crucial role in protecting the state’s natural resources. TLC’s work with James Smyle and Joan Miller exemplifies how private land conservation can make a lasting impact.
“When people ask, ‘What do you do on your land?’ our answer has always been simple: we take care of it,” said Joan Miller, landowner of East Verde Creek Preserve. “Placing our property under a conservation easement with TLC has solidified our commitment to stewardship—ensuring that future owners can appreciate and protect the open space, creeks and waterways, and vital habitat. As we continue to care for the East Verde Creek Preserve, we hope to see neighboring lands follow their own paths toward conservation, safeguarding the rare and irreplaceable landscapes of the Texas Hill Country for generations to come.”
The conservation of East Verde Creek Preserve follows two recent, successful TLC conservation projects: the 61-acre Murray Hodges Oaks in Kendall County and the 119-acre Querencia in Hays County. Together, these efforts are ensuring that more of Texas Hill Country remains protected, providing refuge for the golden-cheeked warbler and other native species.
To learn more about Texas Land Conservancy’s critical mission, the East Verde Creek Preserve and its past conservation successes, visit texaslandconservancy.com
ABOUT TEXAS LAND CONSERVANCY
Texas Land Conservancy is a 501(c)3 conservation organization dedicated to protecting the land, water, and wildlife of Texas from the negative effects of land fragmentation and poorly planned development. They work with communities, private landowners, and other partners to preserve land, restore native habitats, and connect people to nature.
