Trail Tamers President George Mading,
accompanied by Vick Hines, made an advance trip from Austin to the Nature
Conservancy's acquisition (300 miles west and south of Austin), and arranged
for our group to create a nature trail.
Nine of us travelled to this preserve and following the path previously
flagged by George and Vick, managed to carve some one and a quarter miles over
very rough terrain to a viewpoint on the caprock where the confluence of
Independence Creek and the Pecos River is visible.
Even though Independence Creek is largely
fed by the amazing springs on this property (and subsequently, comprising 40%
of the Pecos River downstream) the surrounding terrain is Chihuahuan desert
limestone laid down eons ago and carved into canyons over time. It is an awesome panorama but an arduous task
to devise and cut a hiking trail in these conditions.
Several trips will be necessary to
complete a proper hiking trail with full benching and rock steps at the steep
top section. Nevertheless, our initial
path opens up this former ranch to adventuresome trekkers.
Given the extreme drought conditions (dead
junipers and prickly pear cactus!) we were gratified to lay off one day when
more than an inch of rain fell: this
spring season will produce a fantastic wildflower display. Trail Tamers worked
in excess of some 220 hours. Driving daily
some five miles to the work site we were rewarded with many wildlife sightings--prairie
dogs, turkeys, mule ear deer, sheep, armadillo, road runners, ducks, hawks,
etc. Because the Conservancy is slowly
creating wetlands with the spring source this area will be a prime destination
for birders and other wildlife seekers.
Participants:
Mitch Lopez
Mae Lopez
Dorothy Lay
Vick Hines
Dennis Walsh
Tom Dunlap
BIll Nelson
Martha Davies
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