The 2023 Annual Conference October 14 Eclipse at El Sauz Ranch is sponsored by the East Foundation.

Vickie Sanders, Class of 2022

Looking for the Sun at El Sauz

Clouds. They can be lovely, or provide shade, or promise much needed rain, but on Saturday, October 14, they were NOT what we wanted to see. Eight buses with over 400 Texas Master Naturalists loaded up in McAllen and headed to El Sauz Ranch, very anxious to see what the day held.

Gusty winds came to the rescue, and, in addition to driving away some pesky mosquitos, they moved the clouds around at random times so we could enjoy the Annual Eclipse. Having the eclipse peak from behind the clouds at unexpected moments made it even more exciting!

While at the El Sauz Ranch, we were treated lunch and several programs sponsored by the East Foundation. El Sauz has been a working cattle ranch for over 150 years. In addition to the cattle, they are also home to large populations of white tail deer, quail, dove, wild boar, nilgai antelope, and OCELOTS!

The East Foundation promotes the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education. One of their endeavors is sponsoring a research program studying ocelots. We learned that one of the largest, if not the largest, populations of ocelots in the world resides at El Sauz Ranch. If you want to find out more about what fabulous things the East Foundation does, please visit their website https://eastfoundation.net/

After watching the eclipse through the clouds, iNating, bird watching, and watching Sam Kieschnick up to his shoulder digging in a gopher hole, we were ready to ride back in comfort to McAllen. What a day well spent, and we’re so glad the sun came out!