Balcones Canyonlands Preserve
“The land use history of the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve has had a substantial impact on the health, viability, and diversity of our ecosystems. Borrowing techniques and designs from permaculture, forest gardening, natural farming, as well as traditional land management methods, we are restoring and creating habitat for the endangered Black-capped Vireo, Golden-cheeked Warbler, and numerous rare and unusual plant species. Creating and restoring endangered species habitat requires focusing on the whole supporting community. Starting from the ground up, we begin with rebuilding soils, seeding broad areas to increase biodiversity, and promoting the regeneration of woody plants. We then design plant guilds to create a sustainable framework with the goal of developing vibrant, abundant, and complex systems. What’s really exciting about this work is that we can apply what we learn at the Vireo Preserve to other areas within and beyond the Balcones Canyonlands Preserve.”
– Jim O’Donnell