Natural encroachment is a process where vegetation advances throughout its habitat. By allowing the encroachment of native riparian species, we are naturally allowing the conversion of Texas wintergrass and bermudagrass fields.
Activity
We allow natural encroachment by encouraging and protecting native species. When prescribed burns are conducted, we will protect native species by mowing/weed eating burn lines around them. We also continuously monitor for browsing by deer and use protective measures if necessary
Outcome
Natural encroachment will eventually result in a more historically natural riparian area in the Texas wintergrass and bermudagrass fields
We will propagate and transplant native woody species into the riparian zone, where natural encroachment is not successfully occurring. The mechanical removal of chinaberry is critical for this activity.
Activity
Surveys allow us to determine what native woody species should be propagated, as well as where they should be established. We plan to begin growing a minimum of 5 woody species, maximum of 10. We will transplant the propagated plants and monitor the progress to determine if additional propagation is necessary.
Outcome
This activity will promote the conversion to native vegetation in areas where natural encroachment is not successfully occurring.
We planted our wintergrass field in native prairie seed mix. Native seed is essential for native wildlife species, and provides both food and habitat for various mammal, avian and invertebrate species.
Activity
The field was plowed to disrupt and uproot the existing vegetation. We then used a seeder and tractor to seed the field with a native seed mix. We are continuously monitoring growth of the field.
Outcome
If we establish native vegetation, we will be achieving our goal to enhance native biodiversity. This practice will be very beneficial to all aspects of the native ecosystem
Purple Martin houses and gourds provide habitat for purple martins. We have a set of gourds and a house available on the property, both of which are currently being used by purple martins.
Activity
We followed Texas Parks and Wildlife (TPWD) guidelines for establishing a purple martin colony. We also have and continue to adapt to our own situation while working to establish purple martins.
Outcome
This activity provided purple martins with ideal nesting habitat. We have recorded significant purple martin activity, included nest building activity. We hope to continuously increase the success of this purple martin colony.
Bluebird boxes provide nesting habitat for bluebirds. A student organization at Tarleton State University constructed the boxes.
Activity
We determined that the area could hold 80 bluebird boxes. We have currently constructed and installed 20 bluebird boxes throughout the property. Those boxes will be monitored and maintained. We will add 20 bluebird boxes each year, until we have 80 throughout the property.
Outcome
We will eventually provide nesting habitat for 80 bluebird pairs, or other cavity-nesting songbirds. We hope to observe a continued increase of native birds utilizing the new nesting habitat.
Owl boxes provide nesting habitat for owl species. They may also give us access to owl pellets we can examine for small mammal surveys.
Activity
Five eastern screech owl nest boxes have been constructed and affixed to trees along in the Bosque River riparian zone. We will continuously maintain and monitor these boxes and hopefully begin collecting owl pellets for mammal surveys.
Outcome
We have provided nesting habitat for Eastern screech owls on the property. Since installing the boxes, we have identified Eastern screech owls in the area. We continue to monitor the boxes and surrounding areas in hopes to utilize pellets to observe mammal species on the ranch.
A chimney swift tower will be constructed on the property to provide habitat for chimney swifts.
Activity
A single chimney swift tower will be constructed and placed in the trap near the house, at least 25’ away from any trees.
Outcome
This activity will provide nesting habitat for chimney swifts, and a roost site for approximately 40 chimney swifts. We hope to maintain a population of chimney swifts.
Snag development and retention will be implanted to provide natural habitat to cavity nesting birds.
Activity
We will determine what trees should be developed as snags. We will then identify the best method for developing snags and implement the method / methods of choice. We will continue to monitor the developing snags and determine if additional snags are necessary.
Outcome
Snags are important to many native avian species. Cavity nesting birds can commonly be recorded utilizing snags for nesting habitat. We hope to increase this natural habitat by developing and retaining snags.
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