Local Family Dedicates Hill Country Ranch To Conservation
SAN MARCOS, Texas – Jason and Ashley Roberts partnered with Colorado River Land Trust to protect their family ranch from future development in the rapidly growing area of San Marcos, Texas.
Riding horseback across the wide-open spaces of the Hill Country is one of the most iconic images of Texas.
With the rapid growth and development along the I-35 corridor in Central Texas, these open spaces are being threatened by conversion to neighborhoods and shopping centers.
Hays County has quickly become one of the fastest growing areas in the country. One local family is stepping up to protect their land, and the Texas history that comes with it, from this development.
Windemere Farms, located along the banks of Sink Creek in the city of San Marcos, is a pristine equestrian boarding and training facility offering dedicated care for horses.
When Jason Roberts and his family purchased the property, they knew it was a special place to not only operate a horse facility but also to allow the family access to the outdoors and riding horses.
As an integral part of their day to day lives, the Roberts family believed it was time to ensure the property would be protected for future generations.
They decided the best method for them to ensure their family farm and its history were protected was a conservation easement with Colorado River Land Trust.
The property includes limestone bluffs, ancient live oak trees, abundant wildlife, and adjoins Sink Creek, which flows into Spring Lake, forming the headwaters of the San Marcos River.
Overlying the Edwards Aquifer Recharge Zone, the protection of Windemere Farms is critical to the quality and quantity of water this growing region depends on.
“We knew how special this property was, and we are excited to be able to ensure that it is protected forever as open space in the Hill Country,” said Jason Roberts.
Colorado River Land Trust Executive Director Jeff Crosby said, “We all depend on families like the Roberts to make the decision to protect their properties in order for our growing state to realize exactly what these wide-open spaces mean to Texas.”
The nonprofit works with private property owners like Jason and Ashley to protect the natural resources of Texas.
Dear Jason and Ashley.
Thank you for stepping up for conservation. Conservation easements are such a contribution to the natural world that we all are trying to maintain. Your contribution in the high impact region of San Marcos will make a huge difference; not only to quality of life, but also as an example to others of what they can do.
We placed a conservation easement on our ranch in Tom Green County, south of San Angelo with the Nature Conservancy. We are the headwaters of the South Concho River, with significant aquatic and riparian forest habitat, along with typical Edwards Plateau rocky brushy hills. My family and I are totally committed to what you and we are doing. So glad to see the Colorado River Land Trust taking part.
Congratulations on your foresight and generosity.
Sincerely, Ryland Howard, San Antonio.