We promote the advancement of land stewardship through ranching, science, and education.
Our Why
To develop and promote land stewardship practices and improve ranch productivity while conserving wildlife and native rangelands for future generations.
LAND STEWARDSHIP
RESEARCH | LAND MANAGEMENT | POLICY
RESEARCH | LAND MANAGEMENT | POLICY
Advancing land stewardship is at the heart of everything we do.
Our goal is to operate an efficient and sustainable ranching enterprise where healthy rangelands support livestock production and wildlife populations, optimizing the long-term value of a South Texas ranch.
We direct our efforts toward a sustainable and productive ranching operation. Sustainable systems consider the environmental (rangeland health, ecosystem services), economic (value, profitability), and social (human capital, community, consuming public) dimensions and consequences of decisions.
Embracing a ‘management by experiment’ mindset, we’re constantly seeking innovative approaches to maximize the long-term value of our ranches. This might involve testing new grazing systems, implementing water conservation technologies, or exploring alternative energy development. By systematically evaluating these methods, we continually refine our practices.
Ultimately, the long-term value of the ranch is our benchmark of stewardship and sustainability. Good stewardship means increasing the long-term value of the asset over time, across generations.
BETTER DECISION MAKING
OUTREACH | EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
OUTREACH | EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Our land is a working laboratory where scientists and managers work together to address issues important to wildlife management, rangeland health, and ranch productivity. We ensure that ranching and wildlife management work together to conserve healthy rangelands.
Across our enterprise, our management philosophy is rooted in comprehensive understanding of our land, resources, and operations. This knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions that benefit both the ecosystem and our productivity.
Our science program’s purpose is to enable better decision making by land stewards. We embrace a ‘management by experiment’ mindset, constantly seeking innovative approaches to maximize the long-term value of our ranches. This might involve documentation of vegetation, soil, and weather, management of key wildlife species, or novel approaches to threatened and endangered species management. By systematically evaluating these methods, we continually refine our practices.
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
HERITAGE | COMMITMENT | HARDWORKING
HERITAGE | COMMITMENT | HARDWORKING
Developing future leaders is a core part of our mission. Our Behind the GatesSM program advances land stewardship using a hands-on, science-based curriculum that demonstrates how working ranches provide the needs of both people and wildlife.
We use our ranchlands and abundant natural resources to build conservation-minded leaders through programs that introduce students of all ages to land stewardship. We invest in future professionals through internships, graduate fellowships, and close engagements with university programs.
We engage students in the classroom, on the land, and in partnership with like-minded partners who seek to connect students to the land.
Our Why
To develop and promote land stewardship practices for improve ranch productivity while conserving wildlife and native rangelands for future generations.
LAND STEWARDSHIP
RESEARCH | LAND MANAGEMENT | POLICY
RESEARCH | LAND MANAGEMENT | POLICY
Advancing land stewardship is at the heart of everything we do.
Our goal is to operate an efficient and sustainable ranching enterprise where healthy rangelands support livestock production and wildlife populations, optimizing the long-term value of a South Texas ranch.
We direct our efforts toward a sustainable and productive ranching operation. Sustainable systems consider the environmental (rangeland health, ecosystem services), economic (value, profitability), and social (human capital, community, consuming public) dimensions and consequences of decisions.
Embracing a ‘management by experiment’ mindset, we’re constantly seeking innovative approaches to maximize the long-term value of our ranches. This might involve testing new grazing systems, implementing water conservation technologies, or exploring alternative energy development. By systematically evaluating these methods, we continually refine our practices.
Ultimately, the long-term value of the ranch is our benchmark of stewardship and sustainability. Good stewardship means increasing the long-term value of the asset over time, across generations.
BETTER DECISION MAKING
OUTREACH | EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
OUTREACH | EDUCATION | PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Our land is a working laboratory where scientists and managers work together to address issues important to wildlife management, rangeland health, and ranch productivity. We ensure that ranching and wildlife management work together to conserve healthy rangelands.
Across our enterprise, our management philosophy is rooted in comprehensive understanding of our land, resources, and operations. This knowledge empowers us to make informed decisions that benefit both the ecosystem and our productivity.
Our science program’s purpose is to enable better decision making by land stewards. We embrace a ‘management by experiment’ mindset, constantly seeking innovative approaches to maximize the long-term value of our ranches. This might involve documentation of vegetation, soil, and weather, management of key wildlife species, or novel approaches to threatened and endangered species management. By systematically evaluating these methods, we continually refine our practices.
DEVELOPING FUTURE LEADERS
HERITAGE | COMMITMENT | HARDWORKING
HERITAGE | COMMITMENT | HARDWORKING
Developing future leaders is a core part of our mission. Our Behind the GatesSM program advances land stewardship using hands-on, science-based curriculum that demonstrates how working ranches provide the needs of both people and wildlife.
We use our ranchlands and abundant natural resources to build conservation-minded leaders through programs that introduce students of all ages to land stewardship. We invest in future professionals through internships, graduate fellowships, and close engagements with university programs.
We engage students in the classroom, on the land, and in partnership with like-minded partners who seek to connect students to the land.
Land Stewardship &
Management Projects
Our land and our ranching operations are at the heart of our research and education programs.
Better
Decision Making
Developing Future
Leaders
Discover how our innovative educational programs are inspiring the next generation of land stewards and conservation leaders through hands-on experiences in South Texas.
Resources
There's More to Explore!
We’re working to enhance and enable effective decision-making. Find out how we do it.
To accomplish our mission we think long term, ask big questions, and seek data-supported answers that allow land stewards and managers to make more informed decisions.
Neal Wilkins, President & CEO
Large Mammal Survey
White-tailed Deer
Quail Population Surveys
Avian Monitoring
UPCOMING EVENTS
85th Annual Meeting of Texas Soil and Water Conservation District Directors
Our Supporters
We couldn't do what we do without y'all.
Our partners and sponsors make our work possible through their generosity. Join them in supporting our mission.
