Landscape

Rectangular in shape, this 11,800 acre ranch is generally rolling in terrain, with numerous hills offering spectacular views of sweeping valleys, deep draws, and dramatic cliffs. The highest elevation on the Ranch is 2,280 feet.

The presence of live water on the Ranch is one of its most distinguishing features.

Natural springs feed the long and narrow Bonnibel Lake at the base of a high bluff. These springs form the headwaters of the North Fork of the Guadalupe River that runs sporadically through the northeast corner of the Ranch.

The lake is an attractant for many varieties of birds: Rio Grande Turkeys, Great Blue Herons, ravens, and Bald and Golden Eagles all find habitat at this site.

Flatrock Creek starts at the Ranch’s headquarters with water flowing from prolific and cold springs that remain at 68-70 degrees throughout the year.

After meandering tranquilly through more than a mile of the Ranch`s northeast corner Flatrock Creek becomes a major contributor to the Guadalupe River.

On the east side of the Ranch a number of other springs create watering points for livestock and wildlife. These natural sources have been supplemented with numerous wells, tanks and troughs so that no animal needs to walk more than one-half mile for fresh water.

Wide, open areas of tall prairie grass have been created by land clearing and brush control. These are interspersed with clumps of trees and woody plants that provide shade and sanctuary, as well as visually protected corridors for wildlife.

Over-grazing of “ice cream grasses" has been prevented by concentrating the cattle into a single herd, and by timing movement from one pasture to another based on the growth rates of the grass.  Native bluestems, sideoats gramma, Indian grass, and other high quality native grasses increasingly cover pastures today.