Bamberger Ranch:
To start the day off on Monday, we went on a tour of Bamberger Ranch. It was a chilly morning, and we all fought for a seat in the sun as we rode along in the tour trailer. We learned the fascinating story of David Bamberger and how he purchased the worst ranch land in Texas – 5,500 acres of Ashe Juniper forest. It was his goal to then restore the ranch into its natural state, which is predominantly grassland (though Ash Juniper is present as well). It was explained to us that the Ashe Juniper is in fact native to Texas, but due to human interactions with the environment the tree was able to dominate the landscape. Most influential in this change was the stopping of natural grassland fires, and the fencing off of land (parceling up grazing livestock). Natural fires and migratory grazing are very beneficial to grasslands, and in their absence the Ashe Juniper took over. This becomes a problem because the tree absorbs a lot of water, and increases runoff in large populations. By controlling the Ashe Juniper population, the staff at Bamberger Ranch have successfully increased the amount of water in their underwater streams. Essentially, Bamberger Ranch is a water ranch, though it is home to many animals including the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, the Oryx (an endangered species that is native to Africa), and Mexican free-tailed bats. Our group had a great experience, and were relieved to get some solid information about the controversial Ashe Juniper tree.
For more information visit: http://bambergerranch.org/
To start the day off on Monday, we went on a tour of Bamberger Ranch. It was a chilly morning, and we all fought for a seat in the sun as we rode along in the tour trailer. We learned the fascinating story of David Bamberger and how he purchased the worst ranch land in Texas – 5,500 acres of Ashe Juniper forest. It was his goal to then restore the ranch into its natural state, which is predominantly grassland (though Ash Juniper is present as well). It was explained to us that the Ashe Juniper is in fact native to Texas, but due to human interactions with the environment the tree was able to dominate the landscape. Most influential in this change was the stopping of natural grassland fires, and the fencing off of land (parceling up grazing livestock). Natural fires and migratory grazing are very beneficial to grasslands, and in their absence the Ashe Juniper took over. This becomes a problem because the tree absorbs a lot of water, and increases runoff in large populations. By controlling the Ashe Juniper population, the staff at Bamberger Ranch have successfully increased the amount of water in their underwater streams. Essentially, Bamberger Ranch is a water ranch, though it is home to many animals including the Golden-Cheeked Warbler, the Oryx (an endangered species that is native to Africa), and Mexican free-tailed bats. Our group had a great experience, and were relieved to get some solid information about the controversial Ashe Juniper tree.
For more information visit: http://bambergerranch.org/
Enchanted Rock:
Traveling about the Hill Country, is seems as if it is all limestone - remnants of an ancient body of water visible in the landscape. However, after we left Bamberger Ranch we went to experience the protruding granite formations of the Llano Uplift, the most famous being Enchanted Rock. The Tonkawa, Apache, and Comanche tribes have long associated the rock as having mystical and metaphysical energies, hence the name Enchanted Rock. At first glance, surrounded by the modern conveniences of parking lots and camp grounds, the rock didn't look very majestic. However, as we started to climb with the hot Texas sun beating on our backs and we had to hop from ledge to ledge, we started to respect this ancient entity. The group broke up into various climbing groups, the most daring headed straight up to granite face, t-shirts off and wrapped around their heads. At the same time, others took a more leisurely path, not chancing any encounters with steep cliffs or snakes. And while we each took our own path, the one that fit our needs, we all converged at the summit, sweaty and smiling. Up on the top the view was entrancing, and each person took a little time to engage with the rock as they saw fit. Some continued climbing around, some meditated, some hung upside down entranced by the inverted view, some took their shoes off and frolicked about and others simply took in the view. Up on Enchanted Rock, the most prominent feeling was gratitude, we were thankful for getting outside on a beautiful hike on a gorgeous sunny day. At that moment we the memories of the below freezing temperatures of the Midwest vanished, and we dove right into the culture, the people, the perceptions and the changes in Texas Hill Country.
For more information visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/enchanted-rock
Traveling about the Hill Country, is seems as if it is all limestone - remnants of an ancient body of water visible in the landscape. However, after we left Bamberger Ranch we went to experience the protruding granite formations of the Llano Uplift, the most famous being Enchanted Rock. The Tonkawa, Apache, and Comanche tribes have long associated the rock as having mystical and metaphysical energies, hence the name Enchanted Rock. At first glance, surrounded by the modern conveniences of parking lots and camp grounds, the rock didn't look very majestic. However, as we started to climb with the hot Texas sun beating on our backs and we had to hop from ledge to ledge, we started to respect this ancient entity. The group broke up into various climbing groups, the most daring headed straight up to granite face, t-shirts off and wrapped around their heads. At the same time, others took a more leisurely path, not chancing any encounters with steep cliffs or snakes. And while we each took our own path, the one that fit our needs, we all converged at the summit, sweaty and smiling. Up on the top the view was entrancing, and each person took a little time to engage with the rock as they saw fit. Some continued climbing around, some meditated, some hung upside down entranced by the inverted view, some took their shoes off and frolicked about and others simply took in the view. Up on Enchanted Rock, the most prominent feeling was gratitude, we were thankful for getting outside on a beautiful hike on a gorgeous sunny day. At that moment we the memories of the below freezing temperatures of the Midwest vanished, and we dove right into the culture, the people, the perceptions and the changes in Texas Hill Country.
For more information visit: http://www.tpwd.state.tx.us/state-parks/enchanted-rock
Luckenbach:
After a long day exploring the Texas Hill Country, the class took some time to relax and listen to some live music and enjoy one another’s company at the legendary site. Made famous by the country legend Waylon Jennings, Luckenbach, Texas: “Out in Luckenbach, Texas ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain”. Luckenbach is a slow, carefree environment meant to emphasize the importance of family, friends, and the significance of place. Luckenbach is located near Fredericksburg and has several buildings on site including a bar, general store, and dance hall, though most people congregated in a “backyard” space filled with picnic tables to sit, drink, and eat while listening to live music and the call of roosters sitting up in the large trees shading the outdoor area. While reflecting on the trip, many students felt that Luckenbach was one of the highlights to the trip simply because it had such a strong sense of place—truly Texan.
For more information visit: http://www.luckenbachtexas.com/
After a long day exploring the Texas Hill Country, the class took some time to relax and listen to some live music and enjoy one another’s company at the legendary site. Made famous by the country legend Waylon Jennings, Luckenbach, Texas: “Out in Luckenbach, Texas ain’t nobody feelin’ no pain”. Luckenbach is a slow, carefree environment meant to emphasize the importance of family, friends, and the significance of place. Luckenbach is located near Fredericksburg and has several buildings on site including a bar, general store, and dance hall, though most people congregated in a “backyard” space filled with picnic tables to sit, drink, and eat while listening to live music and the call of roosters sitting up in the large trees shading the outdoor area. While reflecting on the trip, many students felt that Luckenbach was one of the highlights to the trip simply because it had such a strong sense of place—truly Texan.
For more information visit: http://www.luckenbachtexas.com/