1,766 Acres of Hill Country Habitat Protected Forever
Texas Land Conservancy is thrilled to announce the permanent protection of 79 Ranch, a 1,766-acre oasis of rolling hills, canyons, and limestone bluffs along Hogg Bluff Creek in Mason County.
The Conservation Efforts at 79 Ranch
79 Ranch is an expansive property in western Mason County that encompasses rolling hills, canyons, and showcases distinct features including limestone bluffs lining the meandering Hogg Bluff Creek. Its healthy habitats are a testament to dedicated land stewardship and restoration techniques. Prior to being purchased by its current landowner in 1979, the property was severely overgrazed and in dire need of recovery. By implementing techniques like rotational grazing and prescribed fire, the land was able to heal, and over time, 79 Ranch transformed back to a grassland savannah habitat dominated by native grasses. It is now a haven for a variety of native and endemic species, including the Black-capped Vireo and Llano Pocket Gopher.
Breathtaking Landscapes and Rich History
Mason County is characterized by a diversity of habitats, from deep woodland canyons and grassland savannahs to riparian woodlands and forests along creeks and spring-fed streams. 79 Ranch is a beautiful representation of this special area.
Standing along the bank of Hogg Bluff Creek offers the sounds of water slowly trickling through the creek bed, wind blowing through the trees, and canyon wren songs echoing off the limestone bluffs, making 79 Ranch more than just a restored landscape. It is a serene sanctuary. Its rolling hills, limestone bluffs, and ancient Native American rock middens provide expansive views of the Texas Hill County and inform us of the rich historical and cultural significance of the land.
Expanding Conservation Efforts
The protection of these 1,766 acres adds to TLC’s existing conservation easement on the adjoining Griffith Ranch protected in 2018 which forms a remarkable 2,745 acres of unbroken wildlife habitat along Hogg Bluff and Big Bluff Creeks within the Llano River watershed. Additionally, TLC’s equally spectacular 1,194-acre Calcite Ranch conservation easement along the Llano River is within 2 miles, as the crow flies. Since 2018, TLC has protected nearly 4,000 acres in this pocket of western Mason County.
The Llano River is one of TLC's priority watersheds, recognized for its pristine natural beauty, as well as the looming risks and threats of development that it faces. In total, TLC has now reached nearly 8,000 acres of protected open space and wildlife habitat throughout the entire Llano River watershed. We are extremely grateful to the landowners of 79 Ranch and all our landowners who have made the commitment to permanently protect their land in the Hill Country.
Help protect more properties like this across the state!
Texas Land Conservancy could not do this important conservation work without our members, partners, and supporters. With your support, we can work with more landowners and protect more land across the state from the negative effects of land fragmentation and poorly-planned development.