Sometimes I lock the gate. Sometimes I leave it locked. Protecting the space in which I see and hear myself most clearly. Validation coming only from within. My thoughts an island.
Not the only “island” in west Texas, however, there are others. Three others in fact: the Guadalupe, Chisos, and Davis Mountains. Each an isolated range with peaks between 7,500 and 9,000 feet. Each an anomaly, creating a cooler, wetter, landscape surrounded by arid lowland Chihuahuan desert. A remembrance of what things might have looked like in this region over 10,000 years ago.
With just over 33,000 acres, plus another 102,000 in protected easements, the Davis Mountain Preserve is home to many watersheds feeding the surrounding creeks. It provides shelter for plants and animals that could not survive in the desert below. A place of dark skies for bear and elk to traverse without human interference. To live uninterrupted. Safeguarded by those who care.
Conceived the early 1900’s and realized in the 50’s, The Nature Conservancy is active today in over 70 countries and territories. In Texas alone, TNC has protected over 1 million acres of land and more than 200 miles of rivers and streams. This includes the restoration of native grasslands, preservation of habitats and water supplies, even the addition of 67,000 acres into Big Bend National Park – not an easy task.
At the Davis Mountains Preserve, horseback riding the 1.5 miles of Madera Overlook trail is a bit like being in a Disney film. Birds chirping, wind blowing, rustling leaves, sunlight dappling the ground. We work our way through the trees and suddenly the forest opens to the most wonderful surprise. We come upon a view.
Sitting on a perfect rock bench, the sounds of a creek bubbling, a single truck works its way down the old dirt road below. Mount Livermore in the distance. Butterflies dance around us, I breathe it all in.
This is the good stuff.
From the overlook we make our way down, past the visitor center to the Tor Peak Equestrian trail, another 3.2 miles roundtrip. Grasses sway in the breeze, an orchestra working in tandem. Views of rolling hills, mountains playing peek-a-boo through the gaps. My horse, Dex, climbs… jerking me forward with every step.
Midway, I break for lunch among pinecones and needles. Moss covered rocks scattered about like speckled eggs of every shape and size. Trees of alligator bark. We are not the only wildlife here. Two bucks watched from afar, I enjoy the unveiling of it all.
They don’t allow many people in this preserve. Reservations are limited and required. Gates typically locked. The animals feel safe here.
I feel safe here.
Driving home, I think about how important it is that we protect these special places. Those untarnished in the world around us, those needing polish, and those in us. So easy to do for others, yet so difficult to do for ourselves. Difficult even to accept sometimes.
And I am reminded not to turn from this world. To hold on with arms wide open and lean in. Investing in myself, my peace of mind, and my surroundings. My world.
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Open by reservation only, the Davis Mountains Preserve boasts close to 30 miles of horse trails with peaks up to 8,300 feet and incredible views. To support or get involved with The Nature Conservancy or Davis Mountains Preserve: https://www.nature.org/en-us/get-involved/how-to-help/places-we-protect/davis-mountains-preserve/
To get involved with The Nature Conservancy of Texas: https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/texas/
Chihuahuan Desert Education Coalition 