What is Conservation Development in Texas, and does this sustainable land-use strategy have a place in Fayette County? Let’s dive into this new and exciting opportunity for growth.
The Homesteads at Walker Branch: A Blueprint for Conservation Development in Texas
Just north of Schulenburg, near historic Freyburg, a new land development project is underway. The Homesteads at Walker Branch is the first of its kind in the area and the state. Designated a Natural Prairie Community by the Natural Prairies Association of Texas, its development aims to be a blueprint for future growth in Texas. Its developers, Land Within Reach, are inspired to see the potential of Conservation Development turn into reality.
What is Conservation Development?
Conservation Development is a modern land-use strategy. It merges development with land preservation. This plan involves dedicating a large area to permanent open space – often 50% or more of the total site. Housing units are concentrated onto a smaller, suitable section or sections. This approach is also called “cluster development.” The goal is more than just setting land aside, it ensures the land is managed to restore ecological health. As a result, it protects scenic beauty and promotes the regrowth of natural habitats. These include native prairies, wetlands, or forests. This provides vital ecosystem services including wildlife corridors and water purification. Consequently, this method reduces the overall environmental impact and is an alternative to traditional suburban sprawl.
Benefits of Conservation Development
Prioritizing habitat preservation brings many benefits. The regrowth of natural prairies is especially important. Residents get an enhanced quality of life. They gain direct access to nature trails and scenery. This is good for both physical and mental well-being. Ecologically, restoring native prairies is crucial. Their deep-rooted plants improve soil health. They help prevent erosion and alllow for better stormwater management. The roots help water soak into the ground helping prairies provide essential pollinator habitats. This supports local bees, butterflies, and agriculture.
For example, this model of Conservation Development might look like a community where homes are clustered around a restored Blackland Prairie. In addition, mandatory buffers around creeks and no-mow zones help native grasses regrow. This not only creates a beautiful amenity for the community but also contributes to the region’s overall ecological resilience.
We dove deeper into Conservation Development and LWR’s vision for stewardship on the latest episode of The Entre Podcast with Chip Bubela.
Land Within Reach: Creating Land Stewardship
One of the primary goals with their new development is realizing the idea of Land Stewardship. This concept puts the burden on us, as Texans, to steward the land during these times of extreme growth in the state. By creating a development centered around preservation of natural Texas land, Land Within Reach brings people together with nature as the glue. Shared prairies and a lack of fences may be foreign to many locals, taking care of the land should unite us all.
Much of the land in Texas (95%) is privately owned. That means that land owners in this state are the chosen stewards of Texas and its many habitats. The Homesteads at Walker Branch are a blueprint for how to be a better steward. Partnering with great organizations like Wildlife Habitat Federation and Plateau Land Management, LWR has taken all the hard work out of conservation for its future residents. These groups have prescribed a plan to restore and preserve the natural prairies of The Homesteads while also providing services like permanent feeders and wildlife monitors to engage residents with the process. All this is provided for by community funding raised through the savings each landowner receives thanks to the Wildlife Exemptions on each tract.
Truly a revolutionary concept that came to life in Fayette County.
We’re very proud of the work Land Within Reach is doing in our neck of the woods and if you’d like to learn more about The Homesteads at Walker Branch or Conservation Development in Fayette County, please contact us for a tour today!
Also, please check out Land Within Reach’s website and follow them on social media. They’ve got big things in store for Texas!
Want to learn more about how you can become a land steward on your own property? Check out Wildlife Habitat Federation and contact them to schedule visits!
