Sustainable Grazing

Prior to European settlement, bison ranged over most of the Great Plains, including Texas. These vast herds were constantly on the move which allowed grazed areas ample time to recover. Their hooves churned the soil leaving bare areas for annual forbs (weeds & wildflowers) and grasses to take hold. Forb-eating animals like deer and antelope and seed-eating species like dove and quail were able to utilize those resources.

Today, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy uses cattle as a tool to mimic the bison herds and to manipulate and enhance plant diversity for wildlife. Healthy, properly managed grazing lands provide for natural filtering of runoff and recharging of aquifers for the water supply. A sustainable grazing plan on the Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s Warren Ranch is improving water quality, thereby ensuring that present and future generations have the water resources they need.

Learn more about the Warren Ranch on their website.