Coastal Prairie Conservancy

Land Stewardship - CPC monitors its conservation easement lands annually to ensure that the goals and objectives of the easement are followed and that the land retains its conservation values. CPC establishes baseline data on all its easements so it can track changes over time through regular monitoring protocols. CPC develops detailed management plans for its fee-owned properties to remove invasive species (including Chinese Tallow, McCartney Rose, feral hogs and other feral animals) and to improve the conservation values of these lands by restoring or creating wetlands and enhancing and restoring native grasslands.

Land Management & Restoration - During 2003-2004, CPC's Board of Directors purchased a majority interest in the historic Warren Ranch, a 6,000-acre working cattle ranch. Part of CPC's mission is to protect the unique scenic, historic, and natural resources on the Katy Prairie. Well-managed farmland shelters wildlife, supplies scenic open space, and helps filter impurities from air and water. Warren Ranch's agricultural lands offer many other benefits: preservation of natural resources; outdoor recreation, including bird watching, hunting, and nature tours; improved flood protection; economic development through eco-tourism; enhanced wildlife habitat; recharge zones for the area's aquifers; educational field trips for area youth; local food sources; and research opportunities for colleges in ecology and land management.

Public Outreach - CPC works with various governmental entities to track and monitor public policy issues that may affect CPC's lands, including major thoroughfare and road plans, flood control initiatives, and conservation easement tax incentives. CPC offers events, tours, and programs to enable the public to enjoy different aspects of its protected lands. In addition, CPC also hosts small group tours (working in cooperation with other conservation entities and area naturalists) as well as field trips for young people. Interpretive signs and field guides enhance the visitor experience, and expanded outreach and marketing efforts through CPC's website and electronic newsletter broaden audience reach. CPC has also developed programming at area schools and parks to make people more aware of the importance of prairies to the region. CPC also provides extensive virtual programming when visiting its preserves is not possible.

Nature's Burial was created to establish burial cemeteries that preserve the natural habitat of an area in a way that celebrates life at the time of a loved one's passing. All revenue from Nature's Burial is used for the operation and management of the organization's lands and furthers the mission of sustaining a resilient Texas by preserving coastal prairies, wetlands, farms, and ranches forever.