Cherry Springs Ranch earns conservation easement

The Hill Country Conservancy announced Thursday a new conservation easement with Spicewood’s Cherry Springs Ranch. The addition of the historic 1,038-acre ranch brings the total HCC conserved lands to more than 12,500 acres. According to a press release about the acquisition, “The land was once owned by Texas historian and folklorist J. Frank Dobie. Much of his work was inspired by his time spent on the ranch, which he and Bertha Dobie named Cherry Springs Ranch in honor of the spring-fed ‘mini-Hamilton Pool,’ and the abundance of flowering escarpment black cherry trees. In 1958, he sold Cherry Springs Ranch to the Edwards family, who now works diligently to preserve the ranch’s natural resources and its rich history.” HCC Chief Conservation Officer Frank Davis celebrated the preservation of the property, which is home to 77 species of birds and features cliffs, grottoes and creeks. “The preservation of Cherry Springs is a remarkable achievement not only for Hill Country Conservancy, but for all Texans. The abundant water resources and wildlife – as well as a part of J. Frank Dobie’s historic legacy – on Cherry Springs Ranch are now permanently protected for current and future generations. Like so many other private landowners who care for their land, typically without recognition or reward, the Edwards family has been committed to the stewardship of their family ranch for decades. This conservation easement is further testament to that commitment,” Davis said.