+ Herff farm land Farm: A Story in 3 parts
Land. 60 acres of it. Historically significant, and protecting an irreplaceable fresh water source, this land will soon encompass a sustainable living education center, a community hub, and a natural and adventurous place for children to play. Welcome to the re-imagined Herff Farm. The 10,000 acre Herff Ranch was created in 1852 when land was abundant, water sources seemed unlimited, and neighbors were few and far between. Today, Herff Farm and it s environmentally strategic 60 acres, rests at the confluence of Cibolo and Menger Creeks, at the very edge of a growing suburban population. The Cibolo Nature Center acquired this historic farm in 2007 when it became evident that the still-natural land was perilously close to being commercially developed. In doing so, the Nature Center has protected the quality and quantity of drinking water for the Edwards and Trinity aquifers, the primary sources of drinking water for San Antonio and much of the Hill Country. As significant as that act of preservation has been, the people behind the Cibolo Nature Center and Herff Farm want to kick it up a notch. They envision the Farm as a gathering place offering public events, community gardens, a Farmers Market and hiking opportunities. And also see Herff Farm as a natural laboratory for sustainable modern living a place where children and adults learn how to live in harmony with the land and its precious natural resources.
part 1 + home landwhere everyone's a neighbor For 25 years, the Cibolo Nature Center has led the way in conservation education in our greater Central Texas neighborhood. With the addition of Herff Farm, these notable efforts will expand significantly as the Cibolo Nature Center and Farm becomes a thriving, new model of sustainable living for farming, gardening, beekeeping and water catchment, all while providing wide-open spaces to simply enjoy being outdoors. Keeping our past alive The Herff Farm Homestead was one of the first settlements in Boerne and is now listed on the National Register of Historical Places. The farm was owned by the Herffs for 60 years before Colonel and Mrs. Rozelle purchased the farm in 1935 and started an apple orchard. Familyowned ranches and farms once defined the Hill Country, but now rapid development in the area has made that way of life nearly a thing of the past. Through the preservation of the historic Herff Farm, we are safeguarding a piece of our history. As important, we will focus our public programs on ways to develop a sustainable future. Education and stewardship What could be more important than nurturing an informed generation of new caretakers of the land? The Cibolo Nature Center and Farm will encourage children and adults to experience and indulge in the happy satisfaction of a day spent outdoors. Through a variety of activities we will share the wonders of nature and the impact our actions have on the natural environment while offering potential solutions for a sustainable future. Conserving natural resources The Cibolo and Menger Creeks were the lifeline for early settlers in the area. Without them, Boerne might not have been settled. Today, the Nature Center and Farm works to protect the fragile upper Cibolo Creek watershed because it provides vital recharge for the Edwards and Trinity Aquifers. Through the conservation of lands along the Cibolo Creek, we can help safeguard the water supply for all the communities dependent upon it. Cibolo Nature Center and Farm farm+land www.cibolo.org
That land is a community is the basic concept of ecology, but that land is to be loved and respected is an extension of ethics. Aldo Leopold
part 2 + where dream land we think big We ve dreamed big and our dreams are becoming reality. After nearly a decade of struggle to acquire the Farm, this remarkable natural and cultural treasure will be protected forever. But that is only part of our dream. Friends of Cibolo Wilderness, in active participation with local community members, have devised a plan for the re-imagination of Herff Farm. And while we know the Farm will continue to evolve in response to the current needs of its community, right now we have some firm ideas of what the Farm will always be: a model of stewardship of our vanishing natural areas. A hub for community conversations and learning A large-capacity pavilion and amphitheater will accommodate educational and community events on a broad scale, while classrooms, trails, exhibits and community gardens will foster smaller, daily opportunities for students and community members to gather at the Farm. Southern Maidenhair An example of living lightly in the Hill Country The Farm will teach students and adults sustainable techniques such as home gardening, rainwater catchment and conservation, best energy-use practices, composting and more. Operating sustainably, it will also act as a living model of environmental stewardship. A source of environmental education programs for all ages Each of us is a caretaker of the land. The Farm will actively engage all people to consider the opportunities that are readily available for living in harmony with nature. A wildlife corridor and trails Home to native prairie grasses and a bird sanctuary, the Farm will expand its trail system with a bridge between the Cibolo Nature Center and Farm. A thriving community garden and Farmers Market The weekly farmers market and year-round community garden will be enhanced by programs which support sustainable living. Cibolo Nature Center and Farm farm+land www.cibolo.org
MapKey 1. Pavilion and Education Building 2. Restored Barn 3. Ledgestone Amphitheater 4. Outhouse 5. Community Gardens and Headquarters 6. Inspiration Garden Shed 7. Aviary 8. Children s Nature Play Area 9. Historic Waterworks 10. Herff House 11. High Bridge 12. Cibolo Riparian Restoration 13. Low Water Crossing Pedestrian and small vehicle access between the Farm and Cibolo Nature Center 14. Menger Creek Bird Sanctuary 15. Restored Prairie 16. Extensive Trails 17. Landscaped Berm
Everybody needs beauty as well as bread, places to play in and pray in, where nature may heal and give strength to body and soul. John Muir
part 3 + where heart land we make it all happen We ve put our whole hearts into re-imagining Herff Farm but we can t do it alone. Additional big-hearted supporters are necessary. The Farm + Land Campaign seeks to raise the necessary funds to make an historic homestead, barns and surrounding land meaningful and relevant to future generations. A cherished place for the next and the next and the next generations. A gift to this campaign is a lasting legacy and will ensure that a Texas Hill Country treasure will be protected and, most importantly, shared. Your gift to our Farm + Land Campaign will be a lasting legacy: whole-hearted protection of historic and fragile land AND access to that land for many thousands of people. By protecting the Herff Farm and expanding on the educational programs of the Cibolo Nature Center, we will be able to provide future generations with an inspiring history, land to explore and nurture, and important tools for living in the Hill Country. TOM FROST, JR. Cibolo Nature Center and Farm farm+land www.cibolo.org
Always keep one foot in the past, your head in the present, and your eyes to the future. JOHN SMITH
Our Vision Connecting the Hill Country community to our past, present and future through Nature. Learn it here; use it anywhere!
140 City Park Road, Boerne, TX 78006 830-249-4616 www.cibolo.org Special thanks to Bill Zaner, a Texas landscape master, who donated these watercolors from his sketchbook of the Herff Farm.