Helping Water Flow Where it Needs to Go

On August 26th, 55 eager pa

rticipants gathered at the Circle Ranch in the Chihuahuan high-desert grasslands of far-West Texas to learn about effective water cycle management, forage production and soil health.  The event started at 9 AM sharp, with Peggy Cole doing an orientation to Holistic Management. Host and ranch owner Chris Gill provided participants with an orientation to Circle Ranch, followed by wildlife biologist and restoration expert Bill Zeedyk, who provided participants with a restoration orientation, providing information about the number of restoration projects happening on the ranch. After the orientation, participants were then taken to one the current restoration site on the ranch, where Bill spoke about land erosion and the restoration process.  Other restoration projects taking place on the ranch were visited as well. After lunch, Katherine Ottmers talked about the value of biological monitoring, leading a group exercise in the field to explain the monitoring process.  The day ended with a Q & A with panel presenters and Chris Gill. Here are some of the results from the day's event:

Here are some of the things participants had to say about the event:

"Very educational." 

"It was very educational. I enjoyed it!"

"I learned something new." 

"Great presenters, very educational."

"It was great. It was well thought out and planned."

"Very informative." 

HMI would like to thank The Dixon Water Foundation, who provided program funding, as well as the following sponsors, collaborators and outreach partners:

Circle Ranch, Texas NRCS, Zeedyk Ecological Consulting, Ausplow Easitill II, High Point Soil & Water Conservation District, Texas Parks and Wildlife, Quivira Coalition, and Frank Porter. 

Cultivating Community: Land, Food, Health

will offer thought-provoking presentations and breakout sessions on various

consumer and producer

interests. Local food security, land health, strengthening our communities and nourishing our bodies all included! We have something for everyone, so come learn from the experts! Many of our acclaimed speakers are celebrated throughout the world. Our special keynote speaker, “America’s Most Famous Farmer” himself, 

Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms

, will be sure to inspire us all. We’ll also enjoy beautiful landscapes, farm-fresh food and be on the land with the animals.

This is no ordinary conference.