With the hot, dry days of summer behind us, I’ve been able to survey some of the water retention projects I have been working on.  A few prior projects needed some maintenance, and I completed the initial phase of our cascading ponds.   Much of our soil here at the ranch consists of a one-foot layer of sand over an impenetrable layer of clay. When we get those infamous Central Texas downpours, the water rapidly slips through the sand and shoots along the clay layer making its way downhill and ultimately off the property.  As extended periods of drought are frequent, it’s important to slow down what water does fall and collect as much as we can. 

Long ago heavy rains swept all the sand off the highest hilltop on the ranch.  There resides a heavily laden mesquit patch and not much grass.  Without any sand to slow down the water, the rain rapidly runs over the land and onto our neighbor’s property ultimately ending up in our pond.  Several summers back I built a small retention pond and dug a trench that redirected the overflower back onto our property forcing it to traverse our pasture.  By slowing the flow of water, we have significantly cut down on the erosion, and it also allows more time for the clay layer to absorb and hold the water.  It became apparent this summer, when that retention pond dried up, that the pond had captured a lot of sediment and it needed to be dug out.  While I was at it, I improved the trench that directs the overflow.

Another project I had to make repairs on is a small culvert at the headwaters of our main pond.  There is no significant benefit to this culvert other than keeping my feet dry when I walk the fence line - but hey, who wants wet feet.  The flash floods had swept fallen branches down and backed up the culvert forcing the water to overflow and washing out the culvert.  So while I was out with the dozer I rebuilt the culvert so I can stay high and dry this winter.

The coup de gras was the completion of phase one of our cascading ponds along the front of our property.  Being a spring-fed marshy area, this can get quite unsightly, filling with towering rattle bush, bull rush, cattails, and river hemp.  Trying to maintain the diversity and improve its appearance, I built a small dam so I could take the tractor to the far side as well as to hold the water for our livestock.  Eventually, I will build several more of these along this wetland area; slowing the water down before it makes its way off the property.  This will become a wonderful duck habitat. 

This summer was pretty stressful.  With the day-to-day grind, you often feel that you’re just barely staying afloat, but as the days get shorter, it’s good to have a chance to reflect on the improvements we’ve made.  And the longer nights give ample time to dream up new projects to do.  We can’t wait to share this with you all this April at our annual Open House and Farm Tour.   

We're pleased to announce the Pflugerville Pfarmers Market's permanent move to the Green Red Barn at the back of Heritage Park. Say goodbye to the hot parking lot, and hello to shaded comfort with parking available next to the barn.