Tall poplar trees mirror perfectly in a still spring-fed pond at Independence Creek Preserve, beneath a soft pink sunset sky with West Texas hills in the background.

The Creek That Sweetens the Pecos: Inside Independence Creek Preserve

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Heading west on I-10 from Junction toward El Paso, the scenery quickly flattens. The Hill Country gives way to dry, open country, and the miles can begin to feel long. A few miles past Ozona, Exit 325 to Sheffield opens … Read More

Chico Tank

Chico Tank

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— If you ever have a chance to visit any of the Nature Conservancy preserves, jump at the opportunity. Most of the time those preserves have a few days when they are open to the public, and two or three … Read More

Independence Creek Preserve

Sunrise

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In remote West Texas, the Nature Conservancy of Texas maintains Independence Creek Preserve (ICP), a 702-acre piece of land along the pristine Independence Creek. It is so unfortunate that the preserve is only open to campers twice a year, but … Read More

Independence Creek Preserve

The Nature Conservancy’s Independence Creek Preserve

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— On my first visit to this preserve in 2013, I just could not get over the beauty and tranquility of this place. Also, biking around the preserve was a sight to behold. Upon arriving at ICP, we set up … Read More