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Fall 2026 Restoration Management Tour #1
October 29 Restoration Management Tour
Identify ranchland forbs, grasses and woody plants
The restoration management tour will look at the results of prescribed fire, native plant seeding, white tailed deer management, reduction of invasive K R Bluestem, and restoration field trials to increase grass, forb, and woody species diversity and quantity.
David Mahler (and ESC’s co-founder, Judy Walther) have been recognized with a lifetime achievement award from the Native Plant Society of Texas for conserving and restoring our natural heritage and educating people of Central Texas about the ecological benefit and importance of land stewardship and native plants.
Thetour will begin at 9am on Thursday, October 29th and be led by DavidMahler.
We encourage you to share this invitation with other conservation minded friends and colleagues or include up to 3 guests on your RSVP
The 1100-acre Spicewood Ranch is located at 839 County Road 411, Spicewood Texas,78669. We will send you detailed drivinginstructions, and other logistics information as we get closer to the eventdate.
Please complete the liability waiver for this event before arriving:
https://waiver.smartwaiver.com/w/pxzobt85wdry2deeal35p1/web/
Meet Your Guide
Join our field ecologists for a walk through restored grasslands and oak savannas. Learn how native plants like little bluestem, Indian grass, and Maximilian sunflower are re-establishing across the Ranch — and how each species plays a role in a healthy ecosystem.
Frequently Asked Questions
Spicewood Ranch is a privately owned 1100-acre ranch in Spicewood, Texas focused on the restoration of native grasslands, prairies, and oak savannas.
Spicewood Ranch is located in Spicewood, Texas approximately 40 miles northwest of Austin, and 15 miles southeast of Marble Falls.
Restoration work has been overseen by David Mahler, and the team at Environmental Survey Consulting Group. Burns are conducted with the help of volunteers, some who have been helping at the ranch for years.
The ranch is not open to the public on a regular basis, but offers a variety of botany, birding, and restoration management tours every spring and fall.
If you are interested in arranging a tour for a particular group or organization, please use the “contact us” form.
Tours typically include visits to restored prairies and savannas, as well as examples of the ranch flora before restoration began, a stop at the seed barn, and a walk along the banks of Alligator creek.
Restoration, Conservation, Inspiration
Restoration isn’t just about land — it’s about people who love and care for it. Whether you’re a neighbor, researcher or volunteer—your curiosity and care will help this place thrive.