The Ranch
Beauty is often taken for granted, generally thought of in terms of personal taste, as in “beauty is in the eye of the beholder.” Yet beauty is far more than a subjective response to some observable something and is one of the ranch’s most important features.
Burro Ciénaga
In the American Southwest there is a unique kind of waterway few people know of: the ciénaga. And so few remain healthy that, absent awareness of what a ciénaga is and their importance, these endangered habitats will soon become extinct.
Euphorbia rayturneri
The Grant County Native Plant Society makes periodic trips to the ranch for plant study and identification. In 2009, Gene Jercinovic — a member of the group with a particular interest in smaller plants — found a species he could not identify.
Endangered Wildlife
In addition to the Euphorbia rayturneri, the Pitchfork Ranch has six other species listed as endangered: Chiricahua leopard frog, Gila topminnow, aplomado falcon, Wright’s marsh thistle, viceroy butterfly, and the coatimundi.
Cattle
We avoid referring to ourselves as “ranchers,” preferring “ranch owners” because there is a clear difference between a “cowman” and retirees using a historic cattle ranch for restoration, wildlife, and carbon sequestration.
Habitat Restoration
Habitat restoration is one of five key elements, along with zero-carbon sources of renewables, weatherization, elimination of our consumptive life style and mass transit, for “The Great Transition” away from fossil fuels required to address climate change.
Historically referred to as the lemonade bush, juice from these crushed berries added to the standard mix, creates the Wild Algerita Margretta.
Yucca petals are a great addition to a salad.
Lucinda next to what is arguably the tallest Yucca tree in the state on a neighboring ranch.
Giant sacaton grass gets tall. I was once 6’6” in my stocking feet.
The Singing Tree.
