240-Acre Property Near Enchanted Rock Now Permanently Protected

The Hill Country Conservancy has secured a conservation easement on the Muckleroy Ranch, which borders the popular state natural area.

Mar. 11, 2026 at 6:56pm

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A 240-acre property directly adjacent to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in the Texas Hill Country has been permanently protected through a conservation easement secured by the Hill Country Conservancy. The Muckleroy Ranch provides unique habitat and supports a diversity of native plants and wildlife, including rare and threatened species.

Why it matters

This conservation effort helps ensure the natural beauty, wildlife habitat, and open spaces of the Texas Hill Country are preserved for generations to come, as the region faces increasing development pressures. Protecting key parcels of land like the Muckleroy Ranch also helps maintain important watershed functions.

The details

The Hill Country Conservancy worked with the private landowners, Steve and Martha Muckleroy, to place a permanent conservation easement on the Muckleroy Ranch. This means the land's natural state will be protected in perpetuity, even if the property changes ownership in the future. The conservancy says this project demonstrates how private landowners, conservation organizations, and public partners can collaborate to safeguard the landscapes that define the Texas Hill Country.

  • The conservation easement was finalized in March 2026.

The players

Hill Country Conservancy

A nonprofit land trust dedicated to preserving the natural landscapes and open spaces of the Texas Hill Country region.

Muckleroy Ranch

A 240-acre private property directly adjacent to Enchanted Rock State Natural Area that provides unique habitat and supports diverse native plants and wildlife.

Steve and Martha Muckleroy

The private landowners of the Muckleroy Ranch who worked with the Hill Country Conservancy to place a permanent conservation easement on their property.

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What they’re saying

“It's a privilege to have the opportunity to contribute to maintaining the landscape of the Texas Hill Country. Martha and I recognize the balance of progress and preservation, and it is rewarding to know we played a part in preserving hill country views for centuries to come.”

— Steve Muckleroy

The takeaway

This conservation easement on the Muckleroy Ranch demonstrates how private landowners, nonprofit organizations, and public partners can work together to protect the natural landscapes and open spaces that define the Texas Hill Country, ensuring these treasured environments are preserved for future generations.