This is private access only. 

 The 1,600 acre Hershey Ranch is the largest privately owned conservation easement within Gillespie County – a legacy assured by the late Terry Hershey. The ranch is managed exclusively for the benefit of native wildlife and habitat restoration.

A morning of birding (usually 40-50 species) will include an abundance of sparrows and raptors among the expansive oak savannah along with the prospect of several waterfowl and wading birds at the central 10+ acre soil conservation lake created as a result of then Senator LBJ’s efforts. Target species will include: Vermilion Flycatcher, Grasshopper Sparrow, Rufous-crowned Sparrow, Canyon Wren, Bald Eagle, Bell’s Vireo, among many others.

HERSHEY RANCH: FOR THE LOVE OF NATURE

by Peggy Sechrist, Soil for Water Advisor

Hershey Ranch located in Gillespie County in the Central Texas Hill Country has a fascinating history. It is composed of property from seven land grants and patents that date back to when Texas was a Colony of Spain. In 1857, the property known today as the Hershey Ranch was once owned by a Scottish cotton factory owner which is unique because Gillespie County was largely settled by Germans. Jake and Teresa Hershey purchased the property in 1976 for cattle ranching. Good land stewardship was always a priority for them. They donated a conservation easement to the Hill Country Land Trust to protect it from future development. It is now the largest piece of protected land in Gillespie