WILD FOR GOOD

A historic family ranch just outside Austin working to protect the natural wonders of the Texas Hill Country.

Read Our Story
Our Vision

Nature and Nurture

Future generations will enjoy clean water, clean air, and Hill Country vistas close to Austin, and experience the beauty and healing power of the natural world.

See Our Vision
El Ranchito

A Habitat for Discovery

Our El Ranchito program gives children an opportunity to connect with the natural world through fun and inspiring nature-immersion camping experiences.

Visit El Ranchito

Working Together

These are a few of the great organizations we partner with:

The Nature Conservancy holds a conservation easement on Shield Ranch that precludes commercial development and residential subdivision
The City of Austin purchased a conservation easement on Shield Ranch as part of the first Austin Watershed Protection Bond Initiative
The Barton Springs Edwards Aquifer Conservation District is monitoring groundwater levels, creek flows, and weather on the Ranch as part of a hydrological study of the Trinity Aquifer
Shield Ranch is a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department statewide Lone Star Land Steward Award winner
Westcave Outdoor Discovery Center has developed and supported nature immersion programming at El Ranchito Summer Camp since its inception in 2007
El Buen Samaritano has been an essential partner of El Ranchito Summer Camp since its inception in 2007
The Austin Watershed Protection Department has been monitoring water quality on Shield Ranch since 1990
Shield Ranch provides access for groundwater monitoring and regularly participates as an active stakeholder in Travis County planning initiatives
Shield Ranch is a participating landowner in EDF’s Monarch Habitat Exchange Program
Beginning in 2019, TerraPurezza will employ regenerative agricultural practices to raise hogs, sheep, and chickens at Shield Ranch
LCRA’s Creekside Conservation Program promotes sound land management practices on private lands in the Lower Colorado River Basin

News and Announcements