The Palo Pinto Mountains are a uniquely beautiful rugged region of north central Texas and the future home of Palo Pinto Mountain State Park (PPMSP). Students within the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources are actively involved in research efforts at Palo Pinto Mountain State Park and now will further grow their knowledge of the area and applied research thanks to Jeff and Beth Wilt of TD Ranch. TD Ranch comprises 150 acres with varying elevations, plant communities, and is located just to the north of PPMSP within the Palo Pinto Mountain region making it easily accessible by drive from Tarleton.
Jeff reached out to the College of Agriculture and Natural Resources during the Fall 2022 semester seeking assistance in meeting his land management goals. Jeff and Beth are facing many of the contemporary issues affecting land owners throughout Texas. Jeff expressed his concerns with surface water runoff and retention, biodiversity, and the health of the ecosystems located at TD Ranch. Plant Ecologist Dr. Darrel Murray and David M. Johnston (Lecturer and Graduate Research Assistant) met with Jeff and Beth to address their land management goals and ascertain how Tarleton Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources could assist.
Through joint efforts, common goals, and land management goals of Jeff and Beth and the Department of Wildlife and Natural Resources the TD Ranch has the potential to be a shining example of land stewardship practices within north central Texas. Additionally, through making TD Ranch available for applied research efforts and experiential learning and their gracious monetary donation funding student research, Jeff and Beth are ensuring the success of future generations of conservationist through experiential learning.
Welcome Jeff and Beth to the Tarleton family!
