Cenizo Journal Spring 2010 | Page 22

al Photo by © TNC/Lynn McBride Two large ponds, about the size of a couple of football fields, dominate the scene near preserve headquarters INDEPEDENCE CREEk PRESERVE: T HE H IDDEN O ASIS d by Kelly Fenstermaker A fter a stop in Balmor - hea, a friend and I set out for a drive through some of the most desolate land in West Texas. About three hours later, the last part of which involves missing a turn on a long dirt road, we reach our destination: Independence Creek Preserve, owned and operated by the Texas Nature Conservancy. This 2,000-acre piece of land once belonged to the Oasis and Canyon Ranches and was purchased from them in 2001. We drive through the gate 22 and surface a hill, and sudden- ly, on the other side, a lush river bed appears with a creek run- ning through it. Stands of oak shade the banks of this unex- pected source of water. Not too many people have ever heard of Independence Creek, let alone have any idea where it is. One reason is prob- ably its middle-of-nowhere location. The closest towns are Sheffield, 22 miles away, and Dryden, 37 miles, both virtual ghost towns. If you didn’t know the creek was there, you’d never guess. The vast land- scape of desert scrub and bare earth gives no hint. And who would find reason to go there? Yet, people have. This part of the lower Pecos River area was first occupied about 12,000 years ago by Archaic people who depended on its constant supply of fresh water. They left behind arti- facts, and along the Pecos River, large concentrations of rock art. Later the Apaches arrived. Eventually, they were displaced in the 19th century by cattle, sheep and goat ranch- ers who were drawn to the rich Cenizo Second Quarter 2010 grass along the creek’s banks. In the 50s, Charles Chand - ler opened his ranch, adjacent to the preserve, to guests, offer- ing water sports, hunting, fish- ing and even a nine-hole golf course. For many years it was one of the most popular recre- ation areas in southwest Texas, partially due to the fact that it was the only entertainment spot on the Pecos River. A half mile from the pre- serve’s entrance the road takes us to headquarters, site of the old Oasis Ranch. Two large ponds, about the size of a cou- ple of football fields, dominate the scene. The guest house in which we are staying with friends is right near the bank. The drive to get here had been a long and parched one, but this delicious sight of water, trees and grass more than makes up for it. The back of the guest house opens to a rock terrace and beyond that, a lawn sloping down to the water. In warm weather that lovely clear water would invite a plunge. It being winter, I’m not tempted, but I do wish for a canoe. A little