stroll around to one end of the
first pond takes you to an out-
door entertainment area, re -
ferred to as the Pavilion, framed
by attractive rock work. It is
equipped with a barbecue grill,
tables and chairs, and there’s
enough space for large groups.
Our ranch-style house is
attractive and comfortable. The
spacious living room is furnished
with deep, comfy chairs and
couches and has a rock fireplace
that covers most of one wall.
The kitchen is equipped with
everything a cook would need.
Friends who have driven in
from San Antonio, Dallas and
Austin come wandering in.
After a communal lasagna din-
ner, we all turn in early. Tucked
under the folds of a soft quilt, I
fall asleep to the sound of
absolute quiet.
Next morning, I take a jeep
ride with two others to check out
the preserve. A prairie dog set-
tlement has established itself on
the other side of the pond.
Dozens of these curious little
creatures pop their heads out of
holes and blink at us with large
black eyes.
The road follows the creek.
Kept full year round by several
springs, the creek is one of the
few remaining recoverable fresh -
water tributaries of the lower
Pecos River. Caroline Spring,
located at the headquarters, pro-
duces 3,000 to 5,000 gallons per
minute and comprises about 25
percent of the creek’s flow. The
creek itself increases the Pecos
River water volume by 42 per-
cent.
The pristine waters of this
desert oasis make a substantial
contribution to wildlife down-
stream of the Pecos River corri-
dor. The creek itself sustains
diverse, abundant flora and
fauna, including several rare
and endangered species.
Although we don’t see any
fish, they are here. The threat-
ened proserpine shiner makes its
home here. Its dwindling num-
bers are the result of a vanishing
spring-fed habitat. For tunately,
they will always have a home
here in Indepen dence Creek.
Many species of birds flock to
the area. It’s an ideal spot for
birders or anyone who appreci-
ates birds. Among the species to
be seen are vermillion fly catch-
ers, three species of kingfishers,
indigo bunting, scissor-tailed fly-
catchers, prairie falcons, golden
eagles, wood ducks, great blue
herons, ladder-backed wood-
peckers, zone tailed hawks and
wood ducks. If you’re lucky, you
might catch sight of the endan-
gered black-capped vireo.
Independence Creek is in a
valley. Its lush plateau makes a
dramatic contrast to the sur-
rounding rugged canyon hills,
covered with desert scrub and
juniper woodlands. Live oaks,
remnants of vegetation that
once grew here thousands of
years ago when the climate was
wetter and cooler, grow down by
the water. They intermix with a
variety of other trees, including
little walnuts, Texas persimmons
and black willows.
The jeep passes a few other
roads marked with faded,
unreadable signs. Since it is
drawing close to departure time,
discovering the mystery of
where these signs lead will have
to wait until another time.
Noon has passed, and it’s
time to head back home. The
visit has been far too short, but
the tranquil beauty of this place
has been a wonderful escape
from “real” life. To fortify our-
selves for the long desert drive
back to Fort Davis, we search for
a Coke and hope to get one in
either Sheffield or Dryden, but
both towns are closed up tight.
Once you leave the hidden oasis
you’re on your own for a good
many miles.
This summer, I look forward
to returning for one of the pre-
serve’s open weekends. It will be
a chance to refresh the spirit and
finally go swimming. The water
looks lovely.
The preserve hosts scheduled
Open Weekends for the
public when camping on
the premises is allowed.
April 9 – 11
June 26
Aug 13 – 15
For more information
about Independence Creek
and its programs:
nature.org/texas
Murphy’s Pizza
Subs & Pasta
At the “Y” in Fort Davis
Monday - Saturday 11-8
426-2020
Simply good food
Marfa
Table
BIGGeST
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Open 10am to 9pm
Mon - Sat
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marfa
tel. 432.729.3663 (food)
marfatable.com
605 e Holland ave • alpine
432.837.7476
www.twinpeaksliquors.com
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www.cenizojournal.com
roasted and dipped pecans
You can taste the difference care makes!
Please stop in for FREE SAMPLES
Hwy 17 in Fort Davis • Open: Mon. - Sat. 9 to 5
great handmade gourmet gifts!
visit us on the web: www.allpecans.com
Breakfast and Lunch
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405 North Austin Street
Sundays 8am - 2pm
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Marfa 432.729.4653
www.austinstreetcafe.com
800-895-2101 • 432-426-2101
dmnc@allpecans.com
Groups by Appointment
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Breakfast/Lunch/Dinner
Occasion Cakes
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Second Quarter 2010
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