At the Bonham Foundation, our mission is rooted in regenerating the land—improving soil health, restoring native plant species, and demonstrating how livestock and wildlife can not only coexist, but thrive together through thoughtful, intentional stewardship.
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For many, it requires a mindset shift: to view the land and soil as the starting point—and the cow as a powerful tool to improve both. Nearly a century ago, Aldo Leopold, widely regarded as the father of wildlife conservation, introduced this concept in his groundbreaking book Game Management. He argued that the same tools that once degraded the land—the axe, plow, cow, fire, and gun—could, when used with care and creativity, help restore it.
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Today, while some still view these tools as threats to wildlife and habitat, we aim to prove their potential in revitalizing rangelands and supporting the animals that call them home.​
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​At the heart of our efforts are the five soil health principles:
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1. Keep the soil covered
2. Minimize soil disturbance
3. Maintain a living root year-round
4. Maximize plant diversity
5. Integrate livestock
Using our cow herd and a deep understanding of these principles, we strive to improve soil vitality and the ecosystems it supports. Managed grazing plays a key role—cattle help control brush, recycle nutrients, and foster new plant growth. By practicing rotational grazing, we allow plants to recover fully between grazing intervals. Our grazing plans prioritize leaving behind ample forage cover, which provides critical protection for young wildlife during nesting and fawning seasons.
Regenerative grazing is both science and art. We seek guidance from range management experts to fine-tune our practices for the benefit of both livestock and wildlife. As active members of the Coastal Prairie Grazing Land Coalition, we collaborate with fellow land stewards to share insights and strategies for sustainable land use.
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We also work closely with a rangeland management specialist from the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) and have partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through the Pastures for Upland Birds (PUB) program to restore sections of degraded rangeland to native prairie. In spring 2025, we planted a diverse seed mix of 25 native grasses and forbs. Once established, we’ll maintain this prairie using strategic grazing and prescribed fire—creating a vibrant habitat for a wide variety of wildlife.
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At the Bonham Foundation, we believe regenerative land management honors both the past and the future. With every hoof print and seed, we’re working to build healthier soil, stronger ecosystems, and more resilient landscapes.
