At the Bonham Foundation, one of our core objectives is to demonstrate how livestock and wildlife can not only coexist, but thrive together through thoughtful, intentional stewardship. Our grazing management plans and land improvement projects are designed with both in mind—enhancing the land’s productivity for livestock while simultaneously improving habitat for native wildlife.
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In 1933, Aldo Leopold—the renowned “father of wildlife conservation”—wrote, “Game can be restored by the creative use of the same tools which have heretofore destroyed it—axe, plow, cow, fire, and gun.” At the Bonham Foundation, we embrace this philosophy, using these tools not for extraction, but for regeneration—to conserve the natural resources and wildlife entrusted to our care.​
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​The Bonham Ranch is a charter member of the Harvey Creek Wildlife Management Association and works closely with the senior wildlife biologist for Colorado County to enhance both the health and diversity of our habitat and native species. We’ve also partnered with the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department through the Pastures for Upland Birds (PUB) program to restore degraded rangeland into thriving native prairie. In spring 2025, we planted a diverse mix of 25 native grasses and forbs. Once established, this habitat will be managed through prescribed fire and targeted grazing to create a refuge for a wide range of wildlife.​
Our conservation efforts extend beyond upland habitats. Because the Bonham Ranch is bordered by both the Colorado River and Harvey Creek, our management of soil, vegetation, and runoff directly influences aquatic ecosystems. We are mindful stewards of our watershed and the fish, amphibians, and waterfowl that depend on it. The ranch is also home to several ponds, many of which are stocked and managed to support recreational fishing and education. We welcome groups to visit and use these resources as a living classroom for pond ecology, responsible angling, and aquatic habitat management.
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According to the Texas Land Trends report by Texas A&M’s Natural Resources Institute, Colorado County is among the most at-risk regions in the state for land fragmentation. As private lands are increasingly divided or developed, habitat connectivity is lost—and with it, vital space for native wildlife. The Bonham Foundation is committed to being part of the solution. Our land will never be subdivided or further developed. Instead, we serve as a permanent haven for conservation—and as advocates for fellow landowners, encouraging them to consider how their stewardship contributes to broader landscape-scale habitat preservation.
