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[David Volpe] We're sitting on a 19,000 acre land that involved
my great grandfather Don Luis Volpe and him and his brother Miguel Volpe immigrated from
Italy and they purchased this property and from there it has carried over generations
to our family and to our cousins.
(bird singing)
[Yvonne Earles] The land has been with our family for over
a hundred and twenty years. It was purchased back on July 11, 1891.
(bird singing)
[David Dodier] The ranch has always given us. Given us memories,
given us a nice lifestyle. What can we do to return the favor that it's given us. For
everything it's given us, how can we protect it and how can we keep it going for the generations
to come ahead. And that's why we really decided, hey, let's get into this wildlife program.
[David Dodier] Oh we got a shed. This is that 4 year old.
[Eric Garza] Yeah.
[Eric Garza] Even though the idea of a coop is not really
unique, it's kind of unique for this far South Texas. They wanted to manage more at a habitat
scale in order to impact a whole population instead of just a small number of animals.
All the families are just really, really good people. They're down to earth. They're really
easy to work with. They're always wanting to improve their habitat. They're always willing
to try to implement what you're suggesting.
[Eric Garza] Imagine what this one is going to be at five.
[Eric Garza] This is a really good spot David. Really good
thing you put a feeder here. The deer are already here, you can tell. This is Texas
kidneywood, one of our only browse species that is thornless down here. Got some vine
ephedra right there, right next to some guayacan. You got the prickly pear which is so incredibly
important during the drought. Then you've got this chomonque here. With all these first
choice plants, the deer definitely are not having to work just to come to the feeder.
It's really good.
[Yvonne Earles] In the late nineties, we went ahead and signed
a ten year conservation agreement vowing to protect endangered species.
[Jose Lopez] This is the Johnston's Frankenia.
[Yvonne Earles] Johnston's Frankenia was found and that was
one of the species.
[Jose Lopez] My grandfather left us a legacy here to keep
this land and protect and conserve this land and my father he inculcated us to do that.
And I would like to pass this on. I want my sons to keep this legacy.
(bird singing)
[David Dodier] One of the things I love most about doing
this and one of the reasons I have such a passion for it is because of the closeness
that our family is. The bond we develop working with each other. It's second to none. We have
to set the example for the next generation just like the previous generation set the
example for us.
[Joe Dodier] Thank you.
(bird singing)