Off to Santa Ana Refuge for the day. It was a cool start and we had to wear our coats. We went with another couple from the park, Don and Cheryl. The first tram of the day ran at 9:30 am and because of the time and the coolness of the day we had the tram to ourselves with a private tour of the refuge. Santa Ana tram tour takes approximately 70 minutes with a few stops along the way.
Our guides told us about the different vegetation, and how it all came about. Once the state obtained the property they wanted for the refuge they gave the land to farmers, on the condition that 10% of the land would be planted with natural vegetaion and left fallow each year. That way, annually, more and more land would be turned back to it's natural flora and fauna. When a section of land was completely reclaimed, they'd give the farmer another block of land to work. The farmer got to keep any profit from the land as he slowly turned the land back to "natural".
Eventually the refuge is complete. Now they are working with farmers adjacent to the refuge to make access areas with trees and grass so the wildlife etc can move from one area to another....creating bridges of naturalness so the animals have refuge and can cross the cultivated areas and yet remain hidden from predators.
Our guides told us about the different vegetation, and how it all came about. Once the state obtained the property they wanted for the refuge they gave the land to farmers, on the condition that 10% of the land would be planted with natural vegetaion and left fallow each year. That way, annually, more and more land would be turned back to it's natural flora and fauna. When a section of land was completely reclaimed, they'd give the farmer another block of land to work. The farmer got to keep any profit from the land as he slowly turned the land back to "natural".
Eventually the refuge is complete. Now they are working with farmers adjacent to the refuge to make access areas with trees and grass so the wildlife etc can move from one area to another....creating bridges of naturalness so the animals have refuge and can cross the cultivated areas and yet remain hidden from predators. 
There is a small cemetary dating back to the mid 1800's where the original family and workers were laid to rest. Its like being in a strange movie forest.....all different depending on what area you are in, with strange paths 
that you can walk. The vegetation changes completely as you move away from ready sources of water. 
that you can walk. The vegetation changes completely as you move away from ready sources of water. 
Lots of Spanish or Ball moss on the trees near the water giving a sense of the surreal to the area.Due to the coolness of the weather 50f or 10c, we decided that the tram ride was enough for one day and we will go back another time to take some of the trails.
There are bobcats, coyotes, armidillo, deer, snakes, birds, butterflies, and other animals
that make this place home. Its worth seeing if you are in the area. There are many different types of trees, grasses, bushes, cacti and the only native palm tree (of which we didn't get a pic (haha). Hopefully when we go back to walk the trails we can get some pics of some of the animals and the "missing" palm tree! 
As you move away from the sources of water, the vegetation changes from a mesquite forest to a very thorny bramble. Because of that its better to stay on the paths and not wander off. We didn't get to see many of the animals because the tram ride is a bit noisy and we were told that walking along the paths were better for that.
that make this place home. Its worth seeing if you are in the area. There are many different types of trees, grasses, bushes, cacti and the only native palm tree (of which we didn't get a pic (haha). Hopefully when we go back to walk the trails we can get some pics of some of the animals and the "missing" palm tree! 
As you move away from the sources of water, the vegetation changes from a mesquite forest to a very thorny bramble. Because of that its better to stay on the paths and not wander off. We didn't get to see many of the animals because the tram ride is a bit noisy and we were told that walking along the paths were better for that.The Museum of South Texas is our next adventure sometime this week so until then.....have a merry Christmas everyone.
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