David Touchon, The Cibolo Land Manager
All lands great and small, there is a common degree of function within them all. The functionality question is incredibly deep, while considering what you would like to see, use, or produce. A yard full of Zoysia is functional in an aesthetic appeal, but not much more. Many of us live within the Urban/Wildland interface, which points towards a Multi-functional management approach that is more “natural” at heart.
At this point I would like to introduce you to the grand theory of the Multifunctional Land/Landscapes.
Multi-functionality addresses the “one use” aspect of everything on the land and possibly a “rewilding” of certain areas within it. Some people might take this theory to task, because it seems “messy” or “unkept” to the urban eye. The “unkept” appeal can vary in many ways, depending on management styles and what you are managing for. The bottomline to a multi-functioning landscape is to appeal to as many different species of flora and fauna as possible.
Access and usage are a major component to the multi-functional approach, since we all gravitate to the “wilder areas”. Access to creeks, fields, forests and marshes can be styled in a well thought out manner, without limiting the overall functionality of the natural system. Strictly limiting access to wild areas can create a sense of rigidity and a lack of adventure. Everyone loves a bit of adventure that is sprinkled with a sense of exploration and a slight hint of the unknown. It is the natural inquisitive nature of humans to seek these magical places and sharing with others about the experience.
Some of the more careful considerations when working with the land in the Texas Hill Country might include erosion control, juniper management, and riparian diversification. Dirt and water should remain on the land and not in the creek! A properly functioning creek zone will remain clear, and offer a gentle rise after a significant rainfall event. We all desire a subtle reorganization of the creek after a nice rain event and we groan about a “Scrubbing Event”. Every water course can vary greatly depending on elevation change, volume and parallel land usage. To assuage the effects of erosion along a water course is to increase the multi-functionality of native flora! Manage your access to points to prevent overuse and downslope erosion. Promote your riparian areas into “Soft Edge” floral communities, while considering a healthy distance from the water course (150 yards can be considered industry standard). “Soft Edge” communities are well known to promote a richness of floral and fauna, creating “loafing” habitat, increasing soil, moisture content, and cooler temperatures.
Edge is EVERYTHING! If you do not have an “edge”, create one! The back fence, old fence lines, or an underused segment of the yard/field is a perfect place to start! My back fence zone has become a microclimate wildlife preserve of sorts.
If you are on the production side of the equation, pull the plow away from the traditional lines (fences and creek shoulders), cross fence your property when considering livestock rotation, and offer centrally located watering stations. “Small area farming“ uses many disciplines of multi-functionality to maximize space, soil, access, while increasing production. A closed loop if you may, while managing input while enhancing output.
So, with all these ideas and multi-functionality concepts being thrown out there, the question is…what to do next? Less is more in most cases, which eventually leads towards great Capris of Nature. Well thought-out plans work on paper, but in many cases, nature works on a different schedule.
I will leave you with a quote that is applicable to pretty much everything: “The health of our community depends on the quality of our conversations”. Never forget to phone a friend when in doubt, and I will see you in the woods!
