"A Native Wildlife Ranch"
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Protect & Preserve
Nestled close to the southwestern edge of the Laguna Atascosa National Wildlife, CCR is a center for environmental conservation and the preservation of endangered wildlife species. Bogatto calls it a “living classroom” that creates a “living diary of the plants and animals and their diverse habitat.” Bogatto works with LANWR on ocelot protection and with TPWD to protect the horned lizard and Texas Tortoise. Alligators, ocelots, bobcats, snakes, wild pigs and numerous species of birds and insects are just some of the types of animals that can be seen on the ranch. Bogatto said, “When you’re here, you always have to be aware of your surroundings.” She notes with a touch of laughter that she is an “everything watcher.”
Mary Jo hopes that the next generations of “Native Wildlife Ranchers" will continue her work to protect, preserve and educate.
The ranch works with the Nature Conservatory and Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and private donors. As a dedicated Partner in Wildlife, CCR’s habitat restoration has been undertaken through the direction LANWR and TPWD.
The ranch is a recipient of TPWD’s Lone Star Land Stewards Award, and Bogatto has been honored by the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality with its Texas Environmental Excellence Award in the individual category for her work to restore habitat.
Every effort has been made to protect and preserve endangered wildlife species and to create an environment that focuses on the best that Texas has to offer.
Mary Jo has made it her mission to educate the public on conservation and the importance of protecting the habitat.
Texans rally to create a safe place for ocelots
I set out for my ranch one morning to photograph wildlife at sun rise. What I found when I arrived has stuck with me for the past 18 years. In front of the gate lie a lifeless, medium-sized wild cat. Its light tan coat was covered with dark brown patches and spots that formed a beautiful, exotic pattern. It was an ocelot (Leopardus pardalis) that had most likely been hit and killed by a passing car.
Tears filled my eyes and my heart sunk with disbelief at the loss of this magnificent animal. The image of the cat on the roadside is still sharp in my memory. At that instant, I became a "Guardian Rancher" for the ocelot. And as I sit here today, looking out my office window at 400 acres (160 hectares) of native brush habitat that make up Cactus Creek Ranch, I am as sure of this decision as ever
(Read the full article using the link below)
Co-operatives
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Cactus Creek Gallery
