“We hosted a Field Day, on May 6, with 11 folks attending from Texas Parks and Wildlife, Native Prairie Association of Texas groups, and 5 of the SnK board members.
Selena, the S in The SnK, Co-Owner, Founding Board Member
We showed them around many areas of the place, but with 408 acres there’s no way to see it all in one day. We took them to key features, such as the Guzzler, Pond Area, and places where pollinator boxes are placed, had lunch, and it was an awesome time.
Thank You to everyone who came out for the day, we hope everyone enjoyed the day, as we sure did (The SnK folks).
Take care, hope to see some of you in the Fall. Date and time to be announced.”
After much planning and preparation, the weather turned out great, with rain in prior days, followed by sunshine, prompting much to be in bloom, and green around the place. The temperature was just right for roaming around.
The event started with folks meeting at the car port, signing in, visiting, then heading out. Some road in 4-wheelers and the trailer, but many chose to walk, so as to not miss anything on the ground. The day was broken up by a lunch break, which everyone seemed to enjoy. It was enjoyable to hear all the conversation about the first part of the tour.
I can’t remember how many times I was told how amazing it is, the diversity of the topography on The SnK.
“Keith, I was impressed with the diversity of plant communities and the quality of wildlife habitat as a result of your stewardship. Your property serves as a benchmark for other landowners, to inspire them to reach the same level of success.”
Matt W. Wagner, Ph.D. – Texan by Nature
Selena and I had always noticed the differences, but for the longest, didn’t truly know of the significance of each area. We just knew it varied across the 408 acres. We’ve learned so much since we started having other folks out. The Saline Prairie remnant is fascinating. I found a bit of info on them at a TPWD site, here.
We definitely enjoyed the “Ooohs, and Aaahs” we heard, as folks are looking around.
Two of the Second Generation hunters, Wesley Kulcak and Clayton Ott, board members, were able to attend, and they shared how much the learned about the place that they had been hunting on since 1998.
In 1998, those two were not even teenagers. I have to shout out about our hunters. We lucked into them, and they have turned out to be a perfect match for us. Heck, they are family now, and we hope to have them hunting the place for more generations to come, thus we asked Wesley and Clayton to be founding board members.
“I really enjoyed spending the day with folks from NPAT and TPWD at the SnK.
It was like letting a bunch of kids loose in a candy store. We couldn’t go more than a few feet before someone noticed something exciting and had to share it with the group.
I spend a lot of time cruising around on the 4 wheeler when I visit, but not much time out on foot, and when I do I don’t always know what I’m looking at.
Between everyone who attended the event, the knowledge was abundant and we learned a lot about the diversity of the place.
Everyone seemed to really enjoy themselves and we’re looking forward to planning future events.”
Tiffnie Schindler Gonzales, Board Member and Daughter of Selena and Keith Schindler
Center: One of the gulley basins that’s holding water after recent rains. Water collects only when the rain is hard enough to provide runoff. We’re planning to put up a rain panel, next to this basin, to catch water, as is done at the Guzzler.
Right: Folks admiring some of the tall grasses, not far from the location in the center picture.
Right: Folks looking over what we call Gravel Hill, and outcropping of rock.
