Magic
Ridge is a former breach ridge made up mostly of shell deposits
that lies between a broad tidal slough and the tidal flat just
inland from Lavaca Bay between Indianola and the Magnolia Beach
in Calhoun County. The proposed acquisition contains about 45%
Tamaulipan scrub community growing on top of the shell ridge,
and the remainder is a broad tidal slough on the east which adjoins
the beach ridge of Lavaca Bay. To the west, is a broad tidal flat
used daily by hundreds of shorebirds, gulls and terns and is within
view of birders on the Magic Ridge.
During the TOS meeting in Port Lavaca, some of you may remember
taking a field trip to the Whitmire Unit of Aransas NWR, which
is two miles away, Artie Henke's marsh (2 miles away, also) and
Magic Ridge. It was visited by many TOS members during
the meeting and we received many very positive comments about
the site.
This tract has been acquired by a realtor and is likely
to be developed into residential housing if a conservation organization
does not take over ownership and stewardship.
Magic Ridge is platted for housing development.
We have an opportunity to purchase this valuable property for
birds and birders, or watch as we have many times as another coastal
site is developed.
CHALLENGE GRANT: Mark Elwonger, Lily Engles, Brent Ortego,
Petra and Ladd Hockey, and Brush Freeman have pledged to match
dollar for dollar donations from birders up to $15,000 to purchase
this property until December 15, 1999.
OWNERSHIP: Texas Ornithological Society will be the
sole owner, with conservation easement to The Nature Conservancy
of Texas, and site partnership with the Gulf Coast Bird Observatory.
UNIQUENESS: This site is heavily used by Neotropical
migrants during spring and hummingbirds in fall. It is one of
the northernmost tracts of Tamaulipan Scrub habitat accessible
to the public. It has one of the easternmost breeding populations
of Curve-billed and Long-billed Thrashers, and Cassin's Sparrows.
The very rare Black Rails are in residence. Wood Storks and Reddish
Egrets, which are two other species of conservation concern, regularly
use the site.
YOUR CHALLENGE: Mark, Lily, Brent, Brush and the Hockeys
think highly enough about the project that they are willing to
put up considerable amounts of their money, totaling $15,000,
for this project if birders are willing to match the proposed
amounts. Make them spend their money. Meet this challenge and
help Texas Ornithological Society preserve this critical habitat
for birds on the Central Texas Coast. Any amount is welcome, but
we are asking that you give as much as you can to save Magic
Ridge.
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YES!
I want to preserve MAGIC RIDGE.
Enclosed is my Check for:
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All donations to TOS are Tax deductible to the full
extent of the law.
Please Make check payable to:
Texas Ornithological Society
Mail to:
Linda Valdez, Treasurer
203 Simpson Rd.
Victoria, TX 77904-1475
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Magic
Ridge is a former breach ridge made up mostly of shell deposits
that lies between a broad tidal slough and the tidal flat just
inland from Lavaca Bay between Indianola and the Magnolia Beach
in Calhoun County. The proposed acquisition contains about 45%
Tamaulipan scrub community growing on top of the shell ridge,
and the remainder is a broad tidal slough on the east which adjoins
the beach ridge of Lavaca Bay. To the west, is a broad tidal flat
used daily by hundreds of shorebirds, gulls and terns and is within
view of birders on the Magic Ridge.