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Coastal Prairie Conservancy enters preservation agreement with Three Oaks Farm in Waller County | Houston Public Media

Coastal Prairie Conservancy Forges Landmark Preservation Pact with Three Oaks Farm

In a significant step toward safeguarding Texas's vanishing natural landscapes, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy (CPC) has announced a groundbreaking preservation agreement with Three Oaks Farm, a sprawling agricultural property in the greater Houston area. This partnership, revealed on July 28, 2025, aims to protect vital prairie ecosystems from encroaching urban development, ensuring the land remains a haven for wildlife, native plants, and sustainable farming practices for generations to come. The agreement underscores a growing movement in environmental conservation, where private landowners collaborate with nonprofits to balance economic viability with ecological stewardship.

At the heart of this deal is a conservation easement, a legal tool that restricts certain types of development on the property while allowing the owners to retain ownership and continue compatible uses like farming or ranching. Three Oaks Farm, located in Waller County just northwest of Houston, spans over 1,000 acres of prime coastal prairie habitat. This region, once dominated by vast grasslands stretching from Louisiana to South Texas, has been dramatically reduced by agriculture, urbanization, and energy development. Today, less than 1% of the original coastal prairie remains intact, making initiatives like this one crucial for biodiversity preservation.

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy, formerly known as the Katy Prairie Conservancy, has been at the forefront of these efforts since its founding in 1992. The organization has protected more than 30,000 acres through easements, acquisitions, and restoration projects. Mary Anne Piacentini, CPC's President and CEO, described the agreement as a "win-win" for both conservation and the local community. "Three Oaks Farm represents the essence of what we're fighting to preserve," Piacentini said in a statement. "These prairies aren't just beautiful; they're functional ecosystems that provide flood mitigation, water filtration, and habitat for endangered species. By partnering with forward-thinking landowners, we're creating a legacy of resilience in the face of climate change and rapid growth."

The farm itself is a family-owned operation with deep roots in the area. Owned by the Thompson family for three generations, Three Oaks has long been a model of sustainable agriculture, focusing on cattle grazing, hay production, and limited crop cultivation. The property features a mix of native tallgrass prairies, wetlands, and oak mottes—clusters of trees that give the farm its name. These elements create a mosaic of habitats supporting a diverse array of wildlife, including migratory birds like the whooping crane, bobwhite quail, and various grassland songbirds. The farm also plays a role in local food systems, supplying grass-fed beef and organic produce to Houston-area markets.

Under the terms of the easement, the Thompsons agree to forgo subdividing the land for residential or commercial purposes, preserving its open-space character. In return, they receive tax incentives and the assurance that their family's heritage will endure. "We've always seen ourselves as stewards of this land," said farm owner Elizabeth Thompson. "Development pressures are intense around here, with Houston expanding westward. This agreement lets us keep farming while knowing the prairie will stay wild. It's about passing on something bigger than ourselves."

This pact comes at a pivotal time for the Houston region, which has seen explosive population growth. The metropolitan area, home to over 7 million people, continues to sprawl into surrounding counties, converting farmland and natural areas into suburbs and industrial zones. According to environmental experts, this urbanization exacerbates issues like flooding, as seen in devastating events like Hurricane Harvey in 2017. Prairies act as natural sponges, absorbing rainwater and reducing runoff. By preserving Three Oaks Farm, the CPC estimates the land could mitigate flooding for downstream communities, potentially holding millions of gallons of water during heavy storms.

Beyond flood control, the ecological benefits are profound. Coastal prairies are biodiversity hotspots, hosting over 300 species of birds and countless native plants like bluestem grasses and Indian paintbrush wildflowers. These ecosystems also support pollinators essential for agriculture, including bees and butterflies. The agreement includes provisions for habitat restoration, such as controlled burns to mimic natural fire regimes that prevent invasive species from taking over. CPC plans to work with the Thompsons on educational programs, potentially opening parts of the farm for public tours or school field trips to raise awareness about prairie conservation.

The collaboration highlights a broader trend in Texas conservation, where easements have become a preferred method for protecting private lands without full acquisition. Organizations like the Texas Land Conservancy and The Nature Conservancy have similar programs, but CPC's focus on the coastal prairie niche sets it apart. Funding for such initiatives often comes from a mix of private donations, grants from bodies like the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, and state programs like the Texas Farm and Ranch Lands Conservation Program.

Critics of urban expansion argue that agreements like this are essential bulwarks against habitat fragmentation. "Houston's growth is inevitable, but it doesn't have to come at the expense of our natural heritage," noted Dr. Elena Ramirez, an ecologist at Rice University. "Preserving connected landscapes like Three Oaks allows wildlife corridors to persist, which is vital for species survival amid climate shifts."

Looking ahead, the CPC hopes this agreement will inspire other landowners in the region to follow suit. The organization is actively seeking partnerships in Waller, Fort Bend, and Brazoria counties, where prairie remnants are most threatened. Piacentini envisions a network of protected lands forming a "green belt" around Houston, enhancing recreational opportunities like birdwatching and hiking while bolstering the city's resilience to environmental challenges.

For the Thompson family, the decision was personal. Elizabeth Thompson recounted stories of her grandparents homesteading the land in the early 20th century, battling droughts and floods to build a thriving farm. "They taught us that the land gives back what you put into it," she said. "This easement ensures that legacy continues, not just for our kids, but for the birds, the bees, and everyone who benefits from a healthy prairie."

Environmental advocates praise the move as a model for sustainable development. In an era of increasing climate uncertainty, preserving functional ecosystems like coastal prairies is seen as a proactive strategy. The agreement also aligns with national goals, such as the Biden administration's "America the Beautiful" initiative, which aims to conserve 30% of U.S. lands and waters by 2030.

As Houston continues to evolve, stories like that of Three Oaks Farm remind us of the delicate balance between progress and preservation. The Coastal Prairie Conservancy's latest achievement not only secures a piece of Texas's natural history but also sets a precedent for how communities can harmonize human needs with the imperatives of the environment. With ongoing monitoring and adaptive management, this preserved landscape promises to thrive, offering ecological, economic, and cultural value far into the future.

This partnership arrives amid broader discussions on land use in Texas, where agriculture remains a cornerstone of the economy. Farms like Three Oaks contribute to the state's $150 billion agricultural sector, yet face pressures from rising land values driven by urban demand. Conservation easements provide a financial lifeline, often reducing property taxes through deductions for the donated value of development rights. For the Thompsons, this means they can afford to keep the farm operational without succumbing to sell-off temptations.

Moreover, the agreement incorporates modern conservation science. CPC scientists will conduct baseline surveys of flora and fauna on the property, establishing metrics for long-term health. This data-driven approach ensures that any changes in land use—such as introducing new grazing rotations—align with ecological goals. Community involvement is another key aspect; local volunteers may participate in restoration days, planting native seeds or removing exotic invasives like Chinese tallow trees that threaten prairie integrity.

The ripple effects extend to water quality. Prairies filter pollutants from runoff, improving the health of nearby waterways like the Brazos River, which feeds into the Gulf of Mexico. By preventing development, the easement helps maintain these natural purification processes, benefiting fisheries and coastal economies downstream.

In reflecting on the agreement's significance, Piacentini emphasized its role in climate adaptation. "Prairies are carbon sinks, sequestering greenhouse gases in their deep root systems," she explained. "As we face more extreme weather, these lands become even more valuable for mitigation and adaptation strategies."

Ultimately, the preservation of Three Oaks Farm is more than a legal document; it's a testament to collaborative conservation. It bridges the gap between private enterprise and public good, demonstrating that environmental protection can coexist with rural livelihoods. As Texas grapples with its identity as both an economic powerhouse and a biodiversity treasure, initiatives like this offer a blueprint for a sustainable path forward. The Coastal Prairie Conservancy's work at Three Oaks stands as a beacon of hope, proving that with vision and partnership, we can protect the wild heart of the Lone Star State.

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[ https://www.houstonpublicmedia.org/articles/environment/2025/07/28/527205/coastal-prairie-conservancy-enters-preservation-agreement-with-three-oaks-farm/ ]