The Nature Conservancy's Independence Creek Preserve in West Texas Becomes a National Natural Landmark
The nearly 20,000-acre Chihuahuan Desert preserve, protected by TNC's Texas Chapter, has become the nation’s newest national natural landmark.
Media Contacts
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Claire Everett
Communications Manager
The Nature Conservancy in Texas
Email: claire.everett@tnc.org
Independence Creek Preserve in West Texas is the nation’s newest national natural landmark.
This week, Secretary of the Interior Deb Haaland announced the designation of the new national natural landmark, conserving a piece of America’s natural heritage. Land and water meet within the nearly 20,000-acre Chihuahuan Desert preserve protected by The Nature Conservancy.
“There’s more than rugged canyons and ancient oaks in the Independence Creek Preserve. It is home to abundant rock art and culturally significant sites.” said Chuck Sams, Director of the National Park Service, which oversees the National Natural Landmarks Program.
With today’s announcement, there are 605 national natural landmarks designated at city, county or state parks, wildlife refuges, national forests, nature preserves, as well as privately-owned lands across the United States and its territories.
“With 20,000 acres of incredible upland habitat, eight miles of Independence Creek, and Caroline Spring that flows year around, Independence Creek Preserve is truly a desert oasis,” said Suzanne B. Scott, Texas State Director. “The Nature Conservancy in Texas couldn’t be more proud that our nature preserve has been designated a National Natural Landmark by Secretary Haaland.”
Spectacular vistas of flattop mesas and dramatic canyons meet woodlands, desert scrub and honey-colored prairie grasses within the preserve. Independence Creek, for which the preserve is named, feeds into the Pecos River. This unique environment sustains an abundant variety of plants and animals including migratory birds and several rare and endangered species.
The National Natural Landmarks Program recognizes and encourages the conservation of places that contain noteworthy biological and geological resources. Sites are designated by the Secretary of the Interior for their outstanding condition, illustrative character, rarity, diversity, and value to science and education.
The Nature Conservancy is a global conservation organization dedicated to conserving the lands and waters on which all life depends. Guided by science, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that nature and people can thrive together. We are tackling climate change, conserving lands, waters and oceans at an unprecedented scale, providing food and water sustainably and helping make cities more sustainable. The Nature Conservancy is working to make a lasting difference around the world in 77 countries and territories (41 by direct conservation impact and 36 through partners) through a collaborative approach that engages local communities, governments, the private sector, and other partners. To learn more, visit nature.org or follow @nature_press on X.