La Lomita Ranch

Sitting just over two miles from downtown Uvalde, La Lomita Wildlife Photography Ranch is a 241 acre ecological treasure that attracts wildlife photographers from around the world. To date, more than 150 species of birds, mammals and reptiles have been catalogued on the ranch. This oasis of conservation is a proven ecotourism destination, but it could become a one-of-a-kind private retreat or unique development. The Uvalde/Kinney County region is one of the three most unique and diverse birding environments in the United States, ranking alongside the famed Rio Grande Valley and southeastern Arizona. La Lomita, situated on the Central Flyway, is one of the finest and most established wildlife photography destinations in the Lone Star State La Lomita sits where the Hill Country meets the Brush Country, creating a diverse transition zone that appeals to a wide variety of species. The property, which is surrounded by farms, takes its name from the large volcanic hill that sits on the Balcones Fault and provides the landscapes focal point. The hilltop offers a building site with a 360 view suitable for a home and guest lodges. On the north, the landscape is gently rolling Hill Country terrain, which flattens toward the Nueces River Valley to the west. Although gravel roads run throughout the property ensuring accessibility, the photography ranch is purposefully wild and undeveloped. The mix of vegetation includes cactus and yuccas as well as mesquite and Tamaulipan brush species such as guajillo, blackbrush, guayacan and cenizo. The six (6) professionally designed and constructed photography blinds are sited to provide photographers with prime access to either morning or evening light as well as an array of different species. The list of blinds includes: Songbird (evening orientation), Green Jay (evening orientation), Pyrrhuloxia (morning orientation) and Roadrunner (morning orientation) as well as the Raptor and the White-Tailed Deer blinds. Each blind features a drinking pond with an active drip as well as natural features, perches and feeding stations to attract avian guests and other wildlife. Built with the comfort of its guests in mind, each professionally designed and constructed blind features convenient seating, heating and fans. All blinds are accessible for mobility-challenged guests because bird photography is a lifelong passion. Unlike a guerrilla photography weekend that requires spot-and-stalk shooting and hiking and may deliver six good photos, the setup at La Lomita brings the birds to the photographers. Amateur photographers can expect to capture 4,000 to 15,000 images in a weekend. Photographers, who come from as far away as Canada, Europe, and China, are rewarded with an ever-changing community of birds. During the spring and fall, migrating birds pass through the ranch. Birds routinely found on the ranch include Green Jays, Painted Buntings, Thrashers (3 species), Orioles (4 species) Blue Quail, Bobwhite Quail, Roadrunners, Pyrrhuloxias, Harris Hawks and Great Horned Owls as well many more. Other wild denizens include armadillos, foxes, bobcats, coyotes, striped lizards and gopher tortoises and rattlesnakes. The native whitetail population is robust. For those who love nature, the ranch, which is high fenced on one side, offers a rare opportunity to conserve habitat, run a business and build a life. Because the property has frontage on Highway 90 and Hacienda Road, a creative owner could potentially set aside a parcel for commercial development and enjoy the tax benefits of agricultural exemption on the rest. An eight-inch city waterline runs along the front of the property and other city utilities are accessible. This rare jewel, which is less than 90 miles from San Antonio, sits in the land of clear water and summer fun. It is a short, scenic drive to the cool, crystalline waters of the Frio, Nueces and Sabinal rivers as well as wildly popular Garner State Park. La Lomita Wildlife Photography Ranch, the place where the landscape and lifestyle let you take your best shot. To experience the magic and opportunity of La Lomita Wildlife Photography Ranch for yourself, contact Broker Associate Conner W. Hood at (830) 928-2317. The ranch is listed for $7,900/acre.