|
II.The
Blacklands: An Introduction
The fertile, dark clay soil of the
Blackland Prairies
of northeast Travis County constitutes a true prairie
ecosystem and has some of the richest, naturally fertile soils
in the world. In fact this soil holds more moisture per cubic yard than any other
soil on earth! The
northeast Travis County rural communities of New Sweden, Lund,
Carlson, Manda, Kimbro, Rosehill, and Schiller sit on that
“black velvet.” The Blackland Prairie is the fourth most threatened agricultural area in the United States.
Rural neighbors from these communities
organized in the year 2000 to create a united voice: The Blackland Prairie Concerned Citizens
Association - BPCCA.
It thunders with news today that the farms and ranches
in rural northeast Travis County are a vital part of the area
economy, not to be plowed under to accept undesirable urban
sprawl!
The blacklands east of
Austin were first inhabited by Indians more than 8000 years
ago. The verdant valleys and flowing streams provided
an excellent habitat for both man and beast. For 400 years, explorers crossed this fertile land, admiring its
beauty. But it was
the great wave of immigrants who finally tamed the land and
left a rich legacy of diverse culture.
Many members of the BPCCA
are the progeny of those immigrants and represent the continuation
of the immigrant’s American dream.
You will come to know the Anderson- Magnuson-Hartmann
farm in continued family operation since the late 1800s.
Also you will meet the Douglas family with nine years
on the prairie, and their contributions are valued as much
as those by folks who have been in the area for over 100 years.
The rich, fertile clay soil has only
one contender for folk’s loyalty and stewardship: the beautiful
history that permeates the area.
We intend to honor the history through preservation.
There are at least 31 family farms over 100 years old.
Two of the oldest Travis County schoolhouses are located at
Kimbro and Manda. Five historical markers already dot the area.
There are historic churches, including the New Sweden Lutheran
Church with its 104 ft. steeple, organized in 1876.
And six historical cemeteries commemorate immigrants
and their families. You
can smell the taste of freedom and Texas pride as you visit
any of these historical landmarks.
And sadly, we must identify existing
threats to our beloved Blackland Prairie. Read, ask us questions, but please join us as united citizens of
Texas to save the Blackland
Prairie of northeast Travis County.
|
