The Nature Conservancy of Texas
Fire Management Program

Tamaulipan Thornscrub

Three preserves in the Tamaulipan Thornscrub, which require fire management in the form of wildfire preparedness and suppression, include the Mesquite Brushland (683 acres), Chihuahua Woods (243 acres) and Southmost Preserves (1,034).

These unique preserves in South Texas and the Lower Rio Grande Valley are composed of an expansive variety of trees, shrubs and thickets that once thrived in the area. Today, less than 5 % of this original habitat remains in its native state. These include, at Southmost, one of two remaining large stands of Mexican sabal palms, and at Chihuahua Woods, a remarkable assemblage of cacti. As these are not fire-maintained systems, Nature Conservancy of Texas personnel work with the Lower Rio Grande National Wildlife Refuge to protect these areas from wildfire.