At first glance, the aquatic system at The Nature Conservancy’s (TNC) Diamond Y Spring Preserve doesn’t appear to be much more than a small creek, deep pool and desert ciénega (a spring-fed marsh or swamp) in the middle of sparse and arid grasslands. However, the truth is much more complex; the rarity of this desert spring habitat and the species it supports makes this freshwater marsh one of West Texas’ most extraordinary natural treasures.
Watch this clip of the Leon Springs pupfishes in action at Diamond Y Spring Preserve.
Diamond Y Spring Preserve protects one of the largest and last remaining ciénega systems in West Texas. It also provides critically important habitat for an assortment of globally rare and uncommon plants and invertebrates, as well as seven federally endangered or threatened species. These include the rare Gonzalez springsnail, found in two separate stream segments totaling about 1.5 miles; springsnails are an important indicator of water quality and quantity in springs.
Four other of these species are named for surrounding Pecos County: the Pecos gambusia, amphipod, sunflower and assiminea snail. Diamond Y Spring Preserve also provides the only remaining natural habitat for the endangered Leon Springs pupfish—a species first discovered in 1851 at Leon Springs, a spring system that once flowed just west of Fort Stockton.
POLLINATORS ABUZZ: This desert oasis attracts many pollinators. © Jacqueline Ferrato
TAKING SURVEY: Partners assist TNC staff with monitoring efforts. © Jacqueline Ferrato
SUPPORTING SPECIES: The preserve's deep pool provides critical habitat. © Jacqueline Ferrato
DESERT LANDSCAPE: Surrounding brush gives way to towering mesas. © Jacqueline Ferrato
CIÉNEGAS AND SPRINGS: This aquatic system is home to 7 endangered species. © Jacqueline Ferrato
ENDANGERED SPECIES: The Leon Springs pupfish is endemic to Pecos County. © Jacqueline Ferrato
WETLAND SYSTEM: Ciénegas are unique to the Southwestern U.S. © Jacqueline Ferrato
IN BLOOM: Fields of puzzle sunflowers bloom around the preserve. © Jacqueline Ferrato
COLLARED LIZARD: Certain species thrive in the harsh West Texas heat. © Jacqueline Ferrato
KEEPING THE FLOW: TNC staff work with partners to monitor spring flow. © Jacqueline Ferrato
TNC purchased the roughly 4,000 acres from a prominent Pecos County rancher M. R. Gonzalez, who was motivated to protect the pupfish, Pecos gambusia and the Pecos sunflower. The acquisition was an important first step in minimizing the myriad threats to this vital aquatic system, such as potential subdivision, runoff pollution and soil contamination from various sources, including regional oil and gas production.
Working with a range of partners, including the Middle Pecos Groundwater Conservation District, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Lehigh University, the U.S. Geological Survey and Texas Bureau of Economic Geology, TNC has created an extensive water-monitoring program to track the preserve’s freshwater spring flows, water quality and the health of the pupfish and other species.
Strong science and collaborative action will help ensure Diamond Y Spring Preserve continues to shine as a proven conservation model for this delicate desert ecosystem.
Diamond Y Spring Preserve is closed to the public but occasionally opens on select dates for guided tours. Check the West Texas Springs Preserve Tours Page for the latest tour schedule. For more information, contact West Texas Education and Outreach Coordinator Kaylee French (kaylee.french@tnc.org).
View a map of TNC's protected properties and preserves in West Texas, including Diamond Y Spring Preserve.
The Nature Conservancy in Texas has worked to protect and preserve the state's water supply since 1964. As Texas grows and prospers, securing our water future remains a critical priority.
The Coca-Cola Company and Foundation are supporting TNC's work to protect, restore, and steward freshwater resources around the world.
In the 1980s, The Nature Conservancy helped transfer 57,000 acres in the Rosillos Mountains to expand one of Texas' most treasured national parks.
