News
Preserving Land for Texas Landowners: Join Us for a Community Listening Session
August 15, 2026
Author: TASFRL Team
For many families in Texas, land represents more than acreage.
It can represent family history, stability, independence, opportunity, and something to pass from one generation to the next. But maintaining ownership of family land can also come with difficult questions and challenges, from unclear titles and heirs’ property concerns to rising property costs, development pressure, and limited access to legal, financial, or technical support.
That is why the Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners (TASFRL) and HARC (Houston Advanced Research Center) are inviting Black landowners and families across Texas to participate in a series of Community Listening Sessions.
The purpose is simple: to listen.
Your Experience Can Help Shape What Comes Next
Every landowner’s situation is different.
Some families have cared for the same property for generations. Others may be trying to understand how land was passed down, clarify ownership, plan for the future, or determine how their property can continue supporting their family.
These listening sessions are designed to hear directly from landowners about questions such as:
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What does owning or managing your land mean to you and your family?
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What challenges have you experienced while trying to keep or manage your property?
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Where do you currently go when you need legal, financial, or technical information?
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What kinds of resources or support would make maintaining land ownership easier?
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What would you like to learn more about to better manage, protect, or generate income from your land?
There are no right or wrong answers.
The goal is to better understand what landowners are experiencing and what kinds of support may be most useful to families and communities across Texas.
Why These Conversations Matter
Land ownership has long played an important role in family stability and generational wealth.
At the same time, Black landowners have faced challenges that can make retaining family property difficult. These may include heirs’ property and unclear titles, forced partition sales, increasing property costs, development pressure, and limited access to trusted legal or financial resources.
HARC's broader land-retention project is focused on gathering community input and building relationships that can help identify practical strategies for supporting landowners.
Listening first is an important part of that process.
The experiences shared during these sessions can help HARC, TASFRL, and collaborating organizations better understand where resources are needed and how future education, technical assistance, legal support, financial guidance, and other services can be designed around real community needs.
What to Expect During the Listening Session
Each session is expected to last approximately 90 minutes and will provide an informal environment for conversation.
The session will include:
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A welcome and introduction
-
A brief overview of the project and its goals
-
Guided discussion about land ownership experiences and challenges
-
Opportunities for participants to share what kinds of support they need
-
A brief question-and-answer period
For in-person sessions, light refreshments may also be provided.
The primary purpose of the event is to listen and gather information. TASFRL may share existing resources with participants, but the listening session is not intended to provide individualized legal, financial, or technical consultation.
Who Should Participate?
The Community Listening Sessions are intended primarily for:
Black landowners and family members of Black landowners in Texas.
Whether your family has owned land for generations, you are currently helping manage inherited property, or you are thinking about how to protect land for the next generation, your experience can contribute to this conversation.
You do not need to be an expert in property law, agriculture, forestry, finance, or estate planning.
You only need to bring your experience and perspective.
Upcoming Community Listening Sessions
TASFRL and HARC are planning three opportunities for Texas landowners and families to participate:
Virtual Community Listening Session #1
Thursday, August 27, 2026
6:00 PM CT
Virtual
In-Person Community Listening Session
Saturday, September 5, 2026
10:00 AM CT
In-Person
Location to be announced
Virtual Community Listening Session #2
Thursday, September 10, 2026
6:00 PM CT
Virtual
Participants can choose the session that works best for their schedule.
Building Solutions With Landowners, Not Just for Landowners
The larger project, led by HARC and funded by The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, seeks to better understand the challenges contributing to land loss and identify strategies that can help Black landowners maintain ownership and build long-term wealth.
Potential areas of support may include greater access to legal resources, information about funding opportunities, assistance related to heirs’ property and estate planning, strategies for generating income from land, and resources for navigating development pressures.
But determining what support is actually useful starts with hearing from the people directly managing and protecting the land.
That is the purpose of these conversations.
Your Land. Your Experience. Your Voice Matters.
Keeping family land requires more than hard work.
It can also require information, planning, trusted resources, and organizations that understand what landowners are actually facing.
HARC and TASFRL want to hear directly from Texas landowners before determining what comes next.
If you or your family owns or manages land in Texas, we invite you to join a Community Listening Session and share your experience.
Your perspective can help shape stronger resources, better planning, and practical support for landowners and families across Texas.
Register for a Community Listening Session
Visit the tasfrl.org/event to view session details and register for an upcoming session.
Your land. Your experience. Your voice matters.
Inclusive Roots. Regenerative Futures.
Other News
Preserving Land for Texas Landowners: Join Us for a Community Listening Session
For many families in Texas, land represents more than acreage. It can represent family history, stability, independence, opportunity, and something to pass from one generation to the next. But maintaining ownership of family land can also come with difficult questions and challenges, from unclear titles and heirs’ property concerns to rising property costs, development pressure, and limited access to legal, financial, or technical support. That is why the Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners (TASFRL) and HARC (Houston Advanced Research Center) are inviting Black landowners and families across Texas to participate in a series of Community Listening Sessions. The purpose is simple: to listen. Your Experience Can Help Shape What Comes Next Every landowner’s situation is different. Some families have cared for the same property for generations. Others may be trying to understand how land was passed down, clarify ownership, plan for the future, or determine how their property can continue supporting their family. These listening sessions are designed to hear directly from landowners about questions such as: What does owning or managing your land mean to you and your family? What challenges have you experienced while trying to keep or manage your property? Where do you currently go when you need legal, financial, or technical information? What kinds of resources or support would make maintaining land ownership easier? What would you like to learn more about to better manage, protect, or generate income from your land? There are no right or wrong answers. The goal is to better understand what landowners are experiencing and what kinds of support may be most useful to families and communities across Texas. Why These Conversations Matter Land ownership has long played an important role in family stability and generational wealth. At the same time, Black landowners have faced challenges that can make retaining family property difficult. These may include heirs’ property and unclear titles, forced partition sales, increasing property costs, development pressure, and limited access to trusted legal or financial resources. HARC's broader land-retention project is focused on gathering community input and building relationships that can help identify practical strategies for supporting landowners. Listening first is an important part of that process. The experiences shared during these sessions can help HARC, TASFRL, and collaborating organizations better understand where resources are needed and how future education, technical assistance, legal support, financial guidance, and other services can be designed around real community needs. What to Expect During the Listening Session Each session is expected to last approximately 90 minutes and will provide an informal environment for conversation. The session will include: A welcome and introduction A brief overview of the project and its goals Guided discussion about land ownership experiences and challenges Opportunities for participants to share what kinds of support they need A brief question-and-answer period For in-person sessions, light refreshments may also be provided. The primary purpose of the event is to listen and gather information. TASFRL may share existing resources with participants, but the listening session is not intended to provide individualized legal, financial, or technical consultation. Who Should Participate? The Community Listening Sessions are intended primarily for: Black landowners and family members of Black landowners in Texas. Whether your family has owned land for generations, you are currently helping manage inherited property, or you are thinking about how to protect land for the next generation, your experience can contribute to this conversation. You do not need to be an expert in property law, agriculture, forestry, finance, or estate planning. You only need to bring your experience and perspective. Upcoming Community Listening Sessions TASFRL and HARC are planning three opportunities for Texas landowners and families to participate: Virtual Community Listening Session #1 Thursday, August 27, 2026 6:00 PM CT Virtual In-Person Community Listening Session Saturday, September 5, 2026 10:00 AM CT In-Person Location to be announced Virtual Community Listening Session #2 Thursday, September 10, 2026 6:00 PM CT Virtual Participants can choose the session that works best for their schedule. Building Solutions With Landowners, Not Just for Landowners The larger project, led by HARC and funded by The Cynthia and George Mitchell Foundation, seeks to better understand the challenges contributing to land loss and identify strategies that can help Black landowners maintain ownership and build long-term wealth. Potential areas of support may include greater access to legal resources, information about funding opportunities, assistance related to heirs’ property and estate planning, strategies for generating income from land, and resources for navigating development pressures. But determining what support is actually useful starts with hearing from the people directly managing and protecting the land. That is the purpose of these conversations. Your Land. Your Experience. Your Voice Matters. Keeping family land requires more than hard work. It can also require information, planning, trusted resources, and organizations that understand what landowners are actually facing. HARC and TASFRL want to hear directly from Texas landowners before determining what comes next. If you or your family owns or manages land in Texas, we invite you to join a Community Listening Session and share your experience. Your perspective can help shape stronger resources, better planning, and practical support for landowners and families across Texas. Register for a Community Listening Session Visit the tasfrl.org/event to view session details and register for an upcoming session. Your land. Your experience. Your voice matters. Inclusive Roots. Regenerative Futures.
TASFRL Team
Aug 15, 2026
Start Small, Regenerate Smart: A Practical Action Plan for Landowners
Regenerative land management can feel overwhelming when it is viewed as a complete transformation of an entire farm, ranch, forest, or rural property. Landowners may understand the value of healthier soil, improved water movement, stronger vegetation, and more resilient land. However, the question that often follows is simple: Where should I begin? The answer does not have to involve changing the entire property at once. Regeneration can begin with one clear objective, one manageable area, and one practical improvement. Starting small allows landowners to observe how the land responds, manage costs and risks, and make better-informed decisions before expanding a practice across a larger area. Here is a practical five-step action plan for moving from land readiness to meaningful action. 1. Set a Clear Goal for Your Land Before selecting a practice, identify what you want to improve. Regeneration can mean different things depending on the property, its current condition, and how the land is being used. A farmer, rancher, forest landowner, or small-acreage property owner may each have different priorities. Your initial goal might be to: Reduce soil erosion Increase ground cover Improve water infiltration Restore an overused pasture Protect a creek, pond, or drainage area Improve soil structure Support more diverse vegetation Strengthen forest or woodland health Improve livestock distribution Increase the land’s resilience during drought or heavy rainfall Avoid trying to address every concern at the same time. Select one primary goal and, when appropriate, one supporting goal. For example, a landowner may begin with the primary goal of reducing erosion while also working to increase vegetation along a vulnerable slope. A focused goal makes it easier to select appropriate practices and determine whether those practices are producing meaningful results. 2. Record the Land’s Current Condition Before making changes, document what the land looks like today. This creates a baseline—a starting point that can later be compared with future conditions. Without a baseline, it can be difficult to determine whether a new practice is helping, having little effect, or creating an unexpected problem. Walk through the property and observe: Areas of bare or compacted soil Signs of erosion Locations where water collects or moves rapidly Areas with weak or uneven vegetation Pastures that recover slowly Streambanks or drainage areas that appear unstable Places where livestock frequently gather Areas with declining tree or plant health Changes in soil moisture across the property Invasive or undesirable vegetation Take photographs from consistent locations and angles. Mark important areas on a property map or create simple notes on a phone, tablet, or notebook. The documentation does not need to be complicated. A basic record may include: The date Recent weather conditions General soil condition Vegetation coverage Visible erosion Water movement Livestock use Photographs of the area Returning to the same observation points over time can reveal changes that may not be noticeable from day to day. 3. Choose a Manageable Pilot Area Instead of applying a new practice across the entire property, select a smaller area where the practice can be tested. A pilot area could include: One pasture section A portion of a grazing paddock A field edge A frequently eroded slope A livestock watering location A woodland boundary A stream or drainage buffer A compacted area near a gate A small section of degraded land The pilot area should be large enough to provide useful observations but small enough to manage without placing unnecessary pressure on time, labor, or finances. Starting with a defined area offers several advantages. It allows the landowner to: Test a practice before expanding it Compare treated and untreated areas Identify implementation challenges Estimate labor and material needs Monitor results more closely Make adjustments with less risk For example, a rancher interested in changing grazing management might begin with one pasture rather than redesigning the entire grazing system immediately. A forest landowner working to protect soil and water may begin with one drainage area or forest edge where runoff is already visible. The purpose of the pilot is not to create instant perfection. It is to learn how a specific part of the property responds to a carefully selected action. 4. Begin with One or Two Practical Improvements Once the goal and pilot area have been identified, select a limited number of practices that directly address the problem. Depending on the property, practical first steps may include: Maintain More Ground Cover Bare soil is more vulnerable to erosion, moisture loss, temperature extremes, and surface crusting. Maintaining living plants, plant residue, or other appropriate protective cover can help shield the soil. Reduce Unnecessary Soil Disturbance Frequent or intensive disturbance can disrupt soil structure and leave the surface exposed. Where appropriate, reducing disturbance may help protect soil aggregates, roots, and biological activity. Adjust Grazing and Recovery Periods Land that is grazed repeatedly without adequate recovery may lose plant vigor and ground coverage. Adjusting livestock timing, density, or movement can give vegetation more time to recover. Protect Waterways and Drainage Areas Vegetative buffers around streams, ponds, ditches, and drainage pathways can slow runoff, capture sediment, and protect vulnerable banks. Improve Water Distribution Livestock movement and grazing pressure are often influenced by the location of water. Reviewing watering locations may help reduce repeated pressure in certain areas. Allow Degraded Areas to Rest Some areas may need temporary protection from traffic, grazing, or equipment before vegetation and soil conditions can begin to recover. Increase Plant Diversity Where suitable, increasing plant diversity may improve seasonal ground cover, root structure, habitat, and resilience. Plant selection should be appropriate for the local soil, climate, and land-use goals. The best first practice is not necessarily the most expensive or technically complex. It is the practice that addresses a clearly observed problem and can be implemented consistently. Landowners should also consider local conditions before making significant changes. Soil type, rainfall patterns, slope, vegetation, livestock needs, forestry objectives, and available resources can all influence whether a practice is appropriate. 5. Monitor the Results and Adjust the Plan Regeneration is not a one-time project. It is an ongoing process of observation, learning, and adjustment. Return to the pilot area regularly and compare its condition with the original baseline. Depending on the goal, monitor indicators such as: Percentage of ground covered by vegetation or residue Changes in bare soil Plant recovery and vigor Water infiltration after rainfall Standing water or runoff Soil moisture Visible erosion Forage availability Plant diversity Livestock distribution Tree regeneration or woodland condition Changes may occur gradually. Some results may become visible within a growing season, while others may require longer observation. Stability of streambanks and drainage areas Weather must also be considered. Drought, prolonged rainfall, storms, and seasonal temperature changes can affect outcomes. A single dry or wet period may not provide enough information to evaluate the long-term value of a practice. Ask practical questions during the monitoring process: Is ground cover improving? Is water moving differently across the area? Are plants recovering more effectively? Has erosion decreased? Is the practice manageable with the available labor and budget? Did the land respond as expected? What should be adjusted before the next season? When a practice is producing positive and manageable results, it can be expanded gradually to another section of the property. When it is not working as intended, the landowner can modify the approach without having committed the entire property to the same strategy. What Does Early Progress Look Like? Success does not always appear as a dramatic transformation. Early indicators of progress may include: Less exposed soil Slower surface runoff More consistent vegetation Improved plant recovery Fewer visibly eroded areas Better livestock distribution Increased soil moisture after rainfall Greater confidence in land-management decisions These smaller improvements can provide useful evidence that the land is moving in a healthier direction. The purpose of starting small is not to limit the landowner’s vision. It is to create a practical pathway for reaching larger goals. Build the Plan Around the Land Regenerative land management is most effective when it is based on the actual condition of the property rather than a single practice or trend. What works well on one farm, ranch, or forest property may need to be adapted for another. Each landowner must consider the land’s history, current use, ecological condition, operational needs, and long-term goals. A thoughtful action plan should remain flexible. Observe the land. Document what is happening. Test one practical change. Measure the response. Then decide what comes next. Start with the Next Manageable Step Landowners do not need to have every answer before beginning. A practical regeneration plan can start with: One clear goal One documented baseline One manageable pilot area One or two appropriate practices One consistent monitoring process Over time, these small and informed actions can support healthier soil, stronger vegetation, improved water management, and more resilient working lands. Start small. Learn from the land. Regenerate smart. Suggested Closing CTA TASFRL encourages farmers, ranchers, forest landowners, and rural property owners to approach land stewardship through informed observation, practical planning, and long-term care. Explore more land-management resources and educational information from TASFRL at tasfrl.org References U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Soil He. USDA Natural Resour U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Soil. USDA Natural U.S. Department of Agriculture, Natural Resources Conservation Service. (n.d.). Conservation P. USDA Natural Schreefel, L., Schulte, R. P. O., de Boer, I. J. M., Schrijver, A. P., & van Zanten, H. H. E. (2020). Regenerative agriculture—The soil is the base. Global F, 1004https://doi.org/10.1016/ Bünemann, E. K., Bongiorno, G., Bai, Z., Creamer, R. E., De Deyn, G. B., de Goede, R., Fleskens, L., Geissen, V., Kuyper, T. W., Mäder, P., Pulleman, M., Sukkel, W., van Groenigen, J. W., & Brussaard, L. (2018). Soil quality—A critical review. Soil B,https://doi.or Pellant, M., Shaver, P. L., Pyke, D. A., Herrick, J. E., Lepak, N., Riegel, G., Kachergis, E., Newingham, B. A., Toledo, D., & Busby, F. E. (2020). Interpreting Indicators of Rangeland Health, Version 5. Technic
TASFRL Team
Aug 9, 2026
Connect with Texas Landowners and Forestry Professionals at the 2026 TFA North Regional Social
The Texas Forestry Association will host the 2026 TFA North Regional Social on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at El Cerrito Lodge near Diana, Texas. This free evening gathering is designed to bring together landowners, forestry professionals, Texas Forestry Association members, and community members for conversation, networking, dinner, and new connections within the Texas forestry community. A Welcoming Evening for the Forestry Community The TFA North Regional Social offers an informal setting where attendees can meet local landowners, connect with forestry professionals, and learn more about the people and organizations supporting forestry across Texas. Whether you are a longtime TFA member, a forest landowner, a farmer or rancher managing wooded property, or someone interested in learning more about Texas forestry, you are welcome to attend. This is a relaxed, come-as-you-are gathering rather than a formal conference or technical workshop. Participants will have time to share experiences, build relationships, and enjoy an evening with others who care about forests, working lands, and responsible land stewardship. What to Expect The evening will begin with drinks and a social hour at 5:30 PM, providing attendees with an opportunity to meet and connect before dinner. Dinner will be served at 6:30 PM. Before the event concludes at approximately 8:00 PM, attendees will also have an opportunity to participate in prize drawings supported by event sponsors. Event schedule: 5:30 PM — Social hour and drinks 6:30 PM — Dinner Approximately 8:00 PM — Prize drawings and event conclusion Event Details Event: 2026 TFA North Regional Social Organizer: Texas Forestry Association Date: Thursday, July 23, 2026 Time: 5:30 PM–8:00 PM Venue: El Cerrito Lodge Address: 6819 FM 726, Diana, TX 75640 Admission: Free Registration: Required Registration deadline: July 22, 2026 Who Should Attend? The event is open to both Texas Forestry Association members and nonmembers. The gathering may be especially relevant for: Forest landowners Farmers and ranchers managing wooded land Forestry professionals Land stewards TFA members and partners Rural community members Individuals interested in Texas forestry and land management Attendees are encouraged to invite friends or colleagues. However, each person planning to attend should complete a registration so the organizers can prepare appropriately for dinner, seating, and other event arrangements. Strengthening Connections Across Texas Forestry Strong forestry and land stewardship communities are built through relationships, shared experiences, and access to trusted professional networks. Regional gatherings such as the TFA North Regional Social create opportunities for landowners and professionals to connect locally, exchange perspectives, and strengthen the relationships that support Texas forests and working lands. TASFRL is pleased to share this opportunity with landowners, farmers, ranchers, forestry professionals, and community members across our network. Register for the 2026 TFA North Regional Social Attendance is free, but registration is required. Register by July 22, 2026, to join the Texas Forestry Association for an evening of conversation, networking, dinner, and community connection near Diana, Texas. Register here: https://tasfrl.org/tfa-north-26 This event is hosted by the Texas Forestry Association and shared by TASFRL.
TASFRL Team
Jul 20, 2026