News
TASFRL Highlights Land Stewardship at SFLR LinkedIn Live
February 27, 2026
Author: TASFRL Team
Nacogdoches, TX — February 19, 2026 “Small Acres, Big Impact Reimagining the Future of African American Land Stewardship” will take place on February 27 at 1:30 p.m. ET as part of the SFLR Network’s Black History Month series, “It’s Always Been the Land.” The LinkedIn Live event will highlight why land ownership remains central to generational wealth, cultural continuity, and community resilience, particularly within forested regions like Texas.
The discussion marks Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners (TASFRL)’s official launch as the Texas Network Site within the Sustainable Forestry & African American Land Retention (SFLR) Network.
TASFRL has officially been selected as the Texas Network Site by the SFLR Network, marking a significant step in expanding forestry, land retention, and stewardship support across the state.
The partnership reinforces a shared commitment to protecting generational land ownership, advancing regenerative forestry practices, and increasing access to technical assistance for historically underserved landowners throughout Texas.
Through this collaboration, TASFRL will help strengthen locally led solutions that connect conservation, land preservation, and long-term economic resilience. The initial implementation phase will focus on 27 priority forestry-related counties, with plans to build a scalable statewide framework that enhances ownership stability and conservation engagement.
Texas contains one of the largest privately owned forest landscapes in the United States, yet many landowners continue to face barriers related to succession planning, heirs’ property resolution, and forest management access. As the Texas Network Site, TASFRL will work to close those gaps through education, technical assistance, and on-the-ground implementation support.
“Bringing TASFRL into the SFLR Network marks an exciting step in how we support landowners throughout the South,” said Bethaney Wilkinson, Executive Director of the SFLR Network. “Their leadership in regenerative stewardship and education complements our mission to help families protect, enhance, and retain their land.”
TASFRL’s Land Management Services (LMS) program will play a central role in delivering measurable outcomes. The program supports forest health improvement, habitat restoration, regenerative land management practices, and practical strategies that allow landowners to integrate forestry into existing land uses without disrupting operations.
“We are building a statewide ecosystem that empowers landowners through education, succession planning, heirs’ property support, and practical implementation,” said Joseph K. Johnson, TASFRL Director and SFLR Texas Program Lead. “This partnership strengthens long-term land retention and sustainable forestry across Texas.”
Other News
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
A Hidden Story Beneath Central Park: Why Land Still Matters
For many families, land is more than property. It is memory. It is inheritance. It is stability. It is a foundation for the future. But across American history, especially for Black families and rural land stewards, land has often been placed at risk by public policy, unclear ownership, development pressure, legal vulnerability, and the absence of long-term planning. One of the most powerful examples of this history sits beneath one of the most recognized public spaces in the United States: Central Park. Before Central Park became a landmark, part of that land was home to Seneca Village. The Story Beneath Central Park Seneca Village was founded in 1825 by free African Americans in what is now Manhattan’s Upper West Side. Over time, it became a thriving community of families, landowners, churches, schools, and working people. It was not simply a settlement. It was a place where people built homes, raised children, worshiped, worked, and lived with dignity. For Black residents in the 19th century, land ownership carried deep meaning. It represented independence, stability, and a measure of protection in a society where rights and opportunities were often restricted. Seneca Village was home to Black landowners and families, along with Irish and German immigrant residents. By the mid-1800s, the community included homes, churches, a school, and a strong pattern of property ownership. Then in 1857, New York City used eminent domain to acquire the land for the creation of Central Park. Residents were required to leave. Homes were removed. The community was demolished. Over time, much of its history became largely unknown to the wider public. Source: Central Park Conservancy Seneca Village History Source: Central Park Conservancy Seneca Village Landscape Why Seneca Village Still Matters The story of Seneca Village is rooted in a specific time and place, but its larger lesson still matters today. Land loss is rarely only about land. It is about families. It is about ownership. It is about the ability to make decisions. It is about whether future generations can stay connected to what earlier generations built. When a family loses land, the loss can affect more than a single household. It can affect family wealth, community stability, cultural memory, food production, conservation, and long-term stewardship. Seneca Village reminds us that land can hold stories even when buildings are gone. It also reminds us that communities can be displaced when land is treated as disposable. For Black families, rural families, small farmers, ranchers, and landowners, that history is not only historical. It connects to present-day challenges that still place family land at risk. Land Loss Looks Different Today Today, land loss may not always look like the destruction of a community for a public park. But families can still lose land through quieter and more complicated pathways. Some families face development pressure. Some face rising costs or tax burdens. Some face unclear title. Some face family disagreements. Some face forced sales. Some inherit land without a clear legal plan. One major issue is heirs’ property. Heirs’ property often happens when land is passed down without a will, estate plan, or clear legal title. Instead of one person holding clear ownership, the land may become divided among multiple heirs across generations. Over time, this can create confusion about who owns the land, who can make decisions, who is responsible for taxes, and how the property should be managed. For many families, the land is clearly understood as “family land.” But if the legal title is unclear, that family land can become vulnerable. Source: USDA Farmers.gov Heirs’ Property Relending Program Source: USDA Forest Service Heirs’ Property and Land Fractionation Why Unclear Ownership Can Put Land at Risk When land ownership is unclear, families may face serious barriers. They may struggle to access loans or conservation programs. They may have difficulty making land improvements. They may be unable to use the land as collateral. They may disagree over whether to sell, lease, divide, or preserve the property. They may not know who has the legal authority to make decisions. This matters because land stewardship requires stability. A family may want to keep land in farming, forestry, grazing, wildlife habitat, agroforestry, or conservation. But without clear ownership and a shared plan, even strong intentions may not be enough to protect the land. Unclear title can also create vulnerability when an outside party purchases one heir’s interest and pushes for a sale of the entire property. In some cases, families who never intended to sell may be forced into legal and financial situations they were not prepared for. That is why land retention is not only a legal issue. It is a family issue, a community issue, and a stewardship issue. Land Stability Supports Stewardship Stable land ownership gives families room to plan. When families understand their ownership, clarify title, and prepare for succession, they are better positioned to make long-term decisions about the land. They can think about how the land should be used. They can decide who will manage it. They can prepare the next generation. They can access technical assistance. They can explore conservation programs. They can protect soil, water, forests, pasture, wildlife habitat, and working lands. Land stability supports more than ownership. It supports responsible stewardship. For rural land stewards, this is especially important. Working lands often carry both economic and ecological value. They may support livestock, crops, timber, native plants, wildlife corridors, family housing, cultural memory, or future agricultural enterprises. When land remains stable, families have more opportunity to protect those values. What Families Can Do Before a Crisis Protecting family land begins with conversation and preparation. Families do not need to wait until there is a dispute, a tax issue, a death in the family, or an outside offer to begin planning. In many cases, earlier conversations can create more options and reduce future risk. Families can begin by asking: Who legally owns the land? Is the title clear? Is there a will or estate plan? Who are the heirs? Who pays the taxes? Who manages the land? What happens if one heir wants to sell? What are the family’s long-term goals for the property? Does the family want to farm, graze, conserve, lease, restore, or develop the land? Who will carry responsibility into the next generation? These questions can feel difficult, but they are necessary. The earlier families begin, the more prepared they may be to protect both the land and the relationships connected to it. TASFRL’s Role in Land Retention and Stewardship Texas AgriForestry Small Farmers, Ranchers, and Landowners supports land stewards, producers, families, and rural communities through education, resource access, regenerative land management, succession planning, and long-term stewardship. TASFRL’s work is rooted in the understanding that land is connected to legacy. When families have access to information, planning tools, and trusted guidance, they are better positioned to keep land productive, protected, and connected to future generations. TASFRL works to support: Land retention education Heirs’ property awareness Title clarity Succession and estate planning education Conservation engagement Regenerative agriculture and forestry practices Long-term stewardship of working lands Because when land is stable, families can plan. When families can plan, communities can grow. And when communities grow, conservation can last. Learn More from TASFRL The story of Seneca Village is not only a story about what was lost. It is also a reminder of what must be protected. Family land carries history. It carries labor. It carries memory. It carries the possibility of future ownership, food production, conservation, and community resilience. But land cannot protect itself. Families need clear information, trusted support, and long-term planning before land becomes vulnerable. Do not wait until your family land becomes someone else’s story. Learn more about heirs’ property and land retention through TASFRL: https://www.tasfrl.org/news/heirs Inclusive Roots. Regenerative Futures. --- External References Central Park Conservancy — Seneca Village History Central Park Conservancy — Seneca Village Landscape Central Park Conservancy — Before Central Park: The Story of Seneca Village USDA Farmers.gov — Heirs’ Property Relending Program USDA Forest Service — Heirs’ Property and Land Fractionation
TASFRL Team
Jul 10, 2026