Petersen Ranch

Teamed with Sean Fitzgerald

*ICF Charter Member Ranch: Texas Hill Country Nature Photography Alliance

Petersen Ranch, located in Kendall County between Blanco and Luckenbach, Texas exemplifies a commitment to wildlife preservation balanced with sound economics. Located in the upper reaches of the Blanco River watershed, the rugged ranch displays an incredible diversity of plant life not often seen on Hill Country ranches. Upper elevations feature ridge-top savannah pastures of tall native grasses, wildflowers and broad leaf plants dotted with stately Live Oaks and flowering trees. The rolling ridgetops give way to heavily forested hillsides covered with Escarpment Black Chery, Spanish Oak and Lacy Oak trees.

Rainwater, slowed down by the vegetation, percolates through the porous limestone hills and emerges from numerous seeps and springs to feed the labyrinth of creeks cut into the limestone over the millennia. Delicate Maidenhair and blue-green River Ferns grow along the shaded seeps of ancient grottos, waterfalls, and crystal clear pools, home to many species of fish, spiders, lizards, insects and plants.

Emphasizing the educational and economic importance of ecotourism, Petersen Ranch has built dedicated wildlife photography areas situated near water and feed sources and designed to position the photographer with the correct ambient lighting. Petersen Ranch offers specialized photo blinds with water sources and feeders along with workshops and retreats.