Phase II Development Plan

In future phases of the development of the Land Heritage Institute, the focus will be on the construction of new facilities that will continue to support the mission of LHI. These projects will include the American Indians of Texas Cultural Center, the Land Heritage Institute Archeological Project, El Rancho del Rio Medina and a new location for the South Texas Nature Reserve. Additional facilities will be constructed at the LHI Equestrian Center and the Nature Reserve headquarters will be redeveloped to house the Pampopa Agricultural Research Station.

American Indians in Texas Cultural Center

The Tap Pilam/Coahuiltecan tribe has used the site over the last ten years for tribal activities and events. The artifacts that were uncovered during previous archeological activities that belong to the Tap Pilam will be stored and interpreted in this Cultural Center. Tribal offices, conference center and other facilities will be developed to provide a permanent location for tribal functions. The public will be invited to interact during these activities to help educate about how the native americans used the "land & water" to thrive in our area in pre historic and pre colonial times.

El Rancho del Rio Medina

A small conference center, dining facility and lodge for 60 overnight guests will be constructed to supplement the programs offered at LHI. This will provide a permanent location for corporate retreats, artists in residence and students to spend up to 2 weeks on site in conjunction with other activities taking place on site. The Conference Center and buildings will be designed to reflect the Spanish Colonial era of Tejas. Much like a typical "rancho" that would be been inhabited at the turn of the 18th century prior to Texas independence, the buildings will be organized around an exterior plaza constructed of local stone and wood materials.

LHI Archeological Project

A permanent location for the operation of a publically available active archeological "dig" will be constructed to provide additional educational opportunities for both youth and adult students. LHI has been identified as one of the most unique anthropological and archeological locations in the United States. A facility for permanent archeological operations could provide a unique environment for the citizens of Texas to see into the past.

South Texas Nature Reserve

A permanent facility will be constructed to provide a nature center to interpret and describe in detail the flora and fauna of South Texas. This unique location will offer the opportunity of seeing the common south Texas native wildlife such as deer, feral hogs, javelina, quail, and many different varieties of birds that have been identified by the Audobon Societies. Native plants will also be identified and studied along the trails and pathways to be further developed along with this facility. The unique topography will allow a "treewalk". This is a raised walkway system that will give visitors a treetop view of the unique riverine environment.

Phase II Equestrian Center
	The second phase of the Equestrian Center will include additional facilities that will allow on site horse training, horse instruction, horse showing and typical ranch operations to be illustrated and taught to the public.

Pampona Agricultural Research Station

Once the permanent Nature Reserve is constructed the Pampona Agricultural Research Station will be established in the former nature center. The Ag Research Station will educate current land owners in seminars on the best practices for land and wildlife management for the 21st century. As the Texas landowner has changed from the family farmer to the hunter and part time rancher/farmer, strategies for land use needs to evolve and become more eco friendly. This facility will educate the new Texas landowner in wildlife management, range management, brush control, irrigation systems and pond development.