Lone Star Land Steward Awards, created by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, recognize private landowners in Texas for their exemplary contributions to land, water and wildlife stewardship. With 95 percent of the land in Texas under private ownership, the conservation and stewardship efforts of private landowners are of vital importance to all Texans. Through extensive efforts put in place by the Wuest family, native grasses and forbs flourish on the property, livestock productivity has increased, the family has seen an increase in quality white-tailed deer, small mammals, and reptiles, and have greatly improved the property’s soil and water quality. In addition, hundreds of thousands of Texas citizens get to enjoy the limestone geology of their property and learn about Texas history, geology and beautiful open spaces when they visit. A large portion of the property has been under a conservation easement since 2005 meaning it will remain undeveloped in perpetuity in one of Texas most rapidly urbanizing areas.