The Cibolo Center for Conservation is a long-time Boerne establishment providing numerous opportunities for nature exploration and education on preserving natural resources. For more than 34 years, you’ve seen us grow from a group of friends cleaning up the creek to a fully functioning center for conservation.
Even as a nonprofit organization, we operate as a business to stay afloat, keep the trails clean, properly care for land, water, and wildlife, and, more importantly, maintain a great staff. Last year, the Cibolo hired a new vice president of finance and operations to help manage the organization’s growth.
Brandon Henson sits in the front office of the Cibolo Nature Center’s visitor center and is one of the first friendly faces you might see when visiting. He is an Illinois native and moved to San Antonio in 2012.
With Cibolo Summer Camp in full swing, you might find Brandon listening in on the camp action over the walkie-talkie, ensuring the staff is set up for success, especially during these hotter days.
You might also find Brandon on the back porch talking to workers leading the washing and painting of the Cibolo’s buildings. Everything looks brand new and clean – a project that has been in the works for some time.
We recently sat down with Brandon to discuss his experience at the Cibolo.
• What brings you to the Cibolo?
After working in arts administration for most of my career, I am thrilled to have joined another mission-driven nonprofit organization that allows me to utilize my logistical experience. The view out my office window is a nice bonus!
• What do you enjoy about the work environment at the Cibolo?
The Cibolo is full of dedicated, hard-working staff and supported by many in the community. It’s been a pleasure to get to know people and to expand my own knowledge in the areas in which the staff have expertise. I’ve already learned so much about the land and animals that The Cibolo is working to protect.
• What do you enjoy the most about nature?
I grew up taking family vacations to lakes and have lovely memories of fishing, boating and camping with my family. Those experiences shaped my view of nature and showed me how enjoyable time can be by water, in the woods, or in the mountains.
• Do nonprofits operate differently from businesses on the back end? And should they?
Nonprofits may operate as a business, but the magic of nonprofits is that they have a connection to the community and a particular purpose. Everything we do is focused on how to fulfill our mission to protect the land, water and provide educational opportunities for the community. Of course, we need financial stability to accomplish those goals, but financial gain isn’t our motivation.
• What are some common misconceptions people have about the Cibolo?
We are more than just a few trails and a spot to take a beautiful photo. We offer programming to all ages, from toddlers to adults. Our programs and our dedication to land conservation are made possible by the generous community we serve. As a nonprofit organization, most of our income comes from donors and members who believe in the Cibolo to fulfill our mission to promote the conservation of natural resources. Our staff takes that trust very seriously. Along with our volunteers and supporters, we are a team that wants to make our community one that is desirable and sustainable.
• What are some important things people should know when visiting the nature center or Herff Farm for the first time?
I would encourage people to check our website for events and activities to plan their visits effectively. Herff Farm is open to the public on Saturday during the Farmers Market, so that’s an excellent opportunity to do a little hiking and shopping in one outing. Plus, the Teaching Garden is open, so you can visit the chickens and the other animals we have, which is especially fun for the kids.
• Do you have a favorite trail, spot or section of the Cibolo?
There are a lot of great spots on our property, so it’s a bit hard to choose, but the confluence of the Cibolo Creek and the Menger Creek is my favorite spot. The water flows downstream from that spot into our drinking water recharge systems. Protecting that resource will only become more critical in the future. As I sit and listen to the two streams connecting, it reminds me of the bigger picture. You can learn more about our growing organization by visiting www.cibolo.org and follow us on social media @cibolocenterforconservation.
Cibolo Happenings
June 22
• Drawing from Nature: Art in Conservation Series, 10 a.m.-noon. The art of drawing is simply a form of mark-making. With the practice of the basic skills of blind contour, proportion, value and detail, we learn to draw what we see through our interpretation. Join us every Wednesday at 10 a.m. in the Herff House on 33 Herff Road. More information is available on www.cibolo.org.
June 24
• Family Night Hikes: Explore the Cibolo at Night, 8-9:30 p.m. Join the Cibolo staff as they walk the trails learning about all the nocturnal animals that call the Cibolo home. This is a hike suitable for children. Attendees should bring comfortable shoes, a flashlight, and a water bottle. Register on www.cibolo.org.
June 25
• Farmers Market at Herff Farm, 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Join us at the Farmers Market and enjoy locally produced products and goods from small businesses and farms in the Texas Hill Country. Herff Farm offers trails and programming for children and adults. More information is available on www.cibolo.org.
• Watercolor Class: Art in Conservation Series, 10 a.m.-noon. Students will begin with brush strokes, shapes, rendering variation of value and color-mixing, to create their paintings. Beginners welcome. Join us every Saturday at 10 a.m. in the Herff House on 33 Herff Road. More information is available on www.cibolo.org.
• Plant Infused Pasta, 10 a.m.-noon. And 2-4 p.m. Join us at the Gathering Hall at Herff Farm with internationally recognized foraging instructor and author Mark “Merriwether” Vorderbruggen, chemist &and herbalist, for a hands-on cooking class. This beginner-level cooking class is designed to give people a new and unusual kitchen skill that can be shared with their friends and family. This class will be offered at two different times on the same day. You must only register for one class. Classes are limited to 16 people per class and are expected to sell out. Registration in advance is required. No walk-ins. Visit www.cibolo.org.
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