Our Mission

Land Heritage Institute is a 1,200 acre living land museum in South Texas dedicated to preserving the landscape and sharing the natural, cultural, and historic heritage of this unique place. LHI connects people with the land and its stories through conservation, recreation, education, and opportunities to experience the landscape firsthand.
What is a Living Land Museum?

At LHI, the land itself is the museum. Rather than experiencing history and nature inside a traditional museum building, visitors experience them across the property – in its trails, native landscape, historic places, waterways, wildlife habitat, and the stories connected to the people who lived on and cared for this land.

Our Purpose

Preserve the Land

 Much of Land Heritage Institute’s 1,200 acres remains in it its natural, undeveloped state. LHI works to preserve the land and the natural, historic, and cultural resources it holds, protecting this unique landscape and its heritage for future generations. 

Preserve the Past

 LHI preserves the historic places, cultural heritage, and stories connected to this land. From the Presnall-Watson Homestead to archaeological sites and generations of people who have shaped the property, LHI works to protect these connections to the past and make their stories meaningful for the present.

Learn From the Land

 As a living land museum, LHI offers a unique setting for learning about the natural environment, history, and cultural heritage of the property. Over the years, the land has provided opportunities for students, researches, community groups, and visitors to learn through direct experience.

Experience the Land

 LHI provides the opportunities to experience the property firsthand through hiking, biking, horseback riding, camping and other outdoor recreation. These activities allow visitors to enjoy the landscape while building a personal connection to the land LHI works to preserve.