Baltimore, MD — KBDJ, LP and its Hays County quarry received international recognition for their contributions to wildlife habitat conservation at the Wildlife Habitat Council’s (WHC) 20th Annual Symposium, 20/20 Vision: Celebrating the Past, Looking to the Future. KBDJ demonstrated its commitment to environmental stewardship and increasing native biodiversity by achieving habitat certification at its Hays County quarry.
“This year, our 20th Anniversary, WHC celebrates two decades of solid leadership and on-the-ground achievements by our members in wildlife habitat preservation and conservation education,” said Robert Johnson, WHC president. “WHC members are continuing to lead the way to further define and demonstrate how corporations can use their lands to preserve our biodiversity, while preparing new generations through conservation education to understand how to be better leaders and managers for tomorrow’s sustainable businesses and communities. Congratulations to KBDJ, LP for its volunteer-based efforts to preserve the biodiversity of its community and the world, and to connect people to nature.”
KBDJ produces aggregate materials used in the construction of roads, homes and businesses throughout Central Texas. Its limestone quarry outside of Buda is surrounded by open space that is home to many native species of plants and animals. In June 2007, the company formed a team of community partners to develop projects that protect and enhance the natural beauty of the land.
“KBDJ believes it is possible to do business in a manner that is ecologically sensitive,” said Jill Shackelford, KBDJ principal. “We are committed to preserving and protecting the wildlife and the natural beauty of the property. During the past year as we have worked to earn our certification, we have enjoyed partnering with local educators, schools and others in the community on a number of environmental projects, and we have more planned for the future.”
KBDJ’s efforts were applauded by Hays County Judge Liz Sumter and Hill Country Conservancy Executive Director George Cofer.
“I want to commend the KBDJ staff in embracing and participating in the things that are most important to the people that live here, most notably their wildlife habitat enhancement program and recent certification,” Sumter said. “They have demonstrated their good neighbor commitment time and time again. I enjoy the visits to the site and look forward to many more 'good neighbor' efforts by KBDJ.”
“KBDJ sought our advice and has worked closely with us over the past year to preserve the beautiful open space surrounding its mining operation. This certification is a golden example of what can happen when the business and environmental communities work together to preserve the Texas Hill Country,” Cofer said.
KBDJ is committed to establishing and managing more than 50 acres of wildlife habitat at its Ruby Ranch quarry in Hays County. The site was historically a ranch that included cattle; however, the Ruby family leased the property for mining in 2004.
Wildlife enhancement activities began in June 2007 with the establishment of bat roost boxes. These boxes are monitored weekly to determine use by bats. In December 2007, KBDJ held a community Christmas tree recycling drive, and the trees collected were used to create additional habitat for fish and other aquatic wildlife in an on-site pond.
Also, rocks placed in the pond have attracted turtles. In addition to enhancing the wetlands and erecting bat roosting boxes, KBDJ has begun efforts to control invasive species and has started planting native grasses.
Through these efforts, KBDJ has worked with community members and organizations and has provided educational outreach activities for school-age children. In early 2008, the site hosted a field trip for 125 fourth graders to educate them about native wildflowers and have them assist with the planting of native species at the site. It also has hosted an environmental educator field trip and is working to incorporate environmental education opportunities during its site tours.
The Hays County quarry was one of 214 sites recognized at the 2008 Symposium for creating a Wildlife at WorkSM program. In addition, 97 Corporate Lands for LearningSM programs reach thousands of learners from schools and scout groups to master gardeners and university researchers. Since 1990, WHC has certified 489 programs worldwide. The certification program recognizes outstanding wildlife habitat management and environmental education efforts at corporate sites, and offers third-party validation of the benefits of such programs. Certification requirements are strict and require that sites apply for periodic renewal.
Celebrating 20 years in conservation, the Wildlife Habitat Council (WHC) is a nonprofit, non-lobbying organization dedicated to increasing the quality and amount of wildlife habitat on corporate, private and public lands. WHC devotes its resources to building partnerships with corporations and conservation groups to create solutions that balance the demands of economic growth with the requirements of a healthy, biodiverse and sustainable environment. More than 2.4 million acres in 46 states, District of Columbia, Puerto Rico and 16 other countries are managed for wildlife through WHC-assisted projects. To learn more, visit www.wildlifehc.org.
To learn more about KBDJ, visit www.haysquarry.com.
