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Slideshow: Devils River and Dolan Falls Preserve

The Dolan Falls Preserve, run by the Nature Conservancy, exists at the crossroads of three unique regions. The convergence of the Edwards Plateau, the Chihuahuan Desert and the Rio Grande Plain brushland creates rich biodiversity. The Devils River, which runs through the Dolan Falls Preserve, is fed in part by Dolan Creek and is known by nature enthusiasts as one of the most pristine rivers in Texas. It is also partially fed by freshwater springs that flow through the surrounding limestone.

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Three biological regions converge on the Dolan Falls Preserve: the Edwards Plateau, Chihuahuan Desert and Rio Grande Plain brushland. As a result, many distinct ecosystems overlap to create rich biodiversity.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Formations in the rock show thousands of years' worth of erosion on the Dolan Falls Preserve.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
During heavy rains, floodwaters surge through this grotto at the Dolan Falls Preserve.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
A look at tree trunks and brush that washed down from the cliffs during a flood on the Dolan Falls Preserve.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
A butterfly on the Dolan Falls Preserve.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
A partially decomposed deer skull on the Dolan Falls Preserve.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Douglas Meyer, the Devils River project manager for the Nature Conservancy's Dolan Falls Preserve, stands in a large cave at the preserve. Many caves on the preserve served as shelter for indigenous tribes that used to inhabit this area.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Meyer shows a fibrous plant species found on the preserve that can be used for twine or rope.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
A kayak and canoe entry point on the Devils River, an hour west of Del Rio. There are few public entry points available, as much of the land that the river runs through is private property.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Meyer points out pictographs made by American Indians who used to inhabit the area.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Dolan Falls is directly downstream from the confluence of the Devils River and Dolan Creek.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson
Facing downstream from Dolan Falls on the Devils River. The river is fed by freshwater springs that flow from the limestone cliffs above. *Editor's Note: An earlier version of this slideshow incorrectly identified a butterfly as a monarch butterfly.
Credit: Leslie Boorhem-Stephenson

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