Bryce Peterson has spent his life ranching in eastern New Mexico, where every management decision is shaped by drought, limited water resources, and the long-term health of the land. In this episode, Peterson discusses why he’s restoring playas across his operation, how healthy wetlands improve rangeland function, and why he believes groundwater recharge is essential for the future of agriculture in the region. He also shares how years of drought have influenced his conservation philosophy and the importance of working with nature rather than against it.

Peterson also reflects on balancing livestock production with wildlife habitat, navigating conservation programs within Lesser Prairie-Chicken habitat, and the partnerships helping make restoration possible. While he knows one project won’t solve the Southwest’s water challenges, he believes lasting change starts with small, practical steps. His story is a reminder that stewardship is about leaving the land better for the next generation.

LEA/CHAVES COUNTIES, N.M. — Bryce Peterson has spent his life working the rugged landscape of eastern New Mexico, where ranching, drought, wildlife, and water conservation all intersect in complicated ways.

Operating across a mix of private and state trust land, Peterson understands firsthand the balancing act that comes with managing rangeland in one of the most environmentally and economically complex regions of the Southwest. Now, he’s preparing to restore several playas across his operation — an effort aimed at improving water filtration, reducing erosion, and strengthening habitat in a region where every drop of water matters.

“Water belongs underground in this landscape.”

“Years ago, we relied more on surface water so dug out playas to hold water longer,” Peterson said. “Once our pipeline and water storage systems improved, I realized I no longer needed to hold water on the surface. In my opinion, water belongs underground in this landscape.”

Playas — also called mud holes, buffalo wallows, and lagoons — are shallow, naturally occurring wetlands that temporarily fill with rainwater and provide important wildlife habitat and play a critical role in recharging the Ogallala Aquifer. These shallow, clay-lined depressions collect runoff from the surrounding area, filtering out contaminants and directing water underground.

Peterson’s operation sits near the western edge of the Ogallala Aquifer, where water scarcity remains a constant concern. “We have a gallon of water everywhere,” he said, “we don’t have five gallons of water anywhere.”

That reality has shaped how he approaches conservation. Rather than viewing playa restoration as a standalone project, Peterson sees it as one piece of a much larger effort to improve stewardship across the landscape while maintaining a successful ranching operation. “I think it’s important to keep that cycle working properly,” he said of the natural movement of water from the surface back underground.

The project has not come without challenges. Much of Peterson’s ranch lies within Lesser Prairie-Chicken habitat — an area where seasonal restrictions and conservation regulations can complicate land management projects, fence construction, pipeline installation, and mechanical treatments during nesting season. Still, Peterson says the benefits tied to those conservation efforts have outweighed the frustrations. “The amount of funds that the Lesser Prairie-Chicken has brought to my area for rangeland habitat and improvement far supersedes any negative,” Peterson said. “Projects like this probably exist because of the listing of the Lesser Prairie-Chicken and the attention it brought.”

Because of nesting season restrictions, Peterson cannot begin restoration work until later this summer. The project itself is still in the planning stages as agencies and partners finalize logistics across multiple soil and water conservation districts.

Once restoration begins, Peterson hopes to do more than simply restore these wetlands. Many of the playas on his property have developed erosion channels over time, altering the way water naturally moves across the landscape. His goal is to restore not only the playas themselves, but also the upland areas impacted by past disturbances. “While we have the equipment there, we’re planning to restore the surrounding areas too,” he said. “Kind of taking it back to what it should have been, without the disturbance, prior to mankind.”

For Peterson, success means finding a workable balance between livestock production, conservation, and long-term sustainability. “A successful ranching operation for me is not only livestock, but rangeland health,” he said.

That mindset has become increasingly important following years of severe drought across eastern New Mexico.“If anything will make you be a conservationist, a drought will,” Peterson said. “The next generation is looking at how we do it better.” At the same time, Peterson acknowledges the region faces unique economic pressures, particularly with the influence of oil, gas, and renewable energy development throughout the Permian Basin. “Conservation is important for most,” he said, “but not always the most financially rewarding.”

Even so, he believes more landowners are beginning to explore conservation opportunities and partnerships. “The best thing I would say is educate yourself with who’s out there to help you,” Peterson said. “It’s amazing how much support and knowledge is right around you that you really didn’t know until you reached out.”

Looking ahead, Peterson plans to restore all seven playas on his operation. While he knows those projects alone will not solve the region’s larger water challenges, he believes they are still an important step forward. “It’s a small piece,” he said. “But if we want better results, we need to make a bigger imprint.”

Learn more about Bryce’s story. Hear him talk about how playa restoration is a small piece of a bigger solution. 

Raymond and Gina Anderson have spent years creating wildlife habitat on their southeastern New Mexico property, but they never imagined a visit from conservation partners would introduce them to playa restoration. In this episode, the couple shares how discovering these temporary wetlands on their land sparked a new conservation journey centered on improving wildlife habitat, restoring natural water movement, and helping replenish the Ogallala Aquifer. Their passion for birds, nature, and future generations shines throughout the conversation.

The Andersons also discuss what surprised them most about the restoration process, the support available to private landowners, and the excitement of seeing their property through a new lens. From attracting thousands of migratory birds to inspiring their granddaughter’s curiosity about conservation, their story demonstrates how small projects can create meaningful benefits for both wildlife and the people who call the land home.

LEA COUNTY, N.M. — Raymond and Gina Anderson never expected a conversation at their front door would lead them into the world of playa restoration. The couple, who live just outside of Lovington, New Mexico, already spent years enhancing the wildlife habitat on their property — planting hundreds of trees, creating ponds, and even working to build an 11-acre lake in the middle of the desert. “We’re bird lovers and animal lovers in general,” Gina Anderson said.

But despite their passion for nature, the Andersons said they had never heard of restoring playas until Ryan Lenz, from Playa Lakes Joint Venture, and Jesse Barber, from Lea County Cooperative Extension Service, showed up at their property.

“We didn’t even know there was such a thing as playa restoration,” Raymond Anderson said.

Playas — also called mud holes, buffalo wallows, and lagoons — are vital, temporary wetlands that provide important habitat for wildlife and are a primary source of recharge to the Ogallala Aquifer, a critical water source for people in eastern New Mexico. These shallow, clay-lined depressions collect runoff from the surrounding area, filtering out contaminants and directing water underground.

As the group walked across the property, the Andersons quickly realized their land held more potential than they originally thought.

Ryan and Jesse identified several playas on the property, including a large playa that Raymond had already started working on, removing excess sediment that had accumulated in the basin to use in creating ponds elsewhere.

For Gina, the experience immediately became personal. “I’m very much a nerd at heart — also a nature nerd,” she said with a laugh.

The couple’s 8-year-old granddaughter joined them during that first visit and quickly became fascinated by the wildlife and habitat discussions taking place around her. “She said she learned so much from walking around with them,” Gina said.

That initial visit laid the foundation for what has now become a full playa restoration project. When Ryan returned to explain the program in more detail, the Andersons were eager to learn more. “He was able to explain the playa restoration project to both of us,” Gina said. “And we walked around the property, and we think there’s three more playas besides the buffalo wallow Raymond had already been digging out.”

“We didn’t even know there was such a thing as playa restoration.”

As longtime wildlife enthusiasts, the Andersons say one of the most exciting parts of the project is imagining what restored playas could bring to their land. Playas are the center of biodiversity on the plains — supporting 185 bird species, 450 plant species, 13 amphibian species, and 37 mammal species at some point in their life-cycle.

The couple already sees an impressive variety of wildlife around their property, including deer, bobcats, migratory birds, and waterfowl drawn in by the ponds and water features they’ve created over the years.

At one point, Gina said their partially completed lake attracted thousands of yellow-headed blackbirds, swallows, and red-winged blackbirds. “It was just so delightful,” she said.

The couple hopes the restored playas will continue expanding habitat opportunities for wildlife across their property. “We would love to see that increase,” Gina said. “So if this is going to help with that.”

Beyond the wildlife benefits, the Andersons say they have been surprised by how smoothly the process has moved so far. “The professionalism of Ryan has just been off the charts,” Raymond said. “His willingness to navigate the GPS coordinates, all the technology, all the paperwork… we’ve been very impressed.”

Gina said one of the biggest surprises was learning state funding was available to help private landowners restore playas on their property.

“That just blew me away,” she said. “I’m very excited about not just having the static part of a playa restored on my land, but more so the percolation of the water — the water going back into the water table.”

For the Andersons, the project is about more than aesthetics or wildlife viewing. It’s about future generations and long-term water sustainability in southeastern New Mexico.

“There’s nothing that delights me absolutely more than helping replenish the water table,” Gina said. “Because I have grandchildren here, and our water table is dropping, and we need to get it back up.”

The project is still in its early stages. Archaeologists have already surveyed the property, contracts have been signed, and restoration work is expected to begin soon.

Meanwhile, Raymond is already looking forward to getting back behind the wheel of his tractor to continue removing excess sediment from the playa. “Raymond’s favorite thing in the world is to drive his tractor,” Gina joked.

The couple says they hope their story encourages other landowners to at least explore what conservation opportunities may exist on their own properties. “I would just say, ‘Hey, did y’all know this is available?’” Gina said.

And while they may still be early in the process, the Andersons already see the bigger picture taking shape. “I’m a very visionary person,” Raymond said. “I can see the future of it.”

Learn more about Raymond and Gina’s story. Hear them talk about restoring wetland habitat in the desert.

Willard Heck has dedicated his career to conservation and now manages approximately 35,000 acres of rangeland in eastern New Mexico. In this episode, Heck explains why healthy land, not cattle, is the foundation of a successful ranching operation and how playa restoration helps improve grasslands, wildlife habitat, water quality, and overall landscape resilience. He shares why conservation is an ongoing process of making the land function a little better every year.

Heck also discusses the value of strong conservation partnerships, and why functioning wetlands become even more important during prolonged drought. Although restoring a single playa won’t solve all water issues, he believes each project contributes to a healthier, more resilient landscape that will benefit both people and wildlife for years to come.

ROOSEVELT COUNTY, N.M. — When most people think of ranch managers, they picture someone whose life revolves around cattle. Willard Heck took a different path. More than 30 years ago, after spending much of his career working in falcon recovery and restoration, Heck followed renowned conservationist Jim Weaver to eastern New Mexico . Today, he helps manage approximately 35,000 acres of grass — a mix of rangeland, wildlife habitat, and state trust land — near the Texas border.

And despite overseeing what many would consider a large ranching operation, Heck says cattle are not the most important resource on the property.

“We’re firm believers that your resource is your land, not your cows,” Heck said. “The cows are simply a tool you use to manage the land.”

That philosophy recently led Heck and his partners to restore a playa located on state-leased land in Roosevelt County. Playas — shallow wetlands scattered across the Southern High Plains — capture rainfall, provide wildlife habitat, improve water quality, and help recharge groundwater. While many appear dry for much of the year, their ecological importance extends far beyond the water they temporarily hold.

The playa on Weaver Ranch had been altered decades ago when a pit was excavated in the center, a common practice once used to provide livestock with longer-lasting water supplies.

“At the time, people thought they were improving the playa,” Heck said. “What we know now is that those alterations changed how these wetlands naturally function.”

Working with Playa Lakes Joint Venture, Roosevelt Soil & Water Conservation District and the New Mexico State Land Office, the pit was filled and the altered area reshaped, helping return the wetland to a more natural condition. For Heck, restoring the playa wasn’t about solving a problem overnight. It was about making the landscape function a little better than it did before.

“That’s just what we do,” Heck said. “We’re always trying to improve something, whether it’s habitat, grasslands, wetlands, or wildlife.”

The project itself was relatively straightforward. The paperwork, however, took considerably longer. Because the playa sits on state trust land, the project required permits, archaeological surveys, agency approvals, and coordination among multiple partners before any dirt could be moved.

“The biggest obstacle is usually the bureaucracy,” Heck said. “The actual restoration work is the easy part.”

Still, Heck says the process went smoothly thanks to support from conservation partners who helped navigate the approvals and logistics.

“It shows that these projects can be done,” he said. “If you have people who understand the process and can help guide landowners through it, it makes a huge difference.”

“Our goal is to have the land be as natural and functional as we can make it.”

The restoration also reflects a much larger conservation effort taking place across the ranch. While many neighboring landscapes have been converted to cropland over the decades, Weaver Ranch remains one of the largest intact grassland areas in the region and serves as important habitat for Lesser Prairie-Chickens. From the air, the contrast is striking.

“Three miles east of us, across the Texas line, it’s mostly crop circles,” Heck said. “There isn’t much habitat left. So this property is important.”

Years of drought have only reinforced the need for healthy, functioning landscapes. Across eastern New Mexico, declining groundwater supplies and increasing pressure on water resources have become growing concerns. Heck has watched the region change dramatically during his three decades on the ranch.

“We’ve been dry for a long time,” he said. “When rain does come, you want these systems functioning the way they’re supposed to.”

While one restored playa will not solve the region’s water challenges, Heck believes every project contributes to a healthier landscape.

“Our goal is to have the land be as natural and functional as we can make it,” he said.

For him, that’s reason enough.

“Would this one project change the world? Probably not,” Heck said. “But if we can improve a piece of ground and leave it better than we found it, that’s worth doing.”

Learn more about Willard’s story. Hear him talk about a different type of ranching.