Our Program
Secluded work station with a view
To accomplish its mission, TLMF is committed to providing a private venue for uninterrupted creative work, which could be prose, art, poetry, photography, music, or any other creative way to foster a conservation ethic. The secluded residence and adjacent library are nestled atop a mile-high bluff in the foothills of the Davis Mountains. Although located within a rural subdivision," the facilities are isolated within the Bartlett's 35-acre property, and have a 360-degree view of mountainous terrain protected by The Nature Conservancy, more than 100,000 acres in all. Wildlife lovers and birders will enjoy the range of animals that frequent the site, including rare birds such as the Montezuma Quail and predators such as bobcats and cougars attracted by the abundant deer and other wildlife. Because the site is on a "mountain island in a desert sea," the year 'round weather is mild, with exceptionally fine weather in the summer, fall and winter. Relative to most of the United States, and especially Texas, summers are cool, especially in the evenings; The fall is resplendent with color, and cool and dry; Winters, although some cold weather can be expected at this altitude, are typically mild with lots of sunshine.
All facilities are new, completed in late 2008 and first used in winter 2009. The TLMF residence is equipped with a full kitchen, bedroom with ceiling-to-floor window views of our famous "dark skies," dining/work studio with private patio, computer station with-a-view, Murphy bed for guests, and one and a half baths. The master bath also houses a washer/dryer, and this facility has air conditioning (seldom needed) and gas heat necessary for winter. All utilities are furnished. Design and construction emphasized energy efficiency, such as Energy Star appliances, on-demand hot water; solar panels are to be installed, and when operational, will make the facility "carbon neutral," as well as independent of the power grid if needed. Rain water collection reduces well water usage.
The residence
The writer's residence is connected to a separate environmental library by a fenced patio (fencing to thwart deer herds and javelina packs). The 850-sq. ft. library features all basic writer references (such as the O.E.D.), and a rich collection of environmental publications including current environmental literature. The library is well furnished with ornithological references (the area is a Mecca for birders, with more than 300 species listed). Texas and New Mexico history is well represented, as well as an eclectic range of art and opera references, biographies and classic literature.
Spacious and airy, with north-facing clerestory windows, large free standing wood burning iron stove, and another work station with-a-view, the library is a great place to write, paint or compose music (piano on request). Satellite linked, networked computers are furnished for both this and the residence work station, along with a heavy duty printer. The library has a large satellite TV with Blu-ray DVD capacity. When there is no one in residence, the TV may be used for power point presentations and educational films; the library has lots of comfortable seating , as well as tables for work and dining. A Bose Ipod sound system is available. Free domestic long distance phone service is provided (but no cell phones, as there is no reception at the site). Other amenities include the use of a large storage area (in what will become an observatory for writer/astronomers in the future), which has an upright freezer, under-roof parking, and the use of a four-wheel drive Land Rover for off-road explorations of nearby parks and preserves. We are 120 miles from Big Bend National Park, and the Big Bend Ranch State Park. McDonald Observatory, the Davis Mountains State Park and Nature Conservancy Preserve are close by.
Candidates
Those selected for residency will receive a stipend to cover incidentals such as food and gasoline. There are few venues for dining out; first class restaurants require a 25-mile trip to Marfa. Adequate (but not gourmet) grocery trips require a trip to Alpine, about 30 miles (thus the freezer). Limited groceries may be also be obtained Ft. Davis, 10 miles away. Although the basic premise is guaranteed privacy and quiet, there are many local residents who would enjoy social events with residents, which could be organized at the library, or the Bartlett's compound below the bluff, or at other private residences in Ft. Davis, Alpine, and Marfa.