History

Peninsula neighbor and author, Paula Rieker, has written a truly wonderful book about our “backyards!” called The Heritage Lands of the 711 Ranch. In the new book, the entire history of Mystic Shores and the Peninsula are set forth in story format, from the ancient times through the days of lands grants by the Republic of Texas and the German and Swiss settlers that carved out homes here in untamed lands.  Property owners can literally find out the history of their specific lots from the first land grant until ownership by the Nordans’ premier 711 Ranch. Many of the beautiful illustrations were drawn by Peninsula neighbor, Pat Gilkey.  Learn more at http://www.71ranchhistory.com, a site where you can contact Paula or order the book.

Conservation

As The Peninsula formed as a neighborhood, the community quickly recognized and valued the abundant wildlife in the area. Several property owners began to educate and organize a Conservation Committee within The Peninsula. In time, the work of this committee of The Peninsula attracted the attention and participation throughout the broader Mystic Shores neighborhood. The Conservation Committee became and continues as a chartered committee within Mystic Shores.  Click Here to find out more about this committee.

Archaeological Site in Devil’s Hollow Canyon

In 2014, Marty Rolleg, a Peninsula resident, coordinated efforts with Mystic Shores volunteers to engage an archaeological consultant to investigate, test and document artifacts in caves and other areas of the Devil’s Hollow Canyon in the Mystic Shores Nature Preserve. In the process, artifacts were recovered, including biface arrow and dart projectile points from the Late Prehistoric Stage 900 AD to 1100 AD to at least the Early Archaic Stage 600 BC to 2500 BC. The Texas Archaeological Research Lab in Austin, Texas evaluated the group’s application and determined that the Devil’s Hollow Canyon site be designated a Texas Archaeological Site. This designation paved the way for the site to be protected by allowing the Comal County Sheriff’s Office to arrest trespassers and looters without a POA representative being present.

Enjoy this special amenity!  If you plan a hike in the canyon, call McKinley Security (210-535-7623) so they will know in advance you are a property owner. Also, call McKinley or the Sheriff’s Dispatch (830-885-4883) if you see suspicious activity in the area.