Past Conferences

27-28 March 2010 - "Happy Trails" A Conference on Equine Land Use, Conservation and Equestrian Design for Trails, Trailheads, and Campgrounds

with Jan Hancock and Deb Balliet. BBQ, Dance, and 2 Fashion Shows both days with Hanna Hartnell of the Red Carpet Fame. Deb Balliet, who is CEO of Equine Land Conservation Resource, A non profit clearinghouse of equine groups dedicated to assisting and advancing the Equestrian public’s issues also spoke about the importance of safeguarding our open land. She included Texas Farm and Ranchland Protections, Stewardship  Resources, and Emerging Issues in Equine Land Protection with the group. Also discussed, a grant of Agricultural Conservation Right and Easement that was passed out for those who wanted to know terms and  more about conservation agreement language pertaining to equestrian activities, Best Management practices and reserved uses retaining rights for agricultural, farming, livestock, and Equestrian Activities. Building Envelopes, Development Rights, Agricultural and Reserved Rights.Deb emphasized the importance of the Equestrian demographic attending the land use and planning meetings in their local communities to advocate for their right of Equestrian land Use whenever possible, citing the willingness of local government to respond to the needs clearly voiced by their constituents whenever possible. To see photos and summary click here.

We held a two day opportunity to learn Qi Gong, Exercises for the Life Force and Meditation, and Xiong Jiang Wing Chun Kung Fu with Sifu Johann. Saturday we welcomed students on all levels, after which a traditional Chinese New Year's meal was served meal, and then a master class. We walked on the ranch viewing the artifacts left by first nation's seasonal migration, and ate cabrito barbeque. Sifu gave a Daoist Philosophy Lecture and Concert with Sifu Johann at the piano and guitar. Sunday's Qi Gong class was followed by Women's Self Defense Class. A Tex Mex/ Asian inspired lunch ended the event.   To see photos from the weekend, click here.

2 December 2009 - Conference on alternative Energies

MAIN GUEST SPEAKER: Jim Hightower- "Power Flows From The Grassroots"

The San Domingo Ranch is focusing on the most current of subjects in today’s world and in December 2009 we hosted a Conference on Alternative Energies. Participants got the opportunity to learn about the potential for Solar Power in Texas, the role of Algae in Biofuel as well as how a new business model can make Wind Power more attractive to both Texas land owners and investment companies. Please see our Energy Conference Page to download speaker presentations or watch videos of both the Jim Hightower speech and the breakout sessions.

December 2007 - Arboriculture Lectures

The San Domingo Ranch Gardens and Conference Center has been hosting a series of afternoon lectures on arboriculture with plant pathologist Olaf Ribeiro speaking on “Reviving the Ancients: tree health and regeneration”. Profiled by the Wall Street Journal, Dr. Ribeiro believes that trees can live forever, given the right conditions. He has regenerated trees throughout the world from the Doomsday oak at Ashton Court Estate in England, which has been standing since at least the Middle Ages, to a 200 year old English oak on the Capitol campus in Olympia, Washington.

October 2004 - GIS Plowing: Agriculture in the Digital Age

The San Domingo's typical rangeland full of oaks and an understory of mixed brush makes traditional row plowing difficult. Area ranchers, county commissioners, County Extension Agents, and local officials will benefit from seeing the latest technological innovations in Geographic Information Services (GIS) applied to precision plowing. This helps area ranchers to profitably introduce intensive small scale sustainable agriculture interspersed with their traditional rangeland practices.
Workshop participants will learn about the technology and will see it in operation. Demonstrations will show the process, from the initial planning stage using a Computer Aided Design (CAD) workstation through the actual plowing with a Global Positioning System (GPS) guided tractor equipped with a ruggedized touch-screen computer specially adapted for mounting in agricultural vehicles. Participants will receive a handout. Bring your own lunch; lemonade and tea will be served in the field.

October 2004 - Moving with Grace and Core Strength, the Feldenkrais Way

$13.00 per person
Learn how to increase your range of motion, improve your strength, and move with greater ease and flexibility with the Feldekrais Method. Gentle excercises and directed attention will help you rediscover your innate capacity for moving gracefully and efficiently. These techniques are appropriate for all ages and ability levels. Wear loose clothing. No special equipment is needed, and we provide mats. A light lunch and beverages will be served. The class will be held in the pool house, gym, and on the deck of the San Domingo Conference Center.
Instructors: Cristina Salgado and Mary Patricia Dougherty

Gourmet Cooking Class: A Polynesian Luau

$65.00 per person
The San Domingo has been hosting gourmet cooking demonstrations since 1962, when New York Times Food Editor Craig Claiborne came down to visit us for a weekend of cooking "South Texas" style.
Professionally trained chef Mary Patricia Dougherty continues this tradition, taking you through an entire menu from start to finish. You'll learn professional techniques of preparation and presentation. Perhaps the best part is that after the class, we all sit down to eat the gourmet dinner we just prepared! It's a great party atmosphere, don't miss out. Size limited to twelve.