The cattle drive to the summer range was underway.   Sara was making the ride again.  She loved spending time riding with her Dad and Grandpa and the other cowboys.   It was a long ride and often terribly dusty trailing behind the cows and calves, but it was always an adventure.  Sara knew she had to stay alert and prepared on her horse.

Sara understood the reason the herd had to be moved with the changing seasons.   Her grandfather had explained the importance of not over-grazing the land - leaving grass benefited the other wildlife that shares the range and provided seed for plants to regrow.   He also explained that old feed may be needed in years where rainfall is late and new grass is not available.   Her family's good stewardship ensures the land is used to its greatest potential and their cattle and other native animals are able to thrive.

About an hour into the drive, Sara saw the pond she had worked on with her Dad last fall.   They had made a better water storage area by digging a deeper reservoir, where water pooled from rain runoff and flowed from a natural spring nearby.   What a sight!  Standing at the pond were some deer.   Sara was glad to see her family's hard work benefited the deer and other animals and birds.   Her family's stewardship once again benefited their herd while providing for other wildlife.

As she rode on, Sara felt a sense of pride while she followed the cattle along the trail.   She began to truly understand the cattlemen's way of life.   She knew making their cattle business better meant protecting and making the range better for all it's inhabitants.   Her family wanted to improve the range and leave it in even better condition for generations of ranchers to come.

After the cattle reached their summer pastures, Sara worked with the other cowboys to keep the cattle gathered until the cows had found their calves.   Once reunited the pairs would be content in their summer home.   The cows were quick to adjust to the area because Sara's family has been rotating the herd between pastures for generations; the older cows have returned to a familiar place.

While the cows searched for their bawling calves, Sara reflected on all she has learned from her grandparents and parents - she wants their legacy to continue and will do her part by making sure the land, water, and wildlife are managed well, so that her children and grandchildren are able to enjoy the same lifestyle.   She values the natural resources available and will be a good steward of the land.