Our Annual Texas Chainsaw Manicure is a lot of fun, but more importantly, it protects us from the ravages of wildfires.

In 2006, a fire at a neighbor's ranch got us to thinking about fire dangers. We were the first responders and could have put it out had we gotten there a couple of minutes earlier, but firefighters showed up to put it out—including a contingent from the Texas Forest Service. That was the beginning of a great new relationship that is helping Down Home Ranch become a safer place.

In 2007 we held the first Annual Texas Chainsaw Manicure and it's been a rousing success. Working with the Forest Service we became a Firewise Community—one of only 42 in Texas. We've created "defensible space" around the residential areas of the Ranch and are in the early stages of going to a completely xeriscaped community. And we've instituted policies and procedures that make it possible for us to react quickly and keep everyone safe.

But this year has been a grim reminder of just how important this work is. The worst fire disaster in the state's history consumed more than 1,500 homes and 34,000 acres just a few miles south of us. Everyone on the Ranch has friends and family who have been directly affected by these fires. We were on full alert for several days and could see huge smoke clouds to our south. And there seems to be no end in sight for this record-setting drought.

So we needed everyone's help more than ever. In addition to working hard all day, we cooked up a great barbecue lunch and provided volunteers with t-shirts that read "I Survived the 2011 Texas Chainsaw Manicure at Down Home Ranch." There were jobs for all, young and old.

Thank you to all who showed up and worked so hard at this year's Manicure. Today our "defensible space"—areas cleared of grasses, shrubs, and brush between buildings and thick wooded areas—is greatly expanded, creating a safer habitat for those who live and work at Down Home Ranch.

And, as we plan for the future, we welcome your donations. We're wanting to buy a used 1,200 gallon water truck that will cost us $5,000 but will be a big help in keeping all of our Ranchers, Campers, staff and visitors safe in the event that a fire comes our way.