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ABOUT US

Nature’s Eye is a service provider of forestry, wildlife, environmental and outdoor recreation enhancement opportunities for landowners.  Our mission is to educate landowners and their families about the importance of land stewardship and equip them with the knowledge and resources needed to actively launch and maintain their management goals and objectives.  Our vision is to provide the best and most professional forestry and wildlife consulting services available for the landowners and families of America.  No matter how big or small a project is, whether its 1 acre or 100,000 acres, we dedicate our full attention to achieving each client’s vision for their property. 

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There is a growing demand among landowners and lease holders for a consultant with extensive knowledge of forest, environmental, and wildlife habitat management. Nature's Eye provides the services to meet that demand. We use our expertise to make the most of your investment by implementing science-based methods. Our biologists construct a specialized management plan for each property which acts as a compass to guide landowners to achieving their vision. 

 

The current market is saturated with companies that specialize in a particular service or focus on a certain game species, but is lacking in companies offering overall land and resource management. Nature's Eye fills this void by providing consultation, implementation, and specialized products to get the job done. 

OUR STAFF

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Blake Hamilton-Founder, Nature’ Eye

 

Blake Hamilton is a Forester, Wildlife Biologist and the Founder of Nature’s Eye, a conservation driven enterprise that integrates land stewardship with real estate investment and development.  A graduate of Mississippi State University with a Bachelor of Science and Faulkner State with a pre-law degree, Blake has built a distinguished career rooted in his passion for land, wildlife, and natural resource management. 

 

Blake began his career in the land business in 2001 with several land service companies. His previous experience and formal education led to a career at Mossy Oak, where he spent nearly a decade in business development and land management, rising to an upper-level leadership position.  His background in forestry and wildlife management, combined with business acumen, led him to found Nature’s Eye in 2013, aligning conservation values with business strategy to create lasting impact on private lands. 

 

In 2017, Blake launched Nature’s Eye Natural Resource Investments (NRI), an integrated real estate investment and development firm specializing in recreational land between Houston and Dallas, Texas. Under his leadership, NRI has raised and deployed more than $100 million to acquire and enhance over 20,000 acres of premier recreational and conservation property. 

 

Blake has been nationally recognized for his work in wildlife and habitat management. He was named the National Professional Deer Manager of the Year by the Quality Deer Management Association (QDMA) in 2017 and received the National Wild Turkey Federation (NWTF) Partners Award in 2018. A lifelong member of QDMA, Quail Forever, and Pheasants Forever, he has delivered keynote addresses at major universities and national conventions, and authored more than 50 publications on conservation.  

 

Blake is a 2021 graduate of Stagan Leadership Academy.  He currently serves on the board of the Carson Wentz AO1 Foundation and served as Director of Ceremony at the Petroleum Club of Houston.  His expertise spans forestry, wildlife management, recreational real estate investments, and land development. His work reflects a niche blend of biological expertise, land management knowledge, and investment strategy; bridging the gap between conservation and commerce. 

 

Blake and his wife, Tasha reside in Lufkin, Texas, with their three daughters Rivers, Finley, and Larkin-where they continue to share a love of the outdoors, conservation and stewardship of the land.  

 

Blake’s professional background spans three major disciplines-forestry, wildlife management, and real estate investment-that collectively define his work:

 

  • Forestry Experience:  

    • Cruising timber, marking timber, and conducting timber appraisals.

    • Forestry mulching, prescribed burning, herbicide applications, and site preparation.

    • Custom tree planting, afforestation, and reforestation programs.

    • Invasive species control and streamside bank stabilization.

    • Wetland mitigation, native landscaping, and native seed establishment.

    • Implementation of government cost-share programs (CSP, CRP, EQIP).

    • Forest pest and advanced GPS and Arcview GIS mapping.

  • Wildlife Management Experience:

    • Food plot design and implementation for white-tailed deer, turkey, waterfowl and upland bird species.

    • Management of commercial hunting and fishing operations.

    • Habitat enhancement projects including avian box installation, pollinator habitat, and native grass restoration.

    • Trapping, aerial waterfowl/eagle surveys and camera surveys.

    • Enclosure development and management.

    • Lake and pond construction and fisheries management.

    • DMAP, MLD and other cooperative wildlife management programs with state agencies.

  • Real Estate Experience:

    • Founder and President of Nature’s Eye Natural Resource Investments (NRI) –a real estate investment and development firm focused on conservation and recreational land.

    • Formerly owned and operated Mossy Oak Properties-Lufkin office (2016-2020).

    • Led acquisition, enhancement and disposition of over 20,000 acres of recreational land between Houston and Dallas, TX.

    • Structured multiple land transactions exceeding $25 million, working with institutional landowners and family offices. 

    • Specialized in acquisition, value-creation, land development, and long-term stewardship planning.

    • NRI currently aligns financial performance with ecological integrity.

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Emily is the Brand Manager for Nature’s Eye. She earned both a Bachelor’s degree (Forestry/Wildlife Management) and a Master’s degree (Agribusiness Management) from Mississippi State University. She has been with Nature’s Eye since its inception, and has experience working in every branch of the Nature’s Eye family, from habitat development to content marketing. Being part of the company’s growth through every milestone and evolution gives her a unique perspective and deep understanding of the brand and culture; which she uses in her role to guide brand integrity, visual brand representation, marketing, and public relations.  Emily is passionate about conserving wild places and wildlife habitat, and cultivating an appreciation and love for the outdoors in others.

Emily’s career began with Mossy Oak Land Enhancement Services/Nativ Nurseries, where she worked alongside Nature’s Eye founder, Blake Hamilton.  This role broadened her knowledge of managing wildlife habitat and provided professional experience in business management and client relations.  When Blake founded Nature’s Eye, she accepted a position with the new company and has filled multiple roles over the years.  Her familiarity with Blake and his vision has helped guide the evolution of the brand and keep the company focused on its True North.

Throughout her years with Nature’s Eye, she has authored over 50 publications on conservation, wildlife management, and the outdoor lifestyle.  She is the voice behind the Nature’s Eye Field Journal, and the social media accounts for all of the brands within the Nature’s Eye ecosystem..  Additionally, she manages website design, marketing materials, and content creation through Nature’s Eye Media.  She also coordinates guided hunting experiences at the Nature’s Eye Showcase Farm.

 

Emily lives in Ocean Springs, MS and nurtures her lifelong love of the outdoors through hunting, camping, hiking, and writing about her experiences.  She relishes every opportunity to travel and see new landscapes and wildlife, and inspire others to explore and protect the beauty and wonder of nature.

 

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Kimberly Dean - Director of Administration

 

Kimberly plays a key role in overseeing office operations, client engagement, and human resources. Her expertise also extends to supporting the creation of natural resource management plans, conducting ArcGIS mapping, and navigating federal and state cost-share initiatives. She contributes to managed land programs, permitting processes, real estate documentation, property tax exemption filings, and curriculum development. With over two decades of experience as an independent business owner, Kimberly brings seasoned insight and leadership to her work. She graduated with honors from Stephen F. Austin State University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Forestry/Wildlife Management with a minor in Biology.

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Steven Harbuck - Operations Manager

 

Steven is an experienced Wildlife Biologist and Operations Manager with a B.S. degree in Forest Wildlife Management from Stephen F. Austin State University.

He has over 9 years of hands-on experience in habitat development, conservation, and land stewardship, and a proven track record at Nature’s Eye leading crews and overseeing large-scale wildlife and habitat projects, including predator management, herbicide applications, food plot creation, and habitat improvements.

Steven is skilled in operating and managing heavy equipment, tree planting, and implementing sustainable land management practices. He is dedicated to enhancing ecosystems while balancing landowner goals, hunting opportunities, and long-term conservation outcomes.

 

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