OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

What can you do here?

Mountain biking, hiking, bird watching, dog walking

When can you visit?

Public access daily from sunrise to sunset. No mountain biking after recent rain (check trail status here).

Location and Description

Dallas County – 121 acres protected

Oak Cliff Nature Preserve is a 121-acre oasis of green space located right in the middle of urban Dallas. It was protected from impending development in 1999. In 2006, Dallas Off-Road Bicycle Association (DORBA) approached TLC about creating  multi-use hike and bike trails on the preserve. One of TLC’s major concerns was the potential impact the trails may have on the soils, plants, and wild animals at the preserve. After showing proper care and environmental sensitivity in trail design, DORBA was given the go-ahead to begin trail development in the northwestern portion of the preserve. There are now over eight miles of multi-use hike and bike trails course through the Preserve. Bird and plant enthusiasts, bicycle riders of all ages, and those just wishing for peace and quiet visit the preserve to connect with nature. Please see DORBA’s website for more information on biking OCNP. The trails are also open for hikers/nature walkers. OCNP Trail Map

What can you do here?

Hiking, birdwatching, and disc golf

When can you visit?

Public access daily from sunrise to sunset.

Location and Description

Bexar County – 52 acres protected

This 52-acre stretch of Cibolo Creek in Universal City, a suburb of San Antonio, features a great diversity of plants and animals. This public preserve features abundant bird life (Inca Dove, White-eyed vireo and masses of Cardinals), large numbers of flowering Big Bluestem and 35 to 40-foot limestone bluffs that black rock squirrels find perfect for scurrying. The preserve contains large populations of native grasses, interesting geologic features, Mountain Laurel and Mexican Buckeye in the sheltered side canyon.

What can you do here?

Hiking

When can you visit?

Public access from sunrise to sunset.

Location and Description

Ellis County – 30 acres protected

Kachina Prairie (Ellis County), contains 30 of only 1,000 acres of Blackland Prairie left in Texas. This nature preserve is protected by a partnership between TLC and the City of Ennis. Once much more extensive in east central Texas, most Blackland Prairie habitat has been converted to other land uses. While meandering through the prairie in spring or summer, listen for Western Kingbirds and Scisso-tailed Flycatchers twittering overhead. In winter, search the brambles and dense thickets for wintering sparrow such as Lincoln’s, White-throated and perhaps Harris’. In spring, the prairie comes alive with wildflowers that feed an array of attendant butterflies. Look for Pipevine and Spicebush Swallowtails, as well as Variegated and Gulf Fritillaries. This property was named “Kachina” for the Native American legend of the bluebonnet and was given to the TLC in 1985. Contact the City of Ennis for more information; 972-875-1234.

What can you do here?

Hiking and birdwatching

When can you visit?

Public access from sunrise to sunset.

Location and Description

Nacogdoches County – 15 acres protected

Banita Creek Preserve is a lovely 15-acre urban preserve in downtown Nacogdoches. Walking trail run through the property and meander along Banita Creek. The preserve is located at North and Rusk streets; parking is available on Rusk. The well-known historic home of Charlotte Baker Montgomery, the donor of this nature preserve, can be seen at 1703 North Street. The house & yard are not open to the public.

What can you do here?

Hiking and birdwatching

When can you visit?

Public access with permission only. Guided hikes are scheduled in spring and fall.

Location and Description

Anderson County – 465 acres protected

Ivy’s Wildlife Refuge is a beautiful natural area donated to TLC in 1987 by the late Ivy Payne. The diverse landscape of the refuge includes forested slopes and ravines, bottomland, shortleaf pine savanna, and creeks lined with dogwood trees. Every spring and fall our board member, Earl Matthew, works with Heinz Gaylord, a Texas Master Naturalist, to arrange hikes and volunteer days at Ivy’s Refuge. Please call Gloria McElroy to arrange a visit: 903-764-2605.

What can you do here?

Hiking and birdwatching

When can you visit?

Public access from sunrise to sunset.

Location and Description

San Jacinto County – 79 acres protected

A beautiful and very unique forested area, including state champion laurel oak, Winter’s Bayou Preserve is surrounded on three sides by Winters Bayou Scenic Area owned or set aside by the U. S. Forest Service as part of the Sam Houston National Forest. Just down the road is the trailhead for Lone Star Hiking Trail, used by hikers, horsemen, lovers of the Forest. This preserve, owned by TLC, is open to the public provided persons follow the regulations set forth on the posted preserve signs.

What can you do here?

Hiking and birdwatching

When can you visit?

Public access from sunrise to sunset.

Location and Description

Orange County – 48 acres protected

The Lou Ann Gomez Preserve was donated to TLC in 1988 by the late Hy Gomez, Jr. in his daughter’s memory. The preserve contains 48 acres of cypress-lined bayous and marshes in the city of West Orange.

What can you do here?

Hiking and birdwatching

When can you visit?

Public access from sunrise to sunset.

Location and Description

Liberty County – 9 acres protected

The only protected remnant of native prairie in the Big Thicket area, this crossroads of coastal prairie, waving tall grasses and shorter western species, and beautiful wildflowers, contain a combination distinct from all other vegetation communities. Annual volunteer efforts to maintain and restore the prairie are coordinated by members of the Big Thicket Association and the Houston Sierra Club.