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 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

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.