Weekend at Ivy’s

While we are a fierce dog-loving community, we ask that you leave all pets at home; dogs (except service dogs) are not allowed. The following are just a few reasons why dogs are prohibited:

• Ivy Payne Wildlife Refuge was acquired as a Preserve to conserve a rich diversity of wildlife and plants and to give visitors an opportunity to enjoy largely undisturbed nature.
• Dogs can have widespread and long-lasting effects on the Preserve’s natural resources. Dog feces carries pathogens not found in wild animal scat and can introduce illness and parasites into the area that can spread to foxes and coyotes. When dogs urinate along the trail, they are marking the area as their own. This marking affects the behavior of other wildlife. Other canines (foxes and coyotes) will spend time trying to locate the intruder, instead of hunting, resting or caring for young.
• Your dog may be gentle and leashed, but wildlife will react to them as they do to any predator. They may flee in fear, often before you know they are there. Even well-behaved dogs will give chase to small animals and birds.

Yes. Restroom and shower facilities are available on the property.

No. Attendees are responsible for their own transportation.

Yes. TLC will not be supplying tents or bedding. A document outlining preparation for the weekend will be provided to attendees.

You are welcome to explore Ivy’s on your own from dawn to dusk on Saturday, April 6 and Sunday, April 7. Please make sure you sign in and out at the pavilion.

Yes! We are hoping for beautiful weather, but we will ‘keep calm and carry on’ in the face of rain or cooler temperatures. As long as there is no active lightning, the guided hikes will still take place, and the covered pavilion is a great place for board games and conversation when you’re not on the trail.

No, unfortunately we are unable to accommodate an RV at our property. If you’d like to spend the weekend with us, but want to stay nearby in your RV, we can suggest the following campsites:

Salmon Lake Park – https://www.salmonlakepark.com/
15 miles, 23 mins from Ivy’s

Palestine RV Park – http://www.palestinervpark.com/
9 miles, 14 mins from Ivy’s

Both of these parks also have cabins that can be rented.

For over 80 years, Palestine has celebrated the Dogwood Trails Celebration the last two weekends in March and first weekend in April. This is when the local dogwood trees are typically in bloom, and activities are scheduled each weekend to compliment the Celebration. More information can be found at: www.texasdogwoodtrails.com

For the weekend of April 5-7, when our Weekend at Ivy’s event is taking place, the following other activities and events are taking place:

• Visit Davey Dogwood Park – Check out the 5.5 miles of driving trails for some amazing views, and make a point to park the car and step onto the trails to see how many hidden fairy gardens you can find! Open dawn to dusk. – http://www.easttexasoutdoors.org/index.php/view-trails-by-type-4/hiking-lists/41-davey-dogwood-park
• The Redland’s Hotel Historic Tour – 11am Architectural Tour, 2pm Guided tour of the historic Redland’s Hotel, approximately 30 minutes long. Light refreshments provided. For group special tours call the Redland’s at 903-729-2345. http://redlandshistoricinn.com/
• See “Gilligan’s Island: The Musical” at the Historic Texas Theater – A musical based on the acclaimed TV show by the same title about that doomed, 3-hour tour, and the adventures of the castaways in their efforts to get off the island. Visit thetexastheater.com for tickets.
• Take a ride on the Texas State Railroad – Vintage steam and diesel locomotives take passengers across the celebrated rails of the Piney Woods Route between the quaint East Texas towns of Palestine and Rusk on a 50-mile roundtrip adventure. https://texasstaterailroad.net/
• Visit Sabor a Pasion – Dine under the dogwoods on our Tuscan table or on the deck lined with rose vines and honeysuckle. Pizza Night – April 5; Dinner at Restaurant Aubergine – April 6; Sunday Brunch – April 7. Always Open, by Reservation. Call 903-729-9500 for reservations. https://www.saborapasion.com/

There is currently a hunting lease on this property. If you want more information about when you can visit the preserve, please contact us at 512.301.6363 or info@texaslandconservancy.org