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Big Thicket National Preserve |
Description:
The Preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing 86,428 federal and 10,766 non-federal acres (97,191 total acres). The Preserve was established October 11, 1974 to protect an area of rich biological diversity.
A convergence of ecosystems occurred here during the last Ice Age. It brought together, in one geographical location, the eastern hardwood forests, the Gulf coastal plains, and the midwest prairies.
In 1981, the Preserve was designated an International Biosphere Reserve by the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Man and the Biosphere Program.
Designations:
National Preserve (October 11, 1974)
UNESCO Biosphere Reserve (December 15, 1981)
Accessibility:
The Staley Cabin Information Station, the Sundew, Pitcher Plant, and Kirby Nature Trails are accessible. All picinic tables and rest rooms are wheelchair accessible.
Getting Around:
Because the Preserve is composed of several units (land and water), one has to drive to each unit they wish to visit. The Official Map and Guide will assist greatly.
Activites:
Auto_Touring | Biking | Boating | Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Hunting | Swimming | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Kayaking | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Endangered Plants | Wildflowers | And more.
Directions to Big Thicket National Preserve
Plane:
The Southeast Texas Regional Airport, near Beaumont, Texas, has commerical airline service. Houston, Texas, about 100 miles from the Preserve, has two major airports served by a number of major airlines.
Car:
Enter Beaumont, Texas, via Interstate 10 and then take U.S. Highway 69-287 north from Beaumont. Seven miles north of Kountze, Texas, take FM 420 east for 2.5 miles to the Information Station for your personal orientation.
Public Transportation
AmTrak and Commerical Bus transportation are available in Beaumont, Texas.
Attractions:
Village Creek State Park
Phone:409-755-7322
Martin Dies Jr. State Park
Roy E. Larsen Sandyland Sanctuary
Phone:409-385-0445
Great Texas Birding Trail
Phone:800-792-1112
Beaumont, Texas
Phone:800-392-4401
Nearby Parks:
Jean Lafitte National Historic Park & Preserve (265 miles)
Padre Island National Seashore (315 miles)
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park (719 miles)
Fort Davis National Historic Site (680 miles)
Martin Luther King Jr National Historic Site (711 miles)
Everglades National Park (1173 miles)
Yellowstone National Park (1788 miles)
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