The staff of Big Thicket National Preserve invites everyone to explore the thicket by taking advantage the many ranger-led programs being offered in the months of March, April and May. From canoe trips on the Neches River to a black bear presentation and night hikes through the thicket, park ranger will offer a variety of free programs. Some programs require participants to pre-register, and still others have alternative meeting locations. Be sure to consult the Spring 2017 Ranger-led Program Schedule below for more details.
Tuesday, March 14, 10:00 am: Canoe Trip
Join park rangers for a guided canoe trip on the waters of the preserve. This program targets the casual and novice paddler. Canoes, PFDs and paddles will be provided. Trip locations vary and space is limited so call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to find the trip location and to register.
Saturday, March 18, 7:30 am: Birding the Big Thicket
Join a ranger for a morning bird walk! Birding is a great way to explore the preserve and learn about the diversity of bird species found here. This 1-mile walk is geared toward beginning birders and will provide an introduction to basic birding techniques and to our common birds. Participants should bring water, insect repellent, and binoculars. Space is limited, so please call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to find the walk location and register.
Sunday, April 2, 1:30 pm: Woodlands Trail Hike
The Woodlands Trail weaves through several plant communities, from hardwood forest to floodplain. The round-trip hike is 5.5 miles; shorter distance options are available. Participants can meet at the visitor center at 12:30 pm and a caravan to the trailhead, or meet at the trailhead, located in Polk County 6 miles north of Dallardsville, at 1:30 pm. Please call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to register.
Tuesday, April 11, 7:45 pm, Full Moon Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this guided walk under a full moon. Hike locations vary and space is limited, so call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to find the trip location and to register.
Saturday, April 15: Junior Ranger Day
Mark your calendars for Junior Ranger Day! Kids can participate in fun activities to earn a Junior Ranger badge and certificate. Check the Big Thicket website for more details.
Thursday, April 20, 6:30 pm: Black Bears in the Big Thicket
Learn about the history and ecology of black bears in Southeast Texas at this evening program. Meet at the Big Thicket Visitor Center. Approximately 45 minutes.
Sunday, May 7, 1:30 pm: Big Sandy Trail Hike
Explore longleaf pine uplands and more on this hike on the Big Sandy Trail. The full round-trip distance on this walk is 4-6 miles; hikers can choose to hike a shorter or a longer distance. Meet at the Preserve Visitor Center at 12:30 pm to caravan to the location, or meet at the Big Sandy Trailhead, located off Sunflower Road west of Dallardsville in Polk County, at 1:30 pm. Be prepared with water, sunscreen, bug spray and snacks. Call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to register.
Sunday, June 4, 10:30 am: Beech Creek Unit
Located in Tyler County, this 4-6 mile exploration of dense hardwood forest will follow a developed hiking trail and old logging road. Meet at the visitor center at 9:30 am and caravan to the trailhead, or at the trailhead on FM 1992, 1.5 miles north of FM 1013 at 10:30 am. Call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to register.
Friday, June 9, 8:30 pm: Full Moon Night Hike
Engage your senses and learn about nocturnal animals on this guided walk under a full moon. Hike locations vary and space is limited, so call the visitor center at (409) 951-6700 to find the trip location and to register.
Big Thicket National Preserve is located in Southeast Texas, near the city Beaumont and 75 miles northeast of Houston. The preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 113,000 acres. The Big Thicket, often referred to as a “biological crossroads,” is a transition zone between four distinct vegetation types – the moist eastern hardwood forest, the southwestern desert, the southeastern swamp, and the central prairies. Species from all of these different vegetation types come together in the thicket, exhibiting a variety of vegetation and wildlife that has received national interest.
