Nature enthusiasts will have the opportunity to experience the Big Thicket at night on an illuminating rangerguided hike Jan. 25 at 6 p.m.
Guests are invited to discover the mysteries of the Big Thicket after dark on a special nighttime hike. This guided adventure will explore the captivating legends and real-life stories that make the Big Thicket a place of wonder and intrigue.
Guests should bring a flashlight for navigating and comfortable shoes suitable for hiking. The adventure will begin at Sundew Trail on County Road 1910, near Warren (GPS Coordinates: 30.548225, -94.409754).
This hike is billed as perfect for anyone who enjoys the thrill of nightfall and the tales that come alive in the Big Thicket.
For questions or more information, call (409) 951-6700.
Bonus Big Thicket: Adding to the landscape
Big Thicket National Preserve announced its winter planting event schedule. Volunteers can join park staff and partners to plant longleaf pine trees and native grasses in January and February in the preserve’s Big Sandy Creek Unit.
“Part of the longevity of Big Thicket is the continued work on restoring the longleaf pine savannah ecosystem, and the connection volunteers can get from seeing their work grow each year,” said Superintendent Wayne Prokopetz.
The public is invited to learn more about the preserve and stewardship with the National Park Service while planting grasses to rejuvenate the understory of the ecosystem. The events will take place on the Martin Luther King Jr. Day of Service on Monday, Jan. 20, and on Presidents’ Day on Monday, Feb. 17.
During the events, the area surrounding the planting areas will be closed for hunting. Notices will be posted a week in advance in those locations.
Big Thicket is hosting the planting events with the help of groups including Big Thicket Association, Texas Master Naturalists, Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust, Texas Conservation Alliance, Big Thicket Biosphere Reserve and National Parks Conservation Association.
To sign-up, visit Volunteer.gov and search for “Big Thicket.” Once registered, information about the event, including location and paperwork, will be sent to volunteers one week before the event. For more information, call the Big Thicket Visitor Center at (409) 951-6700.