Big Thicket National Preserve

Naturalist Lead Activities

    Naturalist Program and Activities

Ranger led programs are varied and available at no charge. All programs are on a reservation only basis. To make a reservation and receive additional details, call 409-951-6725. Please allow two or more weeks to schedule the program of your choice.

Wildflower Discovery

Learn to find and identify wildflowers in the Preserve. Length: About 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 25 people, Ages: 8 years and up.

Insects for Lunch!

Explore the world of insect-eating plants in the Preserve. Length: About 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 25, Ages: 5 years and up.

Map and Compass Course

Set your fears of being lost aside. This seminar will give you the basics allowing you to practice using both a map and a compass. Length: 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 25, Ages: 8 years and up.

Basic Canoeing

Canoeing basics are not that hard to learn. Join us as we introduce you to the towering cypress of the Preserve. You will need your own canoe or a rental. Length: 4 hours, Numbers: 2 to 10 canoes, Ages: 8 years and up.

Leave No Trace®

Learn basics of outdoor skills and ethics as developed by the Leave No Trace® organization. Length: 4 hours, Numbers: 4 to 20, Ages: 8 and up.

Woodland Wonder

Explore this secluded, jungle-like section of the Big Sandy Unit in the Preserve. Distance: 5 miles, Numbers: 4 to 25, Ages: 8 and up.

Night Prowl

You will need a flashlight to discover the “faces” behind the night voices and reflective eyes of the Preserve. Length: 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 12, Ages: 8 and up.

Big Thicket Tales

The early day tales of the Big Thicket are captivating. If you and your group can not join in the Preserve we will come to you. Length: 1 hour, Numbers: 4 to 20, Ages: 8 years and up.

Maxi or Mini Trek

A long distance, fast paced hike. Bring a lunch and lots of water. Distance: 3 or 6 miles (about a half-day), Numbers: 4 to 25, Ages: 10 and up.

Hike the Kirby Trail

This short hike will provide you with a Big Thicket experience. A biologically diverse trail. A great primer to the Preserve. Length: 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 25, Ages: 8 and up.

Canoe Cooks or Franklin Lake

Bring your own canoe or a rental and enjoy one of these scenic water trips. Length: About a half-day, Numbers: 8 canoes (novices welcome), Ages: 8 and up.

Kid’s Day Out

This sensory oriented program will fill the young one with many impressions of nature and help quench their curiosity.

Length: 3 hours, Numbers: 4 to 14, Ages: 6 to 12 years

Through The Looking Glass

Explore the wonders of Big Thicket up close.

Length: 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 18, Ages: 5 to 12

Kid’s Wilderness Survival

Lost children need not be! This program shows youngsters how to avoid becoming lost and how to act if they do. Parents learn how they can prepare their young ones for a trek in the woods. Length: 2 hours, Numbers: 4 to 20, Ages: 5 to 12.

     Advanced Workshops for You:

Big Thicket National Preserve staff offer workshops in a variety of subject areas. We can provide training in photography, birding, advanced canoeing, backpacking, outdoor safety, day hiking and others. We can modify programs to meet your needs and come to your location (within our area of operations). We require a minimum of 8 participants. To schedule an advanced workshop call 409-951-6725 for personal arrangements. 

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