Monthly Centennial hikes continue throughout the year.

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News Release Date: February 23, 2016
Contact: Jason Ginder, 409-951-6700

Big Thicket National Preserve and the Big Thicket Association are pleased to announce the continuation of the 2016 Centennial hiking series. On Sunday, March 6th, and continuing on the first Sunday of each month through the end of 2016, staff from both organizations will guide fellow explorers along the unique trail network found in the Big Thicket. These hiking treks are part of Big Thicket National Preserve’s Explore Your Thicket Centennial Club initiative. These hikes are expected to be 3-5 miles in length. Monthly, rangers and Big Thicket Association volunteers will lead a hike on a different portion of the over 40 miles of improved trails within the preserve.

On Sunday, March 6th, 2016 we will explore the north end of the Turkey Creek Trail from FM 1943 to the Pitcher Plant Trail and back. The full round-trip distance, including the Pitcher Plant Trail, is 7 miles; hikers can choose to hike a shorter or longer distance. Meet at the Turkey Creek trailhead on FM 1943, 3.5 miles east of Warren at 1:30pm, with water and snacks. 

All those interested in participating should call the preserve visitor center at 409-951-6700 to pre-register for this hike, not later than Friday, March 4th. 

This hiking series is part of the preserve’s “Explore Your Thicket - Centennial Club” program. During the 12 months leading up to the 100th anniversary of the creation of the National Park Service (August 25, 2016), the staff at Big Thicket National Preserve invites you to rediscover your national park. This program challenges visitors to travel 100/50/25 miles, depending on age, through the preserve during our Centennial year (August, 2015 through August, 2016). Participants can paddle, hike, run, jog, travel on horseback, and even trek off-trail through the thicket.  Track your mileage as you explore, and once you reach the targeted miles, contact preserve staff so we can welcome you to the Centennial Club. We can also help you track your miles! Simply call the visitor’s center and tell us (yes, proudly gloating is OK) what you’ve accomplished.

Looking for other ways to participate in the Big Thicket’s Centennial year? We encourage everyone to participate in our “Share Your Thicket” Centennial Photo Contest while exploring the preserve. Park visitors are invited to submit photos via Instagram for entry into a year-long contest using the hashtag #BigThicketPhotoContest. Monthly winners will be chosen in three categories and displayed in our park visitor center, with an overall winner chosen in the fall of 2016. 

More information about all of Big Thicket National Preserve’s 2016 Centennial activities is available at https://www.nps.gov/bith/getinvolved/centennial-activities.htm. 

For general information about Big Thicket National Preserve, visit www.nps.gov/bith or call the preserve visitor center at 409-951-6700. Visit us on Facebook www.facebook.com/BigThicketNPS, Twitter www.twitter.com/BigThicketNPS, and Instagram www.instagram.com/BigThicketNPS.

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