50th Anniversary

Logo courtesy of Western National Parks Association

Big Thicket National Preserve turns 50 in 2024!

On October 11, 1974, Big Thicket was established as America's first national preserve. Fifty years later, the preserve remains an outstanding place to experience the natural, scenic, and recreational wonders of the woods and waters of southeast Texas.

Throughout 2024, we invite you to celebrate with us and learn why "there's no place like Big Thicket!"

Activities

• 50th Anniversary Junior Ranger Badge
  Complete anniversary-themed activities in our Junior Ranger book to earn a unique badge.
• Photo Contest
  See our photo contest winners!
• Choose Your Adventure Challenge
  This challenge has ended, as we are now out of pins!

 

Anniversary Events

Did you celebrate with us in 2024? Here's a recap of our special events in our anniversary year:

• In January and February, we restored native longleaf pine forest habitat with your help on volunteer planting days.
• In April, junior rangers learned all about park ranger careers at Junior Ranger Day.
• In May, Big Thicket scientists presented their research in a series of engaging presentations and discussions at our first-ever Science Symposium.
• In June, the whole family got to fish for free on Texas Free Fishing Day.
• In June and August, the moon and stars shone bright during our summer stargazing events in Beaumont.
• In September, volunteers helped us pick up trash and beautify Big Thicket's boat ramps on National Public Lands Day.
• In October, the year-long birthday party culminated at our 50th Anniversary Celebration, which featured guest speakers, Alabama-Coushatta performances, a new trail opening, and local cuisine.

 

 

50th Anniversary Activities

• 

  A birthday badge

  50th Anniversary Junior Ranger Badge

  Earn a special junior ranger badge during our 50th anniversary year!

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  Through Your Lens

  Photo Contest

  See the winning photo, runners-up, and honorable mentions in our 50th anniversary photo contest!

 

 

Florida National Parks Association

Our twin, Big Cypress National Preserve, is celebrating 50 years, too!

Did you know that Big Thicket is only one of two national preserves established on October 11, 1974? The other, Big Cypress National Preserve, protects tall strands of bald cypress, low-lying estuaries lined with mangrove trees, and everything in between! With only inches to differentiate between distinct ecosystems, Big Cypress is known to be one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country and protects almost 730,000 acres of land in Southwest Florida. With so much to do and see there is an adventure for people of all abilities!

Big Cypress National Preserve protects not only the land, but also the traditional uses of the land. That includes Off-Road Vehicle usage, hunting and fishing, traditional use and occupancy by the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, private land ownership, prescribed fires and more! It is our responsibility to strike a balance between the natural and human agendas in order to protect this land, and its traditional uses for generations to come.

Whether you take a stroll on one of the four (4) boardwalks within the preserve, an Off-Road Vehicle into the backcountry or get your feet wet on a swamp walk, we know that you’ll find something that interests you!

Traveling to Florida? Check out Big Cypress National Preserve and celebrate their 50th anniversary!