Houston Wilderness - It's Our Nature!

TOP 10 FACTS ABOUT...
THE POST OAK SAVANNAH

1) White-tailed deer, wild turkeys and squirrels enjoy the protein-rich acorns produced by the long-living post oak tree, a slow-growing species that thrives in sandy, rocky, well-drained soils.
2) In March and April, visitors flock to small towns like Industry, Chapel Hill and Washington-on-the-Brazos to view bluebonnets, winecups and Indian paintbrushes.
3) Many of the roadside flowers were sown by the Texas Department of Transportation, which has beautified some 800,000 across across the state in this manner.
4) One of the best places to see Texas wildflowers is in the Post Oak Savannah.
5) At least 5,000 species of wildflowers are estimated to grow in Texas.
6) The Post Oak Savannah stretches from the Red River through the Houston Wilderness and down to the Guadalupe River.
7) The Post Oak region, which encompasses both the savannah and forest area, is known as an ecotone: a transitional zone between the eastern deciduous forest and the prairie.
8) Conservation efforts in the region range from controlled burns to provide grazing lands for local ranchers and discourage the bulldozing of savannah lands to create “tame” pastures. In these man-made pastures, native wildlife is unable to sustain itself.
9) College Station’s five-hundred-acre nature preserve, Lick Creek Park, is traversed by several miles of walking, biking and horseback riding trails.
10) One of the park’s treasures is a wild orchid called the Navasota ladies’ tresses, an endangered flower that appears in very few Texas counties and is a specialist of the post oak woods.

ABOUT THE POST OAK SAVANNAH

Under the gnarled, weaving branches of a three hundred year old post oak, wild turkeys feast on acorns. The slurred scream of a nearby red-tailed hawk sends rodents and birds scurrying for protective cover. Wave upon wave of savannah grasslands conceals an Eastern meadowlark patiently waiting for her eggs to hatch.

Historically, a blanket of bison covered the savannah landscape of southeast Texas. Large herds consumed vast quantities of grasses and their hoof action disturbed the soil, where they helped disperse seed. Though the grazing was intense, the bison moved, allowing the savannah time to recover.

Accompanying the bison was a different more volatile blanket: fire. These fires were typically very large and continued unabashed until stopped by a change in topography or weather. They stimulated growth of the grasses and forbs, suppressed invading woody plants and ultimately contributed to the well being of the grasslands.

On the Post Oak Savannah landscape, if fire is absent, so is the post oak. The frequent burning of the grasses means lighter fuels, hence cooler fires. Unlike many of its rivals, the slow growing Post Oak is moderately resistant to fire. Intolerant of shade or competition, the oak persists and ultimately creates small, pure stands surrounded by vast grasslands found on the Post Oak Savannah landscape.

To read more about Post Oak Savannah, download our atlas!

KEY LOCATIONS

Stephen F. Austin State Park

This 663-acre park borders the Brazos river and includes a 12-acre historical site. Located on the Brazos River, adjoining the old ferry site and a part of the Commercio Plaza de San Felipe, this is the site of the township of San Felipe, the seat of government of the Anglo-American colonies in Texas. It was here Stephen F. Austin, the "Father of Texas," brought the first 297 families to colonize Texas under a contract with the Mexican Government. From 1824 to 1836, San Felipe de Austin was the social, economic, and political center, as well as the capital of the American colonies in Texas. Due to the many historic events that occurred here, the community acquired the reputation "Cradle of the Texas Liberty." Also, the conventions of 1832 and 1833 and the Consultation of 1835 were held here, which eventually led to the Texas Declaration of Independence. San Felipe was the home of Austin and other famous early Texans; the home of Texas´ first Anglo newspaper (The Texas Gazette, founded in 1829); the home of the postal system of Texas origination and the setting for the beginning of the Texas Rangers.

Washington on the Brazos

Offering both a historical and natural experience, Washington on the Brazos conveys a true sense of yesterday´s Texas. Pecan groves and riparian vegetation along the Brazos are some of the highlights.

Travel back in time to the days when legends such as Sam Houston and Davy Crockett walked the earth! Shake hands with historical figures. Follow the daily activities involved in running a mid-nineteenth century plantation. Learn to weave and spin wool. See a real, live leech and learn about how they were used. Through special events and tours, these activities await visitors to Washington-on-the-Brazos State Historical Park and Star of the Republic Museum. Expanded tours provide a unique, hands-on educational experience for students. Using the inquiry teaching technique, the exhibits, artifacts, films, and interpretive programs reinforce and complement a teacher´s implementation of TEKS objectives.

HOUSTON, DID YOU KNOW?

The Piney Woods serves as Houston’s top recreational area – campers, anglers, horseback riders and hikers all enjoy this diverse forest.... Learn about Piney Woods