Cross Creek Ranch - Getting to Know The Katy Prairie

An immense spread of land that expands west toward Brookshire and northwest toward Hempstead, the Katy Prairie combines nature with history to create an enchanting experience. Whether bird watching or going on a family nature hike, this sight is a perfect way to enjoy the outdoors and discover what makes this Prairie an illustrious home to a wide variety of animal species and plant life.  

Alligators, coyotes, beavers, deer, bobcats and squirrels currently dwell in the Katy Prairie, providing hunters and naturalists a source of entertainment. On Fridays, hike the "open trails" and read a pamphlet provided by the Katy Prairie Conservancy to learn more about the animal and plant species you will encounter.

A "Prairie Discovery Tour" will take you on a scenic stroll as you bird-watch and learn from the expert-guides. Many events occur on the weekends, and include everything from waterfowl hunts to butterfly counts. After autumn arrives, the Prairie becomes one of the most marvelous displays of nature in North America. 

Thousands of migratory birds, such as the Red-bellied Woodpecker and the Whip-poor-will, choose Katy as their winter home, leaving in March and returning to the upper Midwest and Canada. Because this is a sacred place for animals and plants, the Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) continues the fight to save the land from real estate developers. Since 2007, events have been staged to help raise money to save the Warren Ranch, like a "Birdathon," where donations are made for every bird species identified within a 24-hour period.

The history of the Katy Prairie dates back to the 1800s. Characterized as a tall grass prairie prone to fires and consisting of wetland areas, Native Americans came upon the Prairie in search of food. The first settlers came around 1870 to raise corn, potatoes and cattle, and soon after rice farmers began planting 30-acre fields by hand. Duck hunting became popular, but the Prairie remained a plain ecosystem. Over the years, urbanization took over the Katy-area, leaving the Prairie's function at risk from new development.

The KPC welcomes volunteers looking to do their part for the environment. "New Volunteer Orientation" is planned for Saturday, February 28, 2009, where people interested in participating will learn about the mission of the KPC, as well as the animals and plants they will help conserve. Whether for an adventurous nature hike or for a day of scenic bird watching, the Katy Prairie provides one of the most beautiful outdoor settings in Texas.

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