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The Big Thicket Association
... a Friend of the the Big Thicket National Preserve
55th Anniversary of the Big Thicket Association
The Big Thicket Association (BTA) is committed to expanding, enhancing and protecting the Big Thicket National Preserve, in order to assure the preservation, conservation and protection of the natural, scenic and recreational values of a significant portion of the Big Thicket region of southeast Texas.
The Big Thicket Association operates the "Ivory Bill", a covered excursion boat on the Neches River for school field trips, social events and Nature classes. The boat operates on the open river, and is capable of navigating the shallows of cypress-lined backwater channels.
Neches River AdventuresThe Thicket of Diversity project is dedicated to biological field research in the Big Thicket National Preserve, coordinating activities of field biologists doing species inventory and research projects.
Thicket of DiversityThe 2020 Neches River Rally has been cancelled for 2020 due top COVID.
Neches River RallyEstablished in 1999, the Big Thicket Natural Heritage Trust has worked to "Save the Big Thicket" piece by piece. To date, the small non-profit has raised over $100,000 and acquired over 241 acres. The lands become donations to the Big Thicket National Preserve of the National Park Service.
Big Thicket Natural Heritage TrustLatest stories
Ms. Ledbetter has over 25 years of conservation and management experience most recently as Forest Program Manager for Texas Chapter of THE NATURE CONSERVANCY. She is also a former officer and board member of Big Thicket Association with close ties to our organization. Her education includes a bachelor’s degree in Wildlife Biology from Colorado State University. In 2008, she was awarded BTA’s R.E…
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BTA will not be able to make any reservations for the next 30 days. Under current conditions and CDC Guidance there is no way to clean the building for use. This restriction includes camping outside the FRS and using the kitchen. As things progress we will advise via this web site when operations can continue.
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BTA board of directors has approved committing over $10,000 from its contingency funds as well as soliciting almost $75,000 from various foundations. Completion of this project will allow BTA to re-open lodging for up to 24 persons. It is hoped that work can be completed by June 30, 2020. Universities and colleges that send researchers and volunteers include institutions for all over the Nation…
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The Big Thicket Association held its annual general membership meeting on Saturday, October 12 at Colliers Ferry Park in Beaumont. Rodney Franklin, Texas State Parks Division Director of Texas Parks & Wildlife was the the keynote speaker. His topic was: "Texas State Parks: The Trail Ahead". It was a most interesting and informing presentation. Thank you Rodney! BTA also awarded the "Thomas…
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Maxine Johnston, longtime leader of the Big Thicket Association and conservation efforts in East Texas, has recieved the Terry Hershey Women in Conservation Award for 2018, to recognize her critical roles in establishing the Big Thicket National Preserve and for maintaning community enthusiasm over the decades since the 1960s. In the linked video Maxine is seen participating in a field program to…
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