KPC EVENTS Spring Schedule
PLANNING A TRIP TO THE KATY PRAIRIE? The Katy Prairie is a vibrant mosaic of showy prairies, verdant wetlands, tree-lined creeks, and scenic farms and ranches. Best of all it’s less than an hour’s drive from the hustle and bustle of the big city! When are we open? KPC is in the midst of a comprehensive master planning process which will bring miles of trails and the Prairie Discovery Center to the prairie. In
HARRIS COUNTY
the meantime our Matt Cook Wildlife Viewing
Platform at Warren Lake is open each day from 7 am until dusk. We also have an exciting lineup of public events listed below.
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WALLER COUNTY
How should I dress for the prairie?
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Proposed
We advise all visitors to the prairie to wear closed-
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toed shoes (such as boots, tennis shoes, etc.) and
Historic Limits of the Katy Prairie
long pants for your comfort and protection. We
Protected Properties
Public Ownership
also advise you to bring water - there’s almost
Developed Area
HOUSTON
ADDICKS RESERVOIR
always a breeze on the prairie, and this can dry
BARKER RESERVOIR
you out quickly. Lastly, make sure to pack a comfortable hat to shade you from the sun. It’s also best to bring some sunscreen and bug
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0
2.5
5
10
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repellent as well.
Where in the world is the Katy Prairie? The Katy Prairie once blanketed 500-750 thousand acres of land west of Houston. Today, much of the prairie has been developed but the Katy Prairie Conservancy has protected nearly 20,000 acres since 1992 (in green).
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EVENTS 2012
SPRING + SUMMER MARCH • Great Grow Out Kick-off - Thursday, March 1, 2012 • ConocoPhillips Work Day - Friday, March 2, 2012 (private event) • • • •
Jesse Jones Naturefest - Saturday, Saturday, March 3, 2012 Nature 360 - Monday - Friday March 12-16, 2012 ECOnnections: Stories & Statistics + Pennies & Pioneers - Saturday, March 17, 2012 Unplugged Adventure: Ranch Roundup - Saturday, March 31, 2012
APRIL • Ranger Ramble: It’s a Spring Thing - Saturday, April 7, 2012 • Take back the prairie with SCA + The Woods Project - Friday - Sunday, April 20-22, 2012
MAY • Katy Prairie Bash | Born to be Wild - Thursday, May 3, 2012 • Unplugged Adventure: Picture This! - Saturday, May 12, 2012 • ECOnnections: Potholes & Pimplemounds: Intro. to Katy Prairie Ecosystems - Saturday, May 26, 2012
JUNE • TMN - Heartwood Field Trip - Saturday, June 2, 2012 • Ranger Summer Ice Cream Social - Saturday, June 21, 2012 • Summer Science Nights (5-8 year olds) - Thursday, June 7, 14, 21, 2012
JULY • Summer Science Nights (5-8 year olds) - Tuesdays, July 17, 24, 31, 2012 • Unplugged Adventure: Katy Prairie Summer Cy-Fari - Saturday July 21, 2012
AUGUST • Presentation at KPC Home Office in Houston - Saturday, August 11, 2012
Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230, Houston, TX 77025 katyprairie.org | 713.523.6135
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Pickelweed
EVENTS 2012
SPRING SCHEDULE MARCH
Great Grow Out Kick-off March 1, 2012
The Grow Grow Out is a citizen-conservation project that enlists volunteers to grow plants at home or as part of a scouts, community group or garden club activity. Volunteergrown plants are donated to KPC or local schools for prairie restoration efforts. Volunteers are highly encouraged to also keep some plants for their own use hey, it's part of the fun! KPC provides volunteers with the seeds and the know how and you provide the water, soil, pots, and time. March 1st we will be making seeds available for this year’s grow out effort - so, join in on the fun! Location: At your home or school Audience: Families , schools, scouts, and individuals Cost: Free Contact: jgonzalez@gmail.com for seeds
Jesse Jones Naturefest March 3, 2012 | 9:30 am - 4 pm
Volunteer Planter
NatureFest is a fast-growing favorite among festival goers. This event is ideal for visitors of all ages and highlights local nature-related topics, guided tours, lectures, pontoon boat tours, crafts, and a variety of exhibitors. KPC will host an interactive booth and we hope that you can come out to support us!
! Location: Jesse Jones Nature Center Audience: Families , schools, scouts, and Individuals Cost: Free Contact: jgonzalez@gmail.com
GOT QUESTIONS? Jaime GonzĂĄlez Community Education Director 281.660.6683 jgonzalez@katyprairie.org
Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230, Houston, TX 77025 katyprairie.org | 713.523.6135
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EVENTS 2012
SPRING SCHEDULE ECOnnections: Stories & Statistics + Pennies & Pioneers March 17, 2012 | 10 am - 2 pm
The Katy Prairie is full of fascinating and surprising connections and stories. If you would like to learn about these connections and train to lead public nature hikes, the Katy Prairie Conservancy (KPC) has the program for you. ECOnnections is a series of activity-based interpretive classes for new and experienced KPC volunteers. Each class focuses on making connections among the biological, historical, economic, and cultural dimensions of the Katy Prairie and will illustrate the importance of conserving this valuable resource for future generations. All classes are limited to 20 participants. Classes are free for volunteers and just $5 per class for the general public. Stories & Statistics: Introduction to Interpretive Storytelling Learn the basics of telling a good story about the Katy Prairie using a variety of techniques that appeal to diverse audiences. Pennies + Pioneers: Introduction to Katy Prairie History and Conservation Finance KPC's Community Education Director, Jaime González, will teach a lesson on the history of the Katy Prairie, including ancient mammals that roamed the prairie as well as the Native Americans tribes that early pioneers encountered and the brave pioneers who came to farm and ranch the land. The class will also cover the conservation methods and tools that KPC uses to protect the Katy Prairie forever. Location: Indiangrass Preserve Audience: Current and future KPC Volunteers , local educators, and Texas Master Naturalists Cost: Free. Lunch provided Registration: info@katyprairie.org Native American
Photo Credits Holly Hudley: Native American
Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230, Houston, TX 77025 katyprairie.org | 713.523.6135
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EVENTS 2012
SPRING SCHEDULE Unplugged Adventure: Ranch Roundup March 31, 2012 | 10 am - 1 pm
Cowboys are built on the prairie and there is no better place to experience the excitement of a working prairie than KPC’s historic Warren Ranch. Come out and be a cowpoke for the day as reallife cowboys show you some of the tricks of their trade like roping, riding, and wrestling cattle! You’ll also get your shot at western glory as you try your hand at roping, playing horseshoes, and other ranch games. Location: Warren Ranch Audience: Families and Individuals Cost: Free Registration: info@katyprairie.org; space is limited.
APRIL
Ranger Ramble: It’s a Spring Thing!
April 7, 2012 | 9 am - 1 pm
April is a great time to explore the verdant spring prairie. Insects are buzzing once again, frogs are calling from potholes, spring wildflower dance in the breeze, and songbirds are busy defending territories and building nests. KPC volunteers (Rangers) will be rewarded for their hard-work and dedication by being treated to a spring-themed tour of the Warren Ranch and a sumptuous lunch afterward at Ranch Headquarters.
Yellow Star Grass
Location: Begin at Warren Ranch - Rock Hollow Creek Audience: Current KPC Volunteers Cost: Free. Lunch provided. Registration: info@katyprairie.org; registration is limited to first 25 volunteers.
Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230, Houston, TX 77025 katyprairie.org | 713.523.6135
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EVENTS 2012
SPRING SCHEDULE Take Back the Prairie with SCA + The Woods Project April 21, 2012 | 9 am - 3 pm
Looking to have an impact this Earth Day? Then it’s time to get your hands dirty restoring the prairie on the south end of the Warren Ranch along with dedicated high schoolers from the Student Conservation Association and The Woods Project. If we are to take back the prairie we will have to remove brush, invasive Chinese tallow saplings, and replant natives. Are you up for the challenge? Location: Warren Ranch South Audience: Open to all volunteers 11 years of age and up Cost: Free Registration: info@katyprairie.org
MAY
Katy Prairie Bash - Born to be Wild May 3, 2012 | 7 pm
The Katy Prairie Bash is KPC’s yearly gala which raises funds in support of our conservation and education endeavors. Invitations to the Katy Prairie Bash will go out on March. This year our theme will celebrate the youngsters of the prairie - kids, fawns, chicks, cubs, among others.
Beaver Kit
Photo Credits US FWS: Baby Beaver
If you would like an invitation or you would like to be an underwriter please contact Jennifer Cate at jennifer.cate.@aol.com
Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230, Houston, TX 77025 katyprairie.org | 713.523.6135
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EVENTS 2012
SPRING SCHEDULE Unplugged Adventure: Picture This! May 12, 2012 | 10 am - 1 pm
The Katy Prairie is a wonderland for photographers and other artists. Stunning sunsets, magnificent wildlife, and rustic farm life combine to make the prairie a perfect canvas for taking memorable shots. KPC is fortunate to work with a number of gifted photographers and some of these talented artists will be on hand to show you how to compose that artistic shot you’ve been hoping for. So bring your camera and your imagination for a photographic field day! Location: Start at Matt Cook Wildlife Viewing Platform @ Warren Lake Audience: Families and Individuals Cost: Free Registration: info@katyprairie.org; space is limited.
ECOnnections: Potholes & Pimplemounds May 26, 2012 | 10 am - 2 pm
The Katy Prairie is a mosaic of habitats including coastal prairie remnants, wetlands, riparian (river) forests, ranches, and farms. This rich mixture of habitats creates one of the most productive ecosystems in southeast Texas. Come and explore the landscape of the Katy Prairie and the numerous forces that have shaped it over time. Location: Indiangrass Preserve Audience: Current and future KPC Volunteers , local educators, Texas Master Naturalists Cost: Free. Lunch provided. Registration: info@katyprairie.org
Snow Geese Photo Credits Greg Lavaty: Snow Goose
Katy Prairie Conservancy 3015 Richmond Ave., Suite 230, Houston, TX 77025 katyprairie.org | 713.523.6135
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KPC EVENTS MAP
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