Staying Connected to the Community story and photos by Crystal Simmons
22
Precinct4Update Spring/Summer 2021
I
f 2020 was the year of waiting, then 2021 might be the year of making up for lost time. Many people traded in friends, family, and vibrant social lives last year for a harsh new pandemic-imposed reality at home. But as the year progressed, many began searching for new ways to get out and connect. Now, with the dawning of the new year, many community groups stand ready to answer that need. Harris County is full of outdoor recreational groups and nonprofits helping residents ignite their passions and make the most of their communities. Here are five of the most active: BAYOU LAND CONSERVANCY Nature lovers longing to learn more about the outdoors and conservation will enjoy the educational programs and hands-on volunteer opportunities offered by the Bayou Land Conservancy (BLC). This nonprofit preserves land for flood control, water quality, and wildlife, and offers outdoor events, environmental education, and volunteer opportunities for children and adults. Participants can go birding, take nature walks or attend cleanups, invasive species removal workdays, and trail maintenance events. "We work to connect our community to the outdoors by providing the Spring Creek Nature Trail, trails along Cypress Creek and Little Cypress Creek..." says Martinez One of the best ways to get involved with the organization is through the Spring Creek Greenway Ambassador program. Offered in spring and fall, this free adult education course includes five three-hour classes that prepare participants for monitoring BLC preserves and assuming leadership roles. "You get to learn about local ecology, how to build and maintain trails, and you can visit BLC preserves," says Conservation Director Becky Martinez. "More than anything, it's a program that connects folks to the wild areas along Spring Creek and lets them meet other outdoorsy people." BLC volunteers also build and maintain natural surface trails on its preserves. Those who like staying active and exploring new areas are encouraged to become trail stewards. "We work to connect our community to the outdoors by providing the Spring Creek Nature Trail, trails along Cypress Creek and Little Cypress Creek, and those in the 100 Acre Woods Preserve," says Martinez. "These are unpaved trails through natural areas that are great for walking, hiking, and birding." BLC's 14-mile Spring Creek Nature Trail offers four trailheads and unparalleled access to ponds, wetlands, and forests, including a connection to Precinct 4's Burroughs Park. Martinez encourages guests to visit them online before visiting to download a map and free audio tour with information on local ecology, wildlife, history, and land conservation.