Mary Anne Piacentini

A recent study prepared for the Katy Area Economic Development Council (KAEDC) anticipates that by 2035 all currently vacant land in western Harris County will be developed for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes with a handful of notable exceptions. One of these exceptions is the land protected by the Katy Prairie Conservancy. The KAEDC study notes the importance of KPC's preserves as strategic open space, wildlife habitat, and as the potential basis for a regional trail system. The study views these protected acres as an exceptional asset to the area offering recreational possibilities, scenic beauty, and environmental benefits such as flood reduction and water quality improvement.

Of course, the merits of the Katy Prairie come as no surprise to KPC's supporters. What may be surprising, however, is the KAEDC study's assumption that all of KPC's lands will remain an island of green even as the rest of the region becomes extensively developed. While KPC works diligently today to protect what remains of the prairie, permanent protection of some of our most valuable land depends upon the financial support of people who see the Katy Prairie's importance tomorrow.

The long-term preservation of KPC's gains requires vigilance, careful management, and funds. As western Harris County and eastern Waller County develop, KPC will work to represent the people and wildlife that depend upon the Katy Prairie in the planning process.

Your support helps KPC not only to protect more of the prairie, but also to protect what we have already accomplished.

Open Trails
February 3, 2008
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM
Nelson Farms Preserve

KPC's new, monthly Open Trails program encourages visitors to experience a beautiful and fascinating KPC preserve at their own pace. Guests will be given an interpretive trail pamphlet and map that will provide information about points of interest along a well-marked path. They will also receive materials such as binoculars and field guides to make this a great nature experience. Open Trails days take place the first Sunday of the month and will rotate between different KPC preserves.

What to wear/bring: All participants should wear appropriate outdoor clothing, including closed-toe shoes and long pants. A long-sleeve shirt is also recommended. Participants should bring their own insect repellent and water. Remember it can get cold on the prairie in the winter, so dress for the weather.

No registration required for this event. For more information please e-mail info@katyprairie.orgor call 713.523.6135. Up-to-date weather information and event status will be posted on www.katyprairie.org and on our telephone answering system by 9:00 AM on the day of the event.

New Volunteer Orientation
March 1, 2008
9:00 AM - Noon
KPC Field Office

Come and find out how you can use your talents and abilities to help KPC conserve the Katy Prairie. Registration is required for this event.

Texas Amphibian Watch Training Session
March 1, 2008
5:00 PM - 8:00 PM
KPC Field Office

Learn the secrets of identifying local frogs and toads by ear and participate in a citizen-science project to collect information about these fascinating amphibians. Registration is required for this event.

Open Trails
March 2, 2008
1:00 PM - 5:00 PM
Nelson Farms Preserve

Take a leisurely hike of our fabulous 1,700-acre Nelson Farms Preserve and discover why this mosaic of grasslands, wetlands, forest, and agricultural fields is such a magnet for wildlife. Registration is not required for this event.

Prairie Discovery Tour
March 8, 2008
4:00 PM - 6:00 PM
Warren Ranch

Our expert tour guides will lead you through a winding prairie path that showcases the beauty and diversity of life found on the prairie in early spring. Registration is required for this event.

Stewardship Saturday
February 9, 2008
9:00 AM to Noon
KPC Field Office

KPC has made a multi-year commitment to a nursery program generating seeds necessary for Coastal Prairie restoration efforts. Our February Stewardship Saturday will focus on improving this small but growing nursery.

Registration required for this event. Please contact info@katyprairie.org or call 713.523.6135. Up-to-date weather information and event status will be posted on www.katyprairie.org and on our telephone answering system by 7:00 AM on the day of the event.

Volunteer Recognition

KPC Board and staff would like to thank Grace Liggett (Coastal Prairie Chapter) and other members of the Texas Master Naturalists for leading work parties at the Coastal Prairie Native Seed Nursery on three consecutive Sundays in January. Master Naturalists and other volunteers weeded the nursery and put down new weed barriers. Their hard work has greatly improved the Nursery.

Binoculars Needed

KPC is currently in need of good quality, used binoculars for use in educational programming. If you have a pair of binoculars that you would like to donate to the Conservancy, you can drop them off at either KPC's Main Office in Houston (713.523.6135) or at KPC's Field Office in Waller (936.931.5564). Please call ahead to ensure that someone will be available to accept your donation.

The Conservancy Wants Your Best Katy Prairie Photos

KPC is in the process of sprucing up its website and print materials, and we can use your help.

Although KPC already has access to stunning photos of the Katy Prairie and its inhabitants, we can always use more digital photographs of the animals, plants, and landscapes that make the Katy Prairie so flat out wonderful. In particular, we are in need of mammal and insect pictures as well as photographs of grassland plants, animals, and landscapes. If you would like to donate photographs to the Conservancy you can either e-mail high resolution files of your photos to info@katyprairie.org or drop them off at the KPC Main or Field Office. Each time your photograph is used, you will be credited appropriately.

Our success in preserving the Flat Out Wonderful Katy Prairie depends on people like you. Give to the Katy Prairie Conservancy today and support our efforts to protect this great place and make it accessible to everyone. Please see our support page for more details.