Thanks to all of you who have contributed time, expertise, and money to the Katy Prairie Conservancy to help us get closer to our goal of protecting the Katy Prairie for all Texans for all time. This year with your help KPC has protected another 630 acres and expanded public access to the prairie through Prairie Discovery Tours, elementary and middle school field trips, and special events. We have also restored or created an additional 170 acres of wetlands and 150 acres of grasslands. We could not have done it without you.

Here's wishing you and your families more great outdoor experiences on the prairie in 2008.

.

Jaime González
Community Ed. Mgr. &
Bob Honig
KPC Board Member

Aquatic mammals have been busy on the prairie this fall. Recently a beaver lodge was erected on our Nelson Farms Preserve. The structure is approximately twelve feet wide and three feet tall and is composed of a loose structure of large limbs, grass, and mud. Unfortunately, this family of beavers built their lodge at the entrance to an education platform used for pond dipping activities! Don't worry about the beavers though, we have no plans to move them.

Maggie and Bob Honig spotted a River Otter in KPC's Hebert Reservoir in November. Actually, the otter may have spotted them first. While monitoring the property, the Honigs were observing some Nutria when they saw a River Otter surface in the reservoir only about 50 feet distant, staring directly at them. After maybe 10 seconds, it submerged, only to resurface several seconds later, still staring at Maggie and Bob from a slightly closer vantage point. Again, after taking a brief look, the otter submerged and was not seen again. This is not a first for KPC property. For example, Land Manager Wes Newman has seen River Otters on other KPC properties.

2008 Events Calendar
Now Online

Please take a moment to look at our 2008 Events Calendar. You'll see that we have an exciting year planned for visitors to the Prairie.

First Open Trails
January 6, 2008
1:00 PM to 5:00 PM

There is a new way to experience KPC's preserves. We'll kick off our new Open Trails program this month. This program invites visitors to explore one of KPC's preserves at their own pace. Guests will travel along a well-marked interpretive trail that illustrates important biological, cultural, and or other features of the preserve. They will also be provided with maps, an informative booklet, and other resources to make their journey of discovery an educational as well as relaxing activity. Our inaugural Open Trails event will be held at our Nelso n Farms Preserve on January 6, 2008 from 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM.

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 winter so dress for the weather.

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

Prairie Discovery Tour
January 12, 2008
4:00 PM to 6:00 PM

The Katy Prairie is the Cool Place to be this Winter

The Katy Prairie is a cool place to be during the winter. No one knows this better than the plants and animals that call the prairie home. Blowing winds, a scarcity of food, and chilly temperatures combine to make life on the winter prairie challenging. Beavers huddle in lodges to protect themselves from the elements, bullfrogs sink to the bottom of ponds for a ninety-day nap, and birds eat constantly to stoke the internal fires of their metabolism.

So bundle up, come out, and witness some of the ingenious ways that organisms have developed to survive our winter wonderland. Leading you and your small group on this journey of discovery will be an enthusiastic, seasoned guide who will finish the excursion by inviting you to enjoy a nice, hot cup of cocoa.

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 winter so dress for the weather.

Registration required for this event. If you would like to register for this exciting tour, please contact info@katyprairie.org or call 713.523.6135. Inclement weather may cause cancellation of the event. Up-to-date weather information and tour status will be posted on our website www.katyprairie .org and telephone answering system by 1:00 PM on the day of the tour.

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

Explore the Nelson Farms Preserve at your own pace.

Stewardship Saturday
February 9, 2008
9:00 AM - Noon

Help KPC continue to improve its Coastal Prairie Native Seed Nursery.

PrairiECOnnections Course
Grasses & Gophers
January 12, 2008
1:00 PM to 3:00 PM

Did you know that the area now known as the Katy Prairie was once a shallow, warm sea? The underground world of the Katy Prairie has been shaped by geological and biological forces for millions of years. This class will focus on subterranean prairie dwellers and how they are connected to the health of the above-ground grassland habitat.

Flo Hannah of the Houston Audubon Society will share her expertise on native grasses with us during this informative class so don't miss out. Register today.

Registration is required for this event.To register for this class please e-mail info@katyprairie.org or call 713.523.6135.

Native Seed Nursery
Volunteer Opportunity
January 16, 2008
9:00 AM

Come and join the hard-working Texas Master Naturalists (Coastal Prairie Chapter) as they improve KPC's Native Coastal Seed Nursery.

Our success in preserving the Flat Out Wonderful Katy Prairie depends on the support of people like you. Give to the Katy Prairie Conservancy today and show your support for our efforts to protect this great place and make it accessible to people like you. There are a number of ways to support KPC including workplace giving through Earth Share of Texas as well as direct contributions to KPC.