Warren, TX

Saturday June 22, 2019

Watson Rare Native Plant Preserve, 527 CR 4777, Warren TX, near Beaumont, offers a sampling of the diversity of the area. The Preserve was established in the 1980’s by Geraldine Watson, a noted artist, botanist and author. She managed the preserve by using fire to restore its Longleaf pine ecosystem. Orchids, pitcher plants and other rare plants can be found there. There is an elevated boardwalk near the lake to make wetter habitats easily accessible.

We will meet at the Preserve at 10:00 AM on Saturday, June 23, to collect and identify mushrooms and fungi, and observe native plants and trees. Bring collecting gear (baskets, paper bags, knife) if you have it, water, bug spray, rain gear if rainy. You may want to bring a sack lunch and drink, as we will plan lunch for noon. We will provide tables, but if you want a chair, please bring your own. A port-a-potty is located near the Gallery and parking area (see below). The Watson Preserve is located in Lake Hyatt Estates off US Hwy 69, 16 miles north of Kountze or 4 miles south of Warren. Look for very large brick markers reading “Lake Hyatt Estates” on both sides of County Road 4770 (This CR is also between several large metal buildings on the east side of the Highway that are East Texas Paint & Body Shop, and a plant nursery.) Go east on CR 4770, for 1.2 miles (you will cross a dam with the lake on your left) to a fork in road. A “Watson Preserve” sign is on the street sign with an arrow pointing to the left. Turn there on CR 4777, go 2/10 miles to the Preserve on the left. You will see a grey building with “Gallery” across it and a Preserve sign. You may park at the Gallery or along the road.