Story from Texas Conservation Alliance
A new National Wildlife Refuge in East Texas will celebrate its grand opening April 13.
The Neches River National Wildlife Refuge, situated on U.S. Hwy. 79 between Palestine and Jacksonville, has 7,000 acres of exceptional wildlife habitat — forests, wetlands, and trails along the Neches River.
The Neches River flows through the heart of the North American Central Flyway, the “interstate highway” for millions of migrating ducks, geese, raptors, and songbirds. The river’s bottomland forests provide crucial habitat for these birds and sustain a vast array of plants and wildlife.
After the opening, the Refuge will be open daily for hiking, wildlife watching and photography, birding and wildlife interpretations. Hunting, fishing, and mountain biking programs are being designed and will be added once the management plans are in place. Primitive camping is available by permit.
