Houston Audubon has acquired the 128-acre Peach Creek Woods Nature Sanctuary in eastern Montgomery County and will prepare the property for public access over the next year, with an expected opening in early 2027.
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Houston Audubon has announced the acquisition of Peach Creek Woods, a 128-acre nature sanctuary located in eastern Montgomery County. The conservation group stated that preparations will commence this year to enhance public access and ensure wildlife protection in the area.
The preserve, situated approximately 10 miles southwest of Cleveland and adjacent to Peach Creek, which flows into Lake Houston, has been entrusted to Houston Audubon following a land bequest from the late Texas conservationist and educator Thomas Lee Maddux. The organization announced that the sanctuary is projected to welcome visitors in early 2027, following the completion of trail, parking, and habitat projects scheduled for the upcoming year.
In a recent news release, Pete Deichmann, the land conservation director of Houston Audubon, emphasized the critical importance of safeguarding habitats for birds while also offering nature experiences for the public. The organization announced that the recent acquisition furthers its commitment to safeguarding coastal plain and bottomland habitats crucial for both migratory and resident bird species.
Peach Creek Woods is located in a region that has experienced notable population growth in recent years, according to Houston Audubon, highlighting the increasing urgency for the permanent protection of undeveloped parcels. The site, situated to the east of New Waverly, falls within the Lake Houston watershed, a vital corridor for maintaining water quality and facilitating wildlife movement in the area.
Founded in 1969, Houston Audubon oversees 17 nature areas encompassing over 4,300 acres throughout the Texas Gulf Coast, spanning more than 10 counties. The organization announced that the addition of Peach Creek Woods will enhance its presence in the area, providing new avenues for birdwatching, habitat restoration, and environmental education once public access is granted.
Thomas Lee Maddux, aged 81, passed away in February 2025, leaving behind a legacy of involvement in both state and national conservation efforts. An obituary accompanying the announcement revealed that Maddux was a member of the Sierra Club, the National Audubon Society, and the Texas Land Conservancy and was known for actively lobbying state officials on issues related to preservation. Houston Audubon has attributed the establishment of the new preserve to the generous land bequest from Maddux.
Officials announced that the initial phase of work will concentrate on implementing low-impact enhancements aimed at safeguarding sensitive regions, all while facilitating limited access for visitors. Houston Audubon is set to offer updates regarding volunteer opportunities, upcoming amenities, and the official opening of the sanctuary as development moves forward.
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