Jack Road South Preserve

Why Visit Jack Road South?

Jack Road South Preserve is a 511-acre guided-access preserve featuring towering bottomland live oaks along Cypress Creek, expansive native tallgrass prairie and prairie pothole wetlands. Home to one of the largest known populations of the federally endangered Texas Prairie Dawn, it is one of the Coastal Prairie Conservancy's premier conservation and research sites.

 

  • Help us protect wildlife and sensitive habitats by following preserve guidelines:

    • Access is by guided tour, volunteer event, or special program only.

    • Stay with your guide and remain in designated areas.

    • Leave no trace. Pack out all trash.

    • Do not feed or disturb wildlife.

    • Dogs and pets that are not service animals are prohibited.

    • Smoking, alcohol, firearms, and loud music are prohibited.

    • Closed-toe shoes, drinking water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

    • Fishing and hunting are not allowed without permission by CPC.

    • Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

Visitor Information

Hours

Guided Access Only

Experience Jack Road South through:

  • Guided tours

  • Volunteer workdays

  • Educational programs

  • Research activities

Location

Address

26107 Jack Road
Hockley, TX 77447

Visitor Notes

  • Guided access only.

  • Parking information is provided upon registration.

  • No public restrooms available.

  • Terrain may be uneven or muddy depending on weather conditions.

  • Closed-toe shoes, drinking water, and weather-appropriate clothing are recommended.

Preserve Highlights

Explore the habitats, wildlife and stewardship practices that make Jack Road South one of the Katy Prairie Preserve's most significant conservation landscapes.

Explore Key Features

  • Jack Road South supports one of the largest remaining populations of the federally endangered Texas Prairie Dawn (Hymenoxys texana). Each spring, staff and volunteers participate in an annual community science project to monitor this rare wildflower and guide future stewardship.

  • A 100-acre managed wetland, constructed in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, provides important habitat for ducks, shorebirds, wading birds and other wetland wildlife.

  • The preserve protects a scenic stretch of the Cypress Creek corridor, where towering bottomland live oaks provide valuable wildlife habitat and shade the creek banks.

  • Managed cattle grazing helps maintain healthy prairie vegetation, improve habitat diversity, and serves as an important stewardship tool across the preserve.

The Story of Jack Road South Preserve

 

Jack Road South Preserve protects one of the Katy Prairie's most ecologically significant landscapes. Historically managed in a rice-and-pasture rotation before transitioning to cattle grazing, the property retained exceptional native prairie and wetland habitat.

The Coastal Prairie Conservancy acquired the preserve in 2001 to permanently protect these natural resources. Since then, restoration has included a 100-acre managed wetland constructed in partnership with Ducks Unlimited, native prairie restoration and ongoing habitat stewardship.

Today, Jack Road South serves as both a conservation and research landscape. Each spring, staff, volunteers and community members assist with population monitoring of the federally endangered Texas Prairie Dawn, while wetland management, prescribed fire, invasive species control and conservation grazing help sustain this remarkable landscape for future generations.

Help Us Steward the Prairie

Most opportunities to experience Jack Road South are through volunteer workdays, guided stewardship events, and scientific monitoring activities.

These hands-on opportunities allow participants to contribute directly to the conservation of one of the Katy Prairie's most biologically significant landscapes.

Volunteer with CPC

Frequently Asked Questions

  • No. Jack Road South is a guided-access preserve and can be visited during scheduled tours, volunteer workdays, research activities, and special events.

  • Texas Prairie Dawn is a federally endangered wildflower found only in a small portion of the Gulf Coastal Prairie. Jack Road South protects one of its most important remaining populations, making annual monitoring and habitat stewardship essential to its recovery.

  • Managed grazing is an important conservation tool that helps maintain healthy prairie vegetation and supports wildlife habitat.

  • Depending on the season, visitors may encounter migratory birds, waterfowl, pollinators, native prairie plants, and a wide variety of mammals, reptiles, and amphibians.

  • Yes! Volunteers regularly assist with prairie restoration, wetland stewardship, invasive species management, and the annual Texas Prairie Dawn monitoring effort.