Programs and Events
Learn, Discover, and Connect Both On and Off the Prairie
From guided tours to land restoration workshops to growing native plants at home, the Coastal Prairie Conservancy offers a wide range of opportunities for people to learn about, explore, and connect with the coastal prairie. Explore the programs below and click to learn more about each opportunity — you’ll find details about what to expect and how to participate.
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Volunteer
Join one of our many volunteer programs to help restore habitats, plant native species, collect seed, and support community events across our preserves.
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👉 How to Participate: Visit our Volunteer page to explore opportunities.
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Adult Education and Community Science
Designed for landowners, producers, and community members who want to deepen their understanding of prairie conservation, land management, and wildlife monitoring. These programs offer hands-on workshops, virtual learning, and opportunities to participate in community science projects that support real conservation outcomes.
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Book a Guided Tour or Field Trip on the Katy Prairie Preserve
Step into the heart of the coastal prairie with a guided experience that brings this rare landscape to life. Lasting 1.5-2 hours, witness native wildlife, learn about restoration projects and regenerative agriculture, and observe. We will work with your group to curate a tour that fits your interests and needs. A suggested donation of $100 supports our time, travel, and educational preparation.
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Prairie Adventures
Experience the prairie in new and exciting ways through expert-led outdoor activities. Prairie Adventures include seasonal programs like wildflower walks, foraging classes, natural journaling, art classes, photography workshops, star gazing, night hikes, and more. Each adventure offers a unique way to explore and learn about the coastal prairie.
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👉 How to Participate: Visit our Events Calendar for upcoming Prairie Adventures.
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Youth Education
Bring prairie learning to your classroom or explore the prairie with your students. CPC’s youth education programs support teachers, students and kids of all ages, and community groups with hands-on resources and immersive outdoor experiences.
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Prairie Education Trunks (Off the Prairie): Bring the prairie to you with activity-filled trunks designed for classrooms and youth programs. Each trunk includes engaging lessons, materials, and resources to help students explore the ecology and history of the coastal prairie. There is a free community resource.
👉 How to Participate: Email izzy@coastalprairieconservancy.org to reserve a trunk for your class or group.
Field Trips & School Programs (On the Prairie): Take your students into the heart of the prairie. Field trips at Indiangrass Preserve and Williams Prairie offer hands-on learning about wildlife, native plants, habitats, and conservation. Programs can be tailored for different age groups and learning goals.
👉 How to Participate: Visit our Guided Tours & Field Trips page for details and scheduling.
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Birding on the Prairie
Discover the incredible birdlife of the coastal prairie. Join CPC for annual events like the Christmas Bird Count, Guided Bird Walks, Bird Surveys, and Sandhill Crane Tours, along with special webinars focused on prairie birds and migration.
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For those who may also seek independent bird or wildlife viewing, visitors can explore our public access points and visitor hours here.
👉 How to Participate:
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Native Plants Program
Discover the native plants that make the coastal prairie thrive. Join seed-collecting days on the prairie, participate in the Great Grow Out to grow native plants at home, or volunteer with CPC to help propagate and plant locally adapted species. Whether you're restoring habitat or adding native plants to your garden, there are many ways to get involved.
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👉 How to Participate: Explore our full Native Plants Program.
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“Request a Speaker”
Bring the prairie to your classroom, community program, business, or conference. Coastal Prairie Conservancy staff and leaders offer engaging presentations on conservation, land stewardship, wildlife, native plants, and the natural and cultural history of the Katy Prairie. Whether you are planning an educational session, volunteer training, professional workshop, or community event, our team can help connect people to the prairie through stories, science, and practical knowledge.
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The attendance minimum is 20 people. A minimum suggested donation of $100 supports our time, travel, and educational preparation as well as our education and outreach programs.
👉 How to Participate: Complete our Public Speaking Request Form to tell us about your event, preferred topic, and scheduling needs.
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Field Research Partnerships
Our field research partnerships provide scientists, students, and conservation practitioners with access to our preserve for fieldwork, data collection, and ecological study. We welcome research partnerships that support our mission to protect native habitats and advance understanding of the region’s biodiversity.
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👉 How to Participate: Email bfoshee@coastalprairieconservancy.org to discuss your research project.
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Conservation Burial
Learn how conservation burial supports land protection, habitat restoration, and a lasting connection to nature. Through Blazing Star Sanctuary, the first certified conservation cemetery in Texas, families can choose an end-of-life option that directly contributes to prairie restoration and long-term ecological stewardship.
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👉 How to Explore: Visit NaturesBurial.org to learn more about the values and benefits of conservation burial and how it helps safeguard the coastal prairie.
Event Calendar
View all upcoming events, workshops, tours, and volunteer opportunities on our interactive calendar.
Stay Connected
Want to stay up to date on upcoming programs and opportunities? Sign up for CPC’s email list to receive news about:
Educational programs and workshops
Birding and nature events
Volunteer opportunities and restoration days
FAQ
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Programs and events vary. Please review information about the program to learn more. Registration fees or suggested donations make these programs possible and also support our mission and conservation.
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Please reach out to bfoshee@coastalprairieconservancy.org if you have any accessibility questions.
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It depends on the event. Please visit our Events Calendar for registration links and details.
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Yes. Private group tours and educational programs can be scheduled year-round. Contact izzy@coastalprairieconservancy.org for more information.
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The Indiangrass Preserve & Katy Prairie Welcome Center are open on Tuesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9 am - 1 pm.
Questions?
Still not sure which program or event is right for you? Reach out to bfoshee@coastalprairieconservancy.org — we’re happy to help you connect with the right program.