Visit Us
Explore the Katy Prairie Preserve and Beyond
36,000+ acres conserved across Southeast Texas • Nearly 20,000 acres conserved on the Katy Prairie Preserve • Visit our public preserves and trails • Hundreds of programs, tours, and volunteer opportunities each year
Explore Conserved Lands Across Southeast Texas
The Coastal Prairie Conservancy permanently protects more than 36,000 acres of prairies, wetlands, farms, ranches, and wildlife habitat across nine counties in Southeast Texas. At the heart of this work is the nearly 20,000-acre Katy Prairie Preserve, a connected network of permanently conserved prairies, wetlands, working lands, and public preserves west of Houston.
We are actively expanding this network by growing the Katy Prairie Preserve to 30,000 acres and conserving 5,000 to 10,000 acres in each of our nine priority counties. Protecting these connected landscapes helps conserve wildlife habitat, strengthen water resources, support working agriculture, and ensure these places remain part of Southeast Texas for generations to come.
From public nature preserves to working farms, ranches, and wetlands, we invite you to experience these remarkable landscapes through hiking, birding, guided programs, volunteer opportunities, and seasonal events.
Use the interactive map below to explore the lands we've conserved so far across Southeast Texas.
Plan Your Visit
Before visiting our preserves, please review the information below to help protect wildlife, sensitive habitats, and ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for everyone.
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Help us protect wildlife and sensitive habitats by following preserve guidelines:
Stay on designated trails to protect the ecosystem.
Pedestrian use only: no bicycles, motorized vehicles, or horses.
Leave no trace: pack out any trash.
Do not feed or disturb wildlife.
Dogs and pets that aren’t service animals are strictly prohibited.
Smoking, alcohol, firearms, and loud music are prohibited.
Swimming is not allowed.
Fishing and hunting are not allowed without permission by CPC.
Minors under 18 must be accompanied by an adult.
Explore the Katy Prairie
Experience one of the largest remaining prairie landscapes in Texas through a network of public preserves, wildlife viewing areas, and working lands. Whether you're birdwatching, hiking, photographing wildlife, or joining a guided program, there's something to discover year-round.
Public Access Sites
Discover the Katy Prairie through these public access sites, each offering a unique opportunity to experience its prairies, wetlands, wildlife, and trails.
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Indiangrass Preserve & Katy Prairie Welcome Center
Hours
Tuesdays, Fridays & Saturdays | 9:00 AM – 1:00 PM
First Fridays | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
First Saturdays | 7:00 AM – 1:00 PM
First Sundays | 2:00 PM – 7:00 PM
The headquarters of the Katy Prairie Preserve and home to our Welcome Center. Explore trails, restored wetlands, educational exhibits, native plant gardens, and year-round programming. A great place to begin your prairie journey.
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Blazing Star Prairie
Hours
Open Daily | 7:00 AM – Sunset
A restored prairie landscape featuring native wildflowers, wetlands, and the home of Nature's Burial at Blazing Star Sanctuary.
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Hebert Reservoir
Hours
Open Daily | 7:00 AM – Sunset
A favorite destination for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts, offering excellent opportunities to observe waterfowl, raptors, and migratory birds.
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Matt Cooke Memorial Wildlife Viewing Platform
Hours
Open Daily | 7:00 AM – Sunset
Overlooking Warren Lake, this public viewing platform provides some of the best birdwatching opportunities on the Katy Prairie.
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Williams Prairie
Hours
Open Daily | 7:00 AM – Sunset
Located in Fulshear, Williams Prairie protects one of the highest-quality remnants of coastal prairie remaining in Texas. Visitors can experience native grasses, seasonal wildflowers, and a landscape that closely resembles the historic prairie that once covered much of Southeast Texas.
Guided Access Preserves
These conserved lands are generally accessed through guided tours, educational programs, volunteer opportunities, research partnerships, or special events.
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Warren Ranch
The largest working cattle ranch in Harris County, this conserved property demonstrates the important connection between ranching, working lands, and healthy prairie ecosystems.
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Nelson Farms Preserve
One of the last remaining rice farms in Harris County and a critical stopover habitat for migratory birds and waterfowl.
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Mary Manor
Protected wetlands and prairie habitat managed for conservation, restoration, and research.
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Cypress Creek Preserve
A conservation property protecting important wildlife habitat and natural floodplain landscapes.
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Jack Road South Preserve
A protected prairie landscape supporting restoration, research, and habitat conservation.
Prairies in the City
Not every prairie experience requires a trip to a preserve. These community sites showcase native prairie plants, pollinator habitat, and restoration practices while helping connect people to the coastal prairie ecosystem.
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Whistlestop Prairie
A community prairie restoration project demonstrating the beauty and ecological value of native plants.
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Houston Museum of Natural Science Prairie
A showcase prairie garden illustrating how native plants support pollinators, wildlife, and healthy urban landscapes.
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Katy Heritage Museum Prairie
A demonstration prairie highlighting native plants and the natural history of the Katy Prairie region.
New to the Prairie?
There's no better way to experience the prairie than with a knowledgeable guide. From bird walks and volunteer workdays to workshops and seasonal events, our programs offer opportunities to explore the landscape, discover its wildlife, and learn why conserving the prairie matters. Browse the calendar below to find your first, or next, prairie experience.
Making the Most of Your Visit
Whether you're visiting for an hour or spending a full day outdoors, there are many ways to connect with the prairie.
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Volunteering
Birdwatching
Wildlife Photography
Nature Journaling
Wildflower Viewing
Nature Sketching
eBird Checklists
iNaturalist Observations
Mindful Nature Walks
Prairie Plant Identification
Frequently Asked Questions
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We recommend beginning at the Indiangrass Preserve & Katy Prairie Welcome Center or attending one of our guided programs, bird walks, volunteer workdays, or First Weekends on the Prairie. Experiencing the prairie alongside knowledgeable staff, volunteers, and naturalists is often the best introduction.
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Indiangrass Preserve, Blazing Star Prairie, Williams Prairie, Hebert Reservoir, and the Matt Cooke Memorial Wildlife Viewing Platform are all excellent places to begin exploring.
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Public-access preserves can be visited during posted hours without registration. Some guided programs, tours, and special events require advance registration. Check the event calendar for details.
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The Katy Prairie's primary mission is the conservation of wildlife habitat for declining grassland species. Research has shown that the presence (and even the lingering scent) of a domestic predator (i.e. cat or dog) deters native wildlife from utilizing habitats. In order to protect our native wildlife, we do not permit domestic pets on the preserves. Note: You may see dogs on our properties from time to time, however these are not housepets but trained ranch/hunting/working dogs as part of our multifaceted approach to land stewardship. Service animals are permitted as well, though our staff reserve the right to ask what service the animal is performing. Service animals must remain on leash and on trail with their owner at all times.
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We recommend water, sun protection, closed-toe shoes, weather-appropriate clothing, and binoculars if you're interested in birdwatching or wildlife observation.
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Depending on the season and location, visitors may encounter migratory birds, waterfowl, raptors, pollinators, native prairie plants, reptiles, amphibians, and other wildlife.
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Every season offers something different. Spring brings wildflowers and migrating birds, summer showcases prairie grasses and pollinators, fall features bird migration, and winter is one of the best times for waterfowl and crane viewing.
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Absolutely. We offer volunteer opportunities, community science projects, educational programs, native plant initiatives, and special events throughout the year. Go to our Volunteer page to learn more.
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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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Yes. Private group tours and educational programs can be scheduled year-round. Contact izzy@coastalprairieconservancy.org for more information.
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
Questions?
Still not sure which preserve, program, or event is right for you?
Reach out to info@coastalprairieconservancy.org — we’re happy to help you connect with the right program.