The first time I went to Seabourne Creek Nature Park, I thought it was a great place to fly a kite. With open plains, a lake and not much more, the 164-acre park looked like someone dropped a pond in the middle and then walked away.
All that's changed, thanks to a partnership between the City of Rosenberg and the Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists. Through their work, Seabourne Creek Nature Park is now inviting as well as educational.
According to Karl Baumgartner, the project manager for the restoration project, back in 2009, city managers agreed to set aside 20 acres at Seabourne for native prairie restoration.
Best of all, the Coastal Prairie Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists volunteered to initiate and organize all projects at the park, and they wasted little time.
Over the last two and a half years, they have transformed a stark piece of prairie into an educational and thriving garden. Two grants from the Rosenberg Development Council allowed them to plant native trees and install irrigation systems.
Picnic tables and covered pavilions are located throughout the park, and it's not unusual to find a Master Gardener on hand, weeding a garden, counting birds or building something new.
Baumgartner's active with Boy Scout troops in the area, and he enlisted Eagle Scouts to develop nature projects.
One Scout built a chimney swift tower and another built an observation deck overlooking a meadow that'll be filled with wildflowers in the spring.
A stocked butterfly garden invites visitors, both insects and human. People can stroll along the 4-acre lake where they can rest on a bench, fish for perch or bass or simply enjoy the serenity.
A wetlands area attracts waterfowl, and over 118 species of birds have been officially photographed and identified in the last 18 months at the park, many on the monthly bird hikes offered by the Master Naturalists.
Currently the Master Naturalists have a Prairie Restoration Project underway where they're transforming former cow pastures back to prairie conditions, complete with native grasses and plants.
In addition to upgrading the park, the Master Naturalists also want to educate the public. An artist, who created the interpretive signs at Brazos Bend State Park, is making similar signs that will be placed throughout the park. The signs will allow visitors to understand the complexity and simplicity of nature.
Signs will also identify the different plants and trees so visitors come away with more than a pleasant day at the park – they'll know about nature in the city where they live.
Baumgartner is hoping to have a bond issue passed so they can build a nature center. The center he envisions is similar to one at Brazos Bend State Park and one in the Katy school district.
He said Katy's facility is booked every day of the year, and he wants to work with school districts in this area so students can visit a nature center within minutes of any school.
Luckily the R.W. Lindsey covered gazebo, on-site restrooms and water fountains provide everything visitors could need. All that's missing are inquisitive minds.
Educating people about the wonder, beauty and fragility of nature ensures they'll become caretakers, just as the Master Naturalists are at this hidden gem off Highway 36 in Rosenberg.
Baumgartner invites you to come visit. When you do, bring a picnic lunch and walking shoes so you can enjoy this beautiful and interactive park.
But don't forget the kite.
This column was originally published in The Fort Bend Herald.
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