Big Thicket - 3/18

I was able to sneak through the Big Thicket National Preserve on our way to Houston. (Hey, an advantage being the navigator. ) It was cool!

I'm amazed at how many different plants and animals one area can contain. Seems as if different ecosystems collided into this one place during the Ice Age and life stayed here. There are plants and trees found only in this small section of Texas that can only be found elsewhere in the far northeast, west, southeast and Mexico.

Four of the five insect-eating plants reside in the Big Thicket - all but the African Violet. We were a little too early in the season to see the Pitcher Plant in bloom. But I was still just freaked at the idea of walking around meat eating plants - even if they are smaller than me. (photo courtesy of another visitor)

Clint took some great photos of the animals and plants. I've included just a few of the more unique animals here for view. Hey, maybe the grandkids will take a look at them.

(Green Tiger Beetle; this doesn't do the iridescent green justice. Clint was fascinated with these.)

Besides the beauty and uniqueness of the area, I also enjoyed the history of the Dog People. They were people during the Civil War and battles for the Republic of Texas who didn't want to participate in the fighting. They retreated to the Big Thicket woods to live. There's so much diversity and life here that all their needs were met and they never had to come out. Their dogs were essential in keeping them alive from the wildlife (such as gators). Descendants still live in the thicket today such as a woman who has lived over 90 years in the woods.


(Blue - tailed skink; we have these in Folsom State Park)





(Schaus swallowtail butterfly - this guys followed us all over the trails)