Baytown Nature Center - The Baytown Nature Center Today

The Baytown Nature Center Today

Today, the Baytown Nature Center has two peninsulas. The smaller of the two peninsulas—San Jacinto Point—is designated as a recreation area. In addition to large oak tress and grass lawns, San Jacinto Point has three fishing piers, an observation platform, a Children’s Nature Discovery Area playground, picnic tables, benches, and a concrete walkway along the bay shoreline.

The much larger peninsula—known as the Natural Area—has two islands with mixed woodlands, a saltwater marsh, freshwater marsh, several ponds, as well as mixed woodlands and tall grass habitats for birds, mammals, and other wildlife. The Crystal Bay Butterfly Garden near the entrance is planted with native plants and wildflowers that attract butterflies and hummingbirds.

The Brownwood Education Pavilion—a covered shelter atop a 35-foot (11 m)-high hill surrounded by wetlands—has panoramic views of the Natural Area’s wetlands and the three surrounding bays. Five nature trails of varying lengths loop through the peninsula. The Natural Area’s observation blinds and platforms overlook the ponds. They, along with wood duck boxes and trails are far enough away from the islands and nesting areas to avoid disturbing the burgeoning wildlife, yet close enough for Baytown residents and visitors to observe nature’s beauty and diversity.

Currently home to 317 species of resident and neo-tropical migratory birds, the Baytown Nature Center is part of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, a 500-mile (800 km) trail of bird watching sites from Beaumont to Brownsville.

Operated by the City of Baytown and open to the public, the Baytown Nature Center has also become an important nursery area for a variety of aquatic species, including shrimp, crab, and fish.