50th Anniversary of Big Thicket National Preserve

Logo courtesy of Western National Parks Association

In 2024, Big Thicket National Preserve celebrated its 50th anniversary. It was a year of reflection as we celebrated the past, present, and future of America's first national preserve.

Looking Back

Big Thicket National Preserve was established on October 11, 1974, when President Gerald Ford signed Public Law 93-439. According to that law, the preserve was created “in order to assure the preservation, conservation, and protection of the natural, scenic, and recreational values of a significant portion of the Big Thicket area in the State of Texas and to provide for the enhancement and public enjoyment thereof.”

Activities

Throughout 2024, we offered many ways for the public to join us in celebration of Big Thicket's golden anniversary:

• Kids of all ages (and adults) designed their own version of the 50th anniversary logo.

• Over 1,000 people earned bronze, silver, and gold anniversary pins after completing recreational challenges.

• More than 600 junior rangers earned a limited-edition 50th anniversary junior ranger badge.

• Photographers submitted their best photos and the public chose a winner in our photo contest.

 

Commemorative gold, silver, and bronze pins awarded for completing challenges

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

Photographers entered our photo contest.

NPS Photo / Scott Sharaga

People designed their own 50th anniversary logos.

NPS Photo / Kennie Merbach

Limited-edition 50th anniversary junior ranger badges

NPS Photo / Nathan Pattee

 

Anniversary Events

Did you celebrate with us in 2024? Here's a recap of our special events in our anniversary year:

• In January and February, we restored native longleaf pine forest habitat with your help on volunteer planting days.
• In April, junior rangers learned all about park ranger careers at Junior Ranger Day.
• In May, Big Thicket scientists presented their research in a series of engaging presentations and discussions at our first-ever Science Symposium.
• In June, the whole family got to fish for free on Texas Free Fishing Day.
• In June and August, the moon and stars shone bright during our summer stargazing events in Beaumont.
• In September, volunteers helped us pick up trash and beautify Big Thicket's boat ramps on National Public Lands Day.
• In October, the year-long birthday party culminated at our 50th Anniversary Celebration, which featured guest speakers, Alabama-Coushatta performances, a new trail opening, and local cuisine.

 

 

 

Florida National Parks Association

Our twin, Big Cypress National Preserve, celebrated 50 years, too!

Did you know that Big Thicket is only one of two national preserves established on October 11, 1974? The other, Big Cypress National Preserve, protects tall strands of bald cypress, low-lying estuaries lined with mangrove trees, and everything in between! With only inches to differentiate between distinct ecosystems, Big Cypress is known to be one of the most ecologically diverse areas of the country and protects almost 730,000 acres of land in Southwest Florida. With so much to do and see there is an adventure for people of all abilities!

Big Cypress National Preserve protects not only the land, but also the traditional uses of the land. That includes Off-Road Vehicle usage, hunting and fishing, traditional use and occupancy by the Miccosukee and Seminole Tribes, private land ownership, prescribed fires and more! It is our responsibility to strike a balance between the natural and human agendas in order to protect this land, and its traditional uses for generations to come.

Whether you take a stroll on one of the four (4) boardwalks within the preserve, an Off-Road Vehicle into the backcountry or get your feet wet on a swamp walk, we know that you’ll find something that interests you!

Traveling to Florida? Check out Big Cypress National Preserve!