Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center

TPWD Photo
Big Bend Ranch State Natural Area

HC 70, Box 375
Terlingua TX 79852
432/424-3327
Park locator map

Fort Leaton State Historic Site
PO Box 2319
Presidio TX 79845
432/229-3416

Big Bend Ranch State Park
P O Box 2319
Presidio TX 79845
432/229-3416

History: Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center consists of 99.9 acres located in Brewster County. The land was acquired in 1990 and was already open to the public.

The Center was built in 1982 by the Lajitas Foundation as the Lajitas Museum Desert Gardens. Texas Parks and Wildlife purchased it in October 1990 and renamed the center after Dr. Barton Warnock, a well-respected botanist, specializing in the Big Bend region. Dr. Warnock passed away June 9, 1998. The Center serves as the eastern entrance gateway to Big Bend Ranch State Park and interprets 570 million years of geological history and the five biological landscapes of the Chihuahuan Desert, a region better known to most West Texas travelers as the Big Bend.

Activities: The Center presents an archeological, historical, and natural history profile of the Big Bend region. It houses a book store and gift shop. The book store includes guides for area interest, as well as books on the history and the natural environment of the Big Bend Region. The gift shop has a variety of T-shirts, post cards, and souvenirs. A self-guided 2 -acre botanical garden allows visitors to walk among the characteristic plants of the Chihuahuan Desert.

Backpacking, camping (no hookups), and lodging is available at Big Bend Ranch State Park. Permits for backpacking and camping, at Big Bend Ranch, can be obtained at the Barton Warnock or Fort Leaton State Historic Site headquarters. Tours: The Interpretive Center is self-guiding. Tours for groups may be arranged.

More Information on outdoor activities from the Experience Texas page.

Area Attractions: Nearby points of interest include Big Bend Ranch State Park, Fort Leaton State Historic Site, Big Bend National Park, Terlingua Ghost Town, and Lajitas on the Rio Grande

Facilities: In the administrative office, customers can purchase camping and river use permits, licenses, and obtain information about the Big Bend Ranch State Park and Big Bend region. The new, renovated Interpretive Center "Una Tierra - One Land" is the fruit of an international partnership effort of State and National park experts in Texas and the Mexican states of Coahuila and Chihuahua. The vast majority of information, including captions and text, is presented in both English and Spanish.

As of January 1999, Phase 2 (major overhaul) has begun on the rest of the building to include a renovated auditorium (capacity 80), to be used for special events, educational classes, and private guide training; a hands on exhibit room for children; an exhibit displaying archeological and geological artifacts displayed in glass cases; and a research library.

Access: The Interpretive Center complies with the American Disabilities Act.

Schedule: Gates are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Directions: The Barton Warnock Center is located on FM 170, one mile east of Lajitas.

Elevation: 2364' above sea level.
Weather: Average rainfall is 8.9 inches; January average low is 36 degrees and July average high is 99 degrees.

National Weather Service forecast for this area.

Current conditions including, fire bans & water levels, can vary from day to day. For more details, contact the park.

Information:

Barton Warnock Environmental Education Center is on the eastern edge of Big Bend Ranch State Park and Fort Leaton State Historic Site is on the western edge.