Photographer: Kevin Stillman

A Nature Conservancy of Texas Pre-serve of 5,654 acres. Known for biological diversity, preserve harbors upland and wetland forest communities along 8.5 miles of Village Creek. Forested communities include arid, sandy uplands with prickly pear cactus, yucca and longleaf pine. American beech and Southern Magnolia slope forests lead to hardwood bottomlands and cypress-tupelo sloughs along white sandbars of creek.

American Bird Conservancy Globally Important Bird Area, Site #17, on Upper Coast Loop of Great Texas Birding Trail. More than 120 species of birds spotted here.

Village Creek flows eight miles through sanctuary providing an enjoyable ca-noeing experience, including an eight-mile hiking trail. Local vendors provide canoe rentals and shuttle service. Preserve open for day-use only, sunrise to sunset. Located three miles west on Texas 327.