Big Thicket National Preserve/NPS.

In June of 2019, Big Thicket National Preserve will be hosting the 2019 Preserve America Youth Summit. In partnership with Conservation Legacy, the Texas Historic Commission, Caddo Mounds State Historic Site, and others, the Youth Summit will bring more than 50 middle and high school students from around Texas to travel to multiple historic sites and park areas in Nacogdoches, Mt. Pleasant, Kountze, and Beaumont, Texas. Guided by trained educators, park rangers, and other professionals, the participants will critically analyze some of the greatest challenges in the long-term preservation and conservation of these sites.  

The Preserve America Youth Summit Program began in 2007 with the goal of creating an opportunity for young people aged 13 to 18 to get out of the classroom and into the field to learn about history, archaeology, heritage tourism, and preservation. Interacting directly with community partners and agency members, each Youth Summit provides interactive, outcome-driven learning experiences and service opportunities. As part of the program, the students reflect on what they learn in the field so that they may provide critical feedback and policy advice to help develop meaningful and relevant methods to reach younger audiences.

Established in 1974, Big Thicket National Preserve is located in Southeast Texas, near the city of Beaumont and 75 miles northeast of Houston. The preserve consists of nine land units and six water corridors encompassing more than 113,000 acres. The Big Thicket, often referred to as a “biological crossroads,” is a transition zone between four distinct vegetation types: the moist eastern hardwood forest, the southwestern desert, the southeastern swamp, and the central prairies. Species from all of these different vegetation types come together in the thicket, exhibiting a variety of vegetation and wildlife species.

The preserve offers over 40 miles of developed hiking trails, suitable for all skill levels. Numerous creeks and rivers provide visitors the opportunity to kayak and canoe on over 100 miles of accessible waterways. For the more adventurous visitors, back-country camping opportunities are available in most units of the preserve. Birding, photography, hunting and fishing are just a few of the other common activities visitor enjoy. 

Students from 13 to 18 are encouraged to apply for this dynamic and interactive leadership program designed to provide engaging, on-site interactive study of historic preservation, conservation, and heritage tourism. Interested students must apply for a limited number of spaces in the program. More information can be found at www.preservationyouthsummit.org. The application deadline has been extended to May 15th, 2019.