HomeMy WebLinkAboutTCWCNATURE (ENTER AND TRAIL SYSTEM PROPOSAL EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Three departments of Texas A&M University (Rangeland Ecology and Management;
Recreation, Park and Tourism Sciences; and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences) have developed a plan
for an integrated system of nature parks and trails, for the Bryan-College Station metroplex.
Included in the plan would be developed trails with interpretive signage identifying local flora and
fauna, as well as a Nature Center that would serve as a clearinghouse of environmental
information. The plan was designed to raise the public's level of understanding of and appreciation
for natural history issues and sustainable development, to interpret natural history and biodiversity
research conducted by Texas A&M University, and to increase the diversity of outdoor recreation
activities and community cohesion in the local communities. The plan will also capitalize on the
expertise of the collections of Natural History specimens housed in the TCWC and the SM Tracy
Herbarium.
The project has three components: 1) planning and construction of hike-bike trails through
the Bryan-College Station Greenbelt Area, 2) planning and development of natural habitat
interpretive sites throughout the Greenbelt Area, and 3) planning and construction of a nature
center.
These goals are divided into three phases:
1) Planning and pilot projects
a. Improving and expanding the TCWC Nature trail within University property
b. Developing a demonstration wetland and prairie site
c. Developing museum discovery boxes for local school use
d. Developing master plans for city wide natural area interpretive sites and trail
system
e. Evaluation and assessment of community response
2) Home Base Expansion
a. Connecting the TCWC Nature Trail with Veterans Park and Athletic Complex and
the Hotel Conference Center
b. Developing interpreted natural areas along trail
c. Configuring a Nature Center within the existing collections space of the
University Services Building
d. Expanding outreach programming with local schools to include in class
presentations
e. Continued collaboration with BVMNH and CMBV
f. Proposal of master plans to the Cities of Bryan and College Station
3) City-wide development
a. Construction of hike-bike trails within the greenbelt areas of College Station and
Bryan G. Development of natural areas and interpretive signage along trail system
c. Construction of a major Nature Center to potentially house all A&M System
collections as well as incorporation of the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural
History
Completion of the initiatives of Phases 1 and 2 will require funding for a full time Curator of
Education at the TCWC and three graduate student interns. The Curator of Education will work
under the direction of the Chief Curator of the TONC and will conduct and oversee work on the
initiatives of each phase, develop collaborative relationships with the park and recreational
departments of Bryan and College Station, the Greenways Council of Brazos County, the curators of
the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, and the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley. Pls
from each of the three Departments will serve as academic advisors of three interns, but on a daily
basis the Curator of Education will direct the interns. The interns will develop the master plans for
the trails, natural areas, and nature center as dissertation research projects, and will assist the
Curator of Education in improving and expanding the nature trail, development of demonstration
prairie and wetland habitats, and construction of the nature center in the TCWC
Potential sources for funding
Community funding for Curator of Education; approximately $150,000 over 3 years
Texas Parks and Wildlife 80/20 $100,000 trail grant program
Meadows Foundation for interpretive programming funding
Project contact: Heather Prestridge, Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection, 979-845-5783
\r\ \ pre~h'i d-j·e@; 0s\=~ .+il f~l\_u . uLJ
Jo~V\ f\f\ c-eo_e-Vl r tcA/\ ~ e.-l~ Cu r~i-v .r ;\CLU (_
I
AN INTEGRATED PARK, TRAIL SYSTEM, AND NATURE CENTER FOR THE BRAZOS VALLEY
PRESENTED BY;
DR. JOHN 0 . MCEACHRAN
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES SCIENCES
DR. STEPHEN HATCH
DEPARTMENT OF RANGELAND ECOLOGY AND MANAGEMENT
OR. SCOTT SHAFER
DEPARTMENT OF RECREATION, PARK, AND TOURISM SCIENCE
Project Contacts: Dr. John D. McEachran, 979-847-9332
Heather Prestridge, 979-845-5783
1
Table of Contents
Executive summary ......................................................................................................................................... 3
Premise .......................................................................................................................................................... 4
Benefits .......................................................................................................................................................... 6
Departments involved ...................................................................................................................................... 9
Site considerations ......................................................................................................................................... 12
Proposal. ....................................................................................................................................................... 13
Phase 1 .......................................................................................................................................................... 14
Explanation of Initiatives ................................................................................................................................. 15
Phase 2 ......................................................................................................................................................... 19
2
Executive Summary
Three academic departments within Texas A&M University
(Rangeland Ecology and Management; Recreation , Park and
Tourism Sciences; and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences)
propose to develop an integrated park, greenway trail system,
and a nature center for the Bryan-College Station metroplex.
The project is designed to raise the public's level of appreciation
for, and understanding of, natural history issues and sustainable
development, to interpret natural history and biodiversity
research conducted at Texas A&M University, and to increase
the diversity of outdoor recreation activities and social cohesion
in the local communities.
The components of the project are to: 1) assist the City of
College Station with implementing its plan for a multi-purpose
trail through the Bryan-College Station Greenway Area along
Carter Creek, 2) develop plans for natural habitat interpretive
sites throughout the Greenway, and 3) develop plans for a
major nature center connected to the trail system and natural
habitat sites. The components are divided into two phases: 1)
improving and expanding the TCWC Nature Trail through
Veterans Park, developing natural habitat areas along the
TCWC Nature Trail and in Veterans Park, and creating a Nature
Center in the existing TCWC and Tracy Herbarium facilities and ;
2) completion of master plans for the trail system and natural
habitat areas through the Greenway, and plans for development
of a major nature center for the metroplex. The Nature Center
will serve as a focal point for the integrated parks and greenway
trail system.
Fig. 1 TCWC nature trail proposed demonstration paririe area. Fig. 2 TCWC Existing outdoor classroom. Fig. 3 Junior High Science Fair finalists at
the proposed TCWC Nature Center.
3
Premise
The Bryan-College Station, Texas is located 90 miles North
of Houston, 160 miles south of Dallas/Fort Worth, and 200 miles
northeast of San Antonio (Figure 2). The metroplex has a number
of parks and outdoor recreational facilities but a paucity of natural
areas, nature centers, and trail facilities. There are a total of 66
parks totaling 2,433 acres in College Station and Bryan ranging
from mini parks (2 ,500 sq. ft. to 1 acre), neighborhood parks (5 to
15 acres), community parks (40 to 50 acres), regional athletic
parks, to a wilderness park (515.5 acres) (City of Bryan , 2002; City
of College Station , 2002) (Appendix A). The cities of College
Station and Bryan also cooperate with the local school systems,
Texas A&M University (TAMU), and Bryan Texas Utilities (BTU) to
provide a broad range of facilities, including Lake Bryan (BTU) and
Hensel Park (TAMU). With exception of Hensel and Lick Creek
parks in College Station and Sue Haswell Park in Bryan, few parks
offer natural values and are designed primarily for active
(organized) athletic activities such as little league baseball, soccer,
and softball.
In general, these parks are not oriented toward individual,
year-round, activities such as walking, jogging, biking , inline
skating, or more sedentary activities such as visiting with friends,
picnicking, and observing nature. Parks that do provide for walking
and jogging do so with limited facilities . With exception of Central
Park's 1-mile hike and bike trail, trails are less that 1/3 of a mile
long. The Natural Survey on Recreation and the Environment has
indicated that in Texas, and nationally, a much higher percentage
of people participate in activities like walking, nature study, and
bicycling than in team sports (NSRE, 2001 ). A recent report for the
City of College Station developed by Texas A&M University's
Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences indicated a
need for more "restorative" environments in local parks that allowed
users to escape from the excessive noise and activity often found in
urban areas (Shaffer et al., 2001 ). College Station and Bryan could
enhance and balance their recreational opportunities by developing
more places for these types of recreational experiences.
The Andy Anderson Arboretum , Brazos Valley Natural
History Museum, and the Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection
provide nature trails but they are underdeveloped, poorly
maintained, and little used . Lick Creek Park is the only true nature
or wilderness park that provides trails for hiking, biking, and nature
observation. To the present time, the potential for nature study and
interpretation has not been realized at Lick Creek Park. However,
construction of the first phase of an extensive trail system is
currently underway with completion forecast for Summer 2004. This
phase will provide approximately 1 mile of improved trail. Additional
trails will be developed in accordance with the approved master
plan as funding is appropriated . Quality opportunities to study
natural history or to take a family bike ride along a quiet trail are
lacking within 100 miles of Bryan-College Station.
4
Fig. 4 Major Metropolitan areas proximate to Bryan-College
Station.
Three departments of Texas A&M University (Rangeland
Ecology and Management; Recreation, Park and Tourism
Sciences; and Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences) have developed a
plan to develop an integrated park, greenway trail system, and a
nature center for the Bryan-College Station metroplex. The plan is
designed to raise the public's level of appreciation for, and
understanding of, natural history issues and sustainable
development, to interpret natural history and biodiversity research
conducted at Texas A&M University, and to increase the diversity of
outdoor recreation activities and social cohesion in the local
communities.
Fig. 5 TCWC Nature trail proposed wetland habitat demonstration
area.
Fig. 6 TCWC Nature trail and bird blind.
5
Benefits
Recent trends and developments both locally and nationally
suggest that an integrated park, greenway trail system, and a
nature center would be well received by the local community, and
ultimately by the entire State of Texas. Within the last several years
the Bryan-College Station metroplex has expressed considerable
interests in community development and improvements in the
quality of life. Bryan has invested significant resources in
preserving the historical culture of its downtown area, and recent
developments suggest that the investments are paying off. In a first
page article in The Eagle (Sunday, January 26, 2003) entitled On
the Road to Progress, Kelli Levey states that recent trends in
business expansion in the area are encouraging. The construction
of the George Bush Presidential Library and Museum has
increased tourism and community interest in improving local
attractions. College Station has invested in revitalizing the
Northgate District and furthered development of Wolf Pen Creek
Amphitheatre. Concurrently, the City of Bryan has developed
several aid programs to revive the historic downtown area of Bryan.
Both cities have improved their park systems.
However, the College Station Annual Citizen Survey 2002
found that only 46.4% of the people surveyed were satisfied with
adult leisure services and facilities and only 53.0% were satisfied
with the youth leisure services. As a result, the City of College
Station is looking for opportunities to collaborate with other entities
to provide more in-town parkland (Specific Goal #23, College
Station Parks and Recreation Master Plan 2002). Also, College
Station is in the process of using bond money to purchase land for
the Greenways trail system. Monies have yet to be approved to
develop these newly purchased lands. Developments of an
integrated park, greenway trail system, and nature center would
complement these efforts to increase the quality of life in the
community.
A serendipitous development strongly suggests that the
community would be receptive to green areas where citizens can
engage in unorganized athletic and/or more sedentary activities.
Texas A&M University developed a scenic green area in its
Research Park as a pleasing environment for the
research/industrial organizations that were to occupy the facility.
However, since it's opening the site has received heavy use by
students and local citizenry that have treated it as a recreational
area in which to engage in unorganized athletic and leisure ·
activities.
The planed development of Traditions Golf Course,
Mirramont Golf Course, and the superior medical facilities of the
Bryan-College Station community suggest that the area will develop
a vibrant retirement community. Information from other parts of the
United States suggests that there is a trend among younger
retirees to remain academically and physically active. Across the
United States citizens are displaying an increased interest in the
environment and natural history. This is well expressed in the
burgeoning eco-tourism industry. The proposed integrated park,
greenway trail system, and nature center would be well received by
this growing section of society.
The goals of this proposal are in line with the Texas A&M
University Vision 2020 Plan. According to the plan the University
should open its various resources to the greater public and build a
positive relationship with the community. 'The schools, industries,
businesses, cultural activities, and entertainment opportunities all
play a pivotal role in building a quality place to work and learn. This
is a mutually reinforcing phenomenon." Development of the
integrated park and trail system, and a nature center would address
these goals and thus positively increase the University's
commitment to the community.
6
Within 150 miles of College Station there are 12 million
people. At 300 miles College Station serves an area with a
population of over 20 million. Source: U.S. Census Bureau,
"Census 2000". At a 170 mile radius, the populations potentially
served by a regional Nature Center and trail system are greater
than those of the same radius for the cities of Houston, Austin , and
Dallas by 72%, 43%, and 69% respectively. This distance is
reasonable for school bus trips and Texas family outings, as the
upper limit for such trips is between 150 and 170 miles. By
constructing a regional Nature Center and complimentary trail
system in the Brazos valley, 72% more Texans would be served
than if it was placed in a different location. The unique location of
Bryan/College Station lends itself to serving as a statewide
resource.
Finally bringing the goals of this proposal to fruition may
have broad reaching benefits to the Bryan-College Station
metroplex. In a recent book: 'The rise of the creative class" Richard
Florida (2002) traces the increasing role that creativity plays in
modern society. According to Florida, a new class termed the
Creative Class is immerging in US society and is playing an
increasingly important economic role. The Creative Class consists
of workers engaged in science, scholarship, innovative
technologies, and the arts. According to Florida, this class
comprises about 30% of the work force and is transforming our
society from the Technological Age to the Informational Age.
The life choices that members of the Creative Class
make are having a huge economic impact on how the
workplace is organized, what companies are successful, and
even on which cities will prosper in the future.
Unlike the past where workers moved to cities with natural
resources and major transportation hubs, companies are moving to
areas where creative people are concentrated, and creative people
are concentrated in areas that have cultural diversity, high levels of
education , and amenities that add up to a good quality of life.
Bryan-College Station faired rather well in Florida's survey of
creative cities with fewer than 250,000 people. It ranked 1yth out of
124 cities, just behind Charlottesville, VA. However, Bryan-College
Station lacks many of the amenities, such as cultural diversity, a
vibrant art community, and diverse outdoor recreational facilities
and natural areas, which Florida considers important to the creative
class. The area could substantially improve its ability to retain and
attract this creative class and ultimately improve its economic
status by addressing these deficiencies. The integrated park,
greenway trails system, and nature center proposed here would
provide a wealth of opportunity to the citizens of the Brazos Valley.
7
Rank out of 332 Regions
Based on Creativity Index
f>
111 -10 51 -1so 11 2s1 -300
'11 11 -50 II 151 -250 II Below 300
Fig . 7 Rank and distribution of the Creative Class (Florida, 2000).
8
Rangeland Ecology and Management
S.M. Tracy Herbarium
The Department of Rangeland Ecology and Management
maintains the S.M. Tracy Herbarium, third largest herbarium in
Texas, and its curators have in depth knowledge of and
considerable experience in the interpretation of historical and
recent floras of Texas and neighboring states. As a charter
member of the Flora of Texas Consortium and the
Bioinformatics Working Group, the Tracy Herbarium is at the
forefront of utilizing the internet to make current botanical
research available to the general public.
The herbarium website hosts a variety of educational and
informational opportunities for researchers, teachers, and the
general public. The educational components include the following
WebPages: Agrostology, A Key to the Grass Genera of Texas, A
key to the Texas Rushes, and A key to the Texas Sedges.
Collection data for over 17 4,000 specimens are available through
the Herbarium Specimens Browser and an updated 2001 version of
the Checklist of the Vascular Plants of Texas is also on-line. Each
of these pages is designed to educate the user in
current taxonomic and ecological research conducted through the
herbarium. The information and data made available through these
web pages are the result of years of research by faculty, staff, and
students associated with the Tracy Herbarium. In addition, several
field study sites have been established at Lick Creek Park for an
ongoing research project involving local wetland and non-wetland
sites. These sites are excellent opportunities for local school and
community groups to participate in an active research project.
..
PLANTS
OF TEXAS
S.M. Tracy Herbarium on-line checklist
9
Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Science
The Department of Recreation, Park, and Tourism Sciences
has an active research program in nature based recreation and
tourism. Faculty in this department has expertise in park and trail
planning/design, the social-psychological benefits of wildlife
watching, and the interpretation of natural history. The department
has been involved in the development of local park and trail plans
and worked closely the City of College Station on its recently
implemented Greenway Master Plan. The department has also
worked closely with the National Parks Service's Rivers, Trails, and
Conservation Assistance Program on a variety of Texas trail
projects and has assisted local communities in the acquisition of
state grants for the development of new trails. More recently faculty
and staff have completed a concept plan for a Regional Nature
Center at Lick Creek Park that was greeted with enthusiasm by city
leaders and local school districts.
Add Greenways Map
2001 College Station Greenways Plan
10
Department of Wildlife and Fisheries
Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection
The Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
maintains the Texas Cooperative Wildlife Collection (TCWC), the
largest vertebrate natural history collection in the Southwestern
United States, and its curators have in depth knowledge of and
considerable experience in the interpretation of historical and
recent faunas of Texas and neighboring states. The TCWC, with a
grant form the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department, constructed a
1.2-mile nature trail adjacent to the newly constructed Veterans'
Memorial Park and Athletic Complex. The trail winds through a post
oak-savanna habitat adjacent the TCWC and has fifty stations with
signage identifying native plant species. Plans are now underway to
connect the trail with the Veterans' Memorial Park and Athletic
Complex and the proposed College Station Hotel Conference
Center.
Fig.8
Students
get a look
through the
TCWC
research
collection.
The TCWC also serves, to a limited degree, as a natural
history interpretive center. Over the last several years an average
of 60 school
groups, totaling about 2000 students, tour the TCWC. The students
get tours of the extensive natural history collections and the
opportunity to use the 1.2-mile nature trail. Curators and student
interns of the TCWC visit public schools, and discuss natural
history and conservation issues with school classes on a regular
basis.
Fig. 9 TCWC
facilitated
dichotomous key
activity making
use of teaching
collection
specimens.
In recent years, the TCWC has either hosted or assisted
with Bio-Blitz, an annual community event co-hosted by the Society
of Conservation Biology, College Station Department of Parks and
Recreation, and the TCWC. The TCWC has also hosted an elder
hostel group concerned with bird watching and banding, and
regularly serves as a site for meetings of local lay natural history
groups.
11
Site Considerations
The S.M . Tracy Herbarium and the Texas Cooperative
Wildlife Collection are located in the University Services Building,
1.5 miles east of the Highway 6 bypass in College Station. Adjacent
to this University property is the College Station Veterans Park and
Athletic Complex, Crescent Point Multi-use development, The
Physicians Center, and
Hotel/Conference Center. This convenient location is rapidly
becoming the center of the Bryan-College Station. Pilot projects will
take place in and around this location, capitalizing on the proximity
of Carter Creek and the Veteran's Park and Athletic Complex
Riparian Zone.
Fig. 10 Arial view of Bryan-College Station Highway 30/60 corridor
12
Proposal
Project Components
1) Assisting City of College Station with implementing its plan
for a multi purpose trails through the Greenway area of Carter
Creek.
2) Design natural habitat interpretive sites throughout the
Greenway.
3) Design a major nature center for the Bryan-College Station
metroplex.
13
Project Phases
1 )Connect and extend TCWC Nature Trail through Veterans
Park, develop natural habitat areas on land adjacent the TCWC,
Tracy Herbarium, and Veterans Park, and build a Nature Center
in facilities of the TCWC and Tracy Herbarium.
2) Complete design plans for trails, natural areas, and major
nature Center.
These projects will provide greater educational opportunities,
increased social cohesion, and increased community creativity
for the College Station-Bryan and Texas A&M University
community.
Phase 1-Planning and Pilot Projects
Phase 1 consists of developing support within the
community for an integrated system of nature parks and trails and a
nature center by developing pilot projects. The pilot projects will
help guide the planning phase and will raise community
appreciation for and interest in utilizing these amenities. It is
anticipated that two years will be needed to complete this phase.
The pilot projects consist of developing:
1) A multi-purpose trail through University land adjacent to the
TCWC and the S.M. Tracy Herbarium and Veterans' Park
and Athletic Complex.
a. Add interpretive signage
b. Expand to the North on TAMU property
c. Assist the City of College Station with the development of
the approved perimeter trail in Veteran's Park and
connecting this trail to the TCWC trail
d. Design trail map with plant and animal ID stations
e. Develop demonstration prairie and wetland
2) Natural areas along trails.
a. Establish management protocol for natural areas, prairie,
and wetland areas
b. Formalize educational programs for the community to
understand these habitats
14
c. Develop interpretive signage identifying common plants
and animals that are common to these areas
3) A small nature center within the existing facilities of the
TCWC and the S.M. Tracy Herbarium
a. Design and develop areas within facilities to be used by
K-12 as well as community groups
b. Develop "Science Suitcases" filled with activities and
specimens to be loaned out to local schools
c. Develop pre and post visit materials for teachers to use in
their classroom
d. Develop stand alone activities for the classroom that
utilize natural history specimens
e. Continue collaboration with the Brazos Valley Museum of
Natural History
f. Construct stand alone displays
g. Expand outreach programs in natural history with local
school districts, local County Extension agents, The
Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley.
4) Initiate work on master plans for trails system, natural area,
and Nature Center
5) Evaluate public receptivity to pilot projects at end of year 2
Explanation of Initiatives
Initiative 1
Plans have already begun to improve and expand the TCWC
nature trail. Texas A&M University and the City of College Station
are in the process of formalizing an agreement to link the TCWC
nature trail and Veterans' Memorial Park and Athletic Complex. The
College Station Parks and Recreation Department has requested
assistance from the TCWC and the S.M. Tracy Herbarium in
designing interpretive signage for the nature trail through Veteran's
Park.
The TCWC has reached an agreement with the TAMU
Department of Athletics to exchange access to the nature trail by
the Texas A&M University cross-country team with assistance in
trail maintenance. The team would have scheduled practice times
that would be posted at the entrance to the trail, and would not
interfere with any programs or classes that utilize the trail. The
Brazos Valley Mountain Bike Association is also eager to
participate in trail building to provide another trail option for
beginner bikers.
The Department of Athletics, along with the Brazos Greenways
Council and the Local Chapter of the Texas Master Naturalists,
have agreed to assist the TCWC in expanding the nature trail into
the Veterans' Memorial Park and Athletic Complex and ultimately to
extend the trail as a combined multi purpose trail and interpretive
habitats through the Bryan-College Station Greenway.
s -i~
Multi-use possibilities for the Nature trail will maximize benefits.
15
Initiative 2
Areas for the demonstration prairie and wetland habitats, adjacent
to the TCWC, have been designated within the existing Nature
Trail. The demonstrations will portray these habitats as they existed
at the time of the arrival of the Euro ean settlers and will contain
signage identifying the dominant vegetation, and when appropriate
how the plants were used by Native Americans and early European
settlers.
16
Initiative 3
Plans have been developed for a nature center in TCWC
and Tracy Herbarium facilities. The Bryan and College Station
independent school districts have been contacted and both districts
are enthusiastic about incorporating natural history discovery boxes
into their Natural Science curricula. Students enrolled in the Wildlife
and Fisheries Sciences course Museums and their functions have
constructed one discovery box, which interprets Native American
historical use of animal and plant resources. Discovery box
construction will be an integral part of future courses. The TCWC
has contacted the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural History, the
Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley, and County Extension
agents about collaborative projects and programs. All three
organizations are excited by the possibilities of collaboration.
The Bryan and College Station independent school districts
have been contacted and both districts are enthusiastic about
incorporating natural history "Science Suitcases" into their Natural
Science curricula. The Society for Conservation Biology has
donated their discovery box materials to the TCWC. These boxes
will be embellished to provide a core set of materials. Themes
include:
• Mammals of Texas
• Migratory Birds
• Am I venomous or am I not?
• Fascinating Fishes
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department is currently working to
utilize the TCWC as a check-out point for their educational
materials. Currently the TCWC has on-site available to teachers,
one TPWD educational trunk (Wetlands Education), and plans to
receive 3 more.
Students enrolled in the Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences
course Museums and their functions have also constructed one
discovery box, which interprets Native American historical use of
animal and plant resources. Discovery box construction will be an
integral part of future courses. Plans are underway for the class to
develop an Ocean Life box and a Texas freshwater fishes box.
The TCWC has contacted the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural
History, the Children's Museum of the Brazos Valley, and County
Extension agents about collaborative projects and programs. All
three organizations are excited by the possibilities of collaboration.
Through collaboration with these organizations the following
programs are anticipated;
./ Dichotomous Key Workshops
./ Public open-houses
./ Plant identification walks
./ Hunter safety education
Their guidance will also help to develop;
./ Lecture series
./ Educational materials for teachers
./ Science Suitcases
Collaborative efforts between the American Fisheries Society,
Society for Conservation Biology, local 4-H Chapters, and the
Texas Master Naturalists have already begun. These groups
routinely use space in the TCWC to hold monthly meetings. They
are excited about the possibility of dedicating space for lecture
series and workshops.
17
--
Initiative 4
Three graduate student interns will prepare the master plans for
the multi purpose trail, the natural interpretive habitats, and the
Nature Center as partial completion of their degree
requirements. The students will work under the direction of the
three Principle Investigators of the project: John McEachran
(WFSC), Scott Shafer (RTPS), and Steve Hatch (RLEM). It is
anticipated that the Nature Center will serve as the nerve center
of the integrative parks and greenway trail system as a visitors
center functions on a state or national park. The center will
provide information regarding the trails and natural areas within
the system. Information will be provided regarding identification
and ecology on the animals and plants common to the area.
Staff in the Nature Center will assist school groups and other
visitors in utilizing the trails and natural areas. The staff will also
work with the local school systems, The Brazos Valley
Children's Museum, and the Brazos Valley Museum of Natural
History in expanding programs is natural history and the
environment.
Initiative 5
The Department of Recreation, Parks, and Tourism Sciences
will design questionnaires to evaluate citizen response to the
nature trail, and the interpretive prairie and wetland habitats.
Questionnaires will also be sent to public school teachers that
utilize the discovery boxes. Responses will be used to modify
the educational aides and fine-tune the master plans and
objectives of Phase 2.
18
Phase 2-Master Plan Completion
Phase 2 consists of assisting City of College Station with
implementation of its plan for a multi-purpose trail system
through the College Station Greenway along Carter Creek,
designing natural habitat areas along the Greenway, and
designing a major Nature Center for the metroplex. It is
anticipated that this phase will take one year. The tasks of
phase 2 are: 1) adjusting the Greenways trails to maximize
access to natural areas and add signage identifying and
19
interpreting the dominant plants and animals of the area, 2)
identifying natural habitats to serve as natural interpretive sites
(prairie stands and wetlands) along the trail and design
appropriate signage for areas, 3) designing a major nature
center to serve as a source of information and access point for
the integrated park, greenway trail system. The Nature Center
with provide information and programs on natural history and
conservation for school groups and the general public.
111 --------------_ _--.++-!II __ ---------
----
~-------
~---- ------(_)
~---
--
II
---
111
--
I
111
---
-
11
I
II I -
--I