Houston Audubon Expands Peach Creek Woods to 640 Acres

**Houston Audubon Expands Peach Creek Woods Sanctuary to 640 Acres, Securing Vital Montgomery County Wilderness**

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, TX – A significant victory for conservation in rapidly developing Montgomery County unfolded this spring as Houston Audubon announced the expansion of its Peach Creek Woods Sanctuary by an additional 120 acres. This latest acquisition, completed in April 2024, brings the total protected area to a substantial 640 acres, creating a crucial haven for wildlife and natural resources just east of Grangerland.

The expansion builds on an initial 520-acre acquisition made by Houston Audubon in November 2023, marking the culmination of decades of strategic planning and dedicated effort. The newly added 120-acre parcel, a long-held family legacy, was acquired from the O’Connor family, renowned environmental consultants who had owned the land for 60 years with the express intent of preserving it from development.

“This expansion of Peach Creek Woods Sanctuary is a testament to long-term vision and collaboration,” said Helen Drummond, Executive Director of Houston Audubon. “The O’Connor family’s foresight and dedication over six decades to keeping this land pristine has been instrumental. Their commitment to conservation aligns perfectly with our mission, and we are incredibly grateful for their partnership in securing this irreplaceable natural asset for future generations.”

The sanctuary’s strategic location near Grangerland, situated just east of I-45 and north of the Grand Parkway, is vital. It borders Peach Creek, a significant waterway that feeds directly into the West Fork of the San Jacinto River watershed – a critical source of drinking water for the Houston region and a major factor in regional flood control.

The 640 acres offer a diverse tapestry of ecologically significant habitats, identified as such by the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department. These include rare bottomland hardwood forests, characteristic piney woods, and even white oak savannas. Such undisturbed ecosystems are increasingly rare in a county experiencing intense urban and suburban growth.

This protected expanse provides essential habitat for over 200 bird species, including numerous Neotropical migrants like Kentucky Warblers, Hooded Warblers, and Wood Thrushes. These birds rely on the undisturbed forests as critical stopover points to rest and refuel during their arduous annual migrations. Beyond the avian residents, the sanctuary is home to a rich array of wildlife, including bobcats, river otters, and countless other native species.

“This land has been a part of our family for generations, and our greatest hope was always to see it protected permanently,” shared a representative of the O’Connor family. “Knowing it will now remain wild, serving as a sanctuary for birds and other wildlife, and providing essential ecosystem services for the wider community, is incredibly rewarding. This is the legacy we envisioned.”

The monumental acquisition was made possible by a generous $14 million grant from Houston Endowment, which stands as the largest private grant Houston Audubon has ever received specifically for land acquisition. This substantial investment underscores the regional importance of preserving natural lands not only for biodiversity but also for broader environmental benefits.

“The preservation of Peach Creek Woods is not just about protecting beautiful landscapes or rare birds; it’s about safeguarding clean water, enhancing flood mitigation, and bolstering climate resilience for the entire Houston metropolitan area,” explained a spokesperson for Houston Endowment. “In a region facing rapid growth and environmental challenges, investing in resilient natural infrastructure like this sanctuary is paramount.”

While the land is now secured, Houston Audubon plans to eventually open Peach Creek Woods Sanctuary for public visitation. This will likely occur within the next couple of years, following the establishment of necessary infrastructure, including trails and visitor amenities, to ensure public access is both sustainable and respectful of the sensitive ecosystems.

For more information about Houston Audubon and the Peach Creek Woods Sanctuary, visit houstonaudubon.org.