1. 63 – Pine Mills Pottery
Call 903.857.2271 ahead to schedule a visit. You are in for a treat when you visit the Hatcher’s gallery and studio. Their world-class pottery doesn’t diminish the natural beauty of the property. The smell of rosemary lures you to the charming garden planted just left of the gallery. The pines and hardwoods surrounding the gallery and studio are home to all wings and walks of wildlife. The pond is a welcome resting place for migrating waterfowl in winter months. Summer wildflowers suggest an ancient, untouched beautiful world with only the sounds of nature.
2. 64 – Little Sandy Wildlife Refuge
Call 903.729.2268 for access approval. Located 5 miles west of Hawkins on East US 80, the Little Sandy Wildlife Refuge is bordered on the south by the Sabine River. The refuge has preserved a block of bottomland hardwood forest. The refuge contains over 3800 acres of wetland habitats, including two shallow lakes that are home to a huge variety of bird life year round.
3. 65 – Tyler State Park
This 944-acre park is open daily. Nature lovers can choose to hike a 2.5-mile trail or wander the .75-mile interpretive nature trail. The trails wind through different types of habitats that support a variety of wildlife. Look for the Yellow-billed Cuckoo and Summer Tanager. Developed camping spots are available for a fee.
4. 66 – Red Rock Hill Farm
Call 713.946.1278 for access approval and fee schedule. Diverse habitats include a restored native prairie, riparian woodland, pasture land and a pond. Look for a Great Blue Heron, Little Blue Heron, and a Great Egret around the pond or listen for the call of the Bobwhite Quail or Meadowlark in the grasslands.
5. 67 – Faulkner Park
Site open for day use. Call 903.882.3422 for directions. Be on the look-out for the Tufted Titmouse, Carolina Wren, Painted Bunting, or even a Carolina Chickadee. Egret, Heron, and Kingfisher may be found on the shore while migrating songbirds may be anywhere, spring and fall.
6. 68 – Old Sabine Bottom Wildlife Management Area
You are sure to see a large variety of wildlife wandering 24 miles of trails on this nearly 6,000-acre wildlife management area of bottomland hardwoods like mature oak, ash and elm trees.
Located on the Sabine River floodplain, the management area contains a variety of wetlands and oxbow lakes. Watch busy beavers build a house or catch a glimpse of a White-tailed Deer leaping across a stream.