The Friends of the Preserve

In the late 1990’s, approximately 3000 acres of land was purchased by the City of Mineola of which a small portion became the current water treatment facility. The rest of the land, about 2990 +/- acres, sat unattended for several years. In 2001, the Mayor and City Counsel formed a plan to develop this resource into a nature preserve. By 2005 a Master Plan for the creation of the preserve had been finalized and the Parks and Open Spaces Board was established to aid and advise the City Administration on the course of the work to be done.

Also in 2001, a small group of volunteers joined together to form the Friends of the Preserve. Their hope and intent was to see that the Preserve was kept in as natural a condition as was possible for the benefit of future residents. A permanent seat on the Parks and Open Spaces Board was set up for the Friends so that they could work with the City in cooperation towards a successful goal.

Today the Preserve provides parking, a covered Pavilion with picnic tables and bathrooms, a fishing pond for kids, a bluebird trail, a live beehive, equestrian trails, a chimney swift roost, a herd of longhorns and buffalos, a sensory garden and wildflower area. Along the approximately 4 miles of handicapped accessible trails, there are observation platforms for viewing the local wildlife. This is just a small sampling of what’s offered, and a taste of what is to come. Future projects are a mountain bike trail, a rest area along the river for canoes and kayaks, and the cutting of more foot trails. The City is also working with some outside entities in creating a mini ecosystem for educational programs that will be available to the surrounding school districts.

The friends also provide nature classes and workshops on various subjects.

 

 

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