If you’re looking for a great outdoor education center, consider the 2,800-acre Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center. It is located in northeast Harris County, along the Sheldon Lake reservoir. This outdoor center is open to the public and offers many opportunities for learning about the natural world.
Visitors to Sheldon Lake State Park in Houston can take advantage of various activities, including boating, fishing, and wildlife observation. No fishing licenses are required, and you can fish from the bank of the lake year-round. If you prefer a slower pace, you can take a walk around the lake.
The lake is filled with alligators, but they’re not a big threat to paddlers. The lake is shallow and contains several varieties of fish. You can catch largemouth bass, bluegill, sunfish, and crappie. The lake has four distinct habitats, making it a microcosm of the Upper Texas coast.
A visit to Sheldon Lake State Park and Environmental Learning Center will provide a chance to learn about Texas natural history and ecology. The park has hiking trails, a nature center, and opportunities for wildlife viewing. A visit to the John Jacob Observation Tower is also recommended. From here, you can enjoy the views of the surrounding wetlands and prairies and the Houston skyline.
The park is also home to many species of wildlife. The Texas Parks and Wildlife Department and Houston Audubon are important habitat restoration and preservation players. A piece from the Katy Prairie Conservatory was installed at Sheldon Lake State Park, which gives visitors a sense of what prairies look like in other parts of the country.
The park’s campground is a great place to spend the night. It has shaded and tent-friendly campsites that are close to the water. Moreover, there are water fountains, picnic tables, and fire rings. There’s also a camp store and an exercise room. You can also engage in sports like fishing, horseback riding, and more.
The park’s wildlife is abundant, and winter is the best time to view bird life. During this time, you can spot over 160 species of birds. Some winter bird counts find more than 90 species of wintering birds in one day! Highlights include the ash-throated flycatcher and the vermilion flycatcher. Other birds of winter include the American bittern and the canvasback.
If you’re a dog owner, the park has guidelines and rules regarding the use of dogs. Dog owners should abide by these guidelines so that their pets can enjoy the park . They should also be aware of posted signs and guidelines. Moreover, visitors should never leave their dogs unattended.
