Photo Credit: Bayou Land ConservancyNews
Bayou Land Conservancy protects one of Texas’s last prairies—safeguarding wildlife and a vanishing landscape
BayouLand Conservancy (BLC) is thrilled to announce the successful completion of its $62,000 stewardship fundraising campaign to support the long-term protection and restoration of Cindy’s Redbud Nature Preserve. Located just south ofMontgomery, this 176-acre property is one of the last remaining tracts of Texas tall grass prairie—less than 1% of which still exists today. The first 88 acres have been permanently protected through a Phase 1 conservation easement with BLC, with future phases set to expand that protection across the full landscape.
This milestone was celebrated on April 26, 2025, with a special event at the preserve, bringing together donors, supporters, and conservationists to honor the community’s shared commitment to protecting Texas’s natural heritage.“
We are proud to protect spaces that still echo the natural heritage of this region,”said JustinHicks, Bayou Land Conservancy’sBoard Chair.“As Houston continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to conserve wild places where native species can thrive, floodplains can function naturally, and clean water flows freely to our communities. This project is a powerful example of what can happen when private landowners, generous donors, and a committed land trust work together.”
Owned by Cindy Martin and Ray Audas, the preserve protects native prairie grasses, wet lands,and forested grassland. It provides habitat for rare and declining species, including the Texas windmill grass and the crested caracara. The land also plays a vital role in supporting clean water by filtering runoff and mitigating downstream flooding, making its conservation not just an environmental priority—but a community investment.
“Redbud is full of life—from native grasses waving in the wind to birds you just don’t see anymore,”said Cindy Martin.“Partnering with Bayou Land Conservancy gave us a way to ensure it stays wild forever. We’re humbled by the support and excited to know others value it like we do.”
Restoration efforts at the preserve include prescribed burns and invasive species removal, in partnership with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, to return the land to its historic prairie and forested grassland character.
pond just one of the many natural features now protected forever; Photo Credit: Bayou Land Conservancy
of the restored prairie landscape; Photo Credit: Bayou Land Conservancy
Bayou Land Conservancy thanks every donor and partner who made this campaign a success.Their support ensures that this rare piece of Texas continues to benefit both people and wild life for generations to come.
More information is available at www.bayouland.org
Source: Bayou Land Conservancy
