Sondra Hernandez Staff writer October 5, 2024

Trails in the W.G. Jones State Forest are open again after being closed for several weeks in September due to Hurricane Beryl cleanup. 

The Texas A&M Forest Service which maintains the urban forest on FM 1488 west of Interstate 45 closed the forest to public traffic Sept. 9. In a statement from the forest service, representatives said the salvage work was essential for removing damaged and hazardous trees left by Hurricane Beryl in July. The goal was to preserve healthy trees in the forest as well.

GROWTH IN THE WOODLANDS: Ritz Carlton condo tower breaks ground, bringing River Oaks-inspired estates to Lake Woodlands

Work took place on the north and south side of FM 1488. The trails reopened Friday. 

“The salvage logging job has concluded in areas of the forest with visitor access,” said Jaden Kelly, a program specialist with the Texas A&M Forest Service.

What to know about Jones State Forest

Jones State Forest is an urban 1,722-acre preserve where the area’s native loblolly pine trees, short leaf pines and other trees stand undisturbed — some for the nearly 100 years the park has been in existence. William Goodrich Jones was the founder of the Texas Forestry Association.

Opened and preserved since 1926 by what was previously known as the Forestry Department of Texas A&M University System, but is now known as the Texas A&M Forest Service, the park features two lakes and nearly 15 miles of trails that wind through its towering pine trees. 

The forest is also home to the endangered red-cockaded woodpecker. They are on the federal endangered species list and the Texas Parks and Wildlife’s state endangered list. They need large, mature pine trees that are 60 years and older in which to build cavities for roosting and nesting. Their habitat was not reported as damaged after the storm. 

NEW RESTAURANTS: Drew Brees sliders chain, Spring Tex-Mex spot among new restaurants coming to Montgomery County

To help the population thrive, in 2023, the Texas Society Daughters of the American Revolution partnered with the Texas A&M Forest Service to set up a 100-acre conservation district within the forest.

Centennial celebration set for Oct. 19

The reopening comes just in time for the W.G. Jones State Forest Centennial Celebration Oct. 19. Texas’ state forest system turns 100 in 2024. 

The event with free admission is from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Jones Forest field service office, 1328 FM 1488, Conroe. 

Activities include forestry-themed presentations, emergency response vehicles on display, natural resource exhibitors, live native ambassador animals, outdoor games and activities, forest therapy hikes and a chance to “Walk with a Doc,” a unique health-focused stroll through the forest.

“This exciting festival is a tribute to 100 years of Texas state forests and highlights the many ways nature enhances our health and well-being,” Kelly said. 

If the full content does not display, visit the article originally published on this site