The Columbia Bottomlands, a unique expanse of forested wetlands along the Texas Gulf Coast, has gained a significant addition: the Peach Creek Forest (McNeill Tract). This remarkable 4,679-acre tract has become part of the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge, marking a monumental step in conserving one of the largest remaining old-growth forests in the region.
A Vital Ecosystem at Risk
Once covering over 700,000 acres, the Columbia Bottomlands have been reduced to approximately 120,000 acres due to development and agricultural expansion. This ecosystem is the only expanse of forested wetlands adjacent to the Gulf of Mexico in Texas. It serves as a critical habitat for a diverse array of wildlife, including more than 400 species such as swamp rabbits, white-tailed deer, red-eared slider turtles, and wood ducks.
However, perhaps the most extraordinary role of the Columbia Bottomlands is as a sanctuary for millions of migratory birds. Each spring and fall, these birds embark on an arduous journey across the Gulf of Mexico, relying on the bottomlands for rest and nourishment. The Peach Creek Forest, with its mature hardwoods and wetlands, is a vital stopover point identified by radar ornithology studies as a “hotspot” for these migratory species.
The Peach Creek Forest: A Jewel of Biodiversity
The Peach Creek Forest is a mosaic of mature forested wetlands, swamps, creeks, and river riparian forests. Dominated by bottomland hardwood trees—including green ash, pecan, water hickory, bald cypress, sugar hackberry, American elm, and various oaks—this tract exhibits characteristics of an old-growth forest, with many areas appearing untouched by logging activities.
The property boasts extensive frontage along both the San Bernard River and Peach Creek, creating a rich and varied habitat. This environment supports not only migratory birds but also resident wildlife species. The preservation of such a large, contiguous forested wetland ensures the continuation of natural floodplain water storage during flood events, contributes to groundwater recharge, and maintains the flow of freshwater to estuaries at the river’s mouth on the Gulf of Mexico.
A Quarter-Century Endeavor: Mike Lange’s Vision
The acquisition of the Peach Creek Forest is the culmination of over 25 years of dedication and persistence. Mike Lange, a former U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Wildlife Biologist and founding land conservation consultant of Texas Conservation Partners, first contacted the landowner in 1995. Recognizing the tract’s immense ecological value, Lange and his colleague Tom Smith maintained communication with the landowners, expressing interest in conserving the property.
“They really loved the land. They took wonderful care of it. They left it intact with minimal impact,” Lange noted. The landowners’ eventual decision to sell the tract to the FWS allowed for the preservation of the land in its entirety, rather than seeing it divided or developed.
Collaborative Conservation Efforts
The successful acquisition was made possible through a combination of federal and private funding. The FWS secured approximately $11.5 million from the Migratory Bird Conservation Fund, with an additional $2 million contributed by the Knobloch Family Foundation, The Brown Foundation, and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s Bezos Earth Fund. The Nature Conservancy played a pivotal role in securing grants and facilitating the purchase.
Suzanne Scott, state director for The Nature Conservancy in Texas, stated:
“The newly acquired tract safeguards critical plant and wildlife habitat in a region that is rapidly developing. The Nature Conservancy is pleased to continue its role in collaborative partnerships within the Columbia Bottomlands and protect additional old-growth forests and wetlands.”
Aligning with National Conservation Goals
The addition of the Peach Creek Forest to the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge aligns with broader conservation initiatives, such as the Biden administration’s America the Beautiful campaign. This effort aims to conserve 30% of America’s lands and waters by 2030, recognizing the importance of preserving natural habitats for ecological balance, climate resilience, and community well-being.
By protecting this significant tract of the Columbia Bottomlands, the refuge not only preserves critical wildlife habitat but also provides opportunities for public recreation and environmental education. Activities such as wildlife watching, photography, hunting, and fishing connect people with nature and foster a deeper appreciation for these vital ecosystems.
Looking Ahead: The Future of the Columbia Bottomlands
The preservation of the Peach Creek Forest represents a significant milestone, but the work is far from over. With only a fraction of the original Columbia Bottomlands remaining, continued efforts are essential to protect these habitats from ongoing threats.
Mike Lange remains optimistic about future conservation opportunities:
“When people understand that the land has value for wildlife and it might be possible to sell it for conservation someday, they take better care of it. You kind of change the way people look at the land.”
The addition of the Peach Creek Forest brings the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge closer to its goal of protecting 70,000 acres of the Columbia Bottomlands. This achievement underscores the power of long-term commitment, collaborative partnerships, and the shared vision of conserving our natural heritage for generations to come.
For more information on the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge and how you can support conservation efforts, please get in touch or visit the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service website.
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