The Columbia Bottomlands—one of Texas’ most ecologically significant forested wetland landscapes—gained another critical piece in its long-term conservation puzzle with this donation. In late 2008, a generous land donation from Dow Chemical Company ensured that more of this irreplaceable habitat is now protected as part of the San Bernard National Wildlife Refuge. This milestone reflected the culmination of dedicated, behind-the-scenes work by seasoned land conservation professionals, including Tom Smith of the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation and Mike Lange who was then with U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and now leads North American Conservation Partners.
A Gift of Bottomland Hardwood Habitat
Dow Chemical’s donation, finalized on December 30, 2008, added approximately 338 acres of bottomland hardwood forest and wetland habitats to the refuge system. This tract, characterized by bottomland hardwoods, a meandering waterway known as Bastrop Bayou, and rich soils, provides a vital haven for a wealth of wildlife species—migratory songbirds, wading birds, waterfowl, and mammals like white-tailed deer, bobcats and more. At the same time, it offers essential ecological benefits, from storing floodwaters and maintaining water quality to sustaining critical stopover habitat for migratory songbirds traveling across the Gulf of Mexico.
A Long-Term Vision Realized
The Dow Chemical tract’s protection did not happen overnight. For decades, professionals like Tom Smith and Mike Lange have been working at the intersection of private landowners, public agencies, and nonprofit organizations to piece together key properties that maintain the health and resilience of the Columbia Bottomlands. Their experience and steady communication with stakeholders proved essential in guiding this donation to the finish line.
Many local Dow employees who valued the land’s wildlife and ecological significance were also deeply committed to ensuring its conservation, helping make the donation a reality. Leadership from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, particularly Jennifer Sanchez, the Project Leader of the Texas Mid-Coast National Wildlife Refuge Complex, played a pivotal role in completing the project. Following the acquisition, the Service developed an outstanding trail system that opened the area to the public. This includes approximately 2.5 miles of scenic pathways along Bastrop Bayou, with a wheelchair-accessible loop that highlights the Service's commitment to inclusive access under Sanchez’s guidance.
Mike Lange’s work through North American Conservation Partners builds on relationships cultivated over many years. His partnership with Tom Smith—an experienced land consultant—reinforced the trust, expertise, and credibility that landowners like Dow Chemical rely on when considering such lasting commitments. Their collective efforts demonstrate how patient negotiation, respect for landowner interests, and a shared vision for conservation success can yield remarkable results.
A Model for Corporate Stewardship
Dow Chemical’s willingness to donate this land exemplifies the positive impact corporate landowners can have on conservation. By entrusting this tract to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Dow ensured that the property’s ecological values—mature forest canopy, rich understory vegetation and diverse wildlife—would remain intact for future generations.
Such philanthropic leadership encourages other private landowners and corporations to consider land donations or conservation easements, contributing to a larger, landscape-scale approach that keeps the Columbia Bottomlands thriving in the face of development pressures and environmental changes.
Securing the Future of the Columbia Bottomlands
With each new acquisition, the network of protected areas in the Columbia Bottomlands grows stronger. The Dow Chemical donation adds another critical piece to the puzzle, ensuring that migrating birds find rest, waterfowl find feeding grounds, and local communities find natural flood protection and recreational opportunities.
As North American Conservation Partners continues to advise and assist clients in navigating the path to conservation success, the story of the Dow Chemical donation provides an inspiring example. Through patience, partnership, and vision, land that nurtures wildlife and supports human well-being can remain wild and whole for generations to come.
Also see: Dow Woods Unit webpage by the Friends of Brazoria Refuges.
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