The
Hondo Nature Trail and Park began as a dream for a small group of nature-loving
citizens that believed in the well being of our environment.
On
September 21, 2004, Hondo Garden Club representatives proposed the development
of a Jogging/Walking, Birding and Butterfly Trail to the City of Hondo. The Club
pledged volunteer hours and monetary support along with horticulture expertise
to help with the trail.
The
City of Hondo donated the 20 acres of land for the trail.
Support for the Nature Trail came from all areas.
The Superintendent of the Hondo Independent School District sent a letter
of support for the project and pledged his school organization’s help in the
construction. The Texas Parks
and Wildlife supported the proposed location because of the availability of
water and mixed vegetation. The Texas Department of Criminal Justice Torres Unit pledged
volunteer services. Support was
received from the Hondo Art League, the Hondo Public Library, Hondo Lions Club,
and many other organizations and individuals offering assistance through
monetary donations and/or hours of volunteer work.
All
these pledges of volunteer hours as well as monetary pledges became part of the
package which was submitted to the Texas Parks and Wildlife for a funds matching
grant for the nature trail. Grant
applications were submitted in August, 2005.
They were evaluated and awarded in mid-January, 2006. The Hondo Nature Trail was one of only 5 projects across the
state which received funding.
The
early Garden Club dream is fast becoming a reality.
In Texas, bird watching is among the leading tourist attractions.
The park and birding trail will encourage people to stop in Hondo and not
just pass through as well as give local residents a place to commune with nature
for generations to come. The Hondo
Garden Club is waiting for preliminaries to be completed by the Texas Parks and
Wildlife so that dirt turning can begin.
The Natural Resources Conservation Service is helping to coordinate the clean up of this area. Jon Whan, Civil Engineer, is the contact person. They are helping in the design of the park layout and in the selection of native plants for the site. Check out their website.