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Public Affairs - News Release |
Wildlife Trace Honors Early Day Rancher
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The Galveston District, US Army Corps of Engineers,
opened the J.J. Mayes Wildlife Trace, a new birding trail with a
ribbon-cutting ceremony May 1 at the Wallisville Project. Over 180 people
were in attendance. The ribbon-cutting ceremony coincided with Texas
Parks and Wildlife’s Great Texas Birding Classic giving visitors an
opportunity to view a variety of birds, turtles, raccoons, and the
occasional alligator.
The ceremony kicked-off at 10:00 a.m. with an invocation by Rev. Wayne Hargraves. Emcee and introductions were given by district clerk, Bobby Scherer. Commissioner Judy Edmonds spoke at the ceremony. |
 Col. Len Waterworth talks to the audience on the future of the J.J. Mayes Widlife Trace |
Speaking on behalf of the Mayes family is Tommy Willcox |
Speaking on behalf of the Mayes family was John
Middleton, Tommy Willcox and matriarch, Tabitha Chambliss. The City of
Houston, Houston Audubon Society, Trinity River Authority, and
Chambers-Liberty Navigation District were also represented.
The J.J. Mayes Wildlife Trace is an area set aside at the Wallisville Lake Project where both the casual and experienced nature observer can get as close to nature as he or she may desire. Located south of Interstate 10 on the west bank of the Trinity River in Chambers County, the JJ Mayes Wildlife Trace uses a mixture of the old and new to create a complex of roads, trails, boardwalks and picnic facilities designed to allow for a close-up view of both marsh and riparian habitats located along the river. |
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The J.J. Mayes Wildlife Trace is an area set aside at the Wallisville Lake Project where both the casual and experienced nature observer can get as close to nature as he or she may desire. Located south of Interstate 10 on the west bank of the Trinity River in Chambers County, the JJ Mayes Wildlife Trace uses a mixture of the old and new to create a complex of roads, trails, boardwalks and picnic facilities designed to allow for a close-up view of both marsh and riparian habitats located along the river. |
 John Middleton, Tabitha Chambliss and Col. Waterworth cut the ribbon to official open the J.J. Mayes Wildlife Trace |
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The heart of the complex is 4-mile nature trail located
along the top of a levee. It gives observers a birds-eye view of the marsh
area as they drive along at an elevation of about 10-feet above the
surrounding marsh. This auto/nature trail is anchored by a small
picnicarea located under a grove of large, historic oak-trees just south
of I-10. It is supported by three trail-head parking areas providing
access to approximately three miles of trails. A 2.5-mile trail follows an
old road along the banks of the Trinity River through beautiful riparian
habitat. The middle portion of the trail is paved and is part of a .8-mile
handicapped accessible loop trail containing over 1,000 feet of board walk
only a few feet above the marsh. Observation decks overlooking the Trinity
River and the marsh are also provided. In addition, a small pavilion and
restroom are near the Wallisville Navigation Lock at south end of the
auto/nature trail.
Wildlife abounds throughout the area. For the wary observer, a number of mammals that inhabit the area can be seen. These include raccoons, opossums, river otters, bobcats and coyotes. Reptiles also abound in the area including a large variety of snakes and turtles and, of course, the American alligator. Birds are the big draw to this area. The bird life changes with the season. In the spring and fall, migrating song-birds are common along the trails. In the winter, the area is home to a large variety of ducks and geese. Waders can be seen year round in the marshes and along the stream. Other birds also call this area home at different times of the year. This includes both white and brown pelicans and a large variety of raptors including ospreys and an occasional bald eagle. |
 Matriarch of the Mayes family, Tabitha Chambliss thanks everyone for attending |
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