Friends of Trinity River Refuge

Free Family Fishing Day Event at Trinity River Refuge

Friday, 17 May 2013 09:16 |

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge along with the Friends of Trinity River Refuge will be hosting the annual "Free Family Fishing Day" on Saturday, June 1, 2013 from 9:00am - 11:00am at the Champion Lake Public Use Area. It is the one day in the state of Texas that anyone can fish or crab without a license on public waters. We will have fishing poles and bait for those who need it along with experienced fishermen who can help children with baiting hooks and casting techniques. All ages are invited.

Champion Lake is located at the end of CR 417, two miles east of FM 1409 in southern Liberty County. This is approximately 10 miles south of Dayton, TX from Hwy 90 or about six miles north of I-10 at the Cove exit (FM 565). Admission is free. Call the Refuge office at 936/336-9786 for more information. You may want to bring a lawn chair as seating is limited.

New Road Signs

Tuesday, 15 January 2013 10:39 |

On 1-11-13, TxDot placed two signs along FM 1011 on the outskirts of the Liberty City limits directing visitors to the new Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge headquarters facility. We have already seen a rise in visitors stopping by the new office, but this will really help people find the new Refuge office.

Earth Day 2012

Monday, 23 April 2012 19:39 |

The Trinity River Refuge Earth Day event held on April 21st at the Champion Lake Public Use Area was again a big success. The weather was cool and brisk winds kept the mosquitoes at bay. The kids had a great time participating in the "Wildlife Tracking Experience" by learning animal tracks, wearing an animal mask, and walking like a raccoon, deer, or alligator. A local hardware store, Potetz Hardware, donated numerous plants for the habitat display area where kids could follow the animal tracks. They also got hands-on experience in handling frogs, an alligator, and turtles. Nearly 100 folks were given a boat tour of the lake while fishing, dip netting, and kayaking were also very popular. Over 180 folks, a new record, participated during the 3 hour event.

Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge headquarters ready

Thursday, 05 January 2012 16:26 |

(Right, L-R): David Knutson, Liberty Mayor Carl Pickett, TRNWR Director Stuart Marcus and Houston Daniel. Reprinted from "The Vindicator"

After 18 years of dreams, hard work and waiting, the Trinity River National Wildlife Refuge finally has their new headquarters located at 601 FM 1011 in Liberty. A huge crowd showed up to congratulate TRNWR Director Stuart Marcus and his staff on the new campus nearing completion. The Liberty High School choir sang the National Anthem before guests heard from Marcus; Friends of the Trinity River Refuge President David Knutson, Liberty Mayor Carl Pickett and Benefactor Houston Daniel. A dual-ribbon cutting was prepared by the Liberty-Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce and the Dayton Chamber of Commerce. Lunch, for all the guests, was provided by Houston Daniel and his family.

Marcus recalled, "Trinity River Refuge was established 18 years ago today." Marcus recognized the efforts of the late county judge Dempsey Henley, who had who had shown great foresight in helping to get the idea for TRNWR off the ground.

Marcus thanked the Friends of the Trinity River Refuge, with more than 100 members to date. He commended the staff of the Sam Houston Regional Library and Research Center (SHRL&RC) for the partnership between the two entities: TRNWR for biological research and SHRL&RC for cultural and historical research.

Trinity River Refuge new headquarters dedication

Thursday, 05 January 2012 14:51 |

The dedication event on January 4th at the Trinity River Refuge for the new headquarters and shop facilities was fantastic. Over 130 folks attended including Friends of Trinity River Refuge, Liberty High School Choir, VFW Honor Guard, elected officials or their representatives, volunteers, interested folks, and two local Chambers of Commerce. The Friends group handled all the food and refreshments while we had additional help from the staff and volunteers from Texas Chenier Plain Refuges. A "double" ribbon cutting ceremony was held with the Liberty/Dayton and Dayton Chambers of Commerce handling the set-up. One Chamber official even asked how we were able to get so many folks to show up to a ribbon cutting. Work, partnerships, and a little planning was all we could say. Thank you to everyone who attended and helped out with the event.