Bayou Land Conservancy protects one of Texas’s last prairies
Redbud Nature Preserve is being managed and restored to its native grassland prairie and forested grassland character.
The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this blog are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Land Trust Alliance, its staff, its board of directors or any other individuals associated with the organization.
National Prairie Day is celebrated the first Saturday in June every year — this year, it will be recognized on June 7, 2025.
Bayou Land Conservancy has announced the successful completion of its $62,000 stewardship fundraising campaign to support the long-term protection and restoration of Cindy’s Redbud Nature Preserve.
Located just south of Montgomery, Texas, and about an hour’s drive from Houston, this 176-acre property is one of the last remaining tracts of Texas tallgrass prairie — less than 1% of which still exists today. This vital land not only protects native species but also provides essential benefits to local communities by supporting clean water, reducing flooding and creating wildlife corridors in a rapidly developing area.
The first 88 acres have been permanently protected through a Phase 1 conservation easement with the land trust, with future phases set to expand that protection across the full landscape.
The milestone was celebrated at a special event on April 26, 2025, at the preserve, bringing together donors, supporters and conservationists to honor the community’s shared commitment to protecting Texas’s natural heritage.
“We are proud to protect spaces that still echo the natural heritage of this region,” said Justin Hicks, Bayou Land Conservancy’s board chair. “As Houston continues to grow, it’s more important than ever to conserve wild places where native species can thrive, floodplains can function naturally and clean water flows freely to our communities. This project is a powerful example of what can happen when private landowners, generous donors and a committed land trust work together.”
Owned by Cindy Martin and Ray Audas, the preserve protects native prairie grasses, wetlands and forested grassland. It provides habitat for rare and declining species, including the Texas windmill grass and the crested caracara. The land also plays a vital role in supporting clean water by filtering runoff and mitigating downstream flooding, making its conservation not just an environmental priority, but a community investment.
“Redbud is full of life, from native grasses waving in the wind to birds you just don’t see anymore,” said Martin. “Partnering with Bayou Land Conservancy gave us a way to ensure it stays wild forever. We’re humbled by the support and excited to know others value it like we do.”
“We need like-minded people who care about preserving this beautiful space,” Martin added. “This land provides a home for birds, insects and wildlife — it’s vital to our community’s future.”
Restoration efforts at the preserve include prescribed burns and invasive species removal, in partnership with the Texas Parks & Wildlife Department, to return the land to its historic prairie and forested grassland character.
This post was adapted from a Bayou Land Conservancy press release.