West Bank Trail

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Historical Significance · River/Creek · Wildlife

For trail visitors, the best access is through the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church parking lot and the Mary Cravens Trail, which features a bridge across Rummel Creek. There is a gate with a controlled magnetic lock on the west side of the church parking lot. The gate locks automatically at closing time so be sure to be out of the sanctuary by that time. The access to the area from Wilchester is limited. Note that pets are not allowed without a specific permit.

The Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is 18 acres of wilderness deep in developed west Houston. This short loop leaving and returning to the Audobon Society headquarters packs woods, ponds and Rummel Creek into less than a quarter mile.

The trail begins on the south side of the historic log cabin, skirting around the east side of the ponds before heading northwest along the creek. There are a number of observation platforms and side paths. The trail continues along the creek to end north of the log cabin.

All the trails in the nature sanctuary share the same general characteristics. The trails are natural surface with generous application of wooden walkways and bridges to protect the low-lying areas. The trails are maintained in keeping with the theme of a wilderness area. Trees and vegetation are dense so the trails are almost completely shaded.

The history of the nature sanctuary is well worth knowing, since it represents a remarkable preserve in the midst of west Houston development. See the fact sheet at houstonaudubon.org/file_dow….

See houstonaudubon.org/file_dow….