In 2019, the Driftwood United Methodist Church graciously allowed Driftwood HCS and the Hays County Master Naturalists to create and maintain a natural area showcase for the benefit of the entire community on 10.5 acres in the heart of Driftwood. This is a long-term project and the entire community is invited to participate in bringing the natural area to life. (Click the diagram for a larger image.)

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The Driftwood Nature Preserve features a variety of elements designed to celebrate and protect the local environment, including:

 

• A beautiful Bird Watching Station which provides a serene area for our feathered friends with numerous bird feeders and watering features. Credit for this structure goes to our DHCS member John Gerlaugh and his brother in law.  

• Native plants, wildflowers, and plantings of Texas state symbols such as pecan trees, sideoats grama grass, bluebonnets, Texas sage, and prickly pear cactus

• Rainwater harvesting catchment features

• Monarch butterfly waystation 

• Extensive walking trail around the perimeter of the natural area

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Visitors who take advantage of our walking trail have the opportunity to see all features associated with our Nature Preserve. Several volunteers under the leadership of Venita Fuller devote many hours during the week to ensure that the bird feeders, water features are maintained for the health of our visiting friends of nature. 

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To enhance and make our Nature Preserve even more attractive for our visitors the Beautification Committee continues to improve the entire 10-acre Driftwood Nature Preserve using volunteers, donated funds and equipment.  This project began in May of 2024.  Included in this project are the following:

 

• Reconstruction of the existing 2,000-foot-long nature trail with crushed limestone around the perimeter of the Nature Preserve.  

• Signage present along the trail denoting interesting features of the area and the structures as outlined above. An entrance sign will be constructed facing out on RM150 and the front entrance will be developed to exhibit an inviting atmosphere.

• Construction of an information kiosk to be built at the trail entrance that will include a map of the preserve, trail, and interesting features.

• The butterfly garden, located approximately 400 feet from the start of the trail, includes a structure with self-sustaining water collection. The butterfly structure also features one of three established benches built by an Eagle Scout in 2021.

• The birding station with seating for six was built in 2023 by Driftwood HCS volunteers. It is accessible by car for the disabled with parking for four cars to be constructed there.

• A parking lot will also be constructed at the entrance to the Driftwood Nature Preserve adjacent to the nature trail with parking for 8-10 cars.
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Questions regarding this project should be directed to the Beautification Committee at Beautification@driftwoodhcs.org