Exciting new partnership in Fort Bend County results in a 750+ acres Nature Tourism Center

The “Long Acres Ranch Nature Center” The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Nature Tourism program has partnered with a private non-profit foundation to establish a center and open it to the public for fee based recreation and educational programs. Educational programs include youth and adult programs and specialized training for tourism professionals and community representatives interested in gaining skills to help their communities prosper economically and sustain their natural resources and heritage. "Rather than a building this nature center is a 750+acres former ranch and activities are all outdoors. We will be providing activities for adults and youth that include paddling, hay rides, tent camping, night walks, wildlife viewing, birding and nature walks, photo hunts, campfire events, Extension 4H natural resource programs and events and our Annual Natural Heritage Event serving the Richmond community. We will also be providing specialized training for those interested in wildlife and nature and nature based tourism and outdoor recreation business management skills, " according to Miles Phillips Director of the center. The summer and fall of 2014 will involve preparation of the site, staffing and engaging with community representatives to continue to learn more about the desires and needs for outdoor recreation services we can provide for the region. We will also be spreading the word about this new facility and program. The center is actively looking for volunteers that would be interested in helping with one of facets of the programs at the site. Further information can be found at https://agrilife.org/longacresranch/