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By Annabelle Ruch (Published 5/04)
From its simple beginnings as Middle Bayou, Armand Bayou Nature Center has matured into a shining example of a community's dedication to a noble cause.
Commitment to public service is what often separates the good citizens from the truly great. This is the case of Armand Yramategui. The World War II veteran, who was originally from the Basques region in Northern Spain, was trained as an electrical engineer. He was well respected as an amateur astronomer and went on to become curator of Museum of Natural Science's Burke Baker Planetarium. In the 1960's it became his unwavering goal to preserve what was then known simply as Middle Bayou. At the time it was the only remaining bayou in the greater Houston area still in its natural state.
In 1970 he was tragically killed in an apparent robbery just two days before Yramategui's scheduled appearance before Harris County Commissioners Court to urge the creation of a Parks and Recreation Department. His friends and supporters would not let their great loss deter them from the cause. They made the presentation in his absence. It was their sincere request that the area around and including Middle Bayou be deemed a wildlife refuge and be renamed Armand Bayou in his honor. It didn't take long for the local citizens' groups to organize and raise money from both private and corporate groups to purchase land for a park. From small fund-raisers to solicitation of government and industry giants, the project gained momentum. With in two years of Yramategui's death the dream was becoming a reality. The City of Pasadena, Housing and Urban Development, Harris County, U.S. Bureau of Outdoor Recreation and local companies teamed with the Armand Bayou Fund to acquire total of more than 2,500 acres of land which includes 414 acres is Bay Area Park owned by Pasadena. For Yramategui's "unselfish dedication and inspiring leadership to preserve wild lands and wildlife and improve man's environment," he posthumously received the U.S. Department of Interior's Conservation Award in 1970.
The bayou and nature center is one of the largest urban wildlife and wilderness preserves in the county. It is designated as one of only four Texas State Coastal Preserves. Armand Bayou Nature Center borders the cities of Seabrook, Pasadena and Taylor Lake Village and is nested in the center of the urbanized community between the NASA Johnson Space Center and the Bayport Industrial District. It is the greatest undeveloped bayou in the area that has not been channelized. The preserve encompasses bottomland forest, tall grasses and wetlands and was home to several American Indian tribes including the Karankawas. It annually hosts the largest migratory bird route in North Americas and is home to more than 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. There are armadillos, bobcats, swamp rabbits and alligators thriving at the bayou. Its predators include poisonous and nonpoisonous snakes, owls and hawks that help maintain the thriving ecosystem.
The nature center is a 501(c) 3 non-profit organization, which is lead by a board of trustees. They have aspired to provide educational programs for the community. Last year over 46,000 people have been impacted by the center and its programs. Every summer area youth flock to Armand Bayou for Ecocamp's four and five day camps. Registration is currently underway for groups with such titles as "Waterways," "Critter Camp," "Amazing Mammals," "Birds of a Feather," and "Reptiles Rule." The adventure offers a variety of exciting activities and learning opportunities using the nature center as a living laboratory. Included in the courses are fishing, seining, canoe and pontoon boat rides for age and class-appropriate children.
A variety tours and parties are educational, fun and offered to people of all ages. Two to three hour guided canoe tours explore the backwaters of Armand Bayou for a leisurely morning of wildlife watching, wetland education and relaxation. The coastal tall grass prairie tour is enjoyed from the vantage point of a hayride through the wildflowers past deer and birds.
The tour can be admired in the coolness of morning or afternoon and are offered spring through autumn. The Owl Prowl is a moonlit walk through the woods looking for owls and listening for fascinating night sounds. Members of the Johnson Space Center Astronomical Society lead a Family Star Party in the spring on a journey through the universe.
The "Bayou Ranger" offers relaxing and educational pontoon boat rides on scheduled 90 minute cruises on Saturday mornings, sunsets and under the light of the moon. The cruises offer unique opportunities for up close viewing. For a more private look, the Bayou Ranger is available for private parties up to twelve people.
In 1976 the Interpretive Building was dedicated and currently serves as the educational center. In 1982 a turn of the century Gulf Coast farm was reproduced on the edge of May's pond. The farmhouse was donated and moved from Kemah. The Martyn Family Farm is named in honor of Jimmy Martyn who was instrumental in keeping the land from being sold to developers. The Martyn Farm Fall Festival included a barn raising by staff and volunteers. Currently the Farm is open during center hours for tour. There are also bison living on the property. The bison viewing platform, along with several other areas of the center are available for rent for meetings, parties and weddings,
Volunteers are the heart of Armand Bayou and its success. Volunteers serve as guides, help with special events, teach children's classes and generally support the center's operations and programs. The center offers training, guidance and fellowship. In addition volunteers enjoy exclusive continuing education classes, social events and a special newsletter designed especially for them. The volunteer program is an essential part of its existence and is appreciated as such. Armand Bayou is a community project that is supported by the community it serves.
For information on programs and volunteer opportunities, check the website www.abnc.org or call (281) 474-2551.
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Bayou Boil • May 8th
Pasadena Mayor John Manlove and the Board of Trustees of Armand Bayou Nature Center invite you to an evening of spicy crawfish and music. The annual Bayou Boil celebrates one of Houston Bay Area's finest assets. The fun starts at 6 p.m. on Saturday, May 8th at the Nature Center grounds at 8500 Bay Area Blvd.
College of the Mainland professor, Sparky Koerner his band Sparky's Mainland Express will provide entertainment for friends and supporters of the 2,500 acre wildlife refuge and wilderness preservation center.
There will be blacksmith demonstrations, woodworking performed and cheese making on the 1890s farm. Port of Houston Commissioner Steve Phelps will serve as auctioneer for a live auction, the proceeds of which will fund educational programs and operating expenses of the nature center. A silent auction and raffle of two Southwest Airlines tickets will also be held.
Tickets are available for $50 per person and tables of 8 to 10 are also available. Tickets may be purchased at Armand Bayou Nature Center. For more information call information, call 281-474-2551.
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