Purgatory Creek Update: Expansion & Nature Center

Thanks to all of you who wrote your county commissioners about adding 589 acres to the Purgatory Creek Natural Area (PCNA). On December 7th, the County Commissioners voted unanimously to spend $800,000 of funds on the Purgatory expansion from the remaining $30 million bond for “parks, natural areas, open space, and related projects, and the preservation of water quality, aquifer recharge areas, and wildlife habitat” passed by county voters in 2007.

While additional funding from a variety of entities is still needed to make the expansion a reality, this is great news for Hays County and San Marcos! Efforts to conserve habitat and access to natural areas shine ever brighter; the PCNA expansion will bring a 1,000-acre plus natural area that attracts visitors and future residents to San Marcos. (Read more here http://www.newstreamz.com/2010/12/08/county-funds-four-parks-projects-taps-2007-bond-funds/).

As we add conservation acreage, it is incumbent upon all of us to educate those who seek the benefits that spending time in nature brings to also respect our natural world. SMGA strives to reach out to visitors with this message through printed materials, our web site, information at park kiosks, and other venues. In another story by Sean Batura of San Marcos Local News, learn about plans for a nature center at the Purgatory Creek Natural Area that will go far in educating visitors about the importance of preserving the habitat of animals, birds, and insects as well as clean water through the protection of water catchment lands: http://www.newstreamz.com/2010/12/21/city-plans-3m-nature-center-at-purgatory-creek/.