God bless Edith Moore for donating this beautiful sanctuary to the Audubon Society. The Moore's incredible log cabin still stands and is open to visitors to read up on the history and the many species of wildlife. The volunteer staff there does an amazing job. The sanctuary is deceptively large with a great trail system. You will get both a good work out and pictures of nature. This truly is a hidden gem in Houston. Species we saw: Hermit Thrush, Carolina Wrens, Robins, Cardinals, Downy Woodpecker, Spotted Gars, Broad Banded Water Snakes, Broad Headed Skink, Five Line Skink, Red Eared Pond Slider, Eastern Mud Turtle, Green Darner, Yellow Crowned Night Heron, Morning Doves, White Winged Doves, Blue Catfish, Eastern Grey Squirrels, and the biggest Swamp Rabbit I've ever seen. read more

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A peaceful, lovely set of trails along a creek, reminding us of the Houston before urbanization. The Houston Audubon Society maintains it and the number of bird species there is quite stunning. One key: feel free to park at the church around the corner. There is a "back entrance" trail leading from the church parking lot to the nature sanctuary. read more

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A hidden gem in the neighborhood. There's a small parking lot once you go through the entrance. This park feels like a getaway from the city. You are engulf in nature once you're inside. Surrounded by trees and birds chirping, it feels very serene. Everyone is friendly and always say hi as they pass you. There's a few walking trail and the tall trees cover a good amount of sun so it's not too hot. read more

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Cool little park with small trails and part of Houston Audubon society. We saw rabbit's, red cardinals and turtles basking in the sun . Limited parking and definitely pack some bug spray as the mosquitoes were biting today. read more

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Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is a hidden gem in the Memorial City area part of Houston. Featuring picturesque ponds, cabins, shaded trails, and wildlife, this park is a fun visit for any nature-love! It's just a short 25 minute drive from central Houston. What to Know Before Visiting: Parking: Parking is available at the United Methodist Church parking lot located off Memorial Drive. There's a hidden gate off of the parking lot that leads into the sanctuary. The gate may be closed when you arrive (it was when we did), but don't worry - the park is still open (hours 7a-7p daily, 365 days a year). Just push the gate open! Map: The trails are mostly shaded and flat (as expected in Houston). We spent about two hours here walking the different trails. View trail map here: http://edithmooretrailguide.houstonaudubon.org/maps/EdithMooreTrailMap.pdf. I recommend having this saved to your phone as there were not many trail markers/maps available inside. Phone service does work inside the park. Our favorite part of the Edith Moore Sanctuary is the east side of the park, where the cabin is. We had a hard time finding the cabin, because there weren't many maps nearby. We knew from seeing pictures online that there was a photo-worthy cabin inside the park. We had to pay close attention to the maps/bridge markers periodically laid out through the sanctuary to ensure we were heading the right way to the cabin. We're glad we made it, because this was definitely the better/more interesting portion of the park! This side of the park features a nice pond with a boardwalk overlooking wildlife. We spotted turtle, tadpoles, and a whole lot of bugs. read more

Ok so, you need mosquito repellent. We went today around 9-11:30 am and despite using some milder natural repellent, we still each got a foxhole of bites. The trails are heavily shaded, which is great for the heat!! No hats or SPF required, at least in the trails we went on today closest to the cabin and the west gate entrance (right off the Memorial Drive UMC church parking lot). So many birds chirping, as well as a creek, bridges, and we also got to see a bullfrog, a non-venomous green snake, a rabbit, and many minnows. There are small ponds interspersed. Lots to explore. We went to the Houston Audubon Society's Wild Wednesday class for 3-6 year old kids & it was fun! $10 per child. Highly recommend it. But remember the mosquito repellent! read more

This is a wonderful little slice of nature! It's not particularly large but you do feel like you're away from the hustle and bustle of Houston. -It's FREE. -It's got more parking than you can ever fill. It's adjacent to the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church which has a massive parking lot. On Memorial Drive, if the church is on your left, enter the parking lot and stay RIGHT. You will see the gate for the sanctuary -- there is a Little Free Library right next to it, for reference. There is also another very small parking area by the cabin. I personally think the church lot is very convenient and would really prefer to enter from there. -The sanctuary is split up into two areas, on each side of the creek. When you enter through the gate, you can either go LEFT or RIGHT (to the cabin). -There are a few maps inside but it's helpful to have one on your phone: https://houstonaudubon.org/file_download/inline/a1be25e1-3f34-4a6b-bb4f-744ea38c64c7 -It's stroller-friendly for the most part. We had no issue navigating most of the area with our stroller. Saw one or two little trails that were definitely not stroller-friendly (steps) but don't think we missed much. Enjoy this lovely little spot. read more

Free Park that i never knew existed!! I never knew this park existed until I had to google it. The address takes you to a main street with a gated park area. Once you see the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church. The parking is at that church for this park. At first when i arrive 10am on a Saturday, there was plenty of parking and he door/gate looked closed. Before getting out and checking the door, we almost left until we saw someone come out and tell us it's open. Check the door, it should be open and you'll be surprised whats in side! The first time i arrive, i went to the left side first and the right side said "cabin" so we thought it might be private property however that side has the bridge/river area you can take nice pictures at. I will definitely be back! read more

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Nice little hidden gem off Memorial. IMO, the trails are similar to the ones in Houston Arboretum. Parking is free in the church lot or street. Saw some people taking their wedding pictures today. Lots of benches, trails were mainly in the shade which was nice. There's a restroom in the cabin. Thanks to the HAS and Ms. Moore for wildlife conservation. read more

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I walked 7.2 miles, today... 2.5 of of those miles were here, on my 1st visit. The Houston Audubon HQ is here, as well. Edith Moore came to Houston during WW 1 and, later, once married, she & her husband bought some land 10 miles or so west of Downtown, in the middle of nowhere. :-D In the 30s they build a cabin on the land, next to Rummel Creek. She was still living there when she died in the 1970s, well into her 80s. She donated land and her home to the Audubon to be developed as a public nature preserve. Over a mile of trails, a pond, the cabin, bird feeders, a nursery for plant growth, the creek, all easily reached not just by car, but bike and bus for people who do not drive. The Metro 161 and 162 lines drop you off on Memorial, near the church entrance, but I strongly encourage you to walk around to the nearby main entrance on Wilchester. read more

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This is really neat park in the heart of memorial area. However, I would not recommend coming here during these times due to the fact that all of the sanctuaries are closed. It looks like there hasn't been much upkeep due to the pandemic which is understandable. Hoping to one day come back and see this place glowing as I once saw in the pictures. I will be back in the Spring and in crossing fingers that this place will be lively again. DOGS ARE NOT ALLOWED. read more

I can't believe I've never been here! A friend of mine told me about this place. I went alone to check it out and it was stunning. It was the most peaceful walk I'd ever have. Everyone is nice and respectful and kept to themselves. There was so many cute walk ways and tons of trees and animals. This place is perfect to go on a short stroll!!! I'll be back soon! read more

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I can't believe that I have lived here all my life and I only just discovered Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary a few weeks ago from a friend who just moved to Houston 6 months ago! Located near the outskirt of a quiet neighborhood along Memorial Drive, you wouldn't know this place existed unless you search for it. The entrance is a bit hidden but there's a decent amount of parking space inside the gravel driveway. If not, you can certainly just park on the street and walk in. There's an old log cabin which you can learn the history about it and this nature sanctuary at the entrance to the hiking trail. Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is definitely a true hidden gem of Houston. Although it's not as big as a national park for true hiking but I don't have to drive that far to get here just to get away from the city noise and reconnect myself with nature. The sound of the birds, wind blowing the trees and rustling, waving back and forth, blocking the sunlight with greens everywhere, it really makes you feel like you're not in Houston, and yet you are. So this is definitely a great starter place for people who have never hiked before as the trail is easy and pretty short. There's definitely enough bridge markers to make sure you don't really get lost. There's also a zip line but every time I have gone, they always have it locked up. I need to find out who and how to get it unlocked so I can zip around. To everyone who lives around in this area, find yourself some time and check out Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary and be amazed by the nature that's surrounded by a suburbia neighborhood. read more

Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary - Be one with the nature. - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

such a relaxing trail! do bring mosquito spray. didn't see as many animals as i hoped, but i did see rabbits, turtles, and a lizard read more

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This park has become my go-to for private time. I've been here twice now and each time I leave with such great peace. Great place to get away from a busy life. read more

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Nice relaxing perfect place to walk and collect your thoughts. Not very busy. Few people walking around great for just a get away in the mist of everyday. Watch your step and no dogs are allowed. read more

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Our new favorite place. Bring your masks as there can be a few people on the trails. Be aware that not all trails are stroller and wheelchair friendly and you may not be aware of that fact until you've already started down it. The garden was closed when we came, which was disappointing. Lots of trails and wildlife, a beautiful little creek. Keep an eye on little kids as some of the trails are high up with nothing preventing a fall far below. Park in the church parking lot. Such a great find! read more

This place is one of my favorites to relax in Houston, I definitely recommend it for photography or just to walk and listen to nature:-) read more

Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary - My walk at the arboretum - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

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4 1/2 stars. The Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is my family's favorite place to hike in Houston. It's a beautiful, clean, quiet 17.5 acre park with diverse flora, fauna, & scenery. This includes mixed wooded areas & clearings punctuated by rickety wooden bridges that kids love running across; a few man-made ponds; gardens, & a 1930s log cabin & dairy barn. It's located just southwest of Memorial Dr. & Rt. 8, & is open 365 days a year. Access is FREE. In contrast to the Arboretum, who's trails are buried in dense vegetation, the Sanctuary's main trail is high-enough above the creek to afford views of the surrounding area, making it an excellent place for wildlife-spotting, birding, & casual hiking. It's also comparatively less bug-ridden than the Arboretum. The main trail is an easy ~1 mile long loop, accessible for all, & clearly signed throughout. There are benches & a few tree stands scattered around the circuit, which are great for reading or quiet contemplation, as well as for wildlife spotting, birding, or taking in the scenery. Biking is prohibited. Dogs must be kept leashed. Lightweight strollers can easily be used on the trail. The Sanctuary is tricky to find. The main entrance is on Wilchester Blvd., a small residential street off Memorial Dr., just west of the traffic light at Brittmoore & over the bridge. The turn off (on left-hand side of Wilchester when coming from Memorial) is marked with a wooden "Houston Audubon" sign. Parking is just beyond. Alternatively, there's a second entrance on the west side of the Memorial Drive United Methodist Church parking lot. Visitor parking is available right near the gate. Parking is plentiful near both entrances. Wildlife abounds at at the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary--we've seen turtles, frogs, pike, mosquito fish, heron, green anole lizards, raccoon, mourning doves, cardinals, woodpeckers, & various songbirds & butterflies--lovely wildflowers too. Antiquated but legible signs show basic line drawings of common animal tracks (inc. bobcat, coyote, & skunk), trees, birds, vines, & freshwater wildlife. The sanctuary's focal point is the log cabin, built by former owners Edith & Jesse Moore in 1932. This is the only remaining in-situ log cabin in Houston, & is a designated state historical site. It's been nicely restored & is definitely worth a look, but be aware that it's normally kept locked when not in use for classes, meetings, or events. The barn just beyond houses the Houston Audubon Society's offices. For more info on the Moores' homestead, visit: http://www.houstonaudubon.org/html/LittleCabinInTheWoods.pdf. See the Sanctuary's website for more info on events, including evening Owl Prowls, a Halloween night hike, nature walks, birding walks, a PK junior ed club, an after school nature club, a summer camp, school programs, & field trips. In short, the Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary is a charming old-time rural retreat that offers plenty to do in a blissfully calm sylvan setting. A true oasis hidden within an affluent suburban Houston subdivision. Still reading? What are you waiting for? Scram! Go take a hike! read more

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I went last Saturday for a tour of the park with friends. Our tour guide was Jo who did an excellent job showing us around. I was not only impressed with her knowledge but also her delivery of facts and information which was well done. The tour took about 45 minutes and included going through the cabin and following the trails through the lush vegetation. The cabin can be rented out for functions. It also contained both live animals and skeletons. Walking through the park you see many different types of trees and plants along with birds and other wildlife. A bayou flows through the property that adds to its scenic beauty. One tip is if it is a sunny day you won't need sunglasses. The overhead trees and vegetation provide a lot of shade. If it is a dark and cloudy day it can actually be dark in some parts of the park. Both adults and children will enjoy visiting here. I parked next to the church and entered the park there. There was plenty of parking available. I believe the suggested donation for a tour is $2 per person which is well worth it and probably be scheduled in advance. If you want to get out of the city for an hour or two and experience country life, this is your place. I recommend! read more

Imagine the Arboretum but more secluded. Even though the Arboretum is a paradise lost in the city the Audubon is a real oasis. It's set in the middle of a neighborhood but stretches out for acres. It's FREE and a bird watcher's paradise. There is all kinds of wildlife to be seen, and if you're just wanting to walk there are plenty of paths for strolling and enjoying the outdoors. WIth Houston's Fall/Winter around the corner this is great spot to take in the good months in town. read more

It is very clean and beautiful! Free flying birds, squirrels and rabbits running around, natural trees and clean streams. We saw a lot of volunteers, thanks to this female volunteer. She led us to visit there! A wonderful day. read more

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Birds galore during migration season. Edith L. Moore is actually the HQ of the Houston Audubon Society, a non-profit whose mission is bird conservation, so they specifically maintain the property to be as wildlife-friendly as possible. Important to know: although it's open to the public for all to enjoy, this place is technically not a *park* in the sense that it's not owned or maintained by the city or county. It used to be part of the Edith Moore's family farm and homestead, and the property was donated to the Audubon Society. Richard and Bethany and the other staff there are very welcoming and friendly. ELM is what we birders call a "migrant trap." No, it doesn't mean the birds gets trapped. It just means that this little spot is an extremely important stop for migratory birds to rest and refuel while making their way from their wintering grounds in South and Central America to their breeding grounds all across North America, including up in to the northern US and into Canada. This is my go-to place to go find the most beautiful and colorful warblers, buntings, grosbeaks, thrushes, flycatchers, and pretty much any category of woodland migrant bird. You don't have to be a birdwatcher to enjoy the place, though. Just come for the nature trails. But if you happen to own a pair of binoculars, bring them along. read more

Beautiful nature sanctuary in the Memorial area with shady walking trails. This place is truly special!

Cool hidden little place. If it wasn't for the sign I would have passed this place up. Parking is not a hassle as you can park on the street. Upon entering the site it wasn't crowded just a little camp they had going with kids but no biggie. I strolled through the place saw trees no animals it was a bit muddy due to the rain but nothing too overwelming. This place is strictly for sight seeing not daily exercise such as running and bike riding the trail is a bit narrow with dips . I would come here with the family or a date preferably it's very quiet and relaxing. read more

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I found this wonderful little park after I had moved out of Houston to Austin. It has a great walking trail that runs through it. It's just big enough that you can hear all the birds singing. read more

I definitely agree that the entrance is hard to find - it took me three tries! (That's three separate occasions of hunting.) However, I'm glad that I finally found it. During my walks here, I've seen rabbits, something that looked chipmunk-like, all sorts of birds, and many different types of butterflies. Despite the fact that the trails back up to busy roads and a school, the paths are quiet. It's a nice place to lose yourself for a while. The trails are peppered with benches that overlook the creek, so bring a book and get some fresh-ish air. Don't get locked in, though - the gates close kind of early. read more

Per their website: ---------- The Edith L. Moore Nature Sanctuary in West Houston is a 17.5 acre wooded sanctuary along Rummel Creek with a restored log cabin that houses a variety of education programs reaching out into Houston and surrounding areas. Open to the public 365 days a year, it also contains Houston Audubon administrative offices. ---------- Situated around one of Buffalo Bayou's tributaries, the "Bird Sanctuary", as it is known locally, is a wonderfully serene place to go. Kids love it because it is chock full of the rich bio-diversity that can be found in the green belts that snake their way through Houston's urban landscape. There are birds galore: owls, woodpeckers and a host of other species. You can also find snakes, turtles, squirrels, rabbits, raccoons, armadillos and opossums running around in their natural setting. It's a great place to take family pictures, its trails can provide a brief immersion into nature and help soothe nerves frayed by life's hectic pace, and the log cabin can be used for parties. One of the coolest activities the Sanctuary provides are evening "owl prowls" where flashlight-toting groups go out onto the trails playing recordings of screech owl calls. If you're lucky, you can have a close encounter with this little bird who blends into the well-forested area very well. The only thing that makes me sad when I spend time here is the amount of trash that accumulates around Rummel Creek. It's dumped into the creek upstream and is carried into the sanctuary where it serves as a reminder of how little regard we have for the environment around us. The entrance is hard to find: it's a nondescript gravel drive accessed from a road in the subdivision. There is also a gate to the grounds from the West parking lot of Memorial Drive United Methodist Church which borders the property. The gates are open from dawn to dusk. read more

Right in the middle of the city there is this wonderful sanctuary and it's FREE! First note that it is pretty hard to locate off of Memorial. The hidden entrance is just a block off Memorial on Wlichester. Look to your left for the little entrance sign. Parking is limited but we were there on a Monday afternoon and seemed to be the only ones around. I understand there is additional parking on the church parking lot that backs up to it as well. There's 17.5 acres of trails to explore. I got a bit turned around a few times and the maps available on the trail weren't a lot of help. But I had a compass on my smartphone and finally wound my way back to the cabin. There are a lot of nice benches to plop down on along the trials too. On many of those trail signs you will find a list of some of the plants among which you are walking. I'm not big on what plants are what, so that was a nice touch. Along the trails we found many rabbits, squirrels, turtles in the ponds and some water birds in the creek that runs through the property. Up near the cabin was where a lot of the bird action was happening. Many new birds to add to my life list and I can only imagine how many more songbirds we'll see when the Spring migration brings them through the sanctuary. On the side of the cabin they keep a list of sightings from other birders who popped by to check them out. Once the bugs start coming back out I highly advise bug spray if you go. Bring binoculars and wear comfy shoes. No bikes, pets on a leash only and I would not recommend strollers but if you are determined to bring them don't head off on the little side trails. They can get narrow and bumpy. The cabin stays locked but I understand they have classes in there occasionally. And the board up by the main bird feeders has a lot of info on those and the property. What a lovely place to escape the city noise and hustle. I certainly will frequent this spot more often. Seriously, why would you not want to come here and sit and eat your lunch or read a book or hide from the world? read more

Hmmm....I have very mixed feelings about this place. I so want to love it. I grew up in the "country" and after 10 years of big city livin' in Houston, I love to find these gems in the area. I was excited to check out this hidden treasure after reading the reviews. I don't know if my expectations were just too high, but I wasn't that impressed. While the property/park is nicely hidden and a little inner-city sanctuary, I kept thinking to myself how easily city folks are amused if they consider this a big deal. First off, this is totally out of the parks control, but there was a very large amount of litter in the creek, creek bank area. I know, it's the slobby people that ruin this, but it was a little overwhelming to me. We spent about two hours exploring the various paths. My little nature lover was really hoping to see a snake - or at least something besides a squirrel. No such luck! The plus side is there were very few people there at the same time, so we basically had the park to ourselves. read more

What a fabulous little natural preserve tucked into the memorial area! Lots of wildlife, native flora and a pretty creek winding through. I will definitely be back! read more

Edith L Moore Nature Sanctuary - Parks Near Me - Houston, Texas

Admittedly we love the outdoors and this review may have been a different experience if we had gone in the heat of summer however this past weekend it was cool and sunny weather so it was perfect. Although the address is correct there is a better entrance at the Methodist Church next door (refer to photo of entrance) which can be clearly seen from the parking lot. The place albeit small does have some very interesting trails and is heavily wooded (which you'd have no idea given Memorial drive is right next to it). There is bridge that goes over a stream and even a historic wood lodge house to be found. Overall makes for a great stroll so highly recommend. read more

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What a hidden gem! I was so excited when I pulled up to this place that is hidden out of sight in a quaint little neighborhood. The trails are very well maintained and easy enough for hiker of all ages. You're sure to see a lot of nature all along the way. The bird sanctuary is beautiful. This place will uplift your spirits and surely make for a fun day. read more

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I love nature and with this park being a nature sanctuary, I definitely love it. It's a true treasure. The entrance can be a little tricky to find but once found, you'll not want to leave. The sanctuary is peaceful and lovely and full of the beautiful wildlife that is sorely missed in city life. There are all kinds of adorable critters to be seen of the fur and winged varieties as well as insects. There are rabbits, chipmunks, squirrels, glimpse a raccoon or armadillo, turtles, frogs and water fowl. You may also see owls, the occasional hawk, many songbirds and migratory birds during migration season. Actually this is a great bird sanctuary and any birder will enjoy visiting here. Butterflies and moths and their caterpillars abound here along with many other six-legged friends and even some eight-legged ones. It's nice to observe them in their own habitat. It's even better to spot species that are not seen everyday. A renovated log cabin is located within that is also an educational facility. It is a wonderful learning opportunity for kids and adults alike. This is a very good outing for kids not only for education but for appreciation and care of nature. The trails are a pleasant walk and the benches along the creek provide a tranquil resting place to take in the beauty and serenity of this sanctuary. We always enjoy this place and come away more relaxed and happy every time we visit. read more

BEAUTIFUL. I had so much fun. They have a parked path that you can walk along and enjoy the nature that surrounds. They had a small Zipline set up through the woods as well which was fun to do! On the path there are a few places with a great overlooking view of the surrounding area. Great place to stop by and spend an hour or so! read more

Awesome place to go hiking and for a relaxing break from the city life. Highly recommended for beginner hikers. I tried flying my drone here for some nice nature shots, however I felt it was quite disturbing to the other guest. Not recommended for drone aficionados. read more

This place is super hidden but well worth the search for it. My GPS took me into the depths of this neighborhood before I realized. The entrance to the park is located on Wilchester Boulevard immediately from the turn off Memorial Drive. There's a ity bity sign just big enough for the name of the park. It's shockingly huge for the area it's in. Lots of trails and nature to walk on, see, and enjoy. Great for kids and adults of all ages. Parking can be a challenge. Street parking is available right outside of the park along the row of houses. read more

This place is surprisingly cool! Lots of beautiful nature close in to the city. The log home is pretty cool too. Worth a stop by if you are in the area. They occasionally have story telling nights, which is really fun! read more

What a beautiful place!we didnt even realise we lived 10 min from this place. It hosts regular weekend events and our 2 year old girl had an amazing morning experiencing what everyone should teach their kids -Nature- will def come again:) read more