Squeezed between NASA's Johnson Space Center and the Bayport industrial district, Armand Bayou Nature Center protects more than 4,300 acres of the forest, prairie and marsh that once covered the Houston-Galveston coast, home to more than 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. Its story begins with a loss. Conservationist Armand Yramategui was killed in 1970, the bayou was renamed for him, and activists led by Hana Ginzbarg fought to protect it until the center opened in 1974. Five miles of trails cover the three habitats. The Discovery Loop boardwalk is the easy introduction, the Karankawa Trail reaches a bayou overlook, and the Martyn Trail passes Martyn Farm, a re-created 19th-century farmstead named for Jimmy Martyn, a farmer who held off developers until his death in 1964. Bison graze one of the prairies, and there is a viewing platform to watch them. Guided kayak trips, pontoon cruises and night hikes fill the calendar.
What to expect
- No pets, no picnicking, and no jogging or biking; the trails are for walking.
- Bring water; none is sold on site, and glass containers are not allowed.
- Parking is free, with plenty of room in the lot.
- The Discovery Loop is an elevated boardwalk through wetland and forest.
- Stay on marked trails; snakes and poison ivy are the hazards to watch for.
What to do
- Watch the resident bison from the bison viewing platform
- Walk the Lady Bird, Karankawa and Martyn trails to the bayou overlook and Martyn Farm
- Book a guided pontoon cruise aboard the Bayou Ranger II (Birding on the Bayou: $45, members $40)
- 4,300+ acresSize
- More than 370Species
- 1974Opened
- 5 milesTrails