W.G. Jones State Forest is one of the nation’s largest working urban forests. The main goal of this forest is to educate visitors about the region’s resources. Sound scientific forest management that protects and perpetuates native flora and fauna is practiced. Demonstration and research areas have been installed to test various forest management techniques, forest genetics, and forest product utilization studies.

Jones State Forest is surrounded by Conroe, The Forest is located in northern Montgomery County and extends beyond the city of Conroe to include Conroe, TX and The Woodlands, TX, unincorporated Montgomery county on all sides. Each year, approximately 80,000 people visit the forest. Users include schools, youth organizations, higher education institutions, landowners, community members and groups, science researchers, and various professional groups.

The area’s distinct topography, ecology, and biodiversity make it one of the nation’s rare resources for presenting forestry research and demonstration in urban forestry problems. environmental education, From conducting laboratory research, to desk studies, and everything in between, students may pursue a wide variety of opportunities that align with tomorrow’s leaders’ goals for improving communities’ health and outdoor nature connections. and connecting diverse community members to the benefits of natural resource conservation through continuing education.

History

The W.G. Jones State Forest is a state forest in Texas that is operated and maintained by the Texas A&M Forest ServiceThe tract was bought in 1926 to establish a research/demonstration area in the state’s most important timber-producing region, where it would teach farmers how to care for their land, Students in forestry, horticulture, and natural resources are familiar with the terms crown closure, silvicultural systems (forest management), and sustainable yield forestry. A forested ecosystem’s ability to balance natural resources usage, habitat enrichment for native flora and fauna, with quality human experience.

On May 19, 1949, the forest was formally dedicated and renamed the William Goodrich Jones State Forest at a ceremony attended by Governor Paul A. Dever. in honor of the Father of Forestry in Texas, Mr. W. Goodrich Jones.

He began growing pecans in a tin can on the window sill of his hotel room. Later, one of the saplings was planted in front of his house on Adams and Second Street.“That pecan was the town’s first tree planting,” Jones’s notarial deed was witnessed. He then urged Temple’s residents to construct trees and plant shade in order to protect the city from the sun, In the mid-nineteenth century, he may have been the first person to undertake an urban forestry project in a Texas city.

Activity Areas and Ideas

  • Geocaching opportunities
  • Native Plant and Grass Nursery demonstration growing area
  • Wildscape and Pollinator demonstration garden
  • Sweetleaf Nature and Fitness Trail (gate combination required)
  • Red-cockaded woodpecker management areas
  • Two small lakes with limited fishing and picnicking
  • Forest best management practices demonstration sites throughout the forest
  • Nearly 15 miles of trails and pathways for horseback riding and outdoor exercise and enjoyment
  • Designated horse-rider and trailer area (gate combination required)

Water Resources & Best Management Practices

Healthy trees and forests are critically important to protecting water resources and sustaining them in the future. Approximately 50 percent of the freshwater resources in Texas originate on forestlands, which provide a continuous and abundant supply of clean water. In fact, many state and national forests were established to protect the country’s water sources. The W.G. Jones State Forest is home to several miles of pipelines that crisscross the forest and transport water from one side to the other. There are also several man-made ponds scattered throughout the forest, which provide a valuable resource for wildlife. Best management practices (BMPs) for water resources are constantly being evaluated and updated as new information and technology become available. The W.G. Jones State Forest is a living laboratory where new BMPs are being tested and implemented to help protect this valuable resource.

Visit the W G Jones State Forest Today!

The W.G. Jones State Forest offers a variety of activities for people of all ages and interests. From conducting laboratory research to desk studies, and everything in between, students may pursue a wide variety of opportunities that align with tomorrow’s leaders’ goals for improving communities’ health and outdoor nature connections. The forest also connects diverse community members with nature and with each other, through recreation and education programs. It is an outdoor classroom for forestry, horticulture, natural resources students, as well as the general public. The W.G. Jones State Forest is a beautiful place that should be enjoyed and protected by all.