This land shall be preserved forever as a natural habitat.
foster the responsible use and enduring protection of this natural habitat and to ensure that everyone, regardless of age, ability, or means, can access and be immersed in the forest to enrich their quality of life, stoke curiosity, and promote learning, appreciation, and enjoyment
A 20-Acre Urban Oasis
The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve (formerly known as West 11th Street Park), a beautiful pocket wilderness acquired in 2008, is the largest tract of native Texas forest inside the I-610 Loop to be added to the City of Houston Parks and Recreation Department’s inventory in recent years. With a rapidly growing and diverse understory and serene wooded trails, it represents a haven for wildlife and for those of us seeking respite from the stresses of urban living.
For nearly two decades, LCNP has been used as a park and functioned as a permanent nature preserve. Thousands of people visit the park annually to enjoy natural assets including:
153 species of birds, including great horned owls
0.25 acre wildflower area planted and maintained by volunteers
44 species of butterflies
200 species of plants, including a large variety of vigorous second-growth deciduous trees
More than one mile of nature trails
Active butterfly garden built and maintained by volunteers
RIGHT IN YOUR BACK YARD
Located on West 11th Street between West T.C. Jester and Ella Boulevard, this richly vegetated acreage is a natural paradise.
It’s for the birds
LCNP is especially well known for its many species of woodpeckers, including the increasingly rare Red-Headed Woodpecker and the huge Pileated Woodpecker.
Flutterby Butterfly
LCNP is home to more than 44 species of butterflies, including the beautiful Pipevine Swallowtail.
Dial Up Nature
The Wireless Wilderness self-guided tour engage children and adults alike. The dynamic expedition through park sites brings together photos, videos, bird calls and more, right on your smart phone.
Loop de Loop
Over the course of seven years, Friends of The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve has been gradually reconstructing a half-mile loop trail with crushed granite. Funded completely by private donations, the entire loop trail is useable year round.
Friends of The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve is a 501(c)(3) Texas corporation that was formed to assist in the acquisition and long-term management of West 11th Street Park. We provide financial support and guidance for park maintenance and improvements and host the award-winning Wireless Wilderness Tour.
The guide is composed of seven trees and two shrubs that you will see on the property. A sketch for each species and a brief description will help you identify each tree or shrub. A QR is included for each species so you find additional information on-line.