The Lorraine Cherry Nature Preserve was acquired by the City of Houston in 2008.

In 2022 this 20.2 acre greenspace was designated as one of the first nature preserves by the Houston Parks Department for the preservation of natural habitat for native wildlife and for the ecosystem services it provides.  See this link for the full list of nature preserves in the City of Houston.

The nature preserve ordinance preserves land within designated greenspaces with a focus on habitat protection and passive recreation. This nature preserve will help mitigate flooding, store carbon, reduce urban heat island effects, improve air and water quality, and provide educational opportunities for the public.  This ordinance is an outstanding conservation effort to make Houston a greener city.

To reach Park Rangers to report illegal activities, please call 832-395-7100 or 832-395-7003.

Below are some of the rules for day use within the nature preserve.

• All persons using the nature preserve shall comply with all federal laws, state laws and local city ordinances.

• Hours of operation for the nature preserve are dawn to dusk.

• All animals must be on a leash and under the direct control of its owner.

• All preserve users must remain on designated trails to prevent damage to native habitat.

• Dogs are restricted to designated trails and cannot go “off trail”.

• Owners must clean up after their dogs immediately. City of Houston Code of Ordinances Section 6-24 states you can be fined up to $500 dollars for not cleaning up your dog droppings.

• Glass bottles and glass containers are prohibited.

• Camping in the nature preserve is prohibited.

• Molesting, injuring, etc., animals, fowl or fish is prohibited.

• Erecting structures, bill posting, etc. is prohibited.

• No person shall damage, deface or inscribe a message upon any feature within the preserve.

• Walking, sitting or standing on any border or flower bed is prohibited.

• No hunting or use of firearms are permitted.

• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited on the property with posted signage.

• Picnic areas are on a first come, first serve basis unless the area has been permitted. It is recommended that patrons obtain permits to secure a picnic area for a special activity.

• The selling of food, drink or any other commodity in the nature preserve is prohibited.

• Mountain biking within the preserve is prohibited.

• No person shall ride a bike off the designated trails.

• No motorized vehicles may be driven within the preserve.

• No person shall remove, release, or abandon any wildlife within the preserve.

• No person shall feed wildlife within the preserve.

• Littering is prohibited.

The full City of Houston ordinance for designated nature preserve is available. Article V - Nature Preserves | Code of Ordinances | Houston, TX | Municode Library.

Please note there have been many complaints received from other park users about dog owners who violate these ordinances.  Even if you do not care to display common courtesy to your neighbors, you should be aware that park rangers are stepping up their enforcement, and that you will be fined up to $500 for each violation.