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An Inside Look at the I-20 Preserve
An Inside Look at the I-20 Preserve 1/20/13
Matt Rist
mrist@ cbs7.com
CBS 7 News Reporter
January 20, 2012
MIDLAND— It’s been in the works since the late 1960’s, but the I-20 Wildlife Preserve is finally open to visitors. It took a lot of work and a lot of money to put together.
"We're excited to finally get to this point, to have the community come out and enjoy it," said Nathan Knowles with the I-20 Wildlife Preserve.
Featuring walking trails, bird watching stations and it's own “playa” water feature, the family-friendly attraction just steps from the interstate surprises visitors.
"It's enjoyable and it's good to get them out of the house and back into nature,” said Sharon Pierson, who took her grandson to the preserve.” Her grandson told us it was good to take a break from playing video games.
While there were not many hawks out today, the 24-foot high hawk watch station is one of the most unique parts of the preserve. Knowles said the preserve is a good chance to spot animals.
"On a given day, people can see anything from bobcats to woodchucks to hawks out and about,” Knowles said.
The park is funded by donations and a grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife--but organizers are already looking to the future. They say they are working on opening a center for education.
"There's much more to come,” Knowles said. “We are excited to get the students out here from both Midland and Odessa and surrounding counties."
There is no charge to come in. Those who will like to attend the doors are open from dusk till dawn.
The preserve is located in Midland at 2201 S. Midland Drive. For more info visit their website at www.i20wildlifepreserve.org or call (432) 853-9453.