Service Project - Brazos Bend State Park

*** RSVP ON MEETUP ALONE DOES NOT RESERVE A SPOT ON THE TRIP***

Join us for a week long Service Project at Brazos Bend State Park. Only 43 miles from downtown Houston, its coastal prairie wetlands are one of North America's most threatened ecosystems. This park protects a significant chunk of what's left.

This 5,000-acre park sits along the winding Brazos River in the coastal prairie region. Unlike the rugged Hill Country, Brazos Bend is flat, lush, and teeming with water. The park features moss-draped live oaks, shallow lakes and sloughs, and wetlands that create a haven for an incredible diversity of wildlife.

Brazos Bend is famous for its American alligators - and you WILL see them. They sun themselves on trails, glide through the water, and are so common that the park has "alligator etiquette" signs everywhere. Don't worry - they're generally docile if you keep a respectful distance (at least 30 feet).

Also, you can tell people you did manual labor while dodging alligators, which is arguably more interesting than most service project stories.

From the Park Superintendent: We have a new tract of land that was donated a few years ago, and we’re in the process of habitat restoration, and we have a lot of work to do.
There’s a lot of yaupon holly that we’ll be clearing away from trees, so cutting and lopping will likely be the primary task… which, I’ll plan for a few staff to be out with he group and provide direction, cover safety topics, and weather updates each day before the work begins.

Participants are responsible for their own transportation, camping equipment, and breakfasts and lunches.

Under our system for evening meals, you and partners will be responsible for feeding the entire group one evening. This includes bringing and preparing the food, Dish Patrol and washing said pots and pans.

To sign up:

1. RSVP on Meetup: The Meetup may show as full, but if you want to come, please sign up! There is usually plenty of turnover.
2. Wait for approval from Trip Leaders, who might reach out for more details. Hiking and camping in rugged wilderness areas takes extraordinary preparation, so we strive to make sure that this trip is right for you.
3. Contact information: Send your name, cell number, email address to stanpeyton at gmail.com.
4. Complete the Medical Form: https://tinyurl.com/SCMedicalForm2021 Scan and email the form also to stanpeyton at gmail.com (preferred) , or to Stan Peyton's mailing address below.
5. Read the Participation Agreement and fill out Page 1: https://tinyurl.com/SCSignUpSheet2020
6. Mail the forms to:
   Stan Peyton
   8408 Hanbridge Lane
   Austin TX 78736

VERY IMPORTANT: IF WE HAVE NOT RECEIVED THE ABOVE PAPERWORK WITHIN TEN DAYS OF YOUR SIGNING UP, YOU WILL BE REMOVED FROM THE TRIP.

Don't sign up unless you are serious about attending!

| YOU WILL NEED TO BRING: |
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•Kneeling pad

•Containers for leftovers

•Geologist's Hammer (we are not kidding)

•Tent and implements of sleeping

•Covid mask

•Dishtowel

•Earplugs

•Evening meal for Saturday

•Flashlight

•Food and drinks for all your breakfasts, snacks and lunches

•Hat

•Long pants

•Tools for working on the trail (If you already have them)

•Personal prescriptions and first aid kit

•Plate/bowl

•Silverware

•Sunscreen

•Tweezers

•Water bottle

•Work gloves