Thanks to a donation from the Haier family, the 52-acre James C. Curry Nature Center on the southeast side of Canyon Lake will soon be joined by the 39.31-acre Clora Edna Haier Nature Sanctuary on the north side.
Comal County commissioners unanimously voted to accept the gift at their weekly meeting today. The property is located on Hancock Road adjacent to Hancock Trail.
“We have nothing on the north side of the lake, and this would be a great addition for the county,” Assistant Engineer Robert Boyd said. “…It’s a beautiful piece of property. The lake, when it comes back, it’ll be even nicer. We also have some great opportunities for trails out there. There’s power, there’s water on the site already. We will work with different organizations to develop a plan.”
According to a gift agreement with Christchurch, Texas L.P., the new sanctuary “represents the native Hill Country environment bordering a lake ecosystem within South Central Texas” where the public can observe and study native plants, birds and wildlife.
Future goals include providing nature education with interactive and hands-on learning, establishing walking and horse-riding trails and observation areas, adding ponds, and creating enhanced food sources for birds and wildlife.
Motorized vehicles and bicycles are not permitted, although the county can add bathrooms, parking lots, and a welcome/learning center. Picnic tables also are not allowed.
“It is a beautiful piece of land and we look forward to many people enjoying being able to walk and enjoy nature, and thank God for what a wonderful, beautiful place there is in Comal County,” said Bobby Haier, Clora’ son, speaking on behalf of the family.
“I just want to express our gratitude to the Haier family,” said Pct. 4 Commissioner Jen Crownover, who represents the north side of Canyon Lake. “It’s been wonderful having this opportunity and working with you guys, and it’s very fitting that it’s on today’s agenda with Earth Day and everything else.”
The county also owns and operates two other nature areas, Kleck Park and Morton Preserve.
