Pre-History of the Katy Prairie

Free. In Person

• Seminar from 10 to 11:30 am
• Optional prairie walk from 11:30 am to 12:30 pm

Location: Indiangrass Preserve & Katy Prairie Welcome Center, 31975 Hebert Rd., Waller, TX

Details: Pre-history of the Katy Prairie: Dan Worrall Talk at the Welcome Center

Step back thousands of years and explore the fascinating heritage of our region in Pre-history of the Katy Prairie, an insightful presentation by historian Dan Worrall. Nestled in a vital grassland corridor between the forested Brazos River Valley and the Piney Woods, the Katy Prairie served as a well-worn seasonal migration route for bison for many millennia. This abundant landscape attracted roaming hunters from the very start of the Native American presence in coastal Texas 13,000 years ago. Attendees will learn how early inhabitants used controlled prairie fires to guide bison into forested creeks — an intentional land management practice that actively shaped the coastal prairies we know today.

The presentation also traces these land practices into the early historic era, focusing on the Akokisa band of the Attakapa tribe. Led by a chief named El Gordo, the Akokisa maintained a notable hunting camp visited by Spanish military expeditions in the early 18th century – a village site located right near present-day Coastal Prairie Conservancy’s Indiangrass Preserve. Don’t miss this opportunity to uncover the rich ecological and human history embedded in the land beneath our feet.

Registration: For more info and to register, go to website HERE

Please use the following AT Code: AT: Single Presentation; TMN AT Report hours