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Newton County, Naturally!
Newton County is the easternmost county in Texas. Nearly
completely wooded, it is also on the western edge of the Great Eastern
Forest. As a result, it is the home of both eastern and western species
of birds, trees and flowers. As such, one can view the Swallow Tailed
Kite at the western edge of it's range and the normally western Roadrunner
in the same area. In addition. Bald Eagles, Ospreys and Loons, usually
associated with more northern climates, can be seen in Newton County during
the colder months.
Newton County is also home of numerous plants and trees
found nowhere else in Texas. Examples include the Silky Camellia and the
Pyramid Magnolia. The county is home to many different ecosystems including
river bottom swamps, large wooded tracts. Pitcher Plant bogs and Longleaf
Pine open habitats. Also, the Newton County Chamber of Commerce works
hand in hand with private and public landowners to provide several great
"set-aside" nature sites for visitors to our area. Newton is
also home of the Deep East Texas Nature Club which has guided hikes open
to the public throughout the year.
| The Canyon Rim Nature Trail is located
on located on timber industry land set aside for public enjoyment.
The area includes evidence of an old logging road last used by mule
and ox-drawn wagons over 75 years ago. Also, visitors can view a gun
emplacement and trenches used by Fort Polk trainees during World War
II. Various tree species and points of interest are identified and
rest stops are provided. Seen here are members of the Native Plant
Society of Texas during the Newton County Field Trip. |
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This is the only tract of the Sabine
National Forest in Newton County and borders Toledo Bend Reservoir.
It is a beautiful example of the Longleaf Pine habitat that was once
the dominate landscape of the area. The Longleaf Pine was the prime
source of turpentine and lumber early in the last century. A slower
growing species of pine, the Longleaf Pine is seldom seen in areas
of this magnitude today. |
| A view of the Toledo Bend Dam from the
Louisiana side facing Newton County, Texas is an introduction to one
of the largest reservoirs in the South. Fishing and boating
opportunities abound here. Bald Eagles and numerous waterfowl winter
in this area. At the Lookout on the Texas side of the dam, it is not
uncommon to view Bald Eagles, Osprey and Loons during the cooler
months of the year. |
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This small wooded Sabine River Authority
tract called Site 7 Recreation Area is located near the dam. It is
the home of many woodland birds and several unusual plants such as
Bloodroot and Indian Pink. This was a featured site for the year 2000
North American Mycological Society field trip. In addition, picnic
pavilions, primitive campsites, restrooms, picnic tables and a secluded
cove where swimming is allowed are other features of this unique area.
A boat ramp is located nearby. |
 Our
renowned Wild Azalea Canyons, Site 003, one of four Birding Sites on the
Big Thicket Loop of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail, bloom in March
and early April. This exciting Temple Inland Forest Products property is the
inspiration for Newton's Wild Azalea Days event held on the 4th weekend
of March. Other activities and exhibits are scheduled for that weekend.
Contact us for maps and directions. Self-guided tours are welcome and
organized tours may be arranged.
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Wild Azalea Canyon has the largest
concentration of the Piedmont or Hoary
Azalea (Rhododendron canescens) in the South! It has been the subject of a feature
article in Texas Highways magazine. |
As can be seen in this picture of the Canyon's new entrance, this is rugged
terrain. Good walking shoes and walking stick are recommended for your maximum
enjoyment and personal safety. Remember
that this is a strenuous hike and good
physical conditioning is advised.
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The hike is worth the effort! While walking
the various trails in the Canyons, you will find other native trees
and bushes blooming
including Dogwoods and Magnolias. |
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A carnivorous plant, the Pitcher
Plant can be found
in wet and boggy areas of the County. One of the Pitcher Plant hanging
bogs in northern Newton County covers several acres. |
| The rare Pyramid Magnolia is found
only in Texas on a tract just 5 minutes from the City of Newton on
private land. This deciduous species of Magnolia can reach heights
of over 60 feet. Its blossoms can be smelled for hundreds of feet
from their habitat. Also located on this tract is the State Champion
Magnolia Pyramidata! |
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The Bloodroot, a member of the Poppy family, is uncommon
to rare in the Big Thicket area. It can be found in Newton County
in several areas. |
Birding In Newton County
Newton County, the easternmost county in Texas, is part of the Big Thicket
of Southeast Texas. A variety of habitats including Longleaf Pine Savannahs,
Cypress Tupelo Swamps and heavily wooded river bottoms are home to a large
cross-section of the birds of Eastern North America.
Texas is a leading pioneer in ecotourism with the creation
of the Great Texas Coastal Birding Trail. This is a self-guided trail
of birding sites extending from the Louisiana border to the Rio Grande
Valley. The Trail is divided into 3 sections...The Upper Texas Coast,
The Central Texas Coast and The Lower Texas Coast. Newton County is home
to 4 of the first 5 birding sites on the eastern leg of the Big Thicket
Loop, a part of the Upper Texas Coast Birding Trail.
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Swallow-Tailed Kite Is One Of The Most Sought After Goals For Birders
In Texas. Although Only About A Half Dozen Nests Have Been Verified In
Texas During The Past 85 Years, Many Of These Birds Can Be Viewed Soaring
Over The Eastern Part Of Newton County During the Breeding Season Which
Extends From Mid-May to Mid-July. The Swallow-Tailed Kite in flight, deeply
forked tail and sharply defined pattern of black and white are like few
other large birds. Agile and graceful, this magnificent Swallow-Tailed
Kite snatches flying insects; also drops down upon snakes, lizards, young
birds and does not hover. This beautiful hunter can been viewed around
Bon Weir in Newton County near the Sabine River.
Newton County has been serving the same tourists for thousands of years.
These are the migrating birds that pass through the County during the
Spring & Fall. They find excellent shelter in the vast forests &
food to refuel their bodies for the long trip to their breeding or wintering
grounds. Many species stay in Deep East Texas to raise their young. As
a result, Birders can find many of the species of Eastern North America
in Newton County at one time of the year or other.
 The
Bald Eagle, Symbol Of Our Nation, Can Be Seen In The Skies Over Deep East
Texas. Some Of These Magnificent Birds Breed In The Area While Even More
Winter Here. In Newton County The Eagles Are More Easily Viewed At The
Toledo Bend Dam During The Winter Months. A few are known to breed in
our area. It is an awesome sight to watch this bird as it soars and fishes
over the open water.
Birding is one of the most popular outdoor recreations for people visiting
Texas. Southeast Texas is one of the more popular destinations for both
birds and birders. In April of 2001, this area attracted the American
Birding Association Convention which hosted many field trips in the region.
While this event has come and gone, Newton County welcomes Birders throughout
the year. The Newton County Chamber of Commerce maintains lists of birding
sites, birding information, maps for self-guided trips as well as names
of local birding guides who are very familiar with the Big Thicket area.
Because of Newton County's location and unique habitat,
birding can be enjoyed year round. Peak times are late spring and early
summer for migrating and breeding birds. During the winter season, waterfowl,
bald eagles and other northern visitors are present.
A birding list of Newton and Newton County, information
about private birding tours is available by
contacting
the Newton County Chamber of Commerce.
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One of the many fishermen that visit Newton County.
This particular one is of the feathered variety. He frequents lakes
and steams within the County during most of the year. |
| Evidently having a bad hair day, this disgruntled
Cattle Egret, in breeding plumage, is a member of the local bird population.
This species has been in the U.S. for about 60 years but it didn't
take him that long to find this section of the state. He can often
be seen on or around cattle grazing on insects. |
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This large water bird is view around most bodies of
water in the area. He feed on fish, snakes and small mammals. Almost
wiped-out during the feather trade early last century, this and other
wading birds are making a good comeback and can readily be seen in
the Deep East Texas area. |
| The Little Blue Heron can been seen stalking wooded
wetlands from mid-spring to late-fall. Watch this bird to witness
how a master fisherman works. Like all other Herons and Egrets, keen
eyesight and quick reflexes guarantees a meal. |
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ABA Convention: Buddy Hollis (left), Newton County
Chamber of Commerce Naturalist and Susan Karpel (center), Newton County
Chamber of Commerce Secretary, were two of several representatives
and exhibitors representing Newton County at the annual American Birding
Association's National Convention in Beaumont. This
Convention helped to highlight the importance and opportunities of
Birding in Newton County. |
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