Waterborne Education Center of Anahuac Holds Tour

ANAHUAC, April 26, 2010 - The Waterborne Education Center of Anahuac hosted a public day to share with children and adults the mysteries of the wonderful marshes and estuaries of Trinity Bay. These days are set aside several times a year to promote interest in nature or our area. Though the public days are free on a first come first serve basis, trips can be arranged through their office in Anahuac on a cost basis operation based on grants and contributions.

Saturday, April 24th, a large group toured the lower Trinity River to nearby Fort Anahuac on the river. A brief history of the virtual beginning of the Texas Revolution for the independence from Mexico actually began on this very spot. The hero of the Alamo, William B. Travis was incarcerated in the jail of Fort Anahuac by the hated Juan Bradburn, commander of the Mexican Fort there. He was jailed for reasons for considerable harassment. Word of Travis' problem reached the 'Texians' in Brazoria County who loaded a schooner with guns with the intent to free Travis. The Mexican fort at Velasco, the mouth of the Brazos River, fired on the 'Texians' and the Battle of Velasco ensued. The Texians won, four years before San Jacinto. Travis was released.

Then the group toured the upper reaches of the Trinity River to the excellent public facility at the Corps of Engineer salt water barrier project. The beautiful building houses a grand display of wildlife and features of the marsh wet lands. It also has excellent public boat launch facilities and it is also free to the public.

Subsequently, the group was equipped with nets and seines to catch critters of the sand bars for identification and examination. Kids and addults joined in the effort for great fun. Thankfully, they didn't catch an alligator but they saw many, mostly for some, was the first time in their lives to see a wild alligator as well as many strange birds.

For information of future trips of the WEC, contact them in Anahuac at www.txwaterborne.org. Or ring them up on the phone. The current director is Wes Kruger. The moderator on this trip was Bob Jamison.