7. CENTRAL REGION
Attwater Prairie Chicken NWR: Colorado County
The Attwater Prairie Chicken National Wildlife Refuge, located approximately 60 miles west of Houston, Texas, is home to one of the last populations of the critically endangered Attwater's prairie-chicken, a ground-dwelling grouse of the coastal prairie ecosystem. The Refuge is specifically managed to maintain or improve native coastal prairie communities for Attwater's prairie-chicken reintroduction and survival, as well as for the benefit of other important fish and wildlife resources. I have only birded the area, but there are trails and observation areas that are promising for odes.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=119174
https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Attwater_Prairie_Chicken/
Brazos River access at FM 105: Brazos County
One of the few access points along the Brazos in this county. I have checked this site out several times over the last few years with varying success depending on how high the river is. It has been good for clubtails.
Fort Boggy State Park: Leon County
Fort Boggy is located in Leon County and consists of 1,847 acres. It was graciously donated to the Texas Parks and Wildlife Department in 1985 by Eileen Crain Sullivan to be developed as a state park. The terrain is wooded, rolling hills, bottomland meadows, and wetlands. A large portion of the park is subject to flooding during wet periods, providing excellent habitat for waterfowl and other varieties of aquatic wildlife. Another park that looks very good for odes. I have not checked it out though.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=141253
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/fort-boggy
Hubbard Lakes: Hill County
A series of five lakes with connecting streams with wooded and open areas around the lakes. The park is located southwest of Hubbard on TX 31. I have stopped briefly only twice over the years with some success. I think this area has some potential for a good variety of odes for this part of the state.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142665
https://www.google.com/maps/dir//31.8276393,-96.8280068/@31.8254663,-96.8290444,16.7z
Independence Park: Gonzales County
One of the most visited sites for odes in the state due to the presence of the Blue-faced Ringtail. This is one of the most consistent sites for this species. Like many areas that are visited a lot, other odes of interest show up from time to time. There are several areas in the park that has access to the Guadalupe River, but the best area to search is on the south side of the river on either side of the bridge.
https://www.inaturalist.org/places/independence-park-gonzales-tx-us
Lake Waco Wetlands: McLennan County
The Lake Waco Wetlands is one of the only wetlands of its kind in Central Texas. The wetlands provides habitat for many animal and plant species, it also aids in the protection of floods and improves water quality. A thriving ecosystem along the shores of the North Bosque River, the 174-acre Lake Waco Wetlands gives visitors a chance to see nature at its finest. From wetland marshes to groves of hardwoods and cedars, the Wetlands’ diverse habitat is home to scores of birds, fox, deer, and a variety of plants and trees indigenous to Central Texas. Over 185 species of birds have been spotted at the Wetlands. The Research and Education Center located at the Wetlands hosts many workshops and tells the story of the value of wetlands to the health of our water supply. I have not checked this area out yet, but looks like an area that needs some attention.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=122350
https://www.waco-texas.com/cms-wetlands/
Lick Creek Park: Brazos County
The park displays a variety of native plant and animal species, including the endangered Navasota Ladies Tresses. It also offers five miles of marked trails and provides opportunities for hiking, cycling, bird watching, equestrian activities, and nature study. I have checked this park out several times over the years with moderate success.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=49874
https://www.cstx.gov/departments___city_hall/parks/lickcreek
Palmetto State Park: Gonzales County
Palmetto State Park, named for the tropical dwarf palmettos found here, is 270.3 acres in Gonzales County, northwest of Gonzales and southeast of Luling. The park abuts the San Marcos River and also has a four-acre oxbow lake. This unusual area resembles the tropics more than Central Texas. Eastern and western species’ ranges merge here. This results in an amazing diversity of plant and animal life. Based on iNaturalist and Odonata central, there have been a good number of odes documented at this park.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=119815
https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/palmetto
Stubblefield Recreation Area: Walker County
Just an hour north of Houston, in the Sam Houston National Forest, Stubblefield offers great outdoor experiences, including camping, canoeing, fishing, hiking and picnicking. I have checked this area out a few times over the years. Mostly common odes have been observed here.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/texas/recarea/?recid=30290