8. SOUTH EAST REGION
Bar-winged Skimmer Pond: Jasper County, Angelina National Forest
This natural pond is found approximately half way between the junction of TX 63 and FM 255 and Sam Raymond Lake dam north of FM 255. For the location check the coordinates below. This was the first place in Texas were Bar-winged Skimmers were observed. It is a good place for a variety of odes. Another good place across the small logging road to the west is the first place Sphagnum Sprites were observed. We called them the Beaver Ponds. A few years ago the dams were destroyed either on purpose or by flooding. Whichever there is only a small pool of water now and a stream running through the middle of where the ponds where.
31.058500-94.155371 degrees
Big Creek National Forest Scenic Area: San Jacinto County
The 1,420-acre Big Creek Scenic Area is noted for its vegetative diversity and scenic qualities. From New Waverly follow Hwy 150 East for approximately 22 miles; turn right onto FM 2025 and travel about 5.5 miles; turn left onto FM 2666 and go approximately 2.5 miles; turn left onto FS Road 221 (Big Creek Scenic Road) and travel about .5 mile; turn right onto FSR 217 and follow to trailhead. Big Creek Scenic Area is approximately six miles west of Shepherd, and a parking lot is conveniently located off FS 217. There is not a lot of variety at this site but what has been observed makes up for that. Texas Emeralds, Laura’s Clubtail, Gulf Coast Clubtail, and Fawn Darner to name a few.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/texas/recarea/?recid=30292
Big Thicket National Preserve: Hardin County
Big Thicket National Preserve protects 113,121.96 acres of land and water spread over 7 counties in southeast Texas. Kirby Nature Trail is a good place to start. Three loop options, ranging from 1.5 to 2.5 miles, pass through several plant communities, from baygalls to cypress sloughs to the riparian zone along Village Creek. An interpretive trail guide is available at the visitor center for a small charge. I haven’t tried this area yet, but it is a good area to start. Odes like hanging up in the forest during the heat of the day. Someone with sharp eyes can locate them hanging in the brush along the trails. The trailhead is located on FM 420, 2.5 miles east of the visitor center.
https://www.nps.gov/bith/planyourvisit/trail-maps-and-descriptions.htm
https://www.nps.gov/bith/planyourvisit/upload/Kirby2017-Front-508.pdf
Boykin Springs Recreation area and Horse Camp Lake
One of the best ode sites in Texas. An excellent variety is found here due to the diverse habitat. Lakes, ponds, pitcher plant bogs, springs, streams, Longleaf Pine ridges, and hardwood bottoms to name a few. From Zavalla, travel east on Highway 63 for 10½ miles; turn right (south) on Forest Service Road 313 for 2½ miles to the campground. You can spend several days searching this area looking for odes.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142677
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/texas/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=30208&actid=71
Double Lake Recreation Area: San Jacinto County, Sam Houston National Forest
The area has rolling hills forested with hardwood and pines. The campground is surrounded by the 23-acre Double Lake. From New Waverly, Texas, go 22 miles east on Highway 150 to FM 2025. Turn and drive south 0.25 miles to the campground. I like searching below the dam and areas containing vegetation in the water back in the coves. This park is a popular site for ode searching.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142678
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/232430
Indian Creek crossing at TX 63: Jasper County
A very limited access area. You can only search from the road to the private property line. Do not trespass. This is an easy site to get Sparkling Jewelwing and Banner Clubtail.
30.938184-94.087313 degrees
Lake Run-A-Muck: San Jacinto County in Shepherd
Also a very limited access area. You can only search along the dam of this lake. From Shepherd on US 59 turn right on FM 223 and then another right on Wright Blvd. The dam will be on the right. Park and search along the dam. This is a good place to get Lilypad Forktails.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.4924949,-94.9839778,15.77z
Neches River access at TX 96: Hardin County
If you are willing to go into very thick brush and forest without any trails, this spot is for you. This area is very good for hanging darners, cruisers, and Smoky Shadowdragons. There is a public parking and boat launch on the west side of the river.
https://www.google.com/maps/@30.3566538,-94.0939208,911m/data=!3m1!1e3
30.355268-94.093844 degrees
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area: Houston County
Ratcliff Lake Recreation Area was built in 1936 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. It surrounds a picturesque 45-acre lake that was once a log pond and a source of water for the Central Coal and Coke Company sawmill which operated from 1902 to 1920. The Davy Crockett National Forest contains more than 160,000 acres of East Texas woodlands, streams, recreation areas and wildlife habitat. Located in Houston and Trinity Counties, the forest is centrally located within the Neches and Trinity River basins. From Crockett, take State Highway 7 east for 15 miles. The recreation area is on the left between the towns of Ratcliff and Kennard. The Big Slough Wilderness Area, located along the Neches River about five miles north of Ratcliff, is free of modern development and gives the visitor a place for solitude and primitive experiences. I have camped here but haven’t searched for odes. Robust Baskettails have been observed here in the past.
https://www.inaturalist.org/observations?place_id=142679
https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/234362