Armand Bayou Nature Center

Armand Bayou Nature Center was founded in 1974 as a result of efforts begun by an environmental visionary, Armand Yramategui. Armand foresaw the urban growth around Armand Bayou and strove to have this land remain a wilderness. Armand's tragic death in 1970 inspired Hana Ginzbarg to start a campaign to raise funds and public support for the purchase the 2,500 acres of land now preserved as ABNC in the memory of Armand Yramategui. The inspired and tireless efforts of Hana and local, regional and national coalitions of people and organizations led to Armand Bayou Nature Center becoming a well established non-profit organization with the mission of preserving and restoring three diverse and imperiled Gulf Coast habitats. As one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States, ABNC strives to educate and inspire people of all ages to explore, respect, and protect nature and our vital local ecosystems. In 2024, through a collaboration with Harris County Precinct 2 and ExxonMobil, ABNC added 1,147 acres to our existing preserve. This acreage has high wildlife values and was in the original acquisition plan back in 1974, but ABNC was unable to acquire the additional land at that time. With the completion of this historic acquisition, ABNC began the process of restoring the land. The additional land brings our total acreage to 3,947 acres making ABNC the largest urban wilderness preserve in Texas.

ABNC is one of the largest urban wilderness preserves in the United States. ABNC contains 4,000 acres of the natural wetlands forest, prairie and marsh habitats once abundant in the Houston and Galveston area. ABNC is home to over 370 species of birds, mammals, reptiles and amphibians. ABNC offers hiking trails, exhibits, field trips, Scout programs, birding, a historic farm and fun for all.